Choosing a graduate program is a big decision to make and requires the consideration of many factors in finding a school that best suits your needs. Below is a compiled list of questions to consider when choosing a graduate program. These questions were composed by a first year SLP graduate student based on questions that were helpful in making their decision. Please know that these questions are simply suggestions on what to consider and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Good luck choosing a graduate program and congratulations on beginning this new chapter of your education!
1. What types of clinical practicum opportunities are offered or available in the program? (university clinic, school/hospital placements, etc.)
2. Do I have a graduate assistantship offer or is there a chance I will receive one? Are there other opportunities to apply for graduate positions at the university? Are there scholarship opportunities available to me?
3. What does the faculty consist of at the university? Do professors have a wide range/variety of specialties within speech pathology including research interests and work experiences? Is there a Ph.D. program housed in the department at the university?
4. How are student externships and placements organized and handled within the program? Does the university have an assigned faculty member to organize placements for students or is it the student’s responsibility to arrange placements?
5. How are the graduate coursework and clinical experience broken up each semester? Are clinic and classes run simultaneously? Are summer coursework/clinical experience involved?
6. During what semesters (and summer) are students required to be on campus? Are there semesters that students will be 100% off campus (i.e. spring semester 2nd year). Will classes be held online any semester or summer?
7. What is the average number of clinical hours students from the program graduate with? Do students, on average, have the 400 ASHA required hours, or are students falling short/cutting it close on the hours needed?
8. What is the Praxis pass rate at the program among graduates?
9. What is the city and geographical region like? What is the cost of living?
10. What is the facility like that the graduate program is housed in? Has it recently been built or remodeled? Does it have an in house university clinic?
11. Is personal transportation required for clinical practicum opportunities?
12. Is tuition based on the number of credits enrolled in or charged on a flat rate per semester basis? If tuition is charged per credit, how many credits are students enrolled in per semester?