Hawaii Speech Pathology Master’s Program

A career in speech pathology could be your path to success. Hawaii ranks as the third highest-paying state for speech-language pathologists nationwide. Speech pathologists here earn an impressive average salary of $106,790 per year. The career outlook shows strong potential, with growth expected to reach 24% through 2030, which exceeds the national average of 19% by a lot.

UH Speech Pathology Program Overview

The state’s most detailed speech-language pathology education is available at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Students who want to become speech pathologists should understand the program’s foundations to set clear expectations.

Program Accreditation

The Master of Science (MS) education program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at UH Mānoa is the only program in Hawai’i accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This vital accreditation ensures graduates get an education that meets national standards for professional practice.

The program maintained its accreditation through 2026, and the next review will take place in February 2025. This ongoing commitment shows the program’s dedication to excellence in education and professional standards.

This accreditation brings significant career benefits. Your education will meet all academic requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). You can take the national Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and start your clinical fellowship after completing the program – these are the final steps toward full certification.

The accreditation also guarantees that graduates will have core knowledge and skills needed for independent professional practice in settings of all types, from schools to hospitals.

Duration and Format

Students complete the UH speech pathology masters program in two years, with six sequential semesters of full-time enrollment, including summer sessions. This timeline helps students finish all coursework and clinical requirements quickly.

Students progress through the program as a cohort, which promotes a supportive learning community. UH faculty at the University Health Partners of Hawai’i Speech and Hearing Clinic (UHPSHC) train students during their first four semesters. Students then complete clinical rotations in community settings, including schools and medical facilities, for their final two semesters. This structure combines on-campus learning with ground clinical experiences.

The program offers two paths:

Both plans typically include 31 credits in content courses and 15 credits in clinical practicum experience. The thesis option needs more total credits because of its research component.

Students without an undergraduate background in communication sciences must complete prerequisite coursework in CSD-related subjects before entering the program. These prerequisites need a minimum of 36 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA and cover topics from social and behavioral sciences to normal communication throughout life.

UH Speech Pathology Program Mission and Goals

The program’s C.A.R.E.S. Model establishes a center of excellence for:

• Clinical services for people with speech-language, cognitive, swallowing, hearing and related disorders
• Administrative infrastructure for internal and external collaboration
• Research to support evidence-based practice
• Educational training to prepare highly qualified professionals
• Service to develop public awareness and participation at university, state, national, and international levels

This detailed mission shapes every aspect of the program, from curriculum development to clinical experiences.

The program’s graduate-level objective is clear and ambitious: “to provide the highest quality instruction, laboratory experiences and clinical practica to prepare students to function competently as speech-language pathologists in all professional settings”.

Three core pillars support the program:

1. Teaching Excellence: Students prepare for professional practice while meeting hawaii speech pathology license and ASHA certification requirements
2. Scholarship Advancement: Students work in an environment that promotes scientific inquiry about normal and disordered communication
3. Community Service: Quality speech, language, and hearing services reach diverse populations on campus and through community outreach

Graduates develop clinical skills, research abilities, and service orientation – qualities today’s speech-language pathologists need.

Evidence-based practice, extensive clinical education, and research training form the program’s foundation. Students learn to make clinical decisions based on current research while gaining hands-on experience with clients of all ages.

Research opportunities exist in both Plan A and Plan B options. Plan A students complete a formal thesis under faculty supervision, while Plan B students work on an Individualized Directed Research project. Both options build foundations for evidence-based practice and potential doctoral studies.

The program’s strength lies in its clinical education opportunities. Students work at the on-campus clinic and off-campus sites throughout Hawai’i, gaining practical skills in culturally diverse communities. Hawaii’s multicultural and multilingual environment prepares students exceptionally well for today’s diverse healthcare landscape.

Admission Requirements for UH Speech Pathology Master’s

Getting into UH’s speech pathology master’s program needs careful planning. The program accepts only 30-40 new students each fall. Recent admission cycles show just 28% of applicants made it in. Your chances of joining this competitive program will improve if you understand the prerequisites, academic requirements, and application steps.

UH Speech Pathology Prerequisite Coursework

The program has specific prerequisite courses that build foundational knowledge in speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. These requirements match the standards set by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Science and Statistics Requirements: Students must complete these four foundational courses before starting the master’s program:

• Biological Science (such as biology or human anatomy)
• Physical Science (specifically physics or chemistry)
• Social Science (psychology, sociology, or anthropology)
• Statistics

Communication Disorders Coursework: Eight specific communication disorders courses are needed:

• Anatomy & Physiology for speech and hearing
• Phonetics
• Speech and Language Development
• Speech and/or Language Disorders
• Audiology
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Speech Science
• Clinical Procedures

Students applying without a communication disorders background must complete at least 12 hours of COMD prerequisite courses by January 1st of their application year. All COMD prerequisite courses should be finished by August 15th of the admission year. Missing this deadline will result in automatic deferral.

Students whose bachelor’s degree in communication disorders is over 7 years old at the time of admission must retake these five classes:

• Speech and Language Development
• Speech and/or Language Disorders in Children
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Speech Science
• Clinical Procedures

Students with degrees in other fields should complete a Post-Baccalaureate Leveling Program before applying. This program provides all needed prerequisite courses.

GPA and GRE Requirements

Academic standards are high for admission to the program. Your academic record plays a vital role in selection.

GPA Requirements:

• Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA (A=4.00) in required background courses
• Strong candidates usually have an overall GPA above 3.5
• A prerequisite/major GPA above 3.5 gives you better chances

Recent admission statistics show the program’s selective nature. Fall 2019 accepted students had an average major GPA of 3.88 and an overall GPA of 3.82. Admitted students typically have GPAs between 3.18 and 4.00.

GRE Requirements: You’ll need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Recent admission cycles show competitive scores are:

• Verbal: 152 or higher
• Quantitative: 150 or higher
• Writing: 4.0 or higher

Take the GRE during your junior or senior year, based on your application timeline. Most students take it between January and May while preparing their applications.

International Student Requirements: Students who aren’t native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores. The department requires:

• 600 or better on paper-based TOEFL, or
• 250 or better on computer-based TOEFL, or
• 100 or better on internet-based TOEFL

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted only for fall admission, with a firm January 15 deadline. Meeting this timeline is essential.

Application Process: Submit your CollegeNet application by January 15. The program won’t consider incomplete applications. The review process looks at several factors beyond academics:

1. Communication effectiveness and interaction skills
2. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
3. Potential contributions to the speech-language pathology profession

Required Application Materials: Submit these materials through the CollegeNet system:

• Clear scans of official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Three recommendation letters
• Current résumé
• Personal statement (maximum two double-spaced pages) explaining why you’ll succeed in graduate school
• Answers to two supplemental questions about leadership and interest in UH COMD
• $50 application fee

International applicants need these additional items:

• TOEFL scores
• Letter of financial backing
• Statement of Understanding (found in application)
• Two passport-sized photos
• $80.00 application fee

Decision Timeline: The Department sends decision letters in mid-March. Accepted students must send official transcripts to the graduate school.

Contact the UH Graduate School about application status. Direct technical questions to the CollegeNet Help desk. Program-specific questions go to the Program Director.

Strong applications show more than good grades. Leadership roles in student organizations, research experience, and exposure to speech pathology help demonstrate your commitment and readiness for graduate study.

Curriculum and Clinical Training

The UH speech pathology master’s program blends challenging coursework with hands-on clinical training. You’ll start a well-structured curriculum that prepares you for professional practice in a variety of settings. Let’s take a closer look at what your educational experience includes.

Core Courses

The master’s program needs 31 credit hours in content courses. These courses cover speech-language pathology throughout life stages. Students learn about different disorders and proven treatment methods.

Core courses in the curriculum include:

• COMD 6230: Autism Spectrum Disorder (2 credits)
• COMD 6340: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
• COMD 6261: Research and Critical Thinking (2 credits)
• COMD 6321: Swallowing Disorders (3 credits)
• COMD 6326: Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)
• COMD 6328: Acquired Cognitive Disorders (3 credits)
• COMD 6334: Aphasia & Related Communication Disorders (3 credits)
• COMD 6372: Remediation of Childhood Language Disorders (3 credits)
• COMD 6387: Voice Disorders (3 credits)
• COMD 7190: Graduate Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology (1 credit)
• COMD 7221: Fluency Disorders (2 credits)
• COMD 7322: Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)

These courses teach you assessment and intervention methods for communication disorders. To name just one example, COMD 6230 explores identification traits, possible causes, and treatment of people with autism spectrum disorder. COMD 6326 teaches assessment and management of motor speech disorders in adults, including apraxia of speech and degenerative neurological disorders.

The program maintains high academic standards. You can only have one grade lower than B- in an academic class or below B in clinic/externship before dismissal due to poor academic progress. This ensures graduates have the knowledge and skills needed for professional practice.

Practicum Requirements

You’ll complete 15 credit hours of clinical practicum experience alongside your coursework. Your hands-on training starts with supervised practice at the on-campus clinic and grows to include community settings.

The clinical training follows this path:

1. On-Campus Clinic: You begin with supervised practicum in diagnosis and treatment of speech-language disorders
2. Community Screenings: You develop assessment skills through community outreach
3. Off-Campus Externships: You gain advanced practicum experiences in various clinical settings

Clinical courses include COMD 7391 (Clinic in Speech-Language Disorders) and COMD 7192/7392/7692/7992 (Advanced Practicum in Speech & Language Disorders). These help you build up required clinical hours for certification.

ASHA certification needs a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience. This breaks down to:

• 25 hours of guided clinical observation
• 375 hours in direct client/patient contact
• At least 325 hours during graduate study

The program offers varied clinical experiences with different disorders and populations. The department sets up rotations at the University Health Partners of Hawai’i Speech and Hearing Clinic (UHPSHC) and off-campus sites throughout Hawai’i. This detailed approach helps you develop skills needed for the hawaii speech pathology license and ASHA certification.

Clinical training is the substance of the uh speech pathology program. You’ll apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Expert supervision guides you toward independent clinical decision-making.

Plan A vs Plan B Options

The uh speech pathology masters program has two paths: Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis). Both need detailed coursework and clinical training but differ in research requirements and total credits.

Plan A needs a formal thesis under faculty supervision, with 6 credit hours of thesis work. This suits students interested in research or doctoral studies. You’ll defend your thesis before a faculty committee.

Plan B needs 3 credit hours of electives and a comprehensive examination. You can take the elective within Communication Sciences and Disorders or from approved courses outside the department. This path works well for students focused on clinical practice.

Both options need a formative assessment and 3 hours of professional engagement activity. Professional engagement helps build your identity as a speech-language pathologist beyond classroom and clinic settings.

Plan B’s comprehensive examination shows your mastery of academic and clinical knowledge. Support plans exist if you need help with this assessment.

These options let you shape your education around your career goals. Some students prefer Plan A’s research depth, while others value Plan B’s extra coursework.

Both paths prepare you for the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, needed for the Hawaii speech pathology license and ASHA certification. The program’s 99% pass rate on this national exam in the last three years shows how well both options work.

Graduates finish with a detailed educational experience that combines theory, clinical skills, and research abilities—everything needed to succeed as a speech-language pathologist today.

Path to Licensure in Hawaii

Getting your Hawaii speech pathology license is your next big step after finishing the UH speech pathology master’s program. This process turns your academic knowledge into professional credentials that let you work legally as a speech-language pathologist in the state.

License Educational Requirements

You need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution to qualify for licensure in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii at Mānoa’s ASHA-accredited program is the only one in the state, making it the go-to choice for local students. The state’s licensing board specifically recognizes programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Your education must include at least 75 semester hours of graduate coursework covering these vital areas:

• Biological and physical sciences
• Behavioral sciences
• Mathematics
• Human communication processes
• Professional coursework in speech-language pathology

The Hawaii Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology accepts two main paths to meet educational requirements:

The ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) pathway proves you’ve met all educational requirements for licensure. Most UH speech pathology master’s program graduates choose this route.

Clinical Fellowship

A supervised clinical fellowship bridges your transition from student to independent professional. You’ll need to complete at least 36 weeks of full-time supervised professional practice under a provisional license in Hawaii.

The Hawaii Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology must receive your provisional license application before you start your fellowship. Your application needs:

• Verification of your master’s degree completion
• Documentation of your supervised clinical practicum hours
• Confirmation of your fellowship arrangement
• Three letters of recommendation

Your provisional license lasts one year with a possible one-year renewal if needed. A licensed speech-language pathologist will mentor you and assess your growing clinical skills throughout your fellowship.

The clinical fellowship helps you:

1. Connect academic knowledge with hands-on practice
2. Work with diverse clients
3. Build professional judgment and clinical decision-making skills
4. Meet state licensure and ASHA certification requirements

UH speech pathology graduates staying in Hawaii can find fellowship opportunities in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices across the islands. These different settings give you valuable experience with various client groups and treatment methods.

Exam and CCC-SLP

You must pass the Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology before getting your permanent license. This national test checks your knowledge in three key areas:

• Foundations and professional practice
• Screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis
• Planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment

The exam has 132 questions with a 150-minute time limit. Hawaii requires a score of at least 162 on a 100-200 scale. You can take the exam at centers on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, or through online proctoring.

After completing your fellowship and passing the Praxis exam, you’ll qualify for:

1. Hawaii State License: Send your final application with proof of completed requirements to the Hawaii Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology
2. ASHA CCC-SLP Certification: This national certification is a great way to boost your career prospects

The ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) offers several benefits beyond state licensure:

• Recognition of your clinical expertise
• Better job prospects in all work settings
• Easier licensing if you move to another state
• Ability to supervise students and clinical fellows

Licensed speech pathologists must renew their Hawaii license by December 31 of every odd-numbered year. You have five years to restore an expired license by meeting specific requirements. After that, you’ll need to start the application process from scratch.

Some professionals don’t need a Hawaii license, including physicians, licensed professionals from other states working temporarily (up to five days), federal employees, and speech pathology interns/trainees. These exceptions are limited, and most practitioners need full licensure.

The UH speech pathology program’s curriculum matches these licensure requirements perfectly. The program’s high Praxis exam pass rate shows how well it prepares students for this vital step toward licensure.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

UH speech pathology graduates enjoy excellent career prospects. Recent classes achieved a 91% job placement rate within nine months of graduation. Students show their professional readiness with a perfect 100% pass rate on the national Praxis examination.

Job Placement Support

The program’s remarkable employment success comes from several key advantages. Students learn in small classes with a low student-to-faculty ratio. This personal attention helps graduates develop strong clinical skills and professional networks they need to launch their careers.

The program connects students with potential employers through service-learning opportunities. These experiences work like informal interviews where organizations can see students’ skills firsthand before they graduate.

The department helps bring speech and hearing services to schools, hospitals, and communities throughout the United States. This work creates natural job paths for graduates by addressing critical service shortages.

The program’s excellent reputation makes graduates more employable. Dean Antonio D. Tillis says, “The speech-language pathology program’s rise in the national rankings increases its competitiveness and helps draw greater attention to the excellent work of our faculty and students”. Employers notice this visibility and seek out program graduates.

Career Settings in Hawaii

A Hawaii speech pathology license opens doors to many professional settings. Here’s what the job market looks like:

Hawaii ranks third nationally for SLP compensation with average annual earnings of $106,790. Urban Honolulu offers even better pay at $108,620.

The future looks bright with 24% projected growth through 2030—much higher than the national average of 19%. This growth means about 30 new job openings each year across the islands.

Private practice opportunities abound with over 30 speech therapy clinics operating throughout Hawaii. Easter Seals Hawaii excels as a major employer that provides complete services for individuals with various disabilities.

Speech-language pathology ranks as the third-best healthcare job nationwide according to US News and World Report. PayScale lists it among the top 15 most meaningful and well-paid professions.

Alumni Success Stories

Program graduates show excellence in their professional work. The 2018-19 graduating class achieved a 100% program completion rate, which shows both student dedication and faculty support.

Most graduates start their careers at facilities where they completed their clinical fellowships. This path gives them a smooth transition into professional practice while building on their existing relationships and clinical experience.

Ronda Wojcicki (MS 2000) represents alumni success as a pediatric speech language pathologist. Her career path shows how the program emphasizes service and clinical excellence.

Alumni stories demonstrate how the UH speech pathology masters program prepares graduates to address critical shortages of speech-language pathologists “on the local, state, and national levels”. These professionals carry on the program’s mission by bringing vital speech and hearing services to communities of all types.

Start Today

The UH speech pathology master’s program is a big step toward a rewarding career in one of healthcare’s most promising fields. This complete program will give you the clinical skills, research abilities, and professional network you need to succeed. As Hawaii’s only ASHA-accredited program, it gives students a unique experience to prepare for their future careers.

Your learning experience combines challenging coursework with plenty of hands-on clinical practice. You can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, and either way, you’ll be ready to pass the national Praxis examination. The program’s perfect 100% pass rate proves this point. It also boasts a 91% job placement rate within nine months of graduation, which shows the quality of education you’ll get.

Hawaii is an attractive place for speech-language pathologists. The state ranks third in the nation for SLP pay, with average yearly salaries of $106,790. Job opportunities are growing faster than the national average, creating about 30 new positions each year across the islands. You’ll find great opportunities in schools, hospitals, and other settings once you get your Hawaii speech pathology license.

Getting from application to licensure might look tough at first. All the same, the program’s well-laid-out approach takes you through every stage. You’ll move from prerequisites and admission requirements to clinical practica and final certification. The faculty supports you throughout your experience, helping you build both technical expertise and professional confidence.

The program ended up being perfect for connecting with Hawaii’s unique multicultural environment while meeting national certification standards. This mix of local focus and global recognition makes the UH speech pathology program an excellent choice for future professionals. With your master’s degree from UH, you can make real differences in patients’ lives while earning the professional respect and compensation this vital healthcare role deserves.