Children and adults who utilize two spoken languages for communication may struggle with word development between confusing language sets. Such individuals can benefit from recurrent speech therapy interventions to help them develop accents and dialects, learn new speech sounds, and establish a smooth transition between their different sets of languages. Bilingual speech therapists work with adults and children coming from diverse social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. 

Speech therapists who hold a specialization in this domain of speech therapy can offer their services to determine and treat the types of difficulties children of dual nationality face. In the US, the most common bilingual practice is seen among children who speak Spanish and English. Serving the need of the hour, top-ranked colleges and universities have designed master’s and doctoral programs for individuals seeking a specialization in this domain. Continue reading to explore!

Bilingual Speech Pathology Degree Programs in the US

Bilingualism is an area of specialization within the domain of speech and communication sciences. Several top-notch institutions are extending their educational landscape to give instructions in this field. Given below are some of the degree programs for individuals seeking a specialization in bilingualism. 

Bilingual Speech Pathology Master’s Degree Programs

Mentioned below are some of the better known Bilingual Speech Pathology Master’s programs offered in the US:

Marquette University (WI) – M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Bilingual English-Spanish

College of Health Sciences at Marquette University offers a Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology with a specialization in Bilingual English-Spanish course. This program is designed for individuals who are proficient in Spanish and can render their services to assess and treat communication disorders among bilingual English-Spanish speakers. Latinos exist in communities and are continually growing as a population in the US. Enrolled students are instructed in language proficiency, intervention skills, normative processes, and cultural sensitivity to treat communication impairment. Individuals aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology can apply to this program. However, individuals are asked to clear the Spanish proficiency test beforehand. 

Indiana University at Bloomington – Master of Arts Bilingual Track (Spanish-English) in Speech-Language Pathology

Indiana University Bloomington has designed a Speech Therapy Education, Practicum, and Services (STEPS) program that offers a Bilingual Track to graduate students of M.S. Speech-Language Pathology. Learners are edified through research-based academic training to serve Latino children and adults. To foster inclusivity and multicultural harmony, learners are expected to take field courses with bilingual English-Spanish children at their care centers and intervention agencies. In this way, students can be guided on how to approach and solve a communication problem that is inevitable among Latinos. If you have a firm grip on Spanish and wish to assist Latinos in their treatment of speech disorders, apply to this program now!

University of Texas-Austin – MSSLHS level in Speech-Language Pathology with Bilingual certificate (An Emphasis on Spanish/English bilingual populations)

Moody College of Communication situated in the heart of The University of Texas at Austin advocates inclusivity and education-for-all with its Master of Science in Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences offered in combination with a Bilingual Certificate Course emphasizing English/Spanish Bilingual Practice. Students who join this program are taught to acquire knowledge of bilingual creative practice, bilingual language development, and speech disorders in hybrid populations, and use appropriate intervening approaches to maximize empathy and compassion towards the individual. Learners need to complete a total of six credit hours in specialized coursework along with 50 hours of clinical practice with a bilingual focus. 

Our Lady of the Lake University – MA Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Bilingual Certificate

Located in the bosom of San Antonio, Texas, Our Lady of the Lake University extends its futuristic academic paraphernalia with a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This graduate program proposes a supplementary track that focuses on honing clinical skills and intervention techniques needed to treat disorders of Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology. This bilingual focus is designed to assist individuals who speak English and Spanish. To earn a Bilingual Certificate, students must take additional coursework in bilingualism and multicultural inclusivity. Along with the core curriculum, students take clinical practicums for at least 50 hours in an English-Spanish speech center or a hospital. Interested individuals can seek more information by contacting the university officials. 

Texas Christian University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with an emphasis on Bilingual SLP

Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Texas Christian University was established to impart inclusive education. This school within the university offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with an emphasis in Bilingual SLP. Latinos are the fastest-growing population in the US. To meet the communication needs, students are trained to tend to the individuals who are facing difficulty in carrying two vastly different languages. Students are instructed in assessment methodologies, diagnostic criteria, and intervening techniques needed to approach bilingual individuals. Students in this track complete more than 100 hours of bilingual clinical practice under the supervision of certified bilingual SLPs. this degree requires 45 credit hours. Students can apply for need-based scholarships. 

The University of Arizona – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a Multicultural Bilingual Certificate

To address the concerns of the bilingual population, The University of Arizona has set up a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a Multicultural Bilingual Certificate which the graduate students can earn by taking nine units of coursework in bilingualism, multiculturalism, and varying dialects. Learners take on field practicum courses to hone operational learning and clinical experience. The coursework focuses on subjects like Immigration and Education, Language Socialization, Bilingual Education, and Ethnography, among others. The university has designed bilingual workshops to provide hands-on learning facilities. Bilingual Individuals are given preference at the time of admission. However, proficiency in a second language is not necessary for admission. 

Portland State University – Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology with Bilingual Spanish-English Speech-Language Pathology Concentration

PSU Speech and Hearing Sciences (SPHR) graduate program holds a concentration in Bilingual Spanish-English Speech-Language Pathology which can be pursued by joining a Master of Science M.S. in SLP at Portland State University. Enrolled students are given real-time instructions to help formulate bilingual assessment techniques and methodologies. Learners are provided with on-site clinical practicums for treating clients in one-on-one sessions. Distance clients can also take therapy sessions through telepractice. Enrolled Graduates must submit an application for bilingual concentration along with transcript evaluation and overview. Graduates usually take a total of 125 hours of clinical practice in bilingual focus out of a total of 400 hours of graduate practice. 

San Diego State University – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration on Bilingualism

Working in coordination with the Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology at San Diego State University, graduates can apply for a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Certificate. Graduates must complete 13 units of substantive courses along with 4 units of clinical coursework. Students who are applying to this program must pass the Spanish Proficiency Test to be eligible for this program. Those who can’t speak Spanish can complete prerequisite coursework on bilingualism designed as a supplementary course. The university has separate links for applying online and fee submission. It should be noted that the university currently holds only one bilingual course so students who wish to gain expertise in other language disorders can’t benefit from this program. 

University of Redlands – Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders With a Specialty Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology: Spanish Language Focus

The University of Redland facilitates SLP graduate students with a Speciality Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology in Spanish Focus. The purpose of this program is to provide academic and clinical practice needed to serve the Spanish population with speech and communication disorders. As part of a 60-credit-hour program, this certificate offers courses on bilingual clinical placements with Spanish children, linguistic/cultural diversity, and bilingual language disorders. Out of 375 hours of clinical observation included in the master’s program, students with a Spanish focus take 50 clinical hours with Spanish-speaking children. Students who are not at native or near-native proficiency level must complete a bilingual training program organized by the institution. 

Columbia University – Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders with initial and bilingual extension certification

Teacher’s College at Columbia University aims to broaden horizons with its Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with initial and bilingual extension certification in Bilingualism. Accredited by ASHA, this degree provides instructions in swallowing disorders, bilingualism, and speech sciences. Students who wish to opt for bilingual extensions must take supplementary courses on top of regular core coursework. When applying for the program, applicants are requested to select the “dual certification” option to carry a bilingual coursework track. Students of this track require 58 credit hours to complete their degree. Graduates exiting this program can work as bilingual practitioners to assist the bilingual population with language impairment. 

Hunter College – Master’s degree in Speech with Bilingual Extension

Individuals with NewYork Certification can apply for Hunter College’s Bilingual Education Extension Program to earn an extra 13 units along with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Enrolled students hone their practical skills by taking developmental field coursework. The Initial Certification remains valid for five years. The Professional Certification is an advanced level coursework. It only accepts teachers who have three years of experience in the concerned area of research including one year of teaching experience. If you are interested, visit the university website to apply online now!

West Chester University – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with Bilingual Emphasis

Students enrolled in the Master of Science M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Chester University can seek the Bilingual Emphasis Course Sequence to propagate their professional skills to bilingual individuals facing language impairment. This emphasis course is dedicated to English-Spanish speakers. Applicants must submit a supplementary application to the CSD program along with a Spanish proficiency test and an application. Initially, the students take similar courses as those offered in CSD. However, in the final year, students are offered courses in bilingual focus subjects. Enrolled students take 3 credit hours of clinical practicum on top of nine semester hours of school-based clinically affiliated coursework with Spanish children. 

University of North Carolina – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology for Bilingual Students 

Bilingual students at the University of North Carolina enjoy a distinguished standing in the speech-language pathology program. Bilingual students can take elective courses in their areas of interest such as bilingual phonology, aphasia in bilingual individuals, and an ASHA review of bilingual individuals. As a supplementary course, the university offers a Certificate in Latin American Studies that can be paired with a graduate program. Students can either opt for Latin American Content or a community-based learning experience with Spanish children and adults to better understand the extent of language problems. A minimum of 60 credit hours must be studied to complete the degree successfully. 

Florida International University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with an emphasis on Bilingualism (MS-SLP)

A Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at Florida International University opens its doors to students of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This 61-credit-hour program can be completed by studying for six semesters. It’s a full-time program that includes a bilingual emphasis to help students gain expertise in disorders and impairments prevalent among individuals who employ two spoken languages. To master this domain, graduate students can gain instruction in technical training and skill development needed to treat aphasia, dysphagia, articulation, and language disorders. Students must dedicate four semesters to bilingual focus. Graduates exiting this program can work in schools, colleges, and private clinics to market their skills. 

Texas Christian University – Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology with an emphasis on Bilingualism

To assist individuals gain prowess in bilingualism, Texas Christian University offers a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Emphasis Track within the speech-language pathology graduate program. This degree provides ample learning opportunities to master the technical skills needed to tend to the clinical requirements of Spanish-English speakers. Enrolled students work for the Bilingual population to assess and diagnose their culturally-driven linguistic problems. Learners are expected to obtain 25 hours of clinical practice at some nearby clinic to hone the skills needed to interact with an ethnically diverse population. The coursework for this program includes subjects like Multicultural Issues, Language in Bilinguals, and Adult Aphasia. Follow the link for more information and details. 

Lehman College – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with Bilingual Extension

Designed on a culturally responsive and evidence-based curriculum, Lehman College offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with Bilingual Extension. Applicants with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 must apply with their official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. The scheme of studies adopted in this program provides focus on Multiculturalism, Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Speech-Language Pathology in Childhood Settings. Graduating students conduct detailed research with a mentor in close coordination with English-Spanish settings. Students must complete 72 credit hours to earn the degree. 

University of Maryland – Master’s in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology 

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Maryland is a graduate certificate program offered to individuals interested in extending their services to children and adults of multicultural and bilingual backgrounds. Those who wish to apply for this certificate must enroll in a Master’s degree in SLP. Applicants must specify a second language they are proficient in at the time of their admission. This degree provides ample opportunities to work with ethnically and culturally diverse populations to induce professional capabilities needed to interact with individuals proficient in languages other than English. Enrolled students take instructions in courses like Intervention in Bilingual Population, Clinical Practice, and Linguistic Diversity. 

New York University – M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with Bilingual Extension (BE) Track

New York University advances a Bilingual Extension Track toward graduate students of M.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders. This certificate program is accredited by the New York State Education Department. Graduates enrolled in this program serve pediatric multilingual and bilingual populations which lie anywhere between 3-21 years of age. Graduates exiting this program can work as multilingual or bilingual communicators in the bilingual pediatric section of clients. The major courses offered include Sociolinguistics, Bilingualism, and Psycholinguistics. Passed-out graduates can even take the Bilingual Education Assessment to enhance credibility. 

Bilingual Speech Pathology Ph.D. Degree Programs

Researchers aiming to assist the bilingual population can apply for a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences to get trained in linguistically diverse parameters. 

Arizona State University – Ph.D. in speech and hearing science program with training in culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Students currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Speech and Hearing Sciences can apply for supplementary training sessions in Clients With Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds concentration. Researchers are instructed in courses like Foundational Coursework of Multilingualism, Diversity, and Professional Development. This PRIDE program provides a safe space for bilinguals to get their concerns solved. The university offers financial aid and scholarships. Each researcher is attached to a mentor who assists them in conducting state-of-the-art research and analysis of prevailing bilingual issues. 

Conclusion

If you wish to help ethnically and culturally diverse populations get rid of their linguistic impairment, specializing in the aforementioned coursework as offered by top-ranked institutions can prove to be a boon. Professionals exiting these programs can address multilingual issues and intervention strategies that should be adopted while addressing the bilingual population. Join the program of your choice and serve the ones who need you!