Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science degree with a major in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to practice in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice as speech-language pathologists. The educational program includes instruction in a broad array of diagnostic and treatment paradigms as well as supervised hands-on experience in the department's unique Center for Communication Disorders and at selected off-campus sites including schools and hospitals.

Program Features

• Five-semester, 63 – 66 credit Master of Science degree program
• 100% post-graduate employment rate
• Opportunities to engage in exciting theoretical and clinical research with faculty who have clinical and/or research collaborations with Yale-New Haven Hospital, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and the VA Medical Center-West Haven
• Comprehensive clinical experiences across the lifespan through our on-campus clinical programs (Center for Communication Disorders, Access Network, and Southern Connecticut Audiology Services)
• Program meets the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Connecticut licensure, and special endorsement 061 in speech-language pathology for Connecticut public schools

Program Sequence

Individuals who enter the graduate program with all prerequisite coursework can complete the graduate program in five semesters, full-time (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring). Individual programs for all students are designed to meet the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Connecticut licensure, and special endorsement in speech-language pathology for Connecticut public schools. The Graduate Program Coordinator will review students' prior coursework to confirm that all prerequisite courses have been completed and meet with students to plan their program.

Academic Requirements

• Students must maintain an overall and departmental GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.
• A "B-" or higher must be achieved in all academic courses and clinical practica.

Prerequisite Coursework

Prior to the start of the graduate program in communication disorders, students must complete both ASHA prerequisite coursework and pre-professional coursework.

ASHA Prerequisite Coursework

• Biological (human or animal) (1 course)
• Physical Science (physics or chemistry) (1 course)
• Statistics (1 course)
• Social/Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health) (2 courses)

Pre-Professional Prerequisite Coursework

Prior to the start of the graduate program in communication disorders, students must either:

• Earn a bachelor's degree in communication disorders and sciences (speech-language-hearing sciences), OR
• Have completed course content in the following areas:
  • Phonetics and Phonological Systems
  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
  • Language Development
  • Introduction to Audiology and Hearing Science
  • Neurological Bases of Communication
  • Speech Science
  • Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Course Requirement to Work in Connecticut Schools as an SLP

The Connecticut State Department of Education has specific requirements a student must meet to work as an SLP in the school setting. The CMD master's program includes course and clinical requirements to meet all requirements, including a 3-credit course in special education.

Graduate Assistantships

The Department of Communication Disorders offers a limited number of graduate assistant positions on a competitive basis. Graduate assistants support the research and/or teaching needs of the department.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of all required and elective courses in a planned program with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the six-year limit.
2. Complete all clinical hours and practica requirements to meet ASHA and department standards.
3. Complete capstone - Either pass CMD 605 - Special Projects or successfully complete thesis (approved by School of Graduate Studies).

Post-Master's Degree Steps

1. Pass Praxis II test for speech-language pathology.
2. Apply for credentials to practice as a Speech Language Pathologist.

Careers

The Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Southern equips students with the expertise and clinical experience needed to become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. This program prepares students for licensure and certification, enabling them to work in schools, hospitals, and private practices.

Accreditation

The Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology at Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Role and Value of ASHA - CAA Accreditation

ASHA's interest in accreditation is based upon the belief that all professions that provide services to the public have an obligation to ensure, as far as possible, that services provided by its members are of high professional quality.

Program Vision, Mission, and Goals

Vision

The SCSU Dept of CMD will be the leader in attracting and preparing an exemplary, diverse student body who will be competent in using innovative, evidence-based practices responsive to the culture and unique needs of all individuals with communication disorders and differences across the life span.

Mission

Through its unwavering commitment to current, innovative academic and clinical curriculum, and equity-minded policies, the Department of Communication Disorders will prepare future Speech-Language Pathologists with the knowledge and skills needed to enrich the lives of the people they serve and the wider community in which they live.

Program Goals

1. Expand program offerings to align with student and stakeholder needs.
2. Increase enrollment and retention of students who identify as Black, African-American, Latinx, Native American, Asian, Male, and/or LGBTQ in our undergraduate and graduate programs.
3. Increase breadth of clinical learning/service opportunities for students.
4. Increase student capacity to engage in interprofessional practice, to use culturally responsive approaches, and to serve clients with specialized needs.
5. Revise all CMD policies and procedures to reflect equity, access, diversity, and inclusion.
6. To expand and enhance research experiences for faculty and students.
7. Increase CMD faculty understanding of the processes of anti-bias and anti-racism work and their role to support equity, access, diversity, and inclusion in the CMD program.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge in the following areas: normal developmental processes; hearing science; speech science; diagnostic audiology; rehabilitative audiology; research in the field of communication disorders; diagnostic and remedial principles in communication disorders; learning theory; cognitive development; dysphagia; literacy.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of research findings and an interest in continuing education in order to develop and maintain clinical competencies to meet the needs of the speech-language-hearing impaired individual.
3. Students will demonstrate skills in goal setting, evaluation, interpersonal management, counseling, and professional report writing.

Student Outcome Data

The Department of Communication Disorders offers an undergraduate major and a graduate major in communication disorders. Students who have an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited university are encouraged to apply for entrance into the graduate program.

On-Time Program Completion Rates

Period	# Completed within Expected Time Frame	% Completed within Expected Time Frame
Recent Year	41	100%
1 Year Prior (2022-2023)	43	98%
2 Years Prior (2021-2022)	39	97%

Praxis Pass Rates

Reporting Period	# Taking the Exam	# Passed Exam	% Passed Exam Rate
Recent Year	41	39	95%
1 Year Prior (2022-2023)	44	44	100%
2 Years Prior (2021-2022)	39	38	97%