Masters in Speech-Language Pathology
****************************************************** The Masters 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 Masters 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 masters 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. (5 total) In order to complete the degree in two years, you will need to have completed the following courses prior to entering the M.S. program. Additionally , in order to comply with ASHA general education requirements , all students will need to take, or show evidence of having taken, the following coursework 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. (go to the link below for more specific information about general education requirements)*** Very Important: M.S. SLP program application is through CSDCAS only starting for the Fall 2013 admissions.
CSDCAS Application Portal Link: https://portal.csdcas.org/
Students with an undergraduate degree in fields other than communication sciences will have additional coursework requirements that extend the program by two semesters.(7 total)
Background Course Requirements
Information on coursework requirements for ASHA Certification and CSD background fulfillment.
Sample Programs
SLP Masters Sample program with CSD background
SLP Masters Sample program without CSD background
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.
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. This coursework can be taken during the bachelor's degree study.
Capstone Experience
In the final semester of their program, each student must pass a comprehensive examination designed to assess SLP students' academic and clinical preparation, unless they have chosen to complete a Master's Thesis project.