Interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist?
No matter where you’re starting, we can help you become a speech-language pathologist. Let’s find your path.
Great! You can apply directly to our master’s degree program.
The Mizzou MHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences prepares you for licensure as a speech-language pathologist. It is also a stepping stone to earning a doctoral degree.
Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields need to complete prerequisite courses in communication sciences and disorders before applying to our program. You may complete this coursework at Mizzou or another accredited institution.
Students completing prerequisite coursework at another institution should use these courses as a guide. For post-baccalaureate advising and information, please contact Dr. Dana Fritz, director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.
Completing pre-reqs at Mizzou
The Mizzou pre-requisite coursework plan consists of 26 credit hours. It can be completed in one academic year.
Required courses
(23 credit hours)
| Course code | Course name | Semester | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 3010 | American Phonetics | Fall | 3 |
| SLHS 3210 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | Fall/Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 4330 | Introduction to Audiology | Fall | 3 |
| SLHS 4430 | Neurophysiology for Speech, Language and Hearing | Fall/Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 3020 | Normal Langauge Development | Fall | 3 |
| SLHS 4320 | Introduction to Speech Sound Disorders | Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 4340 | Aural Rehabilitation | Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 4900 | Clinical Observation in Communication Disorders | Spring | 2 |
Please note: To meet prerequisite requirements for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s certification in speech-language pathology, students must also have at least one course in each of the following areas: biological sciences, behavioral/social sciences, chemistry or physics, and statistics.
Elective courses
(choose any 3 credit hours)
| Course code | Course name | Semester | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 3010 | American Phonetics | Fall | 3 |
| SLHS 3210 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | Fall/Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 4330 | Introduction to Audiology | Fall | 3 |
| SLHS 4430 | Neurophysiology for Speech, Language and Hearing | Fall/Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 3020 | Normal Langauge Development | Fall | 3 |
| SLHS 4320 | Introduction to Speech Sound Disorders | Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 4340 | Aural Rehabilitation | Spring | 3 |
| SLHS 4900 | Clinical Observation in Communication Disorders | Spring | 2 |
That’s a great place to start! To become a speech-language pathologist, you’ll first earn a bachelor’s degree and then complete a master’s degree.
Once you earn a bachelor’s degree in speech, language and hearing sciences, you can begin your career as a speech-language pathology assistant or apply for graduate school. Learn more about the Mizzou BHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.
