Master's in Speech-Language Pathology
The master's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide the student with sufficient depth and breadth of academic study and clinical practicum for a professional career in the diagnosis and management of individuals with speech and language disorders.
The Master's Program in Speech-Language Pathology at Syracuse University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students completing the programs will have met the course and practicum requirements set by ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence and for New York State licensure. Completion of the master's program, and previous appropriate undergraduate coursework, also prepares our graduates for certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD) in New York State. (see below for more information about teaching certification)
Any student holding a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution, will be eligible to apply to the master's degree program in speech-language pathology. Potential students need not have an undergraduate degree in the field of communication sciences. The typical master's degree program in Speech- Language Pathology for students with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences requires a minimum of four full-time academic semesters plus one summer. Students with an undergraduate degree in fields other than communication sciences will have additional coursework requirements that extend the program by two semesters. Additionally , in order to comply with ASHA general education requirements , all students will need to take or show evidence of having taken coursework in math, physical, biological, and behavioral sciences. If a student has not taken any of these courses as an undergraduate and needs to take them as part of the graduate program, then it may add to the length of the student's program. (see below for more details about general education requirements)
Clinical practicum
The Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinicsare located the Gordon D. Hoople Building. The clinics, in operation since 1972, serve the Syracuse community and surrounding areas. Master's students engage in a wide range of diagnostic and therapy experiences under the direct supervision of faculty and certified clinical staff in the Gebbie Clinic. These experiences include individual case management (assessment and treatment), group therapy and diagnostic team evaluations. Students gain proficiency in the treatment of speech and language disabilities, incorporating areas such as phonology, language, fluency, swallowing, autism, Asperger's syndrome, genetic disorders, adult neurogenic disorders, and voice. Many of these clinical practica may include use of advanced technology (Sonospeech, Kay Elemetric Swallowing Station, Computerized Speech Lab, laryngeal videostroboscopy, PRAAT, and a variety of software programs).
Students will experience a wide variety of externship settings in their last two semesters of the program, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, early intervention centers and private practices in the central New York area. Placements include public schools, infant/toddler and preschool programs, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, private clinics and special education programs generally in the Syracuse area. Students who excel in academic and clinical work may be allowed to do their final externship outside of the central New York area. Previously, students have been placed in schools and hospitals in diverse locations such as Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Canada.
Comprehensive examinations are taken during the last semester of master's degree coursework (fall or spring). As an alternative to the comprehensive examination, the student with interest in research may elect a thesis option.
Sample Programs
SLP Master's Sample program with CSD background
SLP Master's Sample program without CSD background
ASHA General Education Requirements
ASHA General Education Requirements can be taken at Undergraduate level. In order to seek ASHA certification after the completion of the Master's degree, the applicant must have transcript credit (which could include course work, advanced placement, CLEP, or examination of equivalency) for each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and mathematics. Appropriate course work may include:
• Biological: ( 3 credits) human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, genetics
• Physical: (3 credits) physics, inorganic and organic chemistry
• Social/behavioral: (3 credits) psychology, sociology, anthropology
• Math: (3 credits) non-remedial mathematics.
New York State Teaching Certification:
The following courses are required to become certified as a teacher of students with speech & hearing disabilities, in addition to all Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework for the Master's degree.
• Artistic Expression: at least one course that provides appreciation of or expression in the fields of visual, musical, theatrical or dance arts. May include 1 credit of such a course.
• Social Sciences/History: 6 credits that include historical concepts & social sciences principles.
• Humanities: at least 3 credits in Religion, Philosophy, Literature, Fine arts, Linguistics, African-American studies, etc.
• Language other than English: Completion of level 3 of foreign language in HS (give HS transcript to advisor ); or Competency score that would allow entrance into SU's second intensive level course 0r Completion of intensive 101 level course.
• Scientific & Mathematical Processes: at least 3 credits of biological or physical science & at least 3 credits of mathematics.
• Written Analysis & Expression: at least 3 credits of writing/composition Facilities and Special Programs
Contact Persons
Dr. Linda Milosky
Associate Professor & Chair
805 South Crouse Avenue
Syracuse, New York
13244-2280
Phone: (315)443-9620
FAX: (315)443-1113
email:Milosky@syr.edu
Ms. Jennifer Steigerwald
Administrative Specialist I
805 South Crouse Avenue
Syracuse, New York
13244-2280
Phone: (315)443-9615
FAX: (315)443-1113
email: jssteige@syr.edu