SLP Pre-Master’s Track Program

SLP’s hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. They undergo extensive academic and clinical coursework. They are able to diagnose and treat a variety of communication disorders. SLPA’s have varying levels of education and training. Requirements vary state by state. Some states require an associate’s degree or completion of specific training programs or certifications.

We do not accept transfer credits for the SLP or SLPA programs. All courses must be taken at UVM in order to earn your certificate. If you took prior courses at UVM they will count toward completion of either program along with a certificate. However some applicants do apply with the intent to take just the courses they need in order to apply to a Master’s program or seek SLPA certification in their home state. This is fine but a certificate of completion will not be issued. If you are planning to apply to a Master’s program at another institution, it is incumbent upon you, the prospective student, to check with your intended college or university’s prerequisite requirements. This will ensure that UVM prerequisites, and this particular online course sequence, meet the requirements for admission, as requirements vary from institution to institution.

Here is the student financial services link which explains registration dates and billing due dates. Student Financial Services | Student Financial Services | The University of Vermont (uvm.edu)

UVM is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The courses you will take through this program are mostly 3‐credit undergraduate courses, transferrable at the discretion of the receiving institution.

If you already have completed many of these courses and/or clinical work and you wish to complete ASHA’s suggested requirements for SLPA training, you may register for courses in the SLPA sequence if there is room, but a certificate will not be issued. Similarly, if you are lacking some prerequisite courses for entering a Master’s program, on a space-available basis, you may be able to take some of our courses that serve as prerequisites for graduate programs. Again, a certificate will not be issued.

For more information about the UVM Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology, please call (802) 656-3861 or email cnhsgrad@uvm.edu.

If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders upon completion of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant sequence, please see the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders website for information about the graduate program and the application process.

UVM’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders is not an online degree and requires a separate application. The Graduate Program Coordinator can be reached at 802-656-3858 or cnhsgrad@uvm.edu.

If you are planning to apply to a Master’s program at another institution, it is incumbent upon you, the prospective student, to check with your intended college or university’s prerequisite requirements. This will ensure that UVM prerequisites, and this particular online course sequence, meet the requirements for admission, as requirements vary from institution to institution.

Courses will be offered in fall, spring and summer for the SLP Pre-Master’s program. If you choose to take the courses necessary to become an SLPA, the preferred semester in which to begin this program is spring. Please inquire with an advisor for an alternative program plan.

Students typically complete the program in three semesters by taking two online courses each term.

Prior knowledge of speech-language pathology is not required.

Yes. You may access the online courses from outside of the US.

Always check with the UVM Bookstore for current class texts. You can look up required readings and books by entering the course number on the bookstore’s website. You may also research availability on Amazon and other publishing outlets.

Please go to this link for information about UVM’s Learning Management System, Brightspace.. There you will find information to help navigate the Brightspace environment.

Each instructor will state all of their requirements in the course syllabus.

Taking two courses per term is what we recommend, and it is basically how the courses are offered. It is not possible to complete either program in two terms due to the sheer volume of work and the way the courses are offered on a rotating basis in specific terms. Expect to spend 8 to 10 hours per week per course. While the courses are online and your work time can be somewhat flexible, we recommend setting aside some time daily to work on assignments, respond to discussions and do the readings.

Yes. You will receive a certificate for completing the SLPA program with the required number of courses, observation hours and clinical hours. You will receive a certificate of completion for taking all six prerequisite courses for the SLP Pre-Master’s program.

Please submit this completion form after you have received your final grades for the program. Once your request has been reviewed and successful completion of the program has been confirmed, a certificate of completion will be emailed to you.

For information about Professional and Continuing Education tuition and financial aid, please visit Student Financial Services. Summer tuition is offered at a discounted rate and can be found here.

Those accepted into the SLP Pre-Master’s Track cohort pay the academic year in-state tuition rate for prerequisite courses (online version only) regardless of residence while completing those courses.

Financial aid is available for students taking all six courses in the SLP Pre-Master’s Track required for graduate admission to UVM.

We require copies of your unofficial transcripts.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of 2.75 or higher (cumulative or last 60 credits).

Complete a brief online application form

Payment for the program happens on a course-by-course basis with the tuition bill arriving in your UVM email so please check email often.

If you miss 2 semesters of coursework your program account will become “inactive” and you would need to contact us for re-activation.

Limited Federal Stafford Loan funding may be available. Contact your advisor for details. Cohort members pay tuition at the UVM in-state rate and may view exact charges on the Student Financial Services website.

Getting started:

1. Complete the FAFSA  online.
2. Watch for an email notifying you of outstanding requirements on your account. Once you receive the email, access your student account and complete the Non-Degree Certification (Intent to Enroll) requirement.

The University of Vermont is able and prepared to certify VA benefits for the SLP Pre Masters Track. If you intend to use VA benefits for this program, please apply to the program and contact UVM’s Veterans Affairs Coordinator, David Carlson, via email at veterans@uvm.edu.

Tuition bills are sent to each student via email to their UVM email account, generally within 3-4 weeks of having registered for courses. Billing issue and due dates may be found here.

You may drop a course during the first two weeks of the fall or spring term and receive a full refund of tuition. After that, the amount decreases to 75% and eventually 25% before all refund amount deadlines have been exhausted. In summer, due to the abbreviated nature of the courses, you have the first two days of the course to drop it and receive a full tuition refund. More information about add/drop dates may be found under each semester’s calendar here.

Please visit the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Website.