Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology
Program Requirements
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) is a two-year program and meets the requirement of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for clinical certification and the standards set forth by the State of Florida for licensure. The Master of Science in Speech- Language Pathology (MS SLP) program is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
The mission of the JU MS SLP program is to prepare students for careers of excellence as speech- language pathologists. A core program of theories, methods, and research in Communication Science and Disorders will ensure that each student will be prepared in the discipline of speech-language and screening of hearing disorders. This will be accomplished through academic offerings and clinical learning experiences.
Program Outcomes for the MS SLP are:
- Integrate knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders.
- Consider the anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, social, linguistic and cultural correlates of disorders in clinical decision making.
- Demonstrate effective communication, counseling, and collaboration with patients and relevant others, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the patient, family, and caregivers.
- Integrate principles of ethics and cultural diversity into clinical decision making for individuals and populations experiencing complex health issues related to speech, voice, swallowing, language, and/or cognitive impairments.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology and information systems for speech-language pathologists that will improve the quality of care for individuals and populations.
- Translate relevant research findings from speech-language pathology and related disciplines to advance clinical speech-language pathology practice and improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.
- Influence public policy designed to ensure the safety and quality of healthcare for individuals and populations.
- Demonstrate social responsibility and advocacy for individuals and populations experiencing complex health issues related speech, voice, swallowing, language, and/or cognitive impairments.
- Lead interdisciplinary health care initiatives at the organizational and systems level to improve health outcomes for individuals and populations with speech, voice, swallowing, language and/or cognitive impairments.
Tuition
MS in SLP tuition for the fall, spring, and summer semesters can be found here.
Required courses:
Plan of Study - Five Semester Plan
This is a sample course sequence and is subject to change. All courses are offered once a year.
Fall - Semester One
| CSD 501 | Adult Language Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 502 | Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 503 | Preschool Language Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 507 | Diagnostic Methods in Speech-Language P | 4 |
| CSD 531 | Rehabilitation Research Design | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring - Semester Two
| CSD 510 | Clinical Ethics and Policy | 2 |
| CSD 517 | Practicum Speech Language Pathology I | 2 |
| CSD 518 | School-aged Language and Literacy Disor | 3 |
| CSD 519 | Aural Rehabilitation | 1 |
| CSD 520 | Dysphagia Management | 4 |
| CSD 524 | Augmentative and Alternative Communicat | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Summer - Semester Three
| CSD 509 | Motor Speech Disorders | 4 |
| CSD 523 | Adult Cognitive Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 525 | Communicating with Parents and Families | 2 |
| CSD 528 | Practicum Spch-Lang Pathol II | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Fall - Semester Four
| CSD 508 | Fluency Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 536 | Special Populations/Autism | 3 |
| CSD 538 | Voice and Resonance Disorders | 4 |
| CSD 539 | Professional Issues in Speech-Language | 2 |
| CSD 540 | Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring - Semester Five
| CSD 550 | Externship in Speech-Language Pathology | 2-4 |
| | Or | |
| CSD 552 | Research for Master's Thesis | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2-4 |
Total Credit Hours: 58-62
Clinical Requirements: A student in the MS SLP program must complete at least 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum experience, plus 25 observation hours.
Progression and Remediation
Remediation Plans: Knowledge
A student must pass each course with a grade of B- or better. In cases where a student earns a final grade lower than B-, the student will receive a grade of incomplete. The student must consult with the faculty instructor to establish a remediation plan as well as a timeline for completion. Options for remediation are at the discretion of the faculty instructor. If a remediation plan is utilized, the highest possible final grade the student may earn is a B-. If the remediation plan is not completed in a satisfactory manner, the student will be required to retake the course. The student may only utilize the remediation option in 1 academic course. If a final grade below a B- is received in a second course, the student has the option to repeat the course. Subsequent grades below a B- will result in dismissal from the program. Students dismissed from the MS program may appeal the action to the Admissions Committee.
In addition to the course grade, each academic course will have knowledge competencies linked to the ASHA certification standards. Students that receive a grade of C+ or below on an assignment, exam or lab related to the standards must successfully demonstrate mastery of the competency by successfully completing activities to demonstrate competence. The knowledge competencies for each course will be listed in the course syllabus along with the method for demonstrating competence. Students must complete all of the competencies listed in order to complete their graduate program.
Remediation Plans: Skills
When the Program Director is made aware of a student who is struggling in clinic/practicum, she will meet with the immediate supervisor and the student to develop a remediation plan. IF the student does not meet the requirements of the remediation plan AND the course in total, he/she will not receive credit for the course and cannot count the clock hours obtained in that practicum. The student will be required to repeat the practicum in a similar setting before advancing to other clinical settings. If a student has a final grade of C or worse on one or more practicum or externship courses, the student will be dismissed from the program.