Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide the academic and clinical education to prepare graduates to meet existing and emerging challenges to the professions.  It is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and it is deemed to be licensure-qualifying by the New York State Board of Professional Licensing of the State Education Department.  The 48-credit program consists of three substantive divisions:

Core Curriculum
A minimum of 15 credits is required in research methods, basic communication processes, and clinical courses.

Major Concentration
Students select a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology and complete a minimum of 24 credits selected in consultation with the faculty advisor.  All students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience; up to six credits of practicum maybe applied toward the degree.

Research
Students in the thesis option enroll in Master's Research (SPE 900) for six credits and complete a thesis under the supervision of a faculty mentor and committee. Students electing the non-thesis Option select a three credit Special Research course (SPE 452 or 453) in their area of interest and complete a supervised research project or enroll in an advanced research methods course SPE 440.  The research core also offers students the ability to demonstrate proficiency in at least one of three areas:  statistics, language (including manual communication), or computer science.  A written comprehensive examination is required of all students electing the non-thesis option.  Students who have completed a thesis sit for an oral comprehensive examination on the thesis and related areas.

Unique Characteristics of the Program
This program offers graduate students an opportunity to select areas of study as well as to enroll in those courses necessary to meet requirements for ASHA Certification and State License.  Resources available to the student include the Computer Center, and Health Education Resource Center.  The Speech and Hearing Center, which is located on Union Turnpike at 152nd Street, serves as a training facility for students while providing diagnostic and remediation services to the community.  The Center has a rich resource of tests, materials, and equipment to provide the needed practicum experiences.  More than 100 outside facilities, including medical centers, hospitals, schools, day care centers, and nursing homes provide externships for students where they may gain a broad exposure, experience a multi-disciplinary environment, and obtain the supervised clinical hours necessary for certification with a varied diversified caseload across the age span.

The pass rate is 85% for the PRAXIS in Speech-Langauge Pathology.  Because the Doctor of Audiology program is in its infancy, Au.D. students have yet to take the PRAXIS.  The employment rate in the profession is 100% for graduates and we have a 98% completion rate (Speech Language Pathology and Audiology).

Department Information
Fredericka Bell-Berti
Department Chair
Communication Sciences and Disorders
St.John Hall Room 344B
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-6452
bellf@stjohns.edu

Donna Geffner
Graduate Program Director
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Seton Complex
152-11 Union Turnpike
Flushing, NY 11367
(718) 990-6480
geffnerd@stjohns.edu

Graduate Admission Information
Office of Graduate Admission
(718) 990-1601
gradhelp@stjohns.edu

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