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Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Arts

The Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide the academic and clinical education that graduates need to meet the profession’s existing and emerging demands.

Earn a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John's University in New York City! 

To apply to St. John's University’s Speech-Language Pathology program you must fill out an application with CSDCAS (Central Application Service for Communication Science and Disorders Programs). Apply here.

Department Faculty

Speech and Hearing Center

 “Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Service”

The Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide the academic and clinical education that graduates need to meet the profession’s existing and emerging demands. Our program offers graduate students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skill areas to meet the requirements for ASHA Certification and New York State licensure for professional practice.

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York, you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (residential) at St. John's University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) 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.

The M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology is a New York State registered licensure-qualifying program approved by the New York State Board of Professional Licensing of the New York State Education Department.

 

Contact

Rebecca Wiseheart, Ph.D.
Director, M.A. Speech-Language Pathology Program
718-990-2709
[email protected]

 

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Degree Type
MA
Area of Interest
Nursing, Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
54

Curriculum

The M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology requires the successful completion of 54 credits.

Full-time students are expected to complete the 54-credit program in two years (i.e., over five consecutive semesters, including summer). Please refer to the Academic Calendar for important dates.

Students follow a lock-step curriculum. This means all students in the cohort take the same courses in the same sequence. Upon matriculation into the program, accepted students are provided program-specific requirements for maintenance of a minimum GPA, student academic/clinical remediation, student professionalism, and student availability for clinical placements, among others. The following shows the required course sequence for all full-time students. Bilingual extension courses are indicated by asterisk.

The 54-credit lock-step plan for full-time study over two years (five consecutive semesters) is as follows. Please note that optional Bilingual Extension courses are listed. Those seeking the Bilingual Extension will require 63 credits, including an additional Winter Intersession course. Bilingual Extension courses are indicated with an asterisk.

Fall I – 13 credits
  • CSD 210 Origin and Assessment of Speech-Language Problems (3 credits)
  • CSD 317 Acquired Language Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 318 Developmental Language Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 329 Neurobiology of Speech and Language (3 credits)
  • CSD 405 Speech-Language Pathology Practicum I (1 credit)
Winter Intersession I
  • *CSD 325 Studies in Bilingualism (3 credits)
Spring I – 13 credits
  • CSD 203 Models of Language Behavior (3 credits)
  • CSD 315 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
  • CSD 330 Speech-Language Pathology Practice in Educational Settings (3 credits)
  • CSD 331 Principles of Dysphagia (3 credits)
  • CSD 406 Speech-Language Pathology Practicum II (1 credit)
Summer I – 9 credits
  • CSD 201 Introduction to Research Methods (3 credits)
  • CSD 312 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 354 Habilitation of Children Who are Deaf or Hearing-Impaired (3 credits)
Fall II – 11 credits
  • CSD 308 Voice and Fluency (3 credits)
  • CSD 314 Disorder of Articulation and Phonology (3 credits)
  • CSD 381 Cultural Diversity in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (3 credits)
  • CSD 407/408 Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology in Educational Settings/Speech Pathology Practicum in Adult Setting (2 credits)
  • *EDU 9001 Foundations of Bilingual and Second Language Education (3 credits)
Spring II – 8 credits

Students select two of the following electives:

  • CSD 320 Language Based Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
  • CSD 321 Assessment and Intervention of Infants, Toddlers, and Pre-School Children (3 credits)
  • CSD 322 Communication Problems of Geriatric Persons (3 credits)
  • CSD 340 Special Topics (3 credits)

Plus:

  • CSD 407 Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology in Educational Settings (2 credits) OR
  • CSD 408 Speech Pathology Practicum in Adult Setting (2 credits)
  • CSD 105 Comprehensive Exam (0 credits)

*BE Students also complete*:

  • EDU 9003 Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners (3 credits) OR
  • EDU 9005 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Dual Language Instruction (3 credits)

Part-time students are expected to complete the 54-credit program in three years (i.e., over eight consecutive semesters, including summers). Please refer to the Academic Calendar for important dates.

Students follow a lock-step curriculum. This means all students in the cohort take the same courses in the same sequence. Upon matriculation into the program, accepted students are provided program-specific requirements for maintenance of a minimum GPA, student academic/clinical remediation, student professionalism, and student availability for clinical placements, among others. The following shows the suggested course sequence for part-time students. Bilingual extension courses are indicated by asterisk.

The 54-credit lock-step plan for three years of study (eight consecutive semesters) is outlined below. Those seeking the Bilingual Extension will require 63 credits, including an additional Winter Intersession course. Bilingual Extension courses are indicated with an asterisk.

Fall I – 9 credits
  • CSD 210 Origin and Assessment of Speech-Language Problems (3 credits)
  • CSD 317 Acquired Language Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 329 Neurobiology of Speech and Language (3 credits)
  • *EDU 9001 Foundations of Bilingual and Second Language Education (3 credits)
Spring I – 9 credits
  • CSD 203 Models of Language Behavior (3 credits)
  • CSD 315 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
  • CSD 330 Speech-Language Pathology Practice in Educational Settings (3 credits)
  • *EDU 9003/9005 Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Dual Language Instruction (3 credits)
Summer I – 3 credits
  • CSD 201 Introduction to Research Methods (3 credits)
Fall II – 7 credits
  • CSD 318 Developmental Language Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 381 Cultural Diversity in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (3 credits)
  • CSD 405 Speech-Language Pathology Practicum I (1 credit)
Winter Intersession
  • *CSD 325 Studies in Bilingualism (3 credits)
Spring II – 7 credits

Students select one of the following electives:

  • CSD 320 Language Based Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
  • CSD 321 Assessment and Intervention of Infants, Toddlers, and Pre-School Children (3 credits)
  • CSD 322 Communication Problems of Geriatric Persons (3 credits)
  • CSD 340 Special Topics (3 credits)

Plus:

  • CSD 331 Principles of Dysphagia ( 3 credits)
  • CSD 406 Speech-Language Pathology Practicum II (1 credit)
Summer II – 6 credits
  • CSD 312 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 354 Habilitation of Children Who are Deaf or Hearing-Impaired (3 credits)
Fall III – 8 credits
  • CSD 308 Voice and Fluency (3 credits)
  • CSD 314 Disorder of Articulation and Phonology (3 credits)
  • CSD 407/408 Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology in Educational Settings/Speech Pathology Practicum in Adult Setting (2 credits)
Spring III – 5 credits

Students select one of the following electives:

  • CSD 320 Language Based Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
  • CSD 321 Assessment and Intervention of Infants, Toddlers, and Pre-School Children (3 credits)
  • CSD 322 Communication Problems of Geriatric Persons (3 credits)
  • CSD 340 Special Topics (3 credits)

Plus:

  • CSD 407 Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology in Educational Settings (2 credits) OR
  • CSD 408 Speech Pathology Practicum in Adult Setting (2 credits)
  • CSD 105 Comprehensive Exam (0 credits)

Students enrolled in the M.A. program for Speech-Language Pathology and pursuing the TSSLD may also apply for the Bilingual Extension. In addition to the requirements for the TSSLD, candidates for the Bilingual Extension will pass an examination in a language other than English, complete 9 additional credits in CSD and EDU, and have at least 50 hours of clinical practicum experience with English language learners distributed across preschool, elementary school, middle school, and adolescence.

The Bilingual Extension consists of 15 credits, and includes the following requirements:

CSD 203 Models of Language Behavior

3 credits

CSD 325 Theories of Bilingualism

3 credits

CSD 381 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Speech-Language Pathology

3 credits

EDU 9001 Foundations of Bilingual and Second Language Education3 credits
Choose one of the following courses:

EDU 9003 Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners

3 credits

EDU 9005 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Dual Language Instruction

3 credits

Interested students in good academic standing may apply to the Program Director to be placed into this concentration after the completion of 18 credits of graduate-level coursework. 

Unique Features/Qualities of the Program

Our academic program is grounded in research and evidence-based practice and motivated by Vincentian principles of social justice that extend our concern for individuals with communication disorders beyond the clinic and classroom.

In addition to developing the knowledge and skill areas required for ASHA Certification and New York State licensure for professional practice clinical practice, our students are trained to utilize critical thinking skills and facilitate problem-solving in clinical situations. Our clinical educators model and hold students to the highest clinical and ethical standards. St. John’s Speech and Hearing Center is a state-of-the-art facility for the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders in children and adults. In addition to providing hands-on experience to students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the center provides screening and other services to the community. Students also gain experience through externships in a wide range of settings and serving diverse populations. These settings include rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, day care centers, and nursing homes.

Our location in Queens offers a diverse and multicultural education both in and outside the classroom. We offer a Bilingual Extension Certificate (BEC) as part of the master’s program to distinguish you as a professional and prepare you to meet a growing need in the profession.

Academic service-learning experiences enable students to serve marginalized persons locally and globally.  As part of SJU’s Mission and commitment to global study and academic service-learning, students also have a unique global study opportunity to gain real-world experience with management of pediatric dysphagia in Antigua, Guatemala.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and its Speech and Hearing Center adhere to St. John’s University’s nondiscrimination policy which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, age, gender, national origin, alien status, citizenship, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Our Vincentian values also align with St. John's "dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion and commitment to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community."

Strategic Plan

Mission 

Our mission is to cultivate ethical and culturally responsive speech-language pathologists who are exemplary clinical problem solvers committed to lifelong learning, global perspectives, and the Vincentian principles of social justice, service, and compassion.

Values 

  • We value integrity, respect, compassion, and holistic support for our students, alumni, faculty, clinical educators, staff, and for those we serve. We create space for open communication, collaboration, and innovation. We work to understand and change practices that sustain systemic racism, power imbalances, and other forms of inequity, specifically as they are manifested within our department and across our profession. 
  • We incorporate creative, effective, evidence-based pedagogical approaches to both didactic and clinical education, and hold our students to the highest standards of achievement. 
  • We embrace a culture of continuous learning and are committed to advancing science. We integrate research in our teaching and clinical practice, and contribute to the existing scientific knowledge base by conducting original research. 
  • We regularly engage in program assessment, seek feedback, and adapt our programming based on evolving professional trends, community needs, student perspectives, and available resources. 
  • We seek to continually learn from and work with global communities. We provide opportunities for local and global service to those in need. 

Goals and Action Items 

Goal 1. We will create a compassionate, equitable, and inclusive space for faculty, staff, and students. 

Action Items 

1a. Create more tenure-track and clinical lines to ensure equitable workloads, job satisfaction, and equal opportunities for career growth.

1b. Increase active and focused participation in our department’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Task Force.

1c. Explore alternative scheduling and programming to make our graduate program more accessible to a broader demographic.

Goal 2. We will hold one another to the highest standards of teaching and learning. 

Action Items 

2a. Remap the curriculum to meet evolving needs and advances in our field.

2b. Continue to develop creative, effective, and inspiring teaching practices that improve student performance and increase student outcome measures. 

2c. Improve student: teacher ratios to optimize student success in both academic and clinical settings.

Goal 3. We will use evidence-based practices and advance research in our field. 

Action Items 

3a. Increase research lab space and the number of external grant applications submitted.

3b. Expand current evidence-based practices in our clinic. 

3c. Increase clinical research opportunities and partnerships. 

Goal 4: We will continue to adapt our program to meet evolving needs. 

Action items 

4a. Create in-house specialty clinics. 

4b. Obtain additional state-of-the-art technology for teaching labs. 

4c. Expand clinical space. 

 Goal 5: We will expand local, national, and global community connections.  

Action items 

5a. Expand clinical community outreach programs.

5b. Broaden global partnerships. 

Certification and Licensure

The MA in SLP program at St. John's is accredited by the CAA to prepare students for national ASHA Certification in accordance with the most recent 2020 ASHA Certification Standards. Graduates of our program meet the Knowledge and Skills competencies required to complete a Clinical Fellowship and, subsequently, to apply for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). More information about ASHA Certification can be found on their website.

 

The following pre-requisite courses are also required for ASHA Certification but are notincluded in our MA curriculum. Most students complete these courses at the undergraduate level. In certain circumstances, one of these courses may be taken after admission to the graduate program. More information on acceptable course content for these courses is available here.

  • 3 credits in Biological Sciences
  • 3 credits in Physics or Chemistry
  • 3 credits in Statistics
  • 6 credits in Behavioral and/or Social Sciences

Students who successfully complete our MA degree program are eligible to apply for the New York State License for Speech-Language Pathologists. More information is available here.

Note: Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York, you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.

Students who successfully complete our MA degree program will also be endorsed for the Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) teaching certificate. The TSSLD is issued by the New York State Department of Education. This professional certification is required to work with students in public schools in New York State. Tuition for our program includes all the necessary coursework, observations, and practicum hours students need for the TSSLD.

 

Students must also pass the Educating All Students Exam (EAS). Fees for the EAS and professional workshops required by the state are not included in tuition.

Students who are fluent in more than one language may also complete additional coursework for institutional recommendation to the New York State Department of Education for the Bilingual Extension (BE) Certificate. This extension is required to work with bilingual students in public schools in New York State.

Students seeking institutional recommendation for the BE must complete nine additional credits:

  • CSD 325 Theories of Bilingualism AND
  • EDU 9001 Foundations of Bilingual and Second Language Education AND
  • EDU 9003 Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners OR
  • EDU 9005 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Dual Language Instruction

Two courses included in our lock-step curriculum also count towards the BE Certificate. These are:

  • CSD 203 Models of Language Behavior (Language Science)
  • CSD 354 Cultural Diversity in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

 

In addition to the course requirements for the TSSLD, candidates for the BE Certificate must have at least 50 hours of clinical practicum experience with English language learners distributed across preschool, elementary school, middle school, and adolescence.

Students must also pass the NYS Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA) in a language other than English. The BEA assesses knowledge and skills in the foundations of bilingual education, listening and reading comprehension, and written and oral expression. Offered in the target language of the certificate extension sought, it consists of multiple-choice questions, audiotaped listening and speaking components in English and the target language and reading and writing components in the target language. You can find a list of the BEAs here.

Student Achievement Data

Annual Praxis Pass Rates are calculated for all St. John’s designated Speech-Language Pathology Praxis test results reported by ETS between September 1-August 31 of each academic year.

PeriodNo.of students taking examNo. of students passedPass Rate
2022-2023413790.24%
2021-2022363186.11%
2020-2021473982.98%
Three-Year Average86.44%

 

PeriodNo. completed program within time frameNo. completed program later than time frameNo. not completedPercent Completing On Time
2022-2023274281.8%
2021-2022394090.7%
2020-20213000100%
Three-Year Average90.57%

 

Admission

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology uses the CSDCAS application. Click here to apply through the CSDCAS system. The due date for applications is February 1.

The Speech-Language Pathology program takes a holistic approach to reviewing applicants. 

Applicants to the M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology program must:

  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Submit three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a 300-word written statement (SJU prompt can be found CSDCAS application)
  • Have the following undergraduate pre-requisite (18 credits) coursework in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
    • CSD 1710 Phonetics
    • CSD 1720 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech System
    • CSD 1730 Language Acquisition
    • CSD 1740 Hearing Science OR 1750 Speech Science
    • CSD 2750 Introduction to Audiology
    • One course in any speech/language/swallowing disorder area (Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders is acceptable as a course in a disorder area).

Note that GRE scores are optional.

Please see the Undergraduate Bulletin (St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology major) for a description of the content of these pre-requisite courses.

You may complete these pre-requisites here at St. John’s or elsewhere. To take them at St John’s, you need to make an appointment with the Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and bring official copies of your transcripts indicating prior coursework.

Pre-requisite coursework (18 credits) should be completed before matriculating. In some cases, students may apply while enrolled in their final courses.

In addition, students must have:

  • 3 credits in Statistics
  • 3 credits in Biological Sciences
  • 3 credits in Physics or Chemistry
  • 6 credits in Social and Behavioral Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology)

Students may complete these courses after being admitted to the program if they have not been taken on the undergraduate level. Students needing to complete missing coursework in Statistics, Biology, Physics or Chemistry, and Social science may submit documentation of having passed CLEP exams in these areas in lieu of completing additional coursework.

Prior to matriculation in the program, students will be required to undergo and successfully pass a Criminal Background Check, at a cost of approximately $100. For more information, please consult the current Graduate Bulletin.

Graduate Admission Information
Office of Graduate Admission
718-990-1601
[email protected]

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