3 SLP Master's Programs That Don't Require Pre-Reqs

We focus a lot on post-bacc programs here, but we'd remiss not to mention at least a few SLP master's programs that don't require pre-reqs. Typically, these are 3-year master's programs, where the first year is spent completing pre-requisite coursework and the remaining two years are the typical master's track courses and clinical work. The benefit of these programs is you have guaranteed enrollment in a master's program. The downside is the cost--you'll pay for three years of graduate-level tuition rather than two. Here, we highlight three in-person SLP master's programs that don't require pre-reqs. 

1. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University, situated in, Nashville, TN, is the one of the nation's top SLP programs. In addition to their standard coursework, they offer three specialty tracks: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Early Identification and Management of Children with Hearing Loss, and School Specialty Track. Students also have the option of participating research alongside a faculty mentor and submitting a thesis as part of their degree program.

Vanderbilt's program is typically 20 months, but for students without a background in speech-language pathology, the course of study is only one additional semester, making it 24 months. Note that students do need to have their out-of-field pre-requisites (biology, physics, stats, and behavioral science) completed prior to enrolling. They also recommend completing a few undergrad SLP courses prior to enrollment to reduce the course load: language acquisition, basic audiology, and aural rehabilitation. 

As of this blog post, tuition is $44,586/year (12 months) + fees, books, and cost of living, for a total estimated cost of $83,339/year. 

2. University of Arizona

University of Arizona, located in Tucson, AZ,  stands out as one of the few programs in the country that offers a multicultural bilingual certificate program and has a tradition of participating in ASHA's Minority Student Leadership Program. Students also have the opportunity to engage in research. The University of Arizona does not require the GRE as part of the MS application. 

They offer a three-year MS program for students coming in without a background in SLP. The first year is a leveling year, during which students will complete undergraduate coursework. Although not required, they recommend students complete out-of-field pre-requisites prior to enrolling in the three-year master's program. 

As of this blog post, tuition is $12,106/year for AZ residents and $32,290 for out-of-state students. No total estimated cost (e.g., room + board) is provided on their website. 

3. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder offers students without a background in SLP a number of ways to complete pre-requisites. Their leveling program, SLPP is offered fully online and allows students to complete 24 credits of SLP coursework. Tuition is $353/credit for both in-state and out-of-state students. 

Students may also choose to apply to the 3-year MA-SLP program at UCB. The first year will consist of leveling courses followed by 2 years of the graduate coursework and clinical placements. UCB is also waving the GRE through the 2023/24 application cycle. 

As of this blog post, in-state tuition is $14,708/year (9-month). In-state tuition is available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming through the Western Regional Graduate Program. Out-of-state tuition is $34,180.