Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Shenandoah University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program equips students with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat communication disorders across all ages. The hybrid format combines online and in-person courses, providing flexibility and valuable interaction. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, clinical experience, and cultural diversity.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program at Shenandoah University equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with communication disorders.
These disorders can stem from neurological conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or developmental disabilities.
Description:
The MSSLP program provides students with a strong foundation in the science of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing. This program also emphasizes the development of clinical skills necessary to assess and treat a variety of communication disorders. The program is designed to help students meet the academic and clinical requirements for national certification and state licensure.
Key Features:
- Focuses on evidence-based practices.
- Offers a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Provides extensive clinical experience through supervised practicum opportunities.
- Prepares graduates for diverse career paths in various settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
Outline:
Curriculum:
The MSSLP program consists of 60 credit hours, including 55 core credits and 5 elective credits. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
- Language development and disorders
- Speech and articulation disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Voice disorders
- Swallowing disorders
- Augmentative and alternative communication
- Multicultural populations
- Professional ethics and advocacy
Course Schedule:
The program is offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of online and in-person courses. The online courses provide students with flexibility and the opportunity to learn at their own pace. The in-person courses provide students with valuable interaction with faculty and peers.
Modules:
The program is divided into six modules, each focusing on a specific area of communication disorders:
- Module 1: Foundations of Speech-Language Pathology
- Module 2: Language Disorders
- Module 3: Speech and Articulation Disorders
- Module 4: Fluency Disorders and Voice Disorders
- Module 5: Swallowing Disorders and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Module 6: Professional Issues and Advocacy
Module Descriptions:
Each module includes a combination of lectures, readings, case studies, and clinical experiences. The specific content of each module varies depending on the focus area.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Assignments
- Presentations
- Clinical practica
- Capstone project
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria vary depending on the assessment method. However, the overall goal of assessment is to ensure that students are meeting the program's learning outcomes.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The MSSLP program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Simulations
- Case studies
- Clinical practicum
Faculty:
The MSSLP program has a dedicated faculty of experienced and qualified speech-language pathologists. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers.
Unique Approaches:
The MSSLP program utilizes a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Interprofessional education: Students have the opportunity to learn alongside students from other healthcare professions.
- Simulation labs: Students can practice their clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
- Clinical practicum experiences: Students gain valuable experience working with real clients under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the MSSLP program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the field of speech-language pathology. These opportunities include:
- Speech-language pathologist in schools
- Speech-language pathologist in hospitals
- Speech-language pathologist in rehabilitation centers
- Speech-language pathologist in private practice
- Speech-language pathologist in research
Employment Outcomes:
Graduates of the MSSLP program have a high rate of employment in the field of speech-language pathology. The program has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers.
- The MSSLP program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA).
- The program has a dedicated Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic that provides free speech and language services to the community.
Other:
- The MSSLP program emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion.
- The program provides students with opportunities to participate in research and professional development activities.
- The program has a strong alumni network that provides support and mentorship to current students.
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Entry Requirements:
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program at Shenandoah University requires students to meet specific admission criteria. These criteria vary depending on whether the applicant has a background in communication sciences and disorders or speech pathology (usually a Bachelor of Science).
For students without a background in communication sciences and disorders or speech pathology:
- Completion of specific prerequisite courses prior to applying for admission. These prerequisite courses include:
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Normal Speech and Language Development
- Speech and Hearing Anatomy and Physiology
- Audiology
- Phonetics
- Speech Science
- Observation in Communication Disorders (with a minimum of 25 guided observation hours)
For all students:
- A Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, speech pathology, biology, psychology, sociology, education, or special education.
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Bachelor's degrees with concentrations related to the singing voice, as well as anatomy and physiology, or paired with a minor in communication disorders. In addition to the prerequisites, all students must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and professional qualifications.
- A personal statement outlining the applicant's goals and reasons for pursuing a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework.
- A resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic and professional experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Shenandoah University does not require international applicants to submit English proficiency test scores if they meet one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.
- Completion of a minimum of two years of full-time study at an accredited institution in a country where English is the official language of instruction. If an international applicant does not meet one of these criteria, they must submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score report that meets or exceeds the following minimum requirements:
- TOEFL: 80 overall, with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four subtests.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no individual band score below 6.0.
- The MSSLP program at Shenandoah University is primarily in-person, with approximately 25% of coursework offered online.
- Students in the MSSLP program are subject to specific policies and procedures set forth in the MSSLP Student Handbook.
