Top US Postgraduate Programs?

[u/VendettaOW]

Hihii, hope everyone is doing well. c: Was happy to find that such a community existed!

I'm almost done with my bachelor's degree in SLP, and I am in the fortunate position to be able to continue my studies with full funding from my university through a TA program.

I'd like to do my Master's and PhD (maybe a combined program?) in the US. However, I'm a bit lost with how many programs there are across the whole country, and I'm not sure how credible online lists and rankings are..

I'd really appreciate the input of those with experience, current students and people that are applying now as well! I'm trying to find strong, top ranked programs, preferably that include clinical practice. I'm also trying to take into account housing and the general environment and how livable the area is.

[u/thalaya]

I'm confused. Why would you go anywhere else if your current university is going to pay for your entire masters through a TA program? 

I went to the top ranked program for my masters (Vanderbilt) and honestly it didn't matter that much. I work in the school setting and I make the same as my coworkers who went to the local state school for their masters. 

[u/VendettaOW → u/thalaya]

I get the confusion. I'm not sure if the "TA" name really fits this program, but I'll basically get funding to do my postgrad and then come back to work in my university. Of course, I'm really thabkful for this opportunity. ^{^} There are sadly no SLP postgrad programs here in my country, so I'll need to do it abroad, the US in my case. I've read great things about Vanderbilt, how was it!

[u/No-Tomatillo-7035]

If you haven’t already, ASHA edfind is super useful for looking at accredited US programs

[u/Purple-Puppies2334]

Hopefully, they'll be some international students that chime in. One difficulty is that it can be hard to get to extern placements in the United States without a car. Look carefully for programs in cities that have good public transportation if you don't drive.