MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Our Mission:

The graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program's mission is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to be effective, efficient, and ethical professionals in a diverse society. The faculty is concerned not only with students' development of a strong knowledge base, but also with the development of reasoning and problem solving skills and professional behavior. The program's core vallues are consisitent with those of the School of Health and Human Services and strive to foster students' development of:

• knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes across the lifespan
• knowledge relative to the nature and prevention of communication disorders across the lifespan
• knowledge relative to the principles and methods of evaluation and intervention for communication disorders across the lifespan
• application of knowledge and the skill to independently plan and deliver speech-language pathology services across disorders and the lifespan
• knowledge of professional issues including professional certification and licensure requirements
• effective critical thinking skills in diagnosis, treatment and caseload management
• an appreciation of diversity in the management of culturally-linguistically diverse populations
• professional and ethical behavior in all aspects of service delivery
• the ability to critically read and evaluate research and use that information to deliver evidence-based interventions
• oral and written communication skills for entry-level professional practice
• interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients, families/caregivers and other professionals
• the ability to identify her/his own learning needs and take responsibility for ongoing professional development

Accreditation:

The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).

Graduates are eligible to apply for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), and New York State license in Speech-Language Pathology. If the student has completed the New York State Department of Education requirements for initial certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD), completion of the Master's degree program satisfies the academic criteria for application for the professional teacher certification (TSSLD Pre K-12 - All Grades).

Basic Requirements:

The program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours of course work and 9 credit hours in clinical practicum for a total of 48 semester hours. A part time option is available based on individual advisement, and an extended program option is available for applicants who have not completed the undergraduate prerequisites for graduate study in speech-language pathology. The program offers a wide range of courses and practicum opportunities to prepare students to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, clinics and private practice.

Graduate students begin their practicum experiences in the Nazareth College Speech and Hearing Clinic and its outreach program. The clinic serves a diverse client population with speech, language, and hearing disorders. Students with a specific interest in adult neurological disorders have an opportunity to conduct evaluations, treatment, and research in the Aphasia Clinic.

Deafness Specialty Preparation:

Recently the program has cosponsored, with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a Specialty Preparation for Speech-Language Pathologists to Work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Youth. This program option was recently refunded and will be available for the next four years. For more information see: Deafness Specialty Preparation.

For statistical information about our recent graduating class and our recent entering class, click here.

Questions? Contact Either:

Lisa Durant-Jones, M.S., CCC-SLP
Graduate Program Director
(585) 389-2775
ldurant4@naz.edu

Catherine Quenin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Department Chairperson
(585) 389-2776
cquenin0@naz.edu

To apply for the graduate Speech Language Pathology program:
Click Here.

For information about Nazareth's other Graduate Programs contact:
Office of Graduate Studies