About New Hampshire’s Speech Pathology Masters Program

Are you thinking about the University of New Hampshire Speech Pathology Masters program? The numbers tell a compelling story – 100% Praxis exam pass rate and 94% job placement after graduation.

Speech-Language Pathologist careers in New Hampshire show remarkable promise. SLP jobs in the state will grow by 28% through 2030, and professionals earn an average of $84,430 annually. UNH is the only Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited master’s in communication sciences and disorders in New Hampshire. This makes it an excellent choice for your educational path.

The program’s unique features and competitive nature deserve careful attention before you apply. Let’s explore five essential facts about UNH’s Speech Pathology program.

UNH’s Accreditation and Program Overview

The University of New Hampshire is the state’s only institution that offers a master’s in communication sciences and disorders with full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Your degree carries more weight in the job market because of this difference, and you’ll get an education that meets national quality standards.

Program accreditation

The Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UNH has earned accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The program meets strict national standards for academic and clinical education.

This accreditation brings you two key benefits. You’ll get an education that meets proven standards to become a competent speech-language pathologist. You’ll also be able to get your New Hampshire SLP license since graduating from an accredited program is required. On top of that, you can apply for ASHA certification—a credential that employers nationwide increasingly ask for.

The accreditation process looks at several key areas:

• Faculty’s qualifications and expertise
• Curriculum design and implementation
• Clinical training opportunities
• Student support services
• Assessment procedures

UNH’s program keeps its CAA accreditation through constant improvement. The program team collects and analyzes data about student outcomes, graduate success rates, and employer feedback. This steadfast dedication helps you prepare better for your professional career.

Format and duration

UNH’s Speech Pathology Masters program runs as a structured two-year, full-time program. You’ll complete your degree quickly while getting deep knowledge and clinical experience needed for professional practice.

The program runs for five semesters in a row—fall, spring, and summer in your first year, then fall and spring in your second year. You’ll finish all academic and clinical requirements in about 21 months.

You’ll need to complete at least 62 credit hours split between academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences. Here’s how the credits typically break down:

• Core academic courses: 38 credits
• Clinical practicum experiences: 15 credits
• Research methods: 3 credits
• Elective courses: 6 credits

The program blends academic learning with hands-on practice. You’ll start clinical experiences in your first semester, so you can use what you learn right away.

Classes stay small at UNH, with only 20-25 new students each year. This creates a close-knit learning environment where you’ll build strong relationships with faculty mentors and get customized feedback on your progress.

The program demands full-time commitment, which makes it tough to work outside of school. You should limit work to 10 hours weekly, mostly on weekends, to keep up with the program’s demands.

For clinical requirements, you must complete 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, with 375 hours of direct client/patient contact. These hours split between on-campus assignments and off-campus externships in your second year.

Career paths after graduation

UNH’s Speech Pathology Masters program opens doors to many professional opportunities. The detailed training prepares you to work in different settings, so you can choose your ideal career path.

UNH graduates often work in:

• Educational institutions: Many help children with communication disorders in settings from preschools to universities
• Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities need SLPs to help patients recover from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other medical conditions
• Private practices: You can start your own practice or join an existing one for more flexibility
• Early intervention programs: You can work with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disorders
• Research institutions: Some graduates advance the field through scientific research

The program’s strong clinical focus makes you ready for medical speech-language pathology. UNH partners with major medical centers across New Hampshire and nearby states, giving you valuable medical setting experience during training.

You can work anywhere in the country after graduation. The program ensures you meet all requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This credential lets you get licensed in any state.

UNH graduates report high job satisfaction and career growth consistently. The program’s alumni network stretches across the U.S. and beyond, creating valuable connections as your career grows. The department stays connected with alumni to create mentorship and networking chances for new graduates.

The program teaches evidence-based practice and clinical research to prepare you for leadership roles, not just direct service. Many graduates become supervisors, program administrators, or faculty members in higher education.

You can build on your UNH education to get advanced certifications in areas like swallowing disorders (dysphagia), autism intervention, or accent modification. These specialized credentials often lead to higher earnings and better professional opportunities throughout your career.

Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites

Getting ready for UNH’s Speech Pathology Masters program takes careful planning. You’ll want to know the specific academic prerequisites well ahead of time. This knowledge will help you become a strong candidate in this competitive field.

Required undergraduate coursework for UNH CSD

Your journey starts with specific prerequisite courses. UNH doesn’t ask for a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In spite of that, you must complete several specific courses before you start the master’s program.

You’ll just need these CSD-specific prerequisites:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
• Language Acquisition
• Clinical Phonetics
• Basic Audiology
• Speech-Hearing Science
• Neurology or Neuroanatomy

ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) also asks for these foundational courses to be eligible for certification:

• Biology
• Physical Science (specifically chemistry or physics)
• Statistics
• Social/Behavioral Sciences
• Typical Human Development across the Life Span
• Multicultural issues

The neurology prerequisite is a must-have college-level credit course before program start. UNH suggests their online summer option: KIN 706 Neurology (4 credits) plus KIN 707 Neurology Lab (2 credits).

Aural Rehabilitation is highly recommended. Students without this course usually get conditional admission. You’ll just need to finish this undergraduate course during your first year.

The Accelerated Master’s path has its own set of requirements. You’ll just need to complete all CSD-required courses for Years 1 and 2. KIN 706 Neurology, COMM 504 Basic Audiology, and COMM 741 Speech-Language Pathology I are also required before you apply.

GPA and application expectations

UNH sets high academic standards for their speech pathology graduate program. The minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.0. The program is much more selective in reality.

Most accepted students have at least a 3.6 GPA. ASHA’s education database shows admitted students’ GPAs range from 3.45 to 4.00. These numbers reflect the program’s quality and limited spots.

Accelerated Master’s candidates just need a 3.2 cumulative GPA when they apply. You should also complete 90 undergraduate credits before taking graduate-level courses.

The application process runs through CSD Central Application Service (CSDCAS). Summer admission applications are due January 15. The program gets about 104 applications each year and accepts roughly 69 students. These numbers show how competitive the selection process really is.

Your application should include:

• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement addressing specific prompts
• Application fee

Accelerated Master’s applicants might not need GRE scores. Regular applicants might just need satisfactory scores from graduate entrance exams taken in the last five years.

Personal statement and letters of recommendation

Your personal statement is a vital part of your application. It works like an interview on paper. UNH gives you specific prompts to answer. These help reviewers see your writing skills and who you are as a person.

1. What unique talents, interests, or experiences will you bring to the program and your future career
2. Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years
3. What issue in communication sciences and disorders interests you most right now and why
4. Why research matters to the field

Students interested in research or thesis work can answer an extra question about their research interests and background. Keep your statement between 500-1,000 words. Show off your best writing but skip any jargon that needs explaining.

You’ll just need three recommendation letters. Two should come from professors who know your academic abilities. The best choices are CSD faculty or professors who:

• Taught you multiple courses
• Supervised your research
• Really know your graduate study potential

Great recommendation letters talk about:

• Your ability to handle graduate-level work
• Your people skills needed for clinical practice
• How well you adapt, cooperate, and solve problems
• Your critical thinking abilities
• Your time management skills
• How well you take feedback and direction

First impressions count in both your statement and recommendation letters. Start your statement with something that grabs attention. Show that you know the UNH program well. Connect their degree outcomes to your career goals and mention what parts of their curriculum excite you most.

The admissions team looks at everything together. They care about more than just GPA and prerequisites. Your unique background and views could make their learning community better. Show them you’re not just academically ready but also committed to becoming a great speech-language pathologist.

A full picture of these requirements helps you create an application that shows you’re ready for UNH’s graduate program in communication sciences and disorders.

Curriculum and Clinical Practicum Structure

The master’s in communication sciences and disorders at UNH offers a well-laid-out curriculum that combines challenging academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. Understanding the program’s structure will help you plan your graduate school experience.

Course sequence and credit requirements

The graduate program runs for two full years, including two summers and a J-term. Students must complete 53 total credits. This detailed curriculum builds your knowledge and skills step by step.

Your academic experience starts in the summer of year one with foundation courses:

• COMM 801: Principles of Assessment (2 credits)
• COMM 802: Principles of Intervention (2 credits)

The first fall semester ramps up with core coursework:

• COMM 803: Ethical and Professional Issues (1 credit)
• COMM 805: Research Methods (3 credits)
• COMM 811: Brain and Behavior (3 credits)
• COMM 821: Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)
• COMM 831: Early Childhood Language Disorders (3 credits)
• COMM 870: Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

The January term features COMM 804: Counseling Clients and Families with Communication Disorders (2 credits).

Spring semester courses cover various disorders:

• COMM 812: Dysphagia (3 credits)
• COMM 824: Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)
• COMM 832: School-Age & Adolescent Language Disorders (3 credits)
• COMM 833: Aphasia in Adults (3 credits)
• COMM 870: Clinical Practicum (2 credits)

Your second year combines specialized coursework with externship experiences:

• COMM 843: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
• COMM 823: Voice Disorders (3 credits)
• COMM 872: Externship (8 credits total across two semesters)
• COMM 870: Clinical Practicum – Assessment Clinic (1 credit)
• Elective courses (4 credits)

Students can shape their education through elective options. These include courses in autism spectrum disorders, cognitive communication disorders, and specialized topics like social communication or augmentative communication.

Clinical practicum and externship expectations

The hands-on training at UNH gives you a full picture of clinical practice. Students must complete 400 clinical experience hours to meet the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) requirements in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Your clinical work begins in your first full semester. You’ll put theory into practice right away. The program includes:

• A minimum of four practicum rotations on campus
• Two externships at different off-campus sites
• One semester of diagnostic clinic

Students need 15 documented observation hours before starting clinical work. This foundation helps prepare you for hands-on practice.

First-year practicum assignments happen at the UNH Speech-Language-Hearing Center and the Clinic for Neurogenic Communication Disorders. These on-campus experiences let you work with different communication disorders under faculty supervision.

Second-year students join the Assessment Clinic at UNH while completing two externships at different locations. Externship sites include:

• Early intervention programs
• Educational institutions
• Rehabilitation centers
• Healthcare facilities
• Private practices

Students must arrange their transportation to externship locations. Many sites have additional requirements:

• Physical examination including tuberculin tests
• Proof of specific immunizations
• Health insurance verification
• Drug/urine screening
• Criminal background checks

Missing these site requirements could make you ineligible for practicum assignments and stop your program progress. Plan ahead to meet all clinical education requirements.

Full-time program commitment

UNH’s Speech Pathology Masters runs as a full-time program only. Students should be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for:

• Scheduled classes
• Clinical assignments
• Colloquium and grand rounds
• Faculty meetings and office hours
• Peer collaboration sessions
• Other program-related events

Each semester typically includes one evening class. This schedule works with faculty needs and prepares you for professional flexibility.

The program combines academic and clinical work seamlessly. You might participate in clinical activities during academic courses alongside regular clinical experiences.

Faculty recommend limiting outside work to 10 hours weekly, mainly on weekends, due to the program’s demands.

UNH’s program readies you for professional certification. The requirements align with:

• New Hampshire SLP license
• ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology
• School-based certification for educational settings

This focused approach produces excellent results. Recent graduates achieved a 100% PRAXIS exam pass rate and 94% job placement rate.

Capstone and Research Opportunities

A capstone project marks a key milestone in your learning experience through the University of New Hampshire Speech Pathology Masters program. This component lets you show your field mastery before graduation, going beyond clinical placements and classroom learning.

Capstone options: thesis vs. comprehensive exam

UNH speech pathology graduate students must choose between two capstone paths. Each path gives distinct advantages based on your professional goals and academic interests.

Comprehensive Examination Option

The comprehensive examination serves as the default capstone experience for most students. This non-thesis option tests your knowledge of the entire two-year curriculum. The format has:

• One complex case study from faculty
• An oral examination about the case
• Clinical reasoning and theoretical application demonstration

You must be in your final semester to take this exam. Students should have no incomplete courses, unremediated course failures, or unfilled clinical improvement plans. Passing this oral exam is a graduation requirement to receive your master’s degree.

Thesis Option

You can choose to conduct original research and write a thesis instead of the comprehensive exam. This path needs you to:

• Design and complete an original research project
• Defend your work in an oral examination
• Get approval from your thesis committee
• Register for 6 credits of COMM 899 Master’s Thesis

The thesis path is a great way to get research experience. Students who plan doctoral studies or research careers benefit from this option. UNH faculty’s active research creates excellent mentorship chances alongside your independent work.

Graduate research assistantships and labs

Research at UNH runs throughout your master’s program. You’ll find many ways to learn about research while earning your degree.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Laboratories (CSDRL) has state-of-the-art research programs. Faculty members involve students in ongoing projects. You can join research through four main ways:

1. Graduate assistantships – Getting a position to help faculty with their research projects
2. Master’s thesis – Doing original research under faculty supervision
3. Independent study – Learning about research processes through faculty-directed study (may count as elective credits with proper approvals)
4. Lab volunteering – Helping research teams voluntarily

Research improves your clinical understanding and builds analytical skills. Many students find that research makes their clinical training better by deepening their grasp of evidence-based practice.

Graduate assistantships often come with research duties and are a great way to get financial support. These competitive positions let you help faculty research while getting tuition benefits or stipends.

Specialized electives and colloquium topics

UNH’s Speech Pathology Masters program lets you tailor your education through specialized courses and professional development.

Specialized Elective Offerings

Elective courses help you gain specialized knowledge in areas that interest you. These courses, based on faculty’s expertise, usually cover:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Advanced language acquisition
• Cognitive-communication disorders

COMM 995A (Independent Study) lets you explore topics with faculty guidance. COMM 995B (Independent Study: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology) focuses on bilingual speech-language pathology for those interested in this growing field.

COMM 895 (Special Topics) offers advanced study through independent projects. These courses help you build expertise in specific areas while earning required credits.

Colloquium and Professional Development

UNH provides regular Colloquium and Grand Rounds presentations for ongoing professional growth. These sessions show you specialized practice areas and new research without extra course enrollment.

Past colloquium topics covered:

• Pediatric feeding
• Gender affirming voice training
• Pediatric NICU care
• Neuroimaging in adults with aphasia
• Narrative analysis
• Prosody

Visiting experts often lead these presentations, creating valuable networking chances. These sessions help you find potential specialization areas and broaden your professional horizons before graduation.

The mix of specialized courses, research opportunities, and professional development will give you more than just simple certification requirements. You’ll graduate with specialized knowledge to excel in your chosen areas. This detailed approach explains why UNH graduates do exceptionally well on certification exams and find desirable positions after finishing the program.

Financial Aid and Accelerated Master’s Path

Money matters a lot when you’re looking at the University of New Hampshire Speech Pathology Masters program. The good news is you have several options to manage costs and speed up your path to a professional career.

Graduate assistantships and tuition waivers

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers select graduate assistantships that provide valuable financial support. These competitive positions typically include:

• Tuition waivers (partial or full depending on the position)
• Stipends for living expenses
• Professional development opportunities through department work

Graduate assistants work 10-20 hours weekly. They support faculty research, help with undergraduate courses, or handle administrative tasks. The department awards these positions based on academic merit and relevant skills rather than financial need.

You’ll need to submit a separate application form with your program materials to be considered. While spots are limited, these positions offer great professional experience and help reduce educational costs.

UNH’s Graduate School sometimes offers extra funding opportunities. These university-wide positions might involve work in other academic departments or campus offices. They provide tuition benefits and help you build connections with people across campus.

Accelerated master’s program eligibility

UNH undergraduates studying Communication Sciences and Disorders can take advantage of the Accelerated Master’s program. This path lets you complete both degrees in about five years instead of six.

The program has specific requirements you’ll need to meet. You should have a 3.2 GPA or higher in your undergraduate coursework when you apply. You also need at least 90 undergraduate credits before taking any graduate-level courses.

The program requires you to finish all CSD courses for Years 1 and 2. You must also complete KIN 706 Neurology, COMM 504 Basic Audiology, and COMM 741 Speech-Language Pathology I before applying.

Students usually apply during their junior year. Once accepted, you’ll take courses that count toward both degrees. This smart use of credits saves money and gets you into your career faster.

Working during the program and transportation needs

The UNH Speech Pathology Masters program demands a lot of time and energy. Most faculty members suggest working no more than 10 hours weekly, preferably on weekends.

Classes, clinical practicums, and study time fill most weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You’ll also have at least one evening class each semester. This packed schedule makes it tough to hold down a regular job.

A reliable car becomes essential as you progress through the program. While your first clinical experiences happen on campus, second-year externships take place at various sites throughout New Hampshire and nearby states.

You’ll handle your own transportation and cover costs like gas and parking. Public transit might not reach all placement locations, so having a car is pretty much a must for most students.

Some externship sites have extra requirements such as:

• Health examinations and immunization verification
• Background checks and drug screenings
• Professional liability insurance

Getting these requirements sorted early helps you move smoothly between clinical placements.

The UNH Speech Pathology Masters program needs serious commitment of time and money. However, the support options available and strong career outcomes make it worth looking into for your professional future.

Begin Today

The University of New Hampshire Speech Pathology Masters program puts you on a path to professional excellence. UNH stands out as the state’s only CAA-accredited program and gives you the best preparation for your speech-language pathology career. The numbers tell the story – all graduates pass the Praxis exam, and 94% find jobs right after graduation. These results show how well the program works at creating skilled practitioners.

SLP jobs in New Hampshire look promising, with a projected 28% growth through 2030. The program combines challenging academic work with hands-on clinical experience. You’ll graduate with both the theory and practical skills you’ll need to succeed.

The program is challenging but flexible. You can choose between writing a thesis for research or taking a comprehensive exam based on your career goals. Research projects are a great way to get deeper knowledge in specialized areas. They might even come with financial support through assistantships.

Money matters need careful thought. Graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, and the Accelerated Master’s Path help manage costs while speeding up your career start. Note that you’ll need reliable transportation for off-campus externships.

UNH’s Speech Pathology program is more than just a degree. It turns you into a skilled, confident professional ready to change clients’ lives. These five key facts about the program show why UNH is one of New England’s most respected communication sciences and disorders programs. You can take your next step toward this rewarding profession with confidence.