Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Program Overview

The two-year Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology Program (MS SLP) is part of the School of Health Science’s Speech-Language Pathology department. Our program provides professional study for students interested in becoming a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.

The graduate program consists of five semesters, with one of those semesters occurring during the summer between the first and second year. The curriculum provides knowledge in normal and disordered speech, language, swallowing and hearing processes. An individual or group research project, culminating with a presentation and paper in manuscript form, is required to complete the research portion of the curriculum. Additionally, students will complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings (on-campus clinic, private practice, public schools, SNFs, hospitals and rehabilitation centers). Students provide speech therapy services under faculty supervision in our on campus pro bono clinic. The Master of Science in Speech Language-Pathology degree is awarded upon successful completion of both the academic and clinical portions of the curriculum. 

Speech Language Pathology Department Mission

The mission of the Speech-Language Pathology Program is to foster the development of highly qualified, ethical and skilled speech language professionals to be servant leaders with strong academic ability and character fostered by Benedictine values that will support their individual growth and a passion for contributing to society and improving the lives of others.

Speech Language Pathology Department Vision

The vision of the Speech Language Department is to be a leader in Speech Pathology programs for providing outstanding undergraduate and graduate academic and clinical training. The University of Mary Speech Pathology program will positively impact the number of qualified speech language pathologists to increase service to the community, the state and beyond.

Graduate Outcomes

1. University of Mary Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct comprehensive speech, language, and swallowing evaluations and provide evidence-based treatment for individuals with communication disorders across the lifespan, exhibiting professional oral and written communication skills.
2. Graduates will develop and apply critical thinking skills necessary to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving by participating in inter-professional, problem-based learning experiences involving educational and clinical settings.
3. Graduates will conduct clinical practice under the principles of servant leadership upholding the highest ethical standards to provide service to individuals from a variety of cultures throughout the lifespan.
4. Graduates will develop knowledge in the areas of quantitative and qualitative research procedures in the field of communication sciences and disorders.  Our graduates will have the opportunity to participate in beginning research. They will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data as well as determine the implications and applications to the field of speech-language pathology.

Accreditation Status

The master’s program in speech-language pathology is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a completed post-baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders prior to beginning the University of Mary Master Speech Language Pathology Program
• Pre-requisite course requirements needed for ASHA certification:
  • Biological Science with lab
  • General Chemistry with lab OR Physics with lab
  • Psychology (General Psychology, Developmental Psychology or Abnormal Psychology)
  • Statistics (from math or psychology department)
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum of a “C” in all CSD and pre-requisite coursework. Students may retake pre-requisite coursework one time. A GPA of 3.0 in pre-requisite coursework is required. Of the pre-requisite courses or CSD courses, a student may only retake a total of 2 classes.
• Three (3) satisfactory letters of reference addressing moral and ethical behavior, academic abilities, and work ethic.
• Twenty-five (25) observation hours with a ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC). Submit evidence of clinical hours to CSDCAS as part of the application.
• Official GRE scores from within the last five (5) years.
• International candidates must submit official TOEFL scores to CSDCAS by the application deadline. Applicants much achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 89 on the Internet-based test (iBT). The MS Speech-Language Pathology Program also requires a minimum TOEFL iBT Speaking subscale of 26, TOEFL iBT Writing subscale score of 24, TOEFL iBT Reading subscale score of 21, and iBT Listening subscale score of 18. All exams are valid for two years.
  • International Transcripts: the University of Mary MS Speech-Language Pathology program only accepts pre-requisite coursework taken at an accredited U.S. institution.

Early Assurance

A selected group of high school seniors may apply for early enrollment into the program. The number is determined on a yearly basis. Applicants for early enrollment must be outstanding in their own high school; having at least a composite score of 24 on the ACT or a GPA of 3.5. A member of the SLP faculty interviews these students prior to their early acceptance. Students accepted for this program sign an agreement detailing specific requirements.

Teacher Certification Requirements:

In order to achieve eligibility for North Dakota teacher certification, students should complete undergraduate coursework in the below prior to graduation:

• EDU 295 - Learners with Exceptional Needs  
• EDU 367 - Cultural Diversity and Human Relations  
• CSD 440 - School Programs in Speech Pathology  

International Students

Applicants from countries in which English is not the native language are required to prove a minimum level of English proficiency unless they have been granted a bachelor’s degree in the United States. The University of Mary will accept scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Test Score Requirements: Applicants who are applying to the Master of Speech-Language Pathology are required to achieve a minimum TOEFL score of an 89 on the Internet-based test (iBT). The Master of Speech-Language Pathology also requires a minimum TOEFL iBT Speaking subscale score of a 26, TOEFL iBT Writing subscale score of 24, TOEFL iBT Reading subscale score of 21, and an iBT Listening subscale score of an 18. All exams are valid for two years.

General Screening

The program will screen all students to ensure that they are proficient in the language of service delivery. Students will be screened through a formal clinic screening. If accent reduction is required, the individual will be offered enrollment in the campus clinic.