Speech pathologists are people who study the development and disorders of speech. To work in the field of speech pathology, you’ll usually need to finish one or more speech pathology degree programs. Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are the most common types of speech pathology degree programs (PhD). The length, rigor, and potential careers for which these degrees prepare graduates vary.
The bachelor’s degree is one of the most common types of speech pathology programs. This four-year undergraduate degree program in speech pathology provides students with a broad overview of the field. Students must take classes in a variety of relevant subjects, such as language acquisition, communication disorders, and anatomy and physiology, as well as meet a number of general-education requirements. Several BS programs also include some clinical hours. Students with a BS in speech pathology in the United States are generally unable to work as full-fledged speech pathologists, but they may be able to work as speech pathology assistants.
This two- to three-year program is the most popular among speech pathology degree programs because an MS is generally required to become a certified speech pathologist in the United States. Many of the topics covered in the BS are covered in greater depth in the MS. MS students are required to complete extensive clinical hours in addition to taking a number of classes. This helps them develop the skills they need to work successfully with clients. Some MS programs also require students to complete a written thesis or a major research project related to their chosen field of study. After completing an MS program, a student must usually pass an exam to become a certified speech pathologist.
The PhD is another option for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in speech pathology. This degree program is usually very demanding, and it can take up to five years to complete. PhD students typically begin their studies taking a number of advanced speech pathology classes before taking an exam in their chosen specialization. Students must then write and defend a dissertation based on original research in their chosen field of speech pathology. Graduates of a PhD program in speech pathology are generally qualified to teach at the university level and conduct research.