Speech Pathology Degree Requirements

Speech pathology is a rewarding career that involves helping those who are having difficulties with speech due to a language or developmental disorder.  A Master's degree in Speech Pathology is required to become a speech pathologist, as well as certification in speech pathology.

Bachelor's Degree

In order to become a speech pathologist, one must obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.  It is important to seek out a school that offers a good speech pathology program.  The student obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology should take all of the necessary classes that will prepare him to work as a speech pathologist.  While the student must fulfill all of the general education requirements, he will spend a lot of time focusing on classes that are centered around different language and communication disorders.  He will also focus on language processing, educational psychology and clinical audiology.

Master's Degree

Obtaining a Master's degree in Speech Pathology is the next step in becoming a speech pathologist.  A master's degree allows the student to become certified as a speech pathologist, which is required in nearly every state.  Master's degree students will focus on issues such as stuttering, different language disorders in children, autism and disorders with motor speech in children.  They will also perform clinical work in the field of speech pathology.

Other Requirements

Once the student has obtained her master's degree, she must sit for the certification examination given by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  She may also be required to perform supervised clinical work and complete professional clinical experience.