Degree Requirements

The master’s degree program requires the equivalent of four semesters of full-time study plus a minimum of 4 credits during the summer, the exact number depending on the specific prerequisites that have been completed prior to entering the graduate program. All course plans are individualized based on student needs. Course selection depends upon the student’s undergraduate preparation and professional and certification goals.

The program prepares students for employment in healthcare, private practice, educational, and community settings.

Each student’s plan of study must be approved by their faculty advisor. A minimum of 68 units for courses at the graduate level with at least 60 units taken at Boston University are required for the degree. At least one term must be devoted to full-time study and all degree requirements must be completed within five years after initial matriculation in the program.

Satisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination is required unless the faculty approves a thesis as a substitute.

Continued enrollment in the graduate program is contingent upon the following:

• The acceptability of B- work in required courses is subject to department faculty approval.
• Required courses receiving grades of C+ and below must be repeated. A student may repeat a required course only once.
• Students who receive a grade below a B in more than 2 academic courses will be terminated from the program.
• A clinical practicum experience that receives a grade of B– or below must be repeated. If a student receives a second grade of B– or below in a clinical practicum experience, they will be terminated from the program.
• To count clinical practicum clock and unit hours toward ASHA certification, the student must receive a practicum grade of B– or better.
• Matriculating MS students must achieve a grade of B or higher in SAR SH 647 Introduction to the Clinical Process before they are eligible to enroll in SAR SH 740 Introduction to Practicum.