Program Overview

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time, 5-semester program designed to prepare students for a career in speech-language pathology. The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Program Overview

The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, online instruction, and experiential learning, including intensive student participation in the clinical programs of the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center. Advanced graduate students obtain additional clinical experience through placement in the Department's affiliated professional practices, medical centers, and public schools.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at California State University Northridge is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program's current accreditation cycle is for eight years, from April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2029.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. Demonstrate appropriate comportment and knowledge of professional standards.
2. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and knowledge of the effects of cultural difference on communication.
3. Demonstrate professional entry-level knowledge and clinical application of speech, language, cognition, auditory, and swallowing processes.
4. Integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical experience and application of research literature in clinical practice.

Admission Requirements

The following minimum requirements must be met:

1. Completion of a Bachelor's degree.
2. Completion of approved undergraduate courses in Communication Disorders and Sciences.
3. Submission of the Department graduate application.
4. Submission of three letters of recommendation on departmental forms.

Curriculum of Study

The curriculum includes:

• Speech-Language Pathology: Academic Core Curriculum (18 units)
  • CD 500 Background Leveling in Communication Disorders and Sciences (3)
  • CD 501 Interviewing and Counseling in Communicative Disorders (3)
  • CD 502 Research in Communicative Disorders (3)
  • CD 552 Language Disorders II (3)
  • CD 558 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language and Hearing (3)
  • CD 674 Pediatric Audiology (3)
• Speech-Language Pathology: Academic Emphasis Curriculum (21 units)
  • CD 651 Advanced Study of Articulation and Phonological Disorders in Children (3)
  • CD 659 Neurogenic Disorders of Cognition and Language (3)
  • CD 660 Structural and Neurogenic Speech Disorders (3)
  • CD 661 Voice and Disorders of Voice (3)
  • CD 662 Seminar in Developmental Language Disorders (3)
  • CD 663 Adult and Pediatric Swallowing/Feeding Disorders (3)
  • CD 668 Advanced Diagnostics in Speech-Language Pathology (3)
• Speech-Language Pathology: Clinical Practica (13 units)
  • CD 566 Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology II (2)
  • CD 567 Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology III (2)
  • CD 672A Advanced Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology I (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 units)
  • Comprehensive Examination: Successful completion of a comprehensive written examination covering speech and hearing science, speech-language pathology, and audiology.

Typical Curriculum Roadmaps

The program includes two typical curriculum roadmaps:

• Pattern One:
  • Fall #1: CD500, CD502, CD552, CD558, [CD566 or up to 3 units of outstanding requirements]
  • Spring #1: CD501, CD659, CD660, CD651 [CD567 or up to 3 units of outstanding requirements]
  • Fall #2: CD 668, CD663, CD674
  • Spring #2: SPED544CD, CD661
  • Fall-Final: CD 662, CD 672A, CD 697
• Pattern Two:
  • Fall #1: CD500, CD502, CD558, CD651, [CD566 or up to 3 units of outstanding requirements]
  • Spring #1: CD501, CD659, CD660, CD552 [CD567 or up to 3 units of outstanding requirements]
  • Fall #2: CD 668, CD 663, CD 661
  • Spring #2: SPED544CD, CD 674
  • Fall-Final: CD 662, CD 672A, CD 697

Graduate Strategic Plans

The Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences perseveres in a long-standing history as a leader in preparing students to enter the profession of speech-language pathology through exemplary clinical and academic teaching, research, and client services. The Department's strategic plans are developed, evaluated, and modified annually to meet the Council on Academic Accreditation standards.