Program Requirements

Curriculum
The 48-credit Master of Arts degree program is CAA Accredited in Speech-Language Pathology and is a New York State licensure-qualifying program.

Each student must opt for one of the following three options:

  1. earn 42 course credits and complete a Master's thesis for 6 credits 
  2. earn 45 course credits and complete a 3-credit research project
  3. earn 45 course credits and take a course in advanced research.

Students must also complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Each student must also satisfy a full-time residence requirement (a minimum of 9 credits) during one academic semester, excluding summer semesters.

The 48-credit program consists of three substantive divisions:

Core Courses
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 may be applied toward the degree.

Research
Students in the thesis option enroll in Master's Research (CSD 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 (CSD 452 or 453) in their area of interest and complete a supervised research project or enroll in an advanced research methods course CSD 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.

 

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

Research Core (3 credits)

  • CSD 201 Introduction to Research Methods

Basic Communication Processes Core (9 credits)

  • CSD 202 Acoustics and Perception of Speech
  • CSD 203 Models of Language Behavior
  • CSD 204 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology of Speech

Clinical Core (3 credits)

  • CSD 210 Assessment of Speech-Language Problems

Major Concentration (24 credit minimum)
Students select a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology and complete a minimum of 24 credits in various courses in communication and swallowing pathologies in clinical populations 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 may be applied toward the degree.

Of these 24 required credits in the major concentration, each student must complete 6 credits in the area of language disorders and 6 credits in speech disorders.

Students must complete a 3-credit course in Audiology (CSD 214, 351, 355, or 364) to meet the minor area of study requirements for certification in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Clinical Practica (3-6 credits)
All students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised, direct clinical experience; up to 6 credits of practicum may be applied toward the degree.

In addition to 3-5 credits earned through clinical practica in Speech-Language Pathology, one credit must be earned through completion of CSD 420: Clinical Practicum in Audiology for Speech-Language Pathology.

Research (3-6 credits)
Students in the thesis option enroll in Master's Research (CSD 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 (CSD 452 or 453) in their area of interest and complete a supervised research project OR students may enroll in an advanced research methods course (CSD 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.

Additional Coursework – These courses, needed for ASHA Certification*, may be completed while in the graduate program although it is not recommended.

  • 3 credits in Biological Sciences
  • 3 credits in Physical Sciences
  • 3 credits in Mathematics
  • 6 credits in Behavioral and/or Social sciences

 

Certification and Licensure
It should be noted that the program requires a minimum of 48 credits for the degree. Eligibility for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence* in Speech-Language Pathology may require more credits, depending on the student's undergraduate preparation. 

The graduate program offers a New York State certification program for Teachers of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD). Endorsement to the State is available upon completion of the necessary requirements. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with New York State Department of Education Requirements* for the TSSLD and can visit the website.

 

*Important Links