Utah Speech Pathology Degrees

Last updated October 9, 2023

Natalie Fitzgerald, SLP

Current SLP, MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina

With over 5 different speech language pathology degrees in Utah, you should be able to find a high quality, ASHA accredited programs within your state. There are a number of MSLP Masters programs and two doctorate programs. You can find an online MSLP program at Utah State University (in Logan).

Online SLP Programs in Utah

There is only online SLP program in Utah. For the most part though, Utah accredited Master's programs are 5-6 semester, full-time, residential on-campus programs. Those interested in pursuing an online speech therapy degree should instead consider one of the featured online SLP programs on this page, or one in a nearby state, such as Idaho State University, the University of Northern Colorado, or the University of Montana.

Popular locations in Utah with SLP degrees

Utah is home to 4 CAA accredited MS-SLP programs. Brigham Young University, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, University of Utah, and Utah State University each offer a Master's level degree program. The University of Utah and Utah State University also offer Doctorate in Audiology (AuD) programs for those who may be considering a career in Audiology.

Click for more online speech therapy programs that are currently taking applications for 2024.

Online speech pathology programs in Utah

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In Depth Review of the Best SLP Master's Programs in Utah

Utah State University University Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

Utah State offers 2 Master's degree programs; a MA program for those interested in clinical work and a MS program for those interested in research or a PhD. Both programs require 2 years of full-time, residential study. The MA program required 55-58 credits for graduation as well as a final comprehensive exam while the MS program requires a thesis. Utah State also offers 2 PhD programs: SLP in Disability Disciplines and SLP in Neuroscience.

Clinical Practicum

Students in this program will gain a great deal of clinical experience at the on-campus clinic, but will also engage in a diverse number of educational, medical, or early intervention externships. Utah State is a great option for those interested in working with Deaf or hard of hearing and can gain specialized knowledge through the Listening and Spoken Language emphasis and the Sound Beginnings center.

Coursework

Coursework is spread over 6 consecutive semesters, with 4 semesters containing a mixture of classwork and clinic experience and 2 semesters focused only on clinical experience. Some classes offered at Utah State include Neural Bases of Communication, Acquired Motor Speech Disorders, Dysphagia, Phonological Assessments & Intervention, and Adult Language Disorders.

Admissions

Students pursuing a Master's degree at Utah State must have a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or necessary undergraduate prerequisites. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores above the 40th percentile, 25 ASHA qualified observation hours, recommendation letters, personal statement, resume, up-to-date immunizations, and a criminal background check. Some students may also be invited for an interview.

University of Utah Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

The MS program at the University of Utah is an intensive, 5-semester program that combines academic study with full-time clinical training. 55 credit hours are required, 35 of which are academic and the remaining 19 are clinical experience. The University of Utah also offers both Thesis and Non-Thesis options. Those wishing to pursue clinical work after graduation typically choose the non-thesis option, while those interested in research or pursuing a PhD choose to complete a thesis.

Clinical Practicum

The University of Utah has a full-time community clinic where students will complete at least 150 of their required clinical hours. 150 hours is required before beginning an externship. Students will also participate in a minimum of 2 clinical externships, with at least one at a public or private school. The second externship may be at a location such as a medical facility, but can be anywhere that meets the individual's area of interest or clinical training needs.

Coursework

As mentioned above, 55 total credits are required for graduation. Academic courses consist of a set of core courses such as Motor speech disorders, Counseling in CSD, Autism spectrum disorders, and Voice Disorders. Students are also able to enroll in some elective courses specific to their area of interest.

Admissions

Applications are submitted through the University's Apply Yourself site. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application. Additionally, students must submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, and a 2-5 page writing sample. The application deadline is January 15 for Fall admission.

Rocky Mountain University Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

Rocky Mountain University offers a rigorous MS in Communication Disorders consisting of 80 credits and 375 hours of clinical experience. Students considering RMU should feel reassured that they will leave the program prepared to enter the field of SLP as competent clinicians, as the program boasts a 93% Praxis pass rate. RMU also has over 200 clinical affiliate sites, so students are sure to find experiences relevant to their area of interest.

While Rocky Mountain University will prepare students for a wide variety of clinical settings, but at its core it is a medically-based program. Students can expect to spend time learning about the medical side of SLP, such as assessing and treating dysphagia, aphasia, and tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients.

Clinical Practicum

Students in RMU's program will be in a clinical placement each semester. During the first 3 semesters, students will volunteer at the on-campus clinic. The second 3 semesters will be spent rotating between different clinical settings, including an educational, hospital, and medical setting. This ensures every student leaves with a well-rounded set of clinical experiences, ready to serve any population they choose.

Coursework

Credits are broken into the following categories: core courses (29 credits), lab courses (7 credits), clinic didactic courses (12 credits), capstone courses (5 credits), practicum courses (21 credits), and elective courses (6 credits) for a total of 80 credits in the program. Courses are spread out into 6 consecutive full-time semesters, starting in the Fall of year 1 and ending in the Summer of year 2.

Admissions

RMU participates in the CSDCAS application, which requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, a statement of purpose, resume, and 3 letters of recommendation. The GRE requirement is currently waived. Prerequisite courses required include: Phonetics, Anatomy in communication and swallowing, Speech and language development, Speech and language disorders, Basic hearing screening/audiology, and Speech science.

Brigham Young University Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

BYU offers a Master of Science in Communication Disorders that meets all the requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence as well as Utah state licensure, pending the completion of a post-graduate clinical fellowship. Students typically take 6 semesters to complete the program. It is divided into 3 equal areas: 37 credits of coursework, 5 credits of clinical practicum, and 6 credits of thesis. Students are required to pass the ASHA Praxis exam and successfully defend their thesis in order to graduate from BYU's program.

Clinical Practicum

Students enrolled in BYU's program will gain clinical experience at the University speech and language clinic where they will treat patients with a variety of conditions such as aphasia, pediatric feeding difficulties, voice disorders, or cleft palate. While gaining clinical experience, students will train under the supervision of a licensed SLP. Students will also gain clinical experience through internships at off-campus sites.

Coursework

17 courses are required for graduation of the program, and include classes such as Research methods, Dysphagia management, Autism and severe disabilities, Aphasia, School-age language disorders, and Graduate research experience.

Admissions

To apply, students will need to submit all the proper documentation, including transcripts from all universities attended, 3 letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, GRE scores, an ecclesiastical endorsement, and the application form with fee paid. Applications are made online through the Graduate program and the application deadline is February 1.

List of Speech Pathology Programs in Utah

There are 6 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs in Utah: 4 SLP Masters and 2 Doctorate.

Click to see more online programs that are taking applications now.

CAA ASHA Accredited Utah 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 Utah.

List of the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in Utah

Brigham Young University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Provo

CAA-ASHA

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Provo

CAA-ASHA

University of Utah

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Salt Lake City

CAA-ASHA

University of Utah

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Salt Lake City

CAA-ASHA

Utah State University

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Logan

CAA-ASHA

Utah State University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS, MA)

Logan

CAA-ASHA

SLP Licensure in Utah

SLP licensing in Utah is done through the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. To apply for a Speech-Language Pathology license, 2 requirements must be met. An individual must have a 1) master’s degree in speech pathology and 2) ASHA certification or proof of passing the Praxis and completion of a clinical fellowship year (CFY). In order to complete a CFY, individuals may apply for temporary SLP licensure.

To maintain an SLP license in Utah, 20 hours of continuing education is required per 2-year period.

What degrees are needed for SLP licensure in Utah?

There are two different licensure types in Utah: Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. The Audiology licensure requires a Doctorate degree or an AuD in audiology. The SLP licensure requires a Masters in Speech Language Pathology

There are other requirements as well, such as the passage of exams, training and real life work experience, and more, so be sure to check the official licensure requirements.

Career Options

Speech Language Pathologists have several career options in Utah, including schools, private practices, inpatient or outpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or early intervention.

SLPs have opportunities to work at large, reputable hospitals such as the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City or Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. Some SLP’s provide services Utah’s early intervention program for children birth-3 years old, often traveling to their patient’s homes or child-care facilities. In many settings throughout the state, SLPs have the option of full-time or part-time work so they can find a schedule that fits their personal needs.

Online Speech Pathology Programs

• Online Speech Pathology Degree
• Online Masters of Speech Pathology
• Online SLP Masters with No GRE Required

Speech Pathology Programs

• Online Speech Pathology Programs
• Online Masters of Speech Pathology
• Online MSLP with No GRE Required
• Audiology
• Speech Pathology
• Speech Therapy
• Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
• School Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Bilingual Speech Pathology
• Speech Rehabilitation
• Communicative Sciences
• AAC Certification Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• CCC-SLP Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

States for SLP Degrees

• California
• Georgia
• Illinois
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
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