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 8020Developmental Language Disorders3
SLHS 8030Acquired Language Disorders and Cognition3
SLHS 8200Motor Speech Disorders3
SLHS 8210Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders3
SLHS 8225Voice Science and Voice Disorders3
SLHS 8300Neurological Bases of Speech and Language2
Courses not required but may be appropriate electives for some students
SLHS 8230Dysphagia3
SLHS 8240Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Disorders1
SLHS 8320Speech Sound Disorders2
SLHS 8430Augmentative and Alternative Communication2
SLHS 8600Clinical Language Analysis3
Research training6-9
SLHS 8960Directed Reading in Speech, Language and Hearing Science1-3
SLHS 8090Research in Speech, Language and Hearing Science1-99

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 muslhs@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 muslhs@missouri.edu.

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