Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

CIP Code

51.0203

Program Description

The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduate program in the Department of Communication Disorders at SHU is designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology set by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, for Connecticut Licensure as a speech-language pathologist from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and for Connecticut teacher endorsement.

Students who wish to practice as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will need to complete all undergraduate prerequisites (or their equivalents), including 25 hours of guided observation of ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists’ practice. They must then complete a master’s degree in SLP. Graduate study in SLP requires two calendar years, including one or two summers, of graduate-level coursework and 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum, all of which will be provided as part of SHU’s graduate program.

SHU’s graduate SLP program has two tracks:

Two-year track for students with completed prerequisite coursework in Communication Disorders
Three-year track for students without prerequisite coursework in Communication Disorders

Education Program Accreditation

The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Sacred Heart University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Our education program has been approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education, making graduates eligible for initial teacher certification to serve as SLPs in Connecticut public schools.

Disclosure, Certification, Licensure

Authorization

Sacred Heart University, as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), is authorized to offer distance programs in all states and United States Territories that participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

SARA is a voluntary agreement of states and United States Territories that has established comparable standards for distance education programs offered across state lines. Only accredited, federally-recognized institutions are able to offer distance education programs under SARA.

Sacred Heart University’s institutional participation was granted by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education on January 11, 2017. California is the only state that does not participate in SARA therefore Sacred Heart University is exempt from approval from the California Bureau of Post-Secondary Education.

Participation in SARA does not absolve Sacred Heart University programs from the need to meet applicable state licensing and certification requirements. Prospective students are advised to refer to the information about state professional licensing and certification requirements, states in which clinical placements are either limited or restricted, and potential consequences of relocating to a different state at any time after admission to a degree program.

Prospective students are also encouraged to review State Licensure & Certification Disclosures.

Licensure & Certification Disclosures

Speech-language pathologists earn national certification from the American Speech-Language & Hearing Association. For information on the Certificate of Clinical Competence in SLP, visit the ASHA.org website. In addition to completing the master’s degree education program, applicants for this certification must pass the ETS Praxis II Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (See https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5331 for more information on the Praxis II).

SLP practice in Connecticut requires a license from the CT State Department of Health. For information on CT SLP licensure, visit the CT DPH website. Students graduating from the SHU SLP program will be eligible for both the Certificate of Clinical Competence and CT state licensure in SLP. For information on licensure requirements in other states, visit ASHA State-By-State.

Program Mission

The Department of Communication Disorders provides a supportive, inclusive, state-of-the-art learning environment to prepare students to effectively serve the unique needs of individuals across the lifespan with competence and compassion. Students will be equipped with foundational academic and clinical knowledge and skills acquired through innovative classroom, problem-based, and simulation learning experiences; mentored research; guided clinical experiences; and compelling educational domestic and international service opportunities. Focus on culturally inclusive, holistic, evidence-based and ethical practice, and collaborative learning across professions will inspire our students to communicate effectively with clients from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and to lead others through their exemplary adherence to the highest standards of contemporary practice.

Program Goals & Objectives

Graduates of the SLP program will:

Demonstrate knowledge of basic biological, physical, and social sciences as well as statistics.
Demonstrate the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and disordered human development across the lifespan.
Demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas:

a. fluency
b. articulation
c. voice and resonance
d. receptive and expressive language in speaking, listening, reading, writing
e. hearing
f. swallowing
g. cognitive aspects of communication
h. social aspects of communication
i. augmentative and alternative communication modalities

Demonstrate current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.
Demonstrate knowledge of standards of ethical conduct.
Demonstrate knowledge of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice, contemporary professional issues, and professional credentialing.
Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient for professional practice.
Demonstrate skills in evaluation and intervention for individuals with communication disorders and their families.
Demonstrate effective communication skills, recognizing the needs, values, and cultural-linguistic backgrounds of individuals served.
Successfully complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience (including 25 observation hours) in the practice of speech-language pathology

What Makes Our Program Unique?

SHU’s SLP graduate program is the only one in Connecticut in which SLP students have the opportunity to study and work with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other healthcare professions, providing unique interprofessional preservice experiences. In addition, SHU’s SLP program utilizes an innovative model of clinical education, in which students work in real world settings from their first semester under the supervision of SHU clinical faculty. Unlike many SLP programs, which use on-campus clinics for initial clinical experiences, SHU’s model enables students to practice in teams and learn in authentic work environments throughout their educational program. Finally, SHU offers two areas of optional specialized study, which can be achieved by matriculating for one additional summer following the master’s program. Choosing one of these elective specializations may enhance students' experience in (1) autism spectrum disorders or (2) medical settings.

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program in SLP, all students must:

Successfully complete all required prerequisites (or their equivalents) for the appropriate track by the end of the summer prior to enrollment in a graduate program. No more than one of the prerequisite courses may be repeated.
Hold a bachelor of science or arts degree from an accredited college or university.
Have an undergraduate cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher, with no individual prerequisite course grade below a C.
Submit one of the following standardized achievement test scores: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), ACT, or Praxis I.

To partially fulfill requirements of the State of Connecticut for endorsement as a school SLP, it is recommended that all students applying for the SLP graduate program complete a minimum of six semester hours of credit in professional education, prior to matriculation, in areas such as:

Foundations of education
Psychology: e.g., child, educational, developmental, adolescent, or cognitive learning
Classroom instruction and management

Other admissions requirements for all students include:

Applications submitted online through CSDCAS Application Link by two-year track applicants.

Applications submitted online through SHU's Application Link for two-year track applicants who completed a SHU undergraduate degree with a major in Communication Disorders.
Applications submitted online through SHU's Application Link for three-year track applicants.
Two letters of recommendation from academic sources (e.g., former professor).
Admissions essay.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Interview.

Please note: ALL prior schools’ transcripts MUST be submitted for review, regardless of whether or not transferred courses appear on the current school transcript.

Admissions Requirements: Two-Year Track

In addition to the requirements already listed for all students, applicants to the two-year track must provide documentation of:

Bachelor of science or arts degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
Twenty-five (25) hours of guided observation of speech-language pathology or audiology practice by an ASHA-certified SLP or AuD.

Successful completion of the Communication Disorders major at SHU (refer to Undergraduate Catalog for requirements) or the following course equivalents with no grade below C and a GPA of at least 3.0:

Biological sciences (3 credits)
Physical sciences (3 credits)
Statistics (3 credits)
Social/behavioral sciences (6 credits)

Required Courses

An undergraduate major in Communication Disorder or successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:

CMD 200	Introduction to Communication Disorders	3
CMD 210	Phonetics	3
CMD 300	Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Swallowing	3
CMD 310	Introduction to Audiology	3
CMD 320	Speech Science	3
CMD 330	Development of Language	3
CMD 340	Neurological Bases of Communication & Swallowing	3
CMD 350	Introduction to Clinical Methods & Observation	3

Admissions Requirements: Three-Year Track

In addition to the requirements already listed for all students, applicants to the three-year track must provide documentation of:

Bachelor of science or arts degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0

Successful completion of the following course equivalents with no grade below C and a GPA of at least 3.0:

Biological Sciences (3 credits)
Physical Sciences (3 credits)
Statistics 3 CR (3 credits)
Social/Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

No more than 6 credits of CMD coursework required for the two-year track may be taken prior to matriculation in the three-year track.

Students in the three-year track must complete the first year of preclinical coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0 in order to advance to the next level of the graduate program.

Clinical Education

Graduate students will enroll in at least 4 credits of clinical education each term of the clinical program. Students will be assigned to clinical practicum each term. Each practicum assignment will be accompanied by a clinical seminar, in which students will practice clinical skills, discuss cases, and engage in clinical learning activities. During the first year of the clinical program, students will be placed in clinical assignments in teams. Clinical activities may include direct services in person or via telepractice and/or clinical simulation activities accompanied by a supervisor from SHU. Field placements later in the program will involve assignment of each student to a clinician at the field site. The typical sequence of clinical practica is given below; however, individual placements will be made based on availability, clinical performance, and clinical hours/competency needs.

Clinical Practicum Sequence

First Year Fall/Spring Semesters

• 1-2 days per week in adult or child practicum

• Speech, language, and hearing screenings and evaluations

First Year Summer Semester

Adult or Child Clinical Practicum: on-campus and/or off-campus clinical site

• Intensive clinical workshops: Intensive clinical programs with a focus on a specific communication/swallowing disorder

Second Year Fall/Spring Semesters

Student teaching in a public school setting OR field placement in sites that may include hospital, rehabilitation, private practice, specialized school, or early intervention

Optional Summer Semester II

Placement in a specialized setting complemented by advanced coursework in specialty area, leading to an optional specialty certificate.

Degree Requirements

All students will need to have successfully completed the following undergraduate foundation coursework prior to matriculation in a graduate program in SLP:

Biological sciences (3 credits)
Physical sciences (3 credits)
Statistics (3 credits)
Social/behavioral sciences (6 credits)

Both the two- and three-year tracks of the SLP program are offered only on a full-time basis to allow for professional socialization, clinical placements, and the integration of clinical and academic work. Both programs lead to national certification and state licensure as a speech-language pathologist. All students must complete all academic and clinical coursework required for their track with no grade below B- and an overall GPA of at least 3.0. They must also successfully complete 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum. Students must successfully complete the supervised clinical practicum hours, as well as required coursework, in order to be eligible to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Students will be placed in fieldwork sites to earn these hours by SHU's Director of Clinical Education.

Preclinical Coursework

To be completed at the undergraduate level for students on the two-year track, and at the graduate level during the first preclinical year for students on the three-year track.

CMD 200	Introduction to Communication Disorders	3
	or
SLP 400	Introduction to Communication Disorders	3

CMD 210	Phonetics	3
	or
SLP 410	Phonetics	3

CMD 300	Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Swallowing	3
	or
SLP 411	Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Swallowing	3

CMD 310	Introduction to Audiology	3
	or
SLP 412	Introduction to Audiology	3

CMD 320	Speech Science	3
	or
SLP 420	Speech Science	3

CMD 330	Development of Language	3
	or
SLP 430	Development of Language	3

CMD 340	Neurological Bases of Communication & Swallowing	3
	or
SLP 440	Neurological Bases of Communication & Swallowing	3

CMD 350	Introduction to Clinical Methods & Observation	3
	or
SLP 450	Introduction to Clinical Methods & Observation	3

Additional Recommended Coursework

Foundations of education
Psychology: e.g., child, educational, developmental, adolescent, or cognitive learning
Classroom instruction and management

Required Graduate Coursework

Coursework will be taken in five semesters by students on the two-year track, and in five semesters following successful completion of two semesters of preclinical coursework by students on the three-year track.

To graduate from the SLP master’s degree program, each student is required to complete all required coursework and clinical practica, as well as two elective courses. The following is the typical sequence of graduate coursework for the two clinical years of the graduate program in SLP:

Fall Semester I (18 credits)

Students will be assigned, upon entry into the SLP Program, to either Cohort I or Cohort II.

Cohort I

Students in Cohort I will take the following courses during Fall Semester I:

SLP 500	Speech Sound Disorders	3
SLP 501	Practicum Seminar I: Managing Behavior & Service Delivery	1
SLP 502	Clinical Practicum I	4
SLP 510	Language Disorders in Children Birth-Five	3
SLP 514	Screening and Diagnostics: Child	1
SLP 530	Language and Literacy Disorders in School-aged Children and Adolescents	3
SLP 530T	Language and Literacy Disorders in School-aged Children and Adolescents Tutorial	0
SLP 585	Voice & Velopharyngeal Disorders	3

SLP 500, SLP 501, SLP 502, SLP 510, SLP 514, SLP 530, SLP 530T, SLP 585

Cohort II

Students assigned to Cohort II will take the following courses in Fall Semester I:

SLP 501	Practicum Seminar I: Managing Behavior & Service Delivery	1
SLP 502	Clinical Practicum I	4
SLP 515	Screening and Diagnostics: Adult	1
SLP 540	Adult Neurogenic Disorders I	3
SLP 550	Dysphagia	3
SLP 550T	Dysphagia Tutorial	0
SLP 560	Adult Neurogenic Disorders II	3
SLP 580	Disorders of Fluency	3

SLP 501, SLP 502, SLP 515, SLP 540, SLP 550, SLP 550T, SLP 560, SLP 580

Spring Semester 1 (18 credits)

Cohort I

Students assigned to Cohort I will take the following courses Spring Semester I:

SLP 503	Practicum Seminar II: Using Evidence-based Reflective Practice	1
SLP 504	Clinical Practicum II	4
SLP 515	Screening and Diagnostics: Adult	1
SLP 540	Adult Neurogenic Disorders I	3
SLP 550	Dysphagia	3
SLP 550T	Dysphagia Tutorial	0
SLP 560	Adult Neurogenic Disorders II	3
SLP 580	Disorders of Fluency	3

SLP 503, SLP 504, SLP 515, SLP 540, SLP 550, SLP 550T, SLP 560, SLP 580

Cohort II

Students assigned to Cohort II will take the following courses Spring Semester I:

SLP 500	Speech Sound Disorders	3
SLP 503	Practicum Seminar II: Using Evidence-based Reflective Practice	1
SLP 504	Clinical Practicum II	4
SLP 510	Language Disorders in Children Birth-Five	3
SLP 514	Screening and Diagnostics: Child	1
SLP 530	Language and Literacy Disorders in School-aged Children and Adolescents	3
SLP 530T	Language and Literacy Disorders in School-aged Children and Adolescents Tutorial	0
SLP 585	Voice & Velopharyngeal Disorders	3

SLP 500, SLP 503, SLP 504, SLP 510, SLP 514, SLP 530, SLP 530T, SLP 585

Late Spring I & Summer

Late Spring I

SLP 520

Aural Rehabilitation

SLP 520, electives
Students can complete two electives: SLP 535, SLP 611, SLP 620, SLP 681, SLP 682 and SLP 691.

Summer I and/or Summer II

SLP 505	Practicum Seminar III: Recordkeeping & Documentation	1
SLP 506	Clinical Practicum III	4

SLP 505, SLP 506, electives
Students can complete two electives: SLP 535, SLP 611, SLP 620, SLP 681, SLP 682 and SLP 691.

Fall Semester II (13–18 credits)