Colorado Speech Pathology Degrees

Colorado Speech-Language Pathology Degree Programs

There are 4 ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs in Colorado: 2 SLP Masters and 2 Doctorate.

There are currently two institutions in Colorado that offer a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology. The University of Colorado at Boulder in Boulder and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Both of these universities also offer a Doctorate in Audiology (AuD). Each university is accredited and will prepare prospective students to enter the field with the knowledge and clinical experience they need to successfully practice as an SLP.

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Are there online SLP degrees in Colorado?

Yes, there are options for an online speech pathology degree in Colorado. In addition to offering an on-campus program, the University of Northern Colorado also offers an online option for students completing their Master's degree. This 3-year program does not have live classes, making it a good choice for those with other time commitments such as a job or family. It is available to students residing in and out of the state of Colorado. UNCO's online program presumes an undergraduate degree in communication disorders, or completion of the required prerequisites. Students must be employed as an SLPA or under a temporary teaching endorsement to participate in the online program.

Other nearby locations with an online SLP degree include the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, which offers a full-time, 6-semester curriculum.

Are there online SLP programs in Colorado?

Yes, there are online SLP programs at the graduate level at campuses in Colorado. See the below list.

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Top SLP Programs in Colorado

University of Colorado at Boulder Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

Students in this program receive a Master of Arts degree and are eligible to receive their certificate of clinical competence (CCC) from ASHA after graduation and completion of their clinical fellowship and Praxis exam. Graduates are also able to apply for Colorado state licensure to work as an SLP. The SLP program is a 2-year, full-time program that will prepare students with the clinical and educational knowledge they need to enter the field of speech pathology in educational, medical, and private settings. Unlike many programs, the University of Colorado has students start with an initial summer intensive session beginning in early August. The program concludes with a final summer session in the second year. A 3-year track is also an option for students who have not completed the required prerequisite courses.

Coursework

71 credit hours are expected for graduation from the program, with courses taken every semester except the final summer semester that is spent in an internship. Some of the required coursework includes Neurogenic speech disorders, Fluency disorders, Acquired cognitive disorders, Voice disorders, and Speech sound disorders in children.

Path to licensure for the program

Students enrolled in this program are expected to pass a comprehensive exam or complete a thesis prior to graduation. Following graduation, students must complete their clinical fellowship year and pass the national Praxis exam to apply for state licensure.

Admissions

Students planning to enroll in the 2- or 3-year track will need to apply for the summer admissions deadline, by January 3rd. for the 2022/2023 application cycle, GRE requirements are being waived. Applying students should hold a bachelor's degree, have a minimum GPA of 3.25, completed prerequisite courses (for 2-year track) and 25 observation hours, have 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement and current resume.

University of Northern Colorado Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

The University of Northern Colorado offers both an on-campus and online option for completing their Master of Arts degree. Requirements and expectations for both programs are the same. The on-campus program is a 2-year full-time curriculum (the online option takes 3-years) designed to support the development of skills related to evidence-based practice to prepare students to successfully work in the field of speech-language pathology. Students will gain clinical experience in the on-campus clinic as well as two internships.

Coursework

Courses are taken for 4 of the 6 enrolled semesters, with the final two semester spent in internship. Some courses offered at the University of Northern Colorado include Neuroanatomy and physiology, Motor speech disorders, Voice Disorders, Language and cognition, and Advanced diagnostics.

Path to licensure for the program

To graduate, 61-75 credits are required. Along with academic coursework, students must complete 10-15 hours of clinical practicum and 12-24 hours of internships. Students who complete the program and pass the Praxis exam are eligible to obtain their certificate of clinical competence (CCC) from ASHA and may apply for Colorado state licensure.

Admissions

UNCO requires both a CSDCAS application as well as an application to the Graduate School. For the CSDCAS application, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and responses to application questions must be submitted. For the 2021 admission cycle, UNCO admitted 18% of applicants with an average GPA of 3.65.

List of Speech Pathology Programs in Colorado

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CAA ASHA Accredited Colorado SLP Programs

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the premier programmatic accrediting board for Speech Pathology programs. Below is a list of ASHA accredited speech pathology and audiology programs in Colorado.

List of the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in Colorado

University of Colorado at Boulder

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Boulder

CAA-ASHA

University of Colorado at Boulder

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)

Boulder

CAA-ASHA

University of Northern Colorado

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Greeley

CAA-ASHA

University of Northern Colorado

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)

Greeley

CAA-ASHA

SLP Licensure in Colorado

Speech-Language Pathology licensure in the state of Colorado is done through the Colorado Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. To obtain a SLP license as a recent graduate, you must hold at least a Master’s degree from an accredited institution, have completed a clinical fellowship, have passed a Praxis exam (or equivalent), and hold a certificate of clinical competence through ASHA. You may also obtain a license in Colorado through endorsement from another state or territory. All applicants are required to pay a fee and meet or complete additional requirements such as providing your SSN and obtaining professional liability insurance in order to be licensed.

Colorado Speech-Language Pathologist Career Options

Speech-language pathologists in the state of Colorado have many options for employment in a variety of settings. Opportunities abound in education, hospitals, private clinics, home health, or skilled nursing. SLPs may also consider careers in higher education, research, or clinical instruction.