M.S. in Speech Language Pathology

The Master of Science education program in speech-language pathology at Syracuse University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Students completing the programs will have met the course and practicum requirements set by ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence and for New York State licensure. Completion of the master's program, and previous appropriate undergraduate coursework, also prepares our graduates for certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD) in New York State.

Any student holding a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution, will be eligible to apply to the master's degree program in speech-language pathology. Potential students need not have an undergraduate degree in the field of communication sciences.

The typical master's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology for students with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences requires a minimum of four full-time academic semesters plus one summer. (5 total)

Students with an undergraduate degree in fields other than communication sciences will have additional coursework requirements that extend the program by two semesters. (7 total)

Accreditation

The master of science program in speech-language pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The following is a sample of one typical sequence of courses/clinical practica, selected to meet the national certification standards for the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) for students with a Communication Sciences & Disorders Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Courses in Audiology are chosen to satisfy American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requirements. Sequences and electives may vary depending on the individual needs of the student.

Sample Required Courses (total credits: 46-53)

• CSD 612 Cleft Palate, Craniofacial Disorders
• CSD 618 Dysphagia
• CSD 623 Language Disorders of Early Childhood
• CSD 624 Clinical Techniques for Language Disorders of Early Childhood
• CSD 625 Stuttering
• CSD 635 Aural Rehabilitation
• CSD 638 Speech Sound Disorders
• CSD 644 Counseling of Individuals with Comm Disorders
• CSD 646 Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems
• CSD 650 Advanced Clinical Practicum (taken every semester)
• CSD 657 Voice Disorders
• CSD 659 Intro to Research
• CSD 677 SLP in Schools
• CSD 726 Neurogenic Communication Disorders I
• CSD 727 Neurogenic Communication Disorders II
• CSD 731 School-Age Language Disorders
• CSD 732 Clinical Techniques for School-Age Language Disorders
• EED 640 Safe & Healthy Learning Environment (required for teaching certificate)

Capstone Experience

In the final semester of their program, each student must pass a comprehensive examination designed to assess SLP students' academic and clinical preparation, unless they have chosen to complete a Master's Thesis project.

Students entering without an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders will still enter the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program, however, they will also have to complete the following courses:

• CSD 615 Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing
• CSD 616 Introduction to Applied Phonetics
• CSD 622 Development of Speech & Language
• CSD 627 Speech and Language Disorders in Children
• CSD 629 Basic Clinical Audiology
• CSD 645 Speech Science
• CSD 651 Clinical Methods Speech/Language Pathology

Total credits: 72-75

Transfer Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to 12 graduate credits from another university into the Master of Science program.

Part-time Study

Part-time study is not available in the Master of Science program.

Clinical Practicum

The Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is located at 621 Skytop on the South Campus of SU. The clinics, in operation since 1972, serve the Syracuse community and surrounding areas. Master's students engage in a wide range of diagnostic and therapy experiences under the direct supervision of faculty and certified clinical staff in the Gebbie Clinic. These experiences include individual case management (assessment and treatment), group therapy, and diagnostic team evaluations. Students gain proficiency in the treatment of speech and language disabilities, incorporating areas such as phonology, language, fluency, swallowing, autism, Asperger's syndrome, genetic disorders, adult neurogenic disorders, and voice. Many of these clinical practica may include the use of advanced technology (Sonospeech, Kay Elemetric Swallowing Station, Computerized Speech Lab, laryngeal videostroboscopy, PRAAT, and a variety of software programs).

Students will experience a wide variety of externship settings in their last two semesters of the program, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, early intervention centers, and private practices in the central New York area. Placements include public schools, infant/toddler and preschool programs, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, private clinics and special education programs generally in the Syracuse area. Students who excel in academic and clinical work may be allowed to do their final externship outside of the central New York area. Previously, students have been placed in schools and hospitals in diverse locations such as Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Canada.

Comprehensive examinations are taken during the last semester of master's degree coursework (fall or spring). As an alternative to the comprehensive examination, the student with an interest in research may elect a thesis option.

Completion of the master’s program provides students with the academic and practicum qualifications for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for New York State licensure in speech-language pathology. Graduates may also fulfil the requirements for New York State teacher certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities.