Program Overview

Speech-Language Pathology Program

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Shenandoah University trains students to evaluate and treat individuals of all ages with communication disorders. These disorders can arise from neurological conditions, including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or developmental disabilities. The program is designed to meet the national shortage of speech-language pathologists, providing students with a rewarding career opportunity.

Program Overview

The Master's in Speech-Language Pathology is part of the Shenandoah University Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, which aims to educate, inspire, and equip culturally responsive future speech-language pathologists. The program's mission is to improve the communication, swallowing, education, and overall health of individuals and communities.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition rate for the Speech-Language Pathology program is $625 per credit.

Program Requirements

The program is designed for learners with a Bachelor of Science in communication disorders or related fields. Students without a background in communication sciences and disorders or speech pathology must complete specific prerequisite courses prior to applying for admission.

• Prerequisite courses include:
  • Biological Science
  • Physical Science
  • Social/Behavioral Science
  • Statistics
  • Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • Normal Speech and Language Development
  • Speech and Hearing Anatomy and Physiology
  • Audiology
  • Phonetics
  • Speech Science
  • Observation in Communication Disorders

Curriculum

The two-year program includes 60 credit hours, with 55 required core semester hours and 5 elective semester hours. The curriculum covers topics such as:

• Neuroanatomy and Physiology
• Early Intervention: Language Disorders in Birth to 5 Population
• Phonology and Articulation Disorders
• Adult Language Disorders: Aphasia and Right Hemisphere Disorders
• Foundations of Clinical Practicum
• Foundations of Counseling in Communication Disorders
• Differential Diagnosis in Communication Disorders

Clinical Practicum

Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 clinical practicum hours under the supervision of a certified speech pathologist.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Student Outcome Data

The program provides data on program completion rates, employment rates in the profession, and PRAXIS examination pass rates.

Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including Associate Professor and Director of Speech-Language Pathology, Katrina Miller.

Application Information

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic

The clinic provides free speech and language services to the community, including individual and group treatments for children, teenagers, and adults with communication differences and disorders.

Strategic Plan

The program has a strategic plan in place, which can be viewed on the university's website.

Program Locations

The program is offered at the Loudoun location.