Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The two-year, full-time Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to become competent speech-language pathologists who provide quality care in a respectful, culturally sensitive, caring, and knowledgeable manner. Committed and experienced faculty guide the didactic program in alignment with high-quality clinical experiences that prepare students for professional certification and licensure.
The Department of Speech-Language Pathology is committed to: PROMOTING EXCELLENCE | SERVING COMMUNITY | EMBRACING DIVERSITY | INSPIRING COMPASSION | FOSTERING CRITICAL THINKING | VALUING INDEPENDENCE.
The graduate program offers an engaging, faith-based academic environment which includes access to off-site community service and supervised clinical opportunities in a variety of medical, clinical, and educational settings, in addition to the state-of-the-art, on-campus Concordia University Wisconsin Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic. Students learn in supervised clinical settings that are supplemented by specific small-group didactic instruction that supports further exploration of topics related to clinical procedures, medical and clinical diagnoses, and cultural and ethical considerations. Students develop effective and professional interaction skills with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals through service learning and university-supported Inter-professional Education (IPE) experiences. The program also prepares students to pass the Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology (https://www.ets.org/praxis/asha).
At the conclusion of the CUW Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program, students are expected to have met the academic content and clinical practice competencies, short of a post-graduate clinical fellowship experience, associated with the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and are eligible to apply for initial licensure required for practice in the state of Wisconsin.
This program requires successful completion of 44 core academic credit hours, 3 credit hours of electives, and 10 credit hours of clinical practicum resulting in a minimum of 57 credit hours of coursework (academic and clinical).
Completion of an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at CUW does not guarantee students admission to the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology. In addition, students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than communication sciences and disorders are eligible to apply to the master’s program only after successful completion of prerequisite coursework.
For more information, visit WWW.CUW.EDU/SLP
MISSION STATEMENT
The Department of Speech-Language Pathology is dedicated to the missions of Concordia University Wisconsin and the School of Health Professions and is focused on developing independent life-long learners with strong critical thinking and communication abilities. In addition, the Department of Speech-Language Pathology aims to prepare students for the opportunities and rigors of a vocation positively impacting communicatively-challenged individuals across the lifespan and their families by providing outstanding academic/clinical education, as well as community outreach. The department also aims to support the continuing education needs of practicing clinicians to ultimately have a positive impact on individuals with communication and/or swallowing challenges. This professional education is grounded in faith, excellence, and service to others.
ACCREDITATION
Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges: North Central Association of Schools and Colleges
https://www.cuw.edu/about/accreditation-approval.html .
The Master of Science (M.S.) residential education program in speech-language pathology at Concordia University Wisconsin 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 “preacceditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years.
The CAA has determined that the program demonstrates sufficient compliance with the Standards for Accreditation as outlined in the 2019 Candidacy Compliance Continuum. As a result, the CAA has awarded candidacy for a period of five years beginning 3/1/2019 through 2/29/2024. Award of candidacy allows the program to matriculate students into the program as it continues to document compliance with accreditation standards for the duration of the candidacy accreditation cycle.
Program Learning Outcomes
Speech-Language Pathology graduate program student outcomes are consistent with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Clinical Competency and Certification Standards. All SLP graduates will likely meet the 2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. These standards can be found at https://www.asha.org/Certification/2020-SLP-Certification-Standards/
SLP students will demonstrate:
- Knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social-behavioral sciences (ASHA Standard IV-A; typically achieved in undergraduate coursework before enrollment in the graduate program. Students must independently complete deficiencies in these areas before applying for ASHA certification (CCC)).
- Knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases (ASHA Standard V-B).
- Knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in:
- Articulation
- Fluency
- Voice and resonance
- Receptive and expressive language
- Hearing
- Swallowing
- Cognitive aspects of communication
- Social aspects of communication
- Augmentative and alternative communication modalities (Standard IV-C)
- Current knowledge of the principles and methods of, and clinical skills in prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan (Standard IV-D and V-B)
- Knowledge and skills in oral, written and other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice Standard V-A)
- Knowledge of research processes and integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice (Standard IV-F)
- Knowledge of ASHA's current Code of Ethics and ethical conduct standards, professional contemporary issues, regulations and policies relevant to professional practice (Standards IV-E, G, and H)
Upon successful completion of all requirements and graduation from the Master of Science in speech-language pathology program at CUW, individuals will be prepared to apply for initial licensure required for practice in the State of Wisconsin. Upon completion of the SLP graduate program, students will have achieved all required knowledge and skills competencies consistent with the 2020 ASHA certification standards ( https://www.asha.org/certification/2020-slp-certification-standards/ ). Further, all students will have met the required 25 hours of observation and 375 hours of clinical practicum to be prepared to transition into their clinical fellowship year (CFY) following graduation. In addition, the SLP graduate program prepares students to pass the Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology (https://www.ets.org/praxis/asha).
Upon successful completion of the clinical fellowship, students will have achieved all required knowledge and skills competencies and will be eligible to apply for the certificate of clinical competence (CCC) through ASHA. Additionally, students will have demonstrated effective and professional interaction skills with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals through service learning and university- supported Interprofessional Education (IPE) experiences.
SLP GRADUATE CLINICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
Graduate students in the Speech-Language Pathology graduate program must be “In Good Standing” to enroll in the Clinical Practicum courses (SLP 650, SLP 651, & SLP 652) and to participate in scheduled clinical activities. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be considered “In Good Standing”. In addition, students must have completed the required academic coursework prior to enrolling in clinical practicum related to that specific disorder.
Additionally, students must have no documented professional and/or ethical behavioral concerns in their graduate program record/file. Students may request access to their student record/file from their Departmental Advisor, the Clinic Director, and/or Department Chair.
ASHA Clinical Certification Standards (CCC-SLP)
Speech-Language Pathology graduate program student outcomes are consistent with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Clinical Competency and Certification Standards. All SLP graduates will likely meet the 2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. These standards can be found at https://www.asha.org/Certification/2020-SLP-Certification-Standards/
At the conclusion of the CUW Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program, students are expected to have met the academic content and clinical practice competencies, short of a post-graduate clinical fellowship experience, associated with the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
A detailed list of all requirements needed for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) can be found at: https://www.asha.org/certification/slpcertification/
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SLP 505 | Child Language Disorders I | 3 |
| SLP 515 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SLP 520 | Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 525 | Aphasia & Related Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 530 | Augmentative & Alternative Communication | 3 |
| SLP 535 | Child Language Disorders II | 3 |
| SLP 540 | Fluency Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 545 | Motor Speech Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 555 | Dysphagia | 3 |
| SLP 565 | Fundamentals of Audiology for the SLP | 2 |
| SLP 610 | Cognitive Communication Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 615 | Assessment & Management of Multicultural Populations | 3 |
| SLP 620 | Voice Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 630 | Genetics of SLP Practice | 3 |
| SLP 635 | Professional Issues and Counseling | 3 |
| Clinical Practicum 650/651 - combination to total 5 credits | 5 | |
| Clinical Practicum (1 credit) | ||
| Clinical Practicum: Level I (1 credit) | ||
| SLP 645 | Audiology Practicum 2 | 1 |
| SLP 652 | Clinic Externship: Level II | 4 |
| Elective Credits (total of 3) | 3 | |
| School Methods (elective (3 cr.)) | ||
| Neurological Bases of Communication (elective (3 cr.)) | ||
| Special Topics: (2 credits) 1 | ||
| Total Clinical Credits (SLP 645, 650, 651, 652) 3 | 10 | |
| Total Credits Load for SLP | 57 | |
- 1
Elective – Special Topics: SLP 665 can be repeated with different specific topics; student must complete a minimum of 3 elective credits; students may elect to complete a thesis in place of all 3 credits of electives or may complete research practicum for up to 4 credits.
- 2
SLP 645 - Audiology Practicum Students must complete one section of this course - 1 credit.
- 3
SLP 650 and 651 Clinical Practicum - 1 credit each, combination of which to total 5 credits.
SLP 652 Clinical Practicum - 4 credits
Graduate Capstone Experience (COMPS)
As a capstone to completion of the graduate program in speech-language pathology, students are required to independently complete an oral comprehensive examination (Comps). This exam typically occurs after Fall Semester of the 2nd year when all academic coursework has been completed. The comps process includes student preparation and review of two, randomly-selected, broad-based clinical cases. During the examination, students present one of the two assigned cases to a pre-appointed faculty committee and engage in a Q & A session. Faculty then determine if the student's preparation and responses merit passing, or if remediation is needed. Students may elect to complete a Master's Thesis in lieu of the Comps experience.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants to the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program apply through an online service called Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). To learn more about the CSDCAS application process, prerequisites, CUW’s admission requirements, and admission deadlines, please visit https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
- Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or equivalent prior to matriculation into the program. If undergraduate degree is in another field of study, applicant must have completed a leveling program or equivalent coursework prior to matriculation into the program.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
- Resume
- Personal essay (not to exceed 1000 words).
- Three letters of recommendation that can speak to your potential for success in a graduate SLP program and in the profession (preference for at least one letter of recommendation coming from an academic source in CSD/SLP). These letters are submitted to the CSDCAS recommender portal by your references.
- Documented and signed 25 ASHA-qualified clinical observation hours or an uploaded written statement describing your plan to complete the observation hours prior to matriculation in the program. Applications without clinical observation hours will be included in the initial review.
- Submission of all official transcripts leading to your bachelor's degree, and official transcripts for graduate coursework (if applicable) to CSDCAS.
- Ability to perform essential functions of a Speech-Language Pathologist as outlined by CAPCSD. For more information, please visit https://www.capcsd.org/academic-and-clinical-resources/
Note: The GRE is NOT a requirement of the CUW Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology.
Note: The program may allow up to 6 transfer credits, with approval by the Program Director
CSD Leveling Program
The Leveling Program is intended for students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a major other than CSD and who are interested in qualifying for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology. The Leveling Program in SLP is nationally recognized as a means of completing the requisite education to prepare a student for graduate study in SLP. The CUW Leveling Program requires interested students to complete 30 credit hours (10 courses) in the CSD major in one year of study prior to entering a graduate SLP program. Completion of the Leveling Program does not guarantee a student admission to a graduate program. For more information on the Leveling Program at Concordia University Wisconsin, see the Undergraduate Catalog in the Communication Sciences and Disorders major.
Financial Aid
Federal student loans are available to graduate students seeking degrees who are US citizens or permanent residents. Students may apply online at www.fafsa.gov (http://www.fafsa.gov). Concordia’s school code is 003842. Students are eligible for Federal Student loans and Graduate PLUS loans to cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, transportation, and living expenses.