Arnold School of Public Health

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program residential modality (in-person and full time) in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for professional practice as speech-language pathologists. Students learn to assess and treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan, working with both children and adults. 

As a speech-language pathologist, you may support individuals with speech sound disorders, motor speech difficulties, language delays, autism-related communication needs, literacy challenges, stuttering, voice disorders, stroke-related language loss, feeding challenges, swallowing disorders and other communication needs. 

Students in the residential MS program complete a rigorous full-time course of study and clinical training on a year-round basis for two calendar years. The program is ideal for students who want an immersive graduate experience that combines academic preparation, hands-on clinical learning, and faculty mentorship. 

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Curriculum

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology curriculum combines academic coursework and clinical experiences designed to meet ASHA standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. Students complete coursework in basic communication sciences, professional practice, related areas such as public health and evidence-based care, and clinical practicum/internship experiences that prepare them to work with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. See the sample course sequence. 

View full program curriculum on the Academic Bulletin by program entry year.

Residential (Full-Time) Modality  

The residential modality provides a full-time, immersive experience with in-person instruction, hands-on clinical training, and close interaction with faculty and peers. 

Looking for an online program? Explore the MS Part-Time and Distance modality. {link to MS Distance}

Outcomes

The Arnold School is helping lead the development of science-based interventions, advancing holistic care models, and training the next generation of health professionals. From Alzheimer's support to tech-enabled arthritis care and stronger...

Information Sessions 

Join an Information Session or Open House to learn more about the MS in Speech-Language Pathology 

Open House

October 15, 2026 
10 am – 1pm 

Location: Lumpkin Auditorium, 8thFloor, Close-Hipp Building 

Register Here

Admissions Requirements 

Learn about the complete admission requirements and prerequisites for the MS degree program. 

 

Where Our Grads Work 

Our grads are working in healthcare, education, and private practice. 

• Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System 

• Sprout Pediatrics, LLC 

• Prisma Health 

• FOX Rehabilitation 

• Richland School District 2 

• Greenville County Schools 

Graduate Assistantships 

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• What is a graduate assistantship?

  A graduate assistantship is a part-time position that allows graduate students to work in a variety of roles, depending on the source of funding. 

• What types of work do graduate assistants do?

  Graduate assistants may be hired by a faculty member to support research on a grant-funded project or by a department to assist with clerical, administrative or other program-related duties. 

• Who is eligible for a graduate assistantship?

  Graduate assistants must be enrolled as full-time students. MS students (whether they work within or outside of the department) are limited to GA positions that require them to work no more than 10 hours per week.  

• What financial benefits do assistantships provide?

  Financial assistance may be available for students who agree to work in South Carolina public schools for a specified period of time after graduation. 

• Is financial assistance available?

  Financial assistance may be available for students who agree to work in South Carolina public schools for a specified period of time after graduation. 

• How can students find graduate assistantships?

  All applicants are considered for COMD’s merit-based GA positions, and are offered at the time of admission.  If applications are not offered a GA position in COMD, they may reach out to other departments across campus directly to explore GA opportunities.

Tuition 

Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, scholarships, and assistantships to help support their education. Learn more from the Office of Graduate Student Services.

USC Tuition & Fees

Unique Training Opportunities

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• Neurogenic Disorders

  COMD offers select master’s students additional training for hospital and rehabilitation careers through active research and clinical affiliations with area medical centers. A limited number of students may gain expanded experience in brain dysfunction, including stroke, head injury, dementia, and progressive diseases. 

  Students pursuing this additional training have the opportunity to participate by: 

  • Attending monthly meetings to discuss and learn through use of guest speakers, films, presentations, and review of case studies 

  • Working with stroke support groups 

  • Attending workshops, and other special events 

  • Completing practicum assignments in neurogenic medical and rehabilitation sites. 

  • Completing internships in settings geared toward neurogenic populations. 
• Auditory-Verbal/Cochlear Implants

  Our department offers a unique program to allow a limited number of master’s degree students to receive specialized training in therapy techniques for individuals having hearing loss and cochlear implants (CIs). 

  Students pursuing this additional training have the opportunity to participate in a working Cochlear Implant Team by: 

  • Conducting pre-implant evaluations 

  • Sitting in on team meetings to determine if a patient is a candidate for an implant 

  • Scrubbing in and joining our surgeon in the operating room while the device is implanted 

  • Participating in the programming of the external device (ie., Mapping) 

  • Participating in AVT and Aural Rehabilitation therapy sessions 

  • Assisting in support groups for teens and adults with cochlear implants or hearing aids 

  • Attending monthly meetings involving guest speakers and other specialized events 

  • Enrolling in specialized coursework on CIs, AVT, and Aural Rehabilitation therapy 

  • Completing practicum experiences designed to give them exposure to treating individuals with hearing loss.

  These select students may even be present to observe a parent see their child respond to sound for the first time. Alternatively, they may be present to see an adult hear their loved ones’ voices for the first time in years. 

  Participation can be a stepping stone for those wanting to pursue international certification in AVT. 

  Participation in these additional and unique experiences are available to only a small number of new students each year. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When is the program entry term? 

Applicants with a background in speech-language pathology (SLP) should apply for fall term while those without an SLP academic background should apply for the summer term.  

Is the residential MS in Speech-Language Pathology full time? 

Yes. Students in the residential Master of Science program must maintain continuous, full-time enrollment on a year-round basis for two calendar years. 

Do you offer this program online? 

Yes, we offer the degree in an online, part-time program. Explore the MS SLP distance education program. (link to Online MS SLP page) 

When is the application deadline? 

The application deadline for admission is December 15. 

Should I choose the residential or distance education program? 

Compare the two paths and which one best fits your lifestyle and learning preferences. Both will lead you to a career in speech-language pathology! 

What types of disorders do speech-language pathologists treat? 

Speech-language pathologists treat a wide range of concerns, including articulation disorders, motor speech difficulties, language delays, autism-related communication needs, literacy challenges, stuttering, voice disorders, stroke-related language loss, feeding difficulties and swallowing disorders. 

Is the program accredited? 

Yes. The master’s degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Carolina has been continuously accredited for more than 30 years by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

Who do speech-language pathologists work with? 

Speech-language pathologists work with children and adults who have communication and swallowing disorders, including speech, language, fluency, voice, feeding, and swallowing difficulties. 

What can I do with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology? 

You'll be prepared to work as a speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, private practice, and other clinical or community settings. 

I have questions about the CSDCAS application portal.  

You can learn more about the CSDCAS application process. Please contact the CSDCAS Customer Service Desk Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST: Phone: 617-612-2030 or  csdcassinfo@csdcas.org support@csdcas.myliaison.com 

Contact Us 

If you have questions about the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, please contact Heather Bonilha, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator at 803-777-5055 or hbonilha@mailbox.sc.edu.