Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Faculty: Axt, Hernandez, Potts-Sayler, Sebastian, Smith, Stillwell, Zeltinger (chair)

Program Overview

The two-year Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology Program (M.S. SLP) is part of the Saint Gianna School of Health Science’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology. 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

Guided by the Benedictine values, the mission of the Speech-Language Pathology program is to prepare highly qualified and ethical speech-language pathologists who will enhance communication and improve 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 of scientific foundations and methodologies in speech-language pathology.  Our graduates will be critical consumers of research who demonstrate the ability to analyze and apply scientific evidence to clinical practice. 

Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at the University of Mary is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation 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.

Application and Admissions

Application Instructions

The University of Mary is a member of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS), available at https://www.csdcas.org/.

CSDCAS applications for the University of Mary MS SLP program open July 1st. The deadline for submitting the application to CSDCAS is January 15th, prior to the September start date. CSDCAS will send the documentation to the Speech-Language Pathology Admissions Committee for consideration.

After reviewing the applications, the Admissions Committee selects candidates for the required personal interview, which is conducted throughout early spring. The final class is selected based on an objective point system based on cumulative GPA, GPA in pre-requisite courses, and the interview.

If the class number does not reach the desired class size, rolling admissions will go into effect. Students must meet all previously outlined criteria and participate in the formal interview process. Rolling admissions are considered until July 1. Applicants will be reviewed upon submission of a completed application.

Minimum Criteria for Admission

The minimum criteria for admission to the MS SLP program include:

• A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences from an accredited university or a bachelor’s degree in another major from an accredited university with completed CSD-specific prerequisite courses in the major Communication Sciences and Disorders (see CSD Specific Prerequisite Course Requirements) before beginning the University of Mary Master of Speech-Language Pathology Program.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum of a “C” in all CSD pre-requisite coursework.
  • Coursework specifically for SLP Assistant or Paraprofessional preparation is usually not accepted as equivalent. 
• Applicants must show transcript evidence of at least one course in each of the following: the biological sciences, physical sciences (physics or chemistry), social/behavioral sciences, and statistics (outside the CSD department). Each course must be a minimum of 3 credits and must be completed prior to enrollment in the graduate program.
• However, any candidate who has not met one or more of the following requisites may be granted conditional admission into the program with deliberation, discussions, consensus, and approval from all the members of the SLP admissions committee. Typically, the student is expected to meet the deficient requisite at the end of the first semester of the graduate program (e.g., one pre-requisite course for an ASHA certification requirement or CSD pre-requisite course. However, a longer period may be granted for other requisites (e.g., increasing a GPA). Following a satisfactory completion of the requisite, the conditional admission status of the students will be converted into full or unrestricted admission into the University of Mary MS SLP Program.

CSD-Specific Prerequisite Course Requirements

• Speech and Hearing Science
• Clinical Phonetics
• Speech Anatomy and Physiology
• Speech and Language Development
• Basics of Audiology and Aural Rehab

Additional Requirements

• Statement of purpose: Communicate your reasons for pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist. You can include any significant or relevant life experiences or motivation, which may have inspired you to serve people with communication problems.
• Observation Hours: Submit evidence of 25 guided observation hours of an ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC) to CSDCAS as part of the application (Preferred). Guided observation hours may be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed prior to beginning clinicals in the graduate program. 
• The University of Mary Speech-Language Pathology Program requires completion and submission of a criminal background check prior to participation in clinical practica (fall of semester one) and annually thereafter.  Any student who is living outside of the US or who has not lived within the borders of the US for the last seven consecutive years is required to also have an international background check completed. 

International Students

Applicants from countries in which English is not the native language are required to prove a minimum level of English proficiency. The University of Mary will accept scores from:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and student must achieve a minimum score of an 80 on the Internet Based Test (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based Test, (PBT), or
• The International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic version, and students must achieve a minimum score of a 6.5.
• The GTEC, and students must achieve a minimum score of 1204-1226.
• The Duolingo English Test (DET): 105

Foreign Transcription Evaluation

If the applicant has attended a university outside of the United States, the University of Mary requires the applicant to provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation by an approved foreign credential evaluator. Visit the Admissions  page for more information on the International Student Admissions process.

MS SLP Priority Admissions

Students who have completed 60-89 credits of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for early acceptance to the MS SLP Program through the Priority Admissions process. Applicants for Priority Admission will be interviewed by a member of the SLP faculty prior to acceptance. Students who are accepted via the Priority Admissions process will defer the start of the MS SLP Program for one year.  All applicants accepted via the Priority Admissions process must meet the minimum requirements for traditional admission before beginning the MS SLP program. Visit the Department of Speech-Language Pathology  page for more information on the Priority Admissions process.

Early Assurance

A select group of high school seniors who have applied and been accepted to the University of Mary may apply for early enrollment into the MS SLP program through the Early Assurance process. Applicants for Early Assurance will be interviewed by a member of the SLP faculty prior to acceptance. Applicants for Early Assurance 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. All applicants accepted via the Early Assurance process must meet the minimum requirements for traditional admission before beginning the MS SLP program. Visit the Department of Speech-Language Pathology  page for more information on the Early Assurance process.

Teacher Certification Requirements:

Students wishing to qualify for employment in a school setting must complete the following courses (or have evidence of equivalent coursework):

• EDU 267 - Cultural Diversity & Human Relations  or SBS 367 - Dimensions of Diversity  
• EDU 383 - Foundations of Inclusive Classrooms  
• CSD 440 - School Programs in Speech Pathology  

Grading & Degree Progression

Students must demonstrate mastery of and competence in all didactic information, clinical skills, and professional behavior expectations. In the Department of SLP, competence is defined as the achievement of a grade of at least “B-” in each program course and in clinical education courses, appropriate professional behavior in all settings, and an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0.

The SLP department uses an “A” to “F” grading scale with “+” and “-” for all academic coursework. In graduate courses, all work below a “B-” that is “C+”, “C”, “C-“, “D+”, “D”, “D-“, or “F”, are considered unsatisfactory and must be resolved. 

Students must have no more than one “remediated” unsatisfactory grade or have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0. Students are ineligible to register for courses with unsatisfactory grades or GPA on their transcript.