Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Program Overview
Moravian University's MS-SLP program prepares students to become competent Speech-Language Pathologists through problem-based learning, interprofessional education, and a focus on ethical and professional behavior. The program emphasizes evidence-based solutions for communication disorders across the lifespan, preparing graduates for careers in clinical, research, and educational settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) at Moravian University is a full-time, two-year professional program designed to prepare graduates for careers as Speech-Language Pathologists. The program emphasizes:
- Problem-based learning: Students draw upon their life experiences to solve problems and case studies involving individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties.
- Interprofessional education: Students collaborate with students and faculty from other disciplines to prepare them for collaborative healthcare environments.
Program Objectives:
- Prepare graduates to be competent entry-level Speech-Language Pathologists.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Promote cultural sensitivity and understanding within the field of communication disorders.
- Emphasize ethical and professional behavior.
Outline
Curriculum:
The MS-SLP curriculum is organized around problem cases that allow students to explore and analyze communication disorders and develop evidence-based solutions.
Course Schedule:
The program requires full-time enrollment and typically follows a traditional semester schedule with fall, spring, and summer sessions. Specific course schedules may change slightly from year to year.
Modules:
Year 1:
- Foundational Sciences: Anatomy and physiology, linguistics, phonetics, speech and language development, swallowing disorders.
- Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan: Speech, language, and swallowing disorders affecting children, adults, and the elderly.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Techniques for evaluating communication disorders.
- Introduction to Treatment: Principles and methods of intervention for different communication disorders.
Year 2:
- Advanced Treatment Techniques: Focus on specific areas of speech, language, and swallowing intervention.
- Professional Issues and Ethics: Legal and ethical responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists.
- Research Methods: Design and implement research in the field of communication disorders.
- Clinical Practicum: Supervised experiences in a variety of clinical settings.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Formative Assessments: Regular feedback on assignments, projects, and participation.
- Summative Assessments: Exams, quizzes, and clinical evaluations that assess knowledge and skills.
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of communication disorders.
- Ability to diagnose and treat communication disorders.
- Professionalism and ethical behavior.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures: Instructors facilitate discussions and encourage student participation.
- Small group learning: Students work collaboratively on problem cases, role-playing, and simulations.
- Case-based learning: Students apply knowledge and skills to real-world case studies.
- Clinical practicum: Supervised clinical experiences allow students to apply skills in practice.
Faculty:
The MS-SLP program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of communication disorders. Faculty are actively involved in research and clinical practice.
Unique Approaches:
- Problem-based learning: Students learn by actively engaging with real-world case studies.
- Interprofessional education: Students collaborate with students and faculty from other disciplines, preparing them for teamwork in healthcare settings.
- Emphasis on technology: Technology is integrated into coursework and clinical experiences to prepare graduates for the latest advancements in the field.
Careers
Career Paths:
Graduates of the MS-SLP program are prepared for a variety of career paths in speech-language pathology, including:
- Clinical: Working with individuals with communication disorders in hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers.
- Education: Teaching future speech-language pathologists in universities or training programs.
Career Opportunities:
- Hospitals: Medical SLPs work with hospitalized patients who have communication or swallowing disorders.
- Schools: School SLPs work with children with disabilities who need assistance developing their communication skills.
- Private practice: SLPs can open their own private practice, working with individuals across the lifespan on various communication challenges.
- Rehabilitation centers: SLPs help individuals regain communication skills after injury or illness.
- Long-term care facilities: SLPs help older adults maintain their communication function.
Career Outcomes:
Moravian University graduates have a successful track record of securing employment as Speech-Language Pathologists. Recent graduates report high placement rates and satisfaction with their chosen career path.
Other
Accreditation:
- The program welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds.
- The program provides support services to students with disabilities.
- The program has strong connections to clinical sites in the region, providing diverse clinical experiences for students.
Entry Requirements:
US Applicants:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Completion of the following prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of "C" in each course:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Human Communication Processes
- Introduction to Linguistics
- Phonetics and Phonology
- Hearing and Speech Science
- Language Development
- Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
- Statistics
International Applicants:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited foreign institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Official course-by-course evaluation by World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
- Completion of the same prerequisite coursework listed above.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores demonstrating English language proficiency:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no subscore below 6.0.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- All applicants, regardless of nationality, must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Acceptable tests and minimum scores are listed under Entry Requirements for International Applicants.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds may be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient academic preparation and professional experience.
- The admissions committee reviews all applications holistically, considering the applicant's academic record, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and relevant work experience. It emphasizes the importance of specific coursework, minimum GPA, and language proficiency demonstrations.
