The Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute consists of two campuses; one is in Hudson and the other is in Boone. The school offers an associate degree in speech and language pathology, which allows graduates to work as a speech pathology assistant. Students complete a two-year course that trains them in evaluation and treatment methods to be used under the supervision of a speech therapist. Classes range from anatomy and physiology and medical terminology to writing and public speaking. Courses in speech patterns, behavioral modification and developmental disorders are also required.
Located in Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Technical Community College offers students an associate degree in speech and language pathology, allowing them to work as an assistant in the field. The five-semester degree program requires students to have completed Algebra 1 and a unit of biology prior to admission to the program. Students must complete required courses, including anatomy and physiology, general psychology, interpersonal communication and various disorder classes. Three elective classes are required for graduation. These should be in the humanities and fine arts area and cannot include any foreign language classes.
Shaw University is a Baptist college that is located in Raleigh. Students can work toward a Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology, which can then lead to obtaining a master's degree. Students can also minor in this area instead. Students must complete classes that train them in basic science, language, communication and science directly related to speech pathology and audiology. These courses include communication disorders, nature of language, disorders of articulation and aural rehabilitation. Students also receive clinical practice in their field prior to graduation. To proceed to the junior year, students must have a grade point average of at least 2.8 and going forward, maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science in communication disorders at Appalachian State University can continue on toward a master's degree in speech and language pathology. Students complete courses that train them to prevent problems, evaluate issues and treat those with speech impediments. For those with a degree in communication disorders, the master's program requires five full-load semesters, while those with a degree in another field require one or two additional semesters to complete. Courses for the master's program include diagnostic process and research methods, as well as courses on various disorders, including language, neurogenic and voice disorders.
The University of North Carolina campus at Chapel Hill offers both master's and doctorate degrees in the area of speech and hearing services. The master's degree in speech and hearing services is split into a clinical track and a nonclinical track. The clinical track consists of 60 credit hours of work geared toward training students to work with patients in the clinical field. The nonclinical track is used by those who wish to enter into research or by foreign students who do not need American certification. Those students who move on to the doctoral program will receive training in research, teaching and technology to help advance the field for the future.
Students pursuing a master's or doctorate in communication sciences and disorders can attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The college also offers an undergraduate degree in the field that is geared toward moving on to a master's or doctorate. The undergraduate program prepares students for licensing in the state of North Carolina. However, the state requires completion of a master's degree to be licensed. The two-year master's program uses classroom learning combined with clinical experience to train students in the speech pathology field. Those students who wish to pursue the doctorate can complete the doctoral program full time or enroll in the program part time, allowing them to work while they earn the doctorate degree. Completion of this program takes between four and seven years.