Curriculum: Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology

Total Credits

Application Periods

Application Fee Waived

Request More Information from an Enrollment Advisor

Step 1 of 2

Program of Interest*
Program requires the completion of an associate degree program. Have you earned an associate degree?*
- Yes (*includes in-progress degree)
- No
Program requires the completion of a BSN degree program. Have you earned a BSN degree?*
- Yes (*includes in-progress degree)
- No
Desired Start Date*
*This program is now enrolling for Summer 2025.

Name*
First Name Last Name
Email*
Country*

Country
State*
State
ZIP
This field is hidden when viewing the form
*
Region Postal Code
Phone*
Phone*
Military Affiliated
Freely given consent from contact*
By submitting this form I accept the privacy policy and understand that University of Cincinnati may contact me via telephone, email, and/or text messages about educational programs using an automated technology.*
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Application Periods

Fall start only. Applications open August 2025; classes begin August 24, 2026.

Application Fee Waived

Application fee waived for Fall 2026.

Curriculum at a Glance

This proposed curriculum for the Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology program is subject to change.

CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE

SLP-D Core Courses Required Education/School Track Leadership Courses Education Track Elective Options Required Healthcare Track Leadership Courses Healthcare Track Elective Options

These Courses Are Required to Complete the Program

Course	Title / Description	Credit
CSD8000	Application of Clinical Science to Service Delivery: Interpreting the Evidence Course: CSD8000 Credit: 3 This course will explore the current state of published evidence and expert clinical experience pertaining to the assessment and treatment of select clinical populations, including but not limited to language, communication, voice, and swallowing disorders/disabilities. This seminar style course will promote the development of the student’s ability to provide critical analyses of published evidence to include examination of research design as well as the fidelity of the reported outcomes, including the application of findings to real life clinical scenarios. To support their understanding, an overview of both basic qualitative and quantitative statistics will be provided.	3
CSD8001	Epidemiological Trends in CSD: Current State and Future Needs of Clinical Care Course: CSD8001 Credit: 3 The field of communication sciences and disorders has seen disproportionate advances in assessment and treatment over the past 40+ years for different populations we serve. This course will evaluate incidence and prevalence of populations and/or diagnoses speech language pathologists’ serve coupled with consideration of current assessment and treatment strengths and limitations. We will consider opportunities for advancement within our field in areas such as novel and innovative methods, tools, and paradigms to improve clinical and quality of life outcomes and access to care in healthcare and educational settings.	3
CSD8002	Advanced Application of Research for Clinical Decision Making Course: CSD8002 Credit: 3 Students will actively engage in presented clinical case discussions, demonstrating the application of published evidence to support hypothetical assessment and intervention planning for populations we serve in CSD. This course will support a focus on interprofessional collaboration and effective communication. Students will present a real-life clinical case to actively discuss their decision-making process considering and applying evidence-based practice and clarifying short and long-term implications of assessment and treatment decisions.	3
CSD8003	Advanced Assessment and Intervention Strategies for CSD Course: CSD8003 Credit: 3 This course will investigate the strengths and limitations of select assessment and intervention tools/programs providing students with skills for future application. Students will collaboratively identify how the underlying principles of development, learning, and recovery integrate with the practical implementation of a given assessment or intervention. We will explore how assessment and intervention benefit from collaborative holistic approaches, including the use of culturally responsive methods, involvement of family, facilitators (e.g., interpreters), and other interdisciplinary professionals.	3
CSD8004	Professional Leadership and Mentorship Course: CSD8004 Credit: 3 This course will cover the dynamics of receiving and providing guidance as a mentor and professional leader for clinicians treating populations across the lifespan. We will explore the scholarship and pedagogy involved in teaching for classroom and clinical settings. Real life experiences, culturally humble and inclusive approaches, interpersonal factors and the direct application of content to healthcare and educational settings will be fundamental to the didactic nature of this course.	3
CSD8005	Advanced Instrumentation for Assessment and Treatment in CSD Course: CSD8005 Credit: 3 The scope of practice for speech language pathologists (SLPs) includes the provision of specialized instrumentation to evaluate and treat the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, aerodigestive tract, and central nervous system. In clinical practice, SLPs administer some instrumentation techniques (e.g., FEES) while others require a collaborative interprofessional approach, with neighboring disciplines conducting the instrumentation and SLPs engaging in or benefitting from the interpretation process. This course will focus on scientific principles, operational support, and interpretation factors associated with the use of acoustic, aerodynamic, pressure monitoring, and imaging (e.g., ultrasound, MRI, and endoscopic and fluoroscopic) technology. Population specific focus will depend on the specialty areas of the students but may include voice and swallowing disorders, speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, craniofacial anomalies, AAC, and/or language and literacy.	3
CSD8006	Ethical Considerations Related to Access & Social Well-Being in CSD Course: CSD8006 Credit: 3 This course will cover an in-depth analysis of how current and desired standards of care involving assessment, intervention, and access to CSD services in the educational or medical environment are impacted by issues of diversity, clinical need, social wellbeing, cultural and policy influences. Each of these issues will be explored and defined. Emphasis will be placed on examination of challenges of each issue and how the profession should and could improve with an expanded understanding and novel approaches to care. Students will be guided to develop solutions-oriented projects for identified needs in designated settings.	3
CSD8007	Culminating Project I: Topic, Team, Foundation, and Approach Course: CSD8007 Credit: 2 In this course, the SLP-D student will develop a clinically applied culminating project guided by their specialty area mentor. The student will develop the focus, academic approach, and a research team required to complete the project. This course is the first of a three-part series and emphasizes preparing the student for project design, initiating the literature review, and writing and submitting IRB documentation.	2
CSD8008	Culminating Project II: Implementation and Execution Course: CSD8008 Credit: 2 The SLP-D student, with the support of their project chair and identified area specialist, will organize and execute the approved culminating project developed in CSD 8007 - Culminating Project I.	2
CSD8009	Culminating Project III: Findings and Conclusions Course: CSD8009 Credit: 2 The SLP-D student will present their culminating project to their committee, faculty and clinical specialty peers in the form of a formal defense presentation and written manuscript outlining the full scope and application of the approved culminating project carried out through CSD 8007, CSD 8008, and this final course (CSD 8009).	2
CSD8011	Advances in Clinical and Educational Practice Course: CSD8011 Credit: 3 Significant technological advances in the areas of assessment, intervention, outcome monitoring, delivery models and clinical training are now a part of mainstream clinical care and clinical education. This course will examine and review the current trends and strengths and limitations in existing and emerging technologies within communication sciences and disorders. Students will be expected to develop a framework for a technologically based application, program or protocol to be used in the clinical and/or classroom setting.	3
CSD8012	Neuroimaging and Neurobehavioral Metrics in CSD Course: CSD8012 Credit: 3 The use of neuroimaging to identify and quantify the function of neural pathways, cortical and sub-cortical regions integral to neuro development and recovery of language learning, cognition, motor speech, voice and swallowing function is increasingly evident in the research. This course will investigate how findings from these areas of published research relate to actual functional outcomes and how practical applications of neuroimaging can inform care.	3

6 credit hours

Course	Title / Description	Credit
EDLD7038	Leadership for Social Justice Course: EDLD7038 Credit: 3 This course is designed to develop competencies necessary for entry-level administrative positions. The goal of this course is to provide participants with a theoretical knowledge base concerning issues of social justice in educationalleadership. The course focuses on the many ways inwhich educational leaders can actively oppose economic, social, and political injustices in the American public school system.	3
EDLD7035	Educational Leadership Theory Course: EDLD7035 Credit: 3 This course is designed to introduce the student to the theories and practices of educational leadership and organizational behaviors in school systems. Through a series of individual and collaborative activities, participants will begin to understand and appreciate the challenges faced by modern school leaders.	3

Choose 6 credit hours

Course	Title / Description	Credit
EDLD8035	School Law Course: EDLD8035 Credit: 3 This course offers an overview of legislative, executive, and judicial action pertaining to the education with a focus on: the rights of students;the rights of PreK-12 personnel; the responsibilities of school and state agency officials; due process hearings; gender equity andsexual harassment; race an international origin discrimination; legal problems of religious and private schools; search and seizure in schools; legal aspects of the formulation of policy in schools; complementary methods for examining legalissues in education; and recent developments in education law. This course also offers a survey offederal and state statutes, regulations, executiveagency opinions, and published research with respect to the rights of students and personnel and corollary responsibilities of school and stateagency officials, with a social justice approach. Additionally, this course examines a historical approach to meeting the needs of all students, embedded within the context of federal laws and policies. It also provides an overview of federal laws that mandate the success of students with varying social, emotional, and academic needs.	3
SPED7001	Overview of Special Education Law Course: SPED7001 Credit: 3 This course provides students a foundational understanding of the modern practices within special education. Students gain understanding by studying how the field has evolved throughout time. Information presented in this course is contextualized through various means including: understanding of human need, law/policy, and current research. From this course, students gain an initial understanding of the legal and ethical roles and responsibilities of a professional within the field of special education.	3
EDST7001	Politics of Education Course: EDST7001 Credit: 3 This course explores a range of political issues in American education. The primary focus is on understanding the social and political context that shape educational policies in schools. It examines political decisions that affect the national, state, and local goals of schooling.	3
CSD8010	Clinical Immersion Course: CSD8010 Credit: 3 This course will be tailored to each student to support them in gaining advanced clinical skills and knowledge in a chosen specialized area of practice. Students may engage in intensive clinical work, collaborate with experienced clinicians, work on a specialized clinical certification (e.g., board certification) and/or participate in scholarly activities related to their chosen specialization. This course will provide opportunity for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical challenges, enhance clinical reasoning, and develop a strong foundation for future leadership roles in the field of speech-language pathology.	3
CSD8013	Advanced Language Learning and Reading Course: CSD8013 Credit: 3 This course will explore the fundamentals of language and learning, including reading development for children using a holistic approach that considers culturally responsive theories and practices. In this seminar style course, we promote independent critical thinking of the published evidence to support examination of the child in context. Student learners are provided with case-based learning opportunities to proffer the integration of clinical principles, theoretical foundations, and translational application of the evidence to bridge the research to practice gap. To support this knowledge translation, students are provided with opportunities to engage in comprehensive assessment practices that inform that pathway toward intervention in an inclusive manner.	3

6 credit hours

Course	Title / Description	Credit
HCA7001	Health Systems Management 1: Organization & Delivery Course: HCA7001 Credit: 3 The course is intended to provide the student with a systems perspective of U.S. health and health care structure and function. As the MHA Program’s introductory course, it provides a basis for all subsequent courses including leadership, systems analysis, finance and economics, quality improvement, policy and law, and others. Topics include an overview of the social, political, economic and structural dynamics which shape health care in the United States as well as current and likely future imperatives health care managers will face. Evaluation is competency-based; students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency at seeking and applying evidence to managerial decision-making, the effective communication of ideas, and a number of different types of analyses relevant to cases and issues affecting U.S. healthcare today.	3
HCA7002	Health Systems Management 2: Principles of Leadership Course: HCA7002 Credit: 3 This course provides an introduction and overview to healthcare leadership, human resources management, and organizational behavior in healthcare settings, reflecting the uniqueness of this sector as well as the universal concepts and principles utilized in the development of effective healthcare administrators and leaders. This course integrates theory with practice through readings, written assignments, group projects, and discussion boards from different organizational perspectives. The development of leadership, managerial and organizational skills will be accomplished through a strong emphasis on self-reflection and self-analysis utilizing the tools of the course. This course aims to provide a relevant understanding of organizational dynamics such as performance, organizational culture, teamwork, individual and shared values, and cultural competency. It will examine how healthcare leaders and their organizations relate to each other internally and to their external environments. Topics include values-driven leadership, team effectiveness, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, conflict management, human resources management, employee behavior and appraisal, and assessment and evaluation of leadership performance. This course emphasizes the reflection of the students’ past and current experiences with the integration of current evidence-based leadership and human resources management principles. The students will be required to submit their feedback from self-evaluation assignments, surveys, inventory tools, and group work that is intended to provide insight, awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional and personal development for ongoing growth in healthcare leadership roles.	3

Choose 6 credit hours

Course	Title / Description	Credit
HCA7031	Health Policy 1: Health Policy & Regulation Course: HCA7031 Credit: 3 This course is designed to provide students with an overview of how policy is developed and how policies can affect health care in the United States. The course prepares students to understand the steps in the policy creation process and then apply concepts in policy analysis and advocacy. There are five focus areas: need and demand, healthcare finance, ethics & law, preparedness, and policy evaluation. Within the five focus areas, we will examine topics using Bardach’s Eightfold Path: problem definition, agenda setting, implementation, evaluation, and modification. The course will present case studies and readings about real-world problems that health professionals face.	3
HCA7033	Global Health Systems Course: HCA7033 Credit: 3 This foundational course uses the subject matter of global health to teach students the critical management skill of how to analyze the structure and functions of healthcare systems. Once mastered, these skills can be applied to the assessment of systems at any level and in any type of community or setting. As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to all, American healthcare managers working in a world where global health issues are of immediate and critical relevance to strategic and day-to-day operations. The building blocks of health care systems, their impacts on intermediary and outcome variables, and key stakeholder and other analytical tools will be applied to various national systems from high and low-resource nations around the world. Cultural, social, environmental, and other variables impacting understanding of health and illness, and the policies and systems built to address them, will be examined. In addition to institutional health care systems, the roles played by the marketplace, transnational organizations, private entities, and others in global health care will be explored.	3
CSD8010	Clinical Immersion Course: CSD8010 Credit: 3 This course will be tailored to each student to support them in gaining advanced clinical skills and knowledge in a chosen specialized area of practice. Students may engage in intensive clinical work, collaborate with experienced clinicians, work on a specialized clinical certification (e.g., board certification) and/or participate in scholarly activities related to their chosen specialization. This course will provide opportunity for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical challenges, enhance clinical reasoning, and develop a strong foundation for future leadership roles in the field of speech-language pathology.	3
CSD8013	Advanced Language Learning and Reading Course: CSD8013 Credit: 3 This course will explore the fundamentals of language and learning, including reading development for children using a holistic approach that considers culturally responsive theories and practices. In this seminar style course, we promote independent critical thinking of the published evidence to support examination of the child in context. Student learners are provided with case-based learning opportunities to proffer the integration of clinical principles, theoretical foundations, and translational application of the evidence to bridge the research to practice gap. To support this knowledge translation, students are provided with opportunities to engage in comprehensive assessment practices that inform that pathway toward intervention in an inclusive manner.	3

FAQs

What is the Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP-D)?

The SLP-D is a part-time, online program designed to support the career advancement of practicing speech-language pathologists. It prepares students for leadership opportunities and advanced clinical practice experiences.
How does the SLP-D differ from a PhD in Speech-Language Pathology?

The SLP-D focuses on enhancing clinical practice, clinical research, and leadership skills for practicing clinicians, while a PhD emphasizes preparation for careers in college-level teaching and research.

If you are interested in diving headfirst into research with the goal of working in academia and conducting rigorous research, we’d love to talk to you about our full-time PhD program, as that might be a better fit for you.

If your professional goals include career advancement in your current clinical setting, moving into clinical management, and/or teaching or supervising clinically, the SLP-D may be a great fit for you!

If you want to talk about your specific goals and get help deciding which program is right for you, please reach out! We would love to discuss how we can best support you or if another SLP-D program is an even better fit for your goals.
Is the SLP-D program accredited by ASHA?

The Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP-D) program at the University of Cincinnati is not subject to accreditation by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), as ASHA does not accredit clinical doctorate programs. The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

However, this program is designed for licensed, certified speech-language pathologists who already hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA. This program follows ASHA’s guidelines for the Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology and builds on the foundational knowledge and credentials provided by an ASHA-accredited master’s degree program.