Situated in the center of western America, Utah is well known not only for its eye-catching landscapes, from the breathtaking view of the Wasatch Range to the astonishing red rock formations of Arches National Park, but also for its resilient educational legacy. Looking at its history, one gets to know that Utah has steadily demonstrated an everlasting commitment to education. With a rich mosaic of top-ranking institutions, the Beehive State of America ensures its residents can access top-notch educational opportunities that set them up for success in diverse career options. 

Speech-language pathology (SLP) stands out when we talk about the plethora of disciplines that have flourished in the fertile academic environment of Utah. This is not just a demonstration of this state’s dedication to allied services and healthcare but also an acknowledgment of the increasing need for experts in the field of SLP. As the understanding of communication disorders enhances, so does the necessity of providing thorough, evidence-based interventions. This is where SLP experts trained in the science and art of communication disorders step into the game. 

Speech-language pathology is not just an academic pursuit; it is a robust professional community. The state’s ever-evolving demographics require an increased demand for qualified speech-language pathologists. Experts in this field cater to a wide range of needs, from pediatric speech delays to communication problems faced by older adults, and ensure that every Utahn, irrespective of age, has the resources and tools to communicate capably. 

Speech-language Therapy Programs in Utah

So, what does the journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist in Utah look like? Generally, it starts with a bachelor’s degree, where students are introduced to the basics of this discipline. After that, students go for a more specialized Master’s program, which provides them with in-depth clinical training and research opportunities. Then, they have two options: either they can start their professional career or opt for doctorate degrees. Usually, those who want to shape the future of their fields and have a passion for pioneering in research go for PhDs, which offer the pinnacle of academic and clinical expertise. 

If you want to learn more about these programs and which universities are offering them, keep reading this article. 

Utah Bachelors in SLP and Speech Therapy 

University of Utah (U of U)- Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science

The mission of the University of Utah is to prepare highly competent and professional audiologists and SLPs. The department provides undergraduate students with a robust background in the foundational processes underlying typically developing speech, language, and hearing. The faculty and students of this institute promote an environment of respect and equity that sustains transformative practices in and outside classrooms. 

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders of the University of Utah offers a BS in Speech and Hearing Science, which is a preparatory degree for a Master of Science in related programs. It is considered a preprofessional degree because to work in clinical settings, you must have a master’s degree. 

The major-specific coursework can be initiated during the first or subsequent year. Usually, most of the courses in the major are taken during the junior and senior years. Suppose you are thinking about taking admission to this program. In that case, you must keep in mind that you must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA average, or else you can be notified in writing and placed on conditional status for one semester. If you still do not get a higher GPA, you can be dropped from the course. Students must also complete 25 clock hours of observation of SLP treatment before graduation. The entire degree is 124 credit hours. 

Brigham Young University (BYU)- Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders

Located in Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University (BYU) is a highly esteemed institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on mixing faith with education. As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU helps its students develop their full divine potential. 

By completing your BS in Communication Disorders from BYU, you will be able to gain expertise in body structures that aid in learning language and interpreting speech and hearing. This program familiarises students with communication disorders and the methods used to solve them, for example, using technology to collect data. Also, this program helps shape the pavement for students who want to pursue graduate degree programs in SLP and related fields like audiology. 

The Communication Disorders (ComD) major is a limited enrollment program, and 100–110 students are admitted to the major each year. Students interested in majoring in ComD should declare Pre-ComD as a major. They will need to apply for admission to the ComD major after completing the prerequisite requirements, which include Intro, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Human Anatomy, Principles of Statistics, and Descriptive Acoustics of Music and Speech. Admission is based on the grade point average for the four prerequisite courses.

Utah Masters in Speech-language Pathology (MSLP) Programs 

University of Utah (U of U)- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah is a comprehensive program that typically involves a minimum of five semesters (one year and nine months) of study and full-time clinical practicum training. A total of 55 credit hours are required to complete this degree. Thirty-six of the credit hours are didactic, and nineteen are clinical experiences. There are two options for pursuing this degree: one is the thesis option, and the other is non-thesis. 

The non-thesis option requires coursework and clinical experience as mandated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). To get this degree, students must pass a final exam consisting of the breadth and integration of material in the field. 

If you want to pursue the thesis option, you must have research experience and clinical experience for certification by the ASHA. Register for thesis credit (CSD 6970) in the semester in which the thesis is defended and one additional semester; register for a total of 6 credits over the course of your master’s program. Work on the thesis is encouraged before registration for credit. Students may be allowed to substitute two required courses (up to six credits) for the six thesis credits. 

As for the clinical experience, two externships are required to complete this degree. The minimum requirements for each of the two required externships are:

• Ten weeks in duration
• At least four full days per week on-site.

Brigham Young University (BYU)- Master of Science in Communication Disorders

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits the Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Brigham Young University. Completion of the master of science degree in ComD from Brigham Young University will result in the completion of all requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. Students who enter the program with all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed typically take six semesters to complete the program, with spring and summer terms counting together as one semester. All students are required to complete all the necessary courses, clinical assignments, and a thesis. 

The program is divided into roughly three equal areas: academic coursework, clinical practicum, and the thesis. It is strongly recommended that a student not leave the geographical area or obtain full-time employment until all of the program requirements have been met. To do so will lead to increased time-to-graduation, sometimes up to one year.

To apply for this program, you must apply online on the university’s website. The documents required for the admission process include transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, an ecclesiastical endorsement, an application form, and a fee. The graduation requirements of this program include 48 credits out of 37 credits of coursework, five credits of clinical practicum, and six credits of thesis.

Utah State University (USU)- Master of Science in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology

The primary focus of the MS in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology from Utah State University (USU) is to prepare students to become SLP experts who can work with people of all ages who have neurological, muscular, or developmental disorders relating to fluency, voice, articulation, language development, swallowing, resonance, augmentative modalities, and social or cognitive aspects of communication. 

This degree is a part of the Western Regional Graduate Exchange Program (WRGP). It is a two-year program that occurs across six semesters of full-time studying, which begins with a summer semester. You require 57-58 credit hours to complete this program. Of these 58 credit hours, 32-33 are academic coursework, and the remaining 25 are clinical coursework.  Additional credits are required for the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) emphasis. 

After getting this degree, you can start working in clinical aspects and help people with issues involving speech sounds, stuttering, voice and resonance, spoken language, reading and writing, and swallowing. The university offers its students many settings where they can gain their clinical experience. To be accepted in the master’s degree program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders or the equivalent undergraduate prerequisite courses from USU or another regionally accredited university program.

Utah State University (USU)- MS in Communication Sciences

The MS in Communication Sciences from Utah State University (USU) is a non-clinical degree within Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. After getting this degree, you can get admitted to a doctorate program in related fields like behavioral science or other health-related areas. 

Students in the program obtain a thorough and well-rounded education in both basic research on the nature of communication and practical research on the efficiency of diagnostic and treatment processes for people with hearing and balance impairments.

Students with any bachelor’s degree are accepted into this program. However, if you are accepted with a bachelor’s degree different to the field, you must complete undergraduate COMD coursework, which will prepare you for individual programs of study. The requirements for admission to this program include academic transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended, a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credits of college coursework, GRE scores (no minimum score), a personal statement and resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Rocky Mountain University – MS in Medical Speech-Language Pathology

The Speech-Language Pathology Master of Science program (MS-SLP) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to work in diverse clinical settings and cater to a wide range of client needs. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience by offering free speech-language pathology services to underserved populations in the local community. This clinic provides a unique platform for students to develop their clinical skills, build patient relationships, and make valuable contributions to the community.

The program focuses on a medical-based curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to serve in various clinical settings and address the diverse needs of patients. To gain valuable experience and develop the necessary skills to practice independently as clinicians, students participate in three externships and three internships. In addition, students get the opportunity to work with peers from other healthcare disciplines through the Interprofessional Practice Experience. 

The MS-SLP program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

To apply for the Master of Science program in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MS MedSLP) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, prospective students must meet certain criteria and submit a comprehensive application. Here are the requirements:

Application Process:

• Complete the CSDCAS application.
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 before matriculation into the program.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all prerequisite and SLP-related courses, with no single course grade less than 2.0 (C).
• Submit a statement of purpose essay.
• Provide a resume.
• Obtain three letters of recommendation, preferably at least two from academic instructors.

Online Masters in Speech-language Pathology in Utah

Utah State University (USU)- Distance Master of Science or Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Utah State University Offers a distance education version of their Master of Science or Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. This program is designed for students residing outside of the Logan, Utah, area. The program has existed for several years and has a blended format, combining online instruction with some on-site requirements.

The residential and distance master (MA, MS) in Speech-Language Pathology at Utah State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This program typically involves a minimum of 5 semesters (one year and nine months) of study along with full-time clinical practicum training. A total of 55 credit hours are required to complete this degree. Thirty-six of the credit hours are didactic, and nineteen are clinical experiences. There are two options for pursuing this degree: one is the thesis option, and the other is non-thesis. 

Doctorate in Speech-language Pathology (SLPD) 

University of Utah (U of U)- Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders

(CSD) requires advanced coursework, independent research, and an in-depth

understanding of topics in one’s area of specialization. To be considered for admission to the doctoral program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, an applicant must complete an online application available at the university’s website. 

To get admission to this program, you require a letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA from undergraduate work, and competitive scores on the GRE. All Ph.D. students must complete at least three full academic years (i.e., six semesters) of authorized graduate coursework (i.e., courses numbered 6000 and above) and a dissertation. This should be regarded at a minimum; additional time is frequently necessary. According to Graduate School rules, 24 credit hours of “in-resident” study at the University of Utah are required, and students must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA in coursework considered towards a graduate degree.

Each student’s Plan of Study will vary depending on entry skills. Still, all students must take the following courses: Individualized Doctoral Coursework (a minimum of 21 credit hours), Research Proseminar (1 credit hour per academic year), and Research Tools (a minimum of 12 credit hours).

Utah State University (USU)– Ph.D. in Disability Disciplines

While the Ph.D. in Disability Disciplines from Utah State University is not exclusively a speech-language pathology program, it includes a focus on communication disorders among its specializations. Students in this program can focus their research and coursework on issues related to speech and language. 

The Ph.D. program is designed to develop students’ competence in (1) mastery of the theoretical and applied content underlying the provision of appropriate and effective services for persons with disabilities, (2) ability to conduct independent research, and (3) ability to conduct adequate personnel preparation, including college teaching and supervising students who are learning to deliver services. 

This degree prepares graduates to effectively implement research-based practice, develop and evaluate new programs, and conduct meaningful research on topics that impact their desired field of study. As a doctoral student, you can focus on the Speech-language pathology concentration. It prepares students to work with individuals of any age with difficulties communicating, learning to speak, or feeding and swallowing. 

The program requirements include a combination of required and elective coursework, a preliminary exam, professional products, and a dissertation. Each student, with the mentor and committee, designs an individualized course of study. The preliminary comprehensive examination typically occurs at the end of the first year of study and determines whether students are ready to move into more specialized coursework and research experiences. Across the study period, students complete professional products in seven areas: research, conference presentation, writing for publication, systematic review of research literature, grant writing, college teaching, and supervision/coaching. 

Rocky Mountain University- Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)

The RMU’s SLPD program has a curriculum that provides comprehensive training to enhance your professional skills in various dimensions. The program uses evidence-based learning to help you improve your clinical practice, research methodologies, and leadership strategies. This approach focuses on your overall growth and development, enabling you to become a versatile professional who can make significant contributions to the field.

RMU is aware of the diverse requirements of professionals who are working. To cater to these needs, they provide two options for starting the SLPD program – early May (Summer) or late August (Fall). This adaptable approach enables you to commence your educational journey at a time that aligns with your schedule and ambitions, thus making the transition into the program seamless.

If you’re looking for a flexible learning experience, RMU has got you covered. Their SLPD program provides both fully-online and limited-residency options. With the fully-online format, you can complete your degree from anywhere in the world. On the other hand, the limited-residency option combines online coursework with on-campus visits to provide you with a comprehensive education.

Rest assured, the SLPD program at RMU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, guaranteeing the quality and credibility of your education. Additionally, RMU holds institutional accreditation recognized by the US Department of Education, further validating the legitimacy of our programs.

Conclusion

Speech-language pathology is an esteemed field whose importance is growing day by day as people realize its need. If you intend to get a degree in SLP in the state of Utah, you have plenty of options that we explained in this blog. From bachelor’s to master’s to doctorate, many institutes in Utah offer comprehensive and robust programs in SLP and communication disorders. We did all the research for you so you could sit back and choose the best institute for you all by reading this one blog. So, what is stopping you from becoming a pro in the field of speech therapy now?

Utah Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Program	University Name	City	State	Accreditation
Master's in Audiology (MS)	Brigham Young University	Provo	UT
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Brigham Young University	Provo	UT	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	University of Utah	Salt Lake City	UT	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of Utah	Salt Lake City	UT	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Utah State University	Logan	UT	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	Utah State University	Logan	UT	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions	Provo	UT	ASHA