As a Speech@Emerson student, you must complete in-person clinical placements that satisfy both:

These are both minimums, and they are independent requirements. To complete the 400 clock hours required by ASHA, 25 hours must be spent in clinical observation, and 375 hours must be spent in direct client contact. Of the 375 contact hours, at least 325 must be obtained within the graduate program.

Which types of certification or licensure will I need once I earn my degree?

After graduating from your master’s program, you will need state licensure to practice as a speech-language pathologist. As each state has different requirements regarding licensure, it is important to check your state’s specific education and licensure requirements. Depending on your location, you may need to fulfill additional post-graduate requirements in order to become licensed.

State-by-state licensure requirements can be found on the ASHA website. Students are also encouraged to check with their state licensing boards for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How do I obtain my Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) once I graduate from the program?

Speech@Emerson graduates are eligible to begin their Clinical Fellowship (CF) year, which is the first step graduating students take toward obtaining the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Additional details about the CF year can be found on the ASHA website. 

If you have any additional questions about Speech@Emerson, reach out to our admissions team at 1-855-997-0407 or via email at admissions@speech.emerson.edu.

How many semesters are required to complete the program?

The online program is offered through both a five-term and nine-term track. On the five-term track, you can complete the program in as few as 20 months. On the nine-term track, the program can be completed in as few as 36 months. With both the five-term and nine-term tracks, students are required to complete both academic courses and clinical placements simultaneously across several terms. Clinical placements require students to be available three to five full-time days per week throughout the semester.

Can I work while enrolled?

Due to the demands of the online program, you are not able to work full time. Depending on the track, during certain terms, you may be able to work part time. For either track, it is not possible to work while completing clinical placements because clinical placements require a commitment of three to five full-time days per week for the duration of the term.