Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Welcome to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program at Idaho State University!
As the only American Speech-Language and Hearing Association-accredited SLP program in Idaho, we offer a distinctive and rigorous educational experience dedicated to our mission of enriching the lives of individuals with communication and swallowing needs. If you're passionate about making a tangible difference, you've found your place.
Our program is built on a strong evidence-based clinical practice focus, ensuring you graduate with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to excel in diverse professional settings. Whether your ambition is to work in schools, medical settings, or specialized clinics with children or adults, our curriculum prepares you for a rewarding career.
We offer two learning paths to fit your life:
- 24-month full-time (6-semester) campus program (offered at our Pocatello and Meridian campuses)
- 36-month (9-semester) extended online program
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University CAMPUS Program Overview
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University is a full-time, 24-month (6-semester) program. The program includes academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences on- and off-campus.
The graduate program takes place on the ISU Pocatello and Meridian campuses. Each student is based at one of the two campus locations for their coursework. Courses are taught by instructors both in Pocatello and Meridian with synchronous interactive distance learning classrooms, functioning cohesively as one program on two campuses.
The program includes coursework and clinical experiences across the spectrum of educational and medical speech-language pathology. Students have opportunities to work with clients of all ages, across multiple disorder areas, and multiple clinical settings. Graduates leave the program prepared to take the Praxis examination and ready to enter the workforce to help individuals with communication needs.
Please see the following link for information for individuals intending to seek licensure in a state other than Idaho: Professional Licensure Disclosure Speech-Language Pathology.
Program Timeline and Clinical Experience:
Each campus has its own Speech and Language Clinic that sees both pediatric and adult patients in individual and group settings. Students have the opportunity to learn from all faculty members through hands-on practice in an educational clinic setting. First year students have the opportunity to begin practicum in ISU Speech and Language Clinics while enrolled in courses in both the fall and spring semesters.
ISU hosts multiple specialty clinics throughout the summer that students also have the opportunity to be a part of. In the past, these have included intensive adult aphasia clinics, youth AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) clinics, and Tribal outreach programs.
Master of Science in SLP Course Sequence Campus Program **(This course sequence is subject to change upon SBOE & NWCCU approval)**
Contact csd@isu.edu regarding the programs and/or for specific Admissions and Application questions.
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University ONLINE Program Overview
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University Online is a 36-month (9-semester) extended program.
Our online program offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their academic coursework from their home location and their clinical placements in their home communities. This innovative program is designed for individuals residing in rural areas or who are unable to participate in a traditional campus-based graduate program.
- Academic coursework is completed asynchronously and remotely. It is self-paced within set weekly deadlines and includes weekly learning expectations, quizzes, and exams with fixed due dates.
- In-person clinical practicum experiences are completed in the students' local communities.
- Students are encouraged to interact with instructors and peers through electronic media.
Remote synchronous components include some required live sessions held online via Zoom for:
- Orientation
- Advising
- Occasional learning activities within courses
Student Commitments & Outcomes:
Although this is an extended program, it requires a significant time commitment including coursework, clinical preparation, and supervised clinical work during typical business hours.
Employment Considerations:
- Full-time employment is not recommended, especially when clinical placements begin.
- It is the students' responsibility to adjust work schedules and communicate program requirements to employers to secure necessary flexibility for classes, studying, clinical preparation, and clinical practicum placements, which occur during typical business hours.
The program emphasizes a student-centered, supportive environment, with advisors encouraging proactive discussions to help students manage their personal, financial, and educational commitments.
Graduates leave the program prepared to take the Praxis examination and ready to enter the workforce to help individuals with communication needs.
Please see the following link for information for individuals intending to seek licensure in a state other than Idaho: Professional Licensure Disclosure Speech-Language Pathology
Program Timeline and Clinical Experience:
The 36-month (9-semester) timeline integrates academic courses and clinical experiences. During the first 2 semesters, students take only academic courses. Starting in the summer of the first year, students participate in a virtual clinical program. This program is designed to provide practical experience and prepare students for their off-campus clinical placements, which will take place in their home area starting in the fall of the second year. The virtual clinical program provides students with valuable hands-on experience in a simulated clinical environment, enabling them to develop and refine their skills before transitioning to an off-campus placement. This virtual experience helps to bridge the gap between the academic coursework and the real-world clinical setting.
Master of Science in SLP Course Sequence Online Program **(This course sequence is subject to change upon SBOE & NWCCU approval)**
SLP Online Program and Clinical Summary
Contact csd@isu.edu regarding the programs and/or for specific Admissions and Application questions.
**INFORMATION**
**Our new curriculum has been revised and approved by the ISU Graduate Council. It is still awaiting approval from the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). We anticipate that the new curriculum will be implemented starting with the Fall 2026 academic year. If so, the Campus program will be reduced to 5 semesters, and the Online Program will be reduced to 8 semesters. This will result in lower tuition costs.**
ISU Speech-Language Clinics in Meridian and Pocatello
The Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to be knowledgeable, skilled, professional, and ethical clinicians in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of individuals with communication and swallowing/feeding disorders across the lifespan. Graduates of the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology will demonstrate the following:
- Application of knowledge and skills: Graduates will utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills to integrate their foundational knowledge of human communication and swallowing processes with current evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies as professional speech-language pathologists providing services across the lifespan.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Graduates will effectively use evidence-based practice by integrating current empirical research evidence, clinical expertise, and client/patient/caregiver perspectives to provide quality care to the individuals and communities they serve.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Graduates will effectively share their knowledge, ideas, and expertise with colleagues and professionals in the educational and healthcare communities.
- Communication: Graduates will communicate effectively in educational and healthcare contexts by recognizing and respecting the needs, values, and diverse backgrounds of patients, clients, caregivers, students, and other professionals.
- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Practice: Graduates will practice speech-language pathology in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.
- Lifelong learning: Graduates will participate in relevant continuing professional education activities to support lifelong learning and keep their knowledge and skills of the profession current.
Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)
Licensure Disclosure and National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Idaho State University is required to disclose information regarding professional licensure or certification related to our programs, in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Standard 2.G.3). In addition, Idaho State University participates in a voluntary state authorization reciprocity agreement, commonly known as SARA. What is SARA? "SARA's policies help protect students and provide benefits to both states and institutions carrying out distance education in multiple states. As of April 2020, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA. Over 2,100 colleges and universities participate in SARA."
Please see the following website for links that provide more information regarding licensure and the SARA agreement.
| Average GPA for those enrolled in the Master of Science in SLP Program Fall 2025 cohort | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most recent 60 credits | CSD coursework | Undergraduate | |||
| 3.73 | 3.77 | 3.53 | |||