MHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
The Master of Health Science (MHS) in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences provides students with a background in speech, language and hearing sciences. Students in this program receive a strong academic background in current theory and application from faculty who are committed to excellence in teaching and who are involved in clinical and basic research. Students in this program are interested in focusing on research within the discipline and possibly continuing on to a PhD program.
Degree Requirements
MHS candidates are required to complete a minimum of 48 semester credit hours in graduate-level courses with grades of B- or higher. No fewer than 24 credit hours must be earned in 8000/9000-level course work offered by the program. This program does not include an emphasis is speech-language pathology; therefore, additional credit hours are required beyond the MHS to meet clinical practicum requirements for certification and licensure in the field. A thesis is required.
| Required Courses | ||
| SLHS 8020 | Developmental Language Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 8030 | Acquired Language Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 8200 | Motor Speech Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 8210 | Disorders of Fluency | 3 |
| SLHS 8225 | Voice Science and Voice Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 8300 | Neurological Bases of Speech and Language | 2 |
| Courses not required but may be appropriate electives for some students | ||
| SLHS 8230 | Dysphagia | 3 |
| SLHS 8240 | Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Disorders | 1 |
| SLHS 8320 | Speech Sound Disorders | 2 |
| SLHS 8430 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| SLHS 8600 | Clinical Language Analysis | 3 |
| Research training | 6-9 | |
| SLHS 8960 | Directed Reading in Speech, Language and Hearing Science | 1-3 |
| SLHS 8090 | Research in Speech, Language and Hearing Science | 1-99 |
Thesis
The thesis is prepared under the supervision of an SLHS faculty member. A thesis committee of three faculty members must be formed during the student's second semester in the program. In addition to the Departmental guidelines, students should review the MU Graduate School's Thesis Process for Master's Students. During the Fall semester of year one, students will work with their thesis advisor to make progress on their project.
Length of Time to Complete
The MHS degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences typically takes students two full years to complete if their baccalaureate degree is in speech, language and hearing sciences. If their undergraduate study was in another field, the degree program requires a series of prerequisite courses that may be completed through any college or university that offers an undergraduate degree in SLHS. All students must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree (in some field) before beginning the MHS program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. For more information, contact the Department at umhsshpslhs@health.missouri.edu.
Admissions
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the MHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program’s graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility, and application process. Before official admission to the University of Missouri, your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you have applied.
The SLHS MHS program at MU is relatively small and selective. Students benefit from a low student-faculty ratio, close academic and research supervision, and a challenging yet supportive learning environment. Faculty in SLHS are easily accessible, and strong student-faculty relationships are easily developed.
The SLHS department welcomes all visitors interested in meeting our faculty and students and touring our facilities. If you would like to visit, we recommend that you schedule an appointment by emailing us at umhsshpslhs@health.missouri.edu.