Speech-Language Pathology, MS

Total Credits: 60

Program Tracks

THESIS OPTION

Each graduate student has the option to complete a Master’s Thesis. All students deciding to pursue this option are encouraged to complete a scholarly activity of sufficient quality for professional presentation and/or publication. A thesis is intended to familiarize a student with research methodology. Students who select the thesis option should take the following steps:

• Determine who they would like their thesis advisor to be.

• Discuss their intentions with the program director or academic advisor (by January of their first year of graduate coursework or the senior year for five year students).

• Schedule an appointment with the identified thesis advisor.

• Obtain written consent noting that the identified faculty member is willing to serve as advisor.

• Notify Program director and seek final written approval from the department program.

• Thesis Advisor and Chosen Committee Members

• The thesis committee will consist of a thesis advisor and two other faculty members with knowledge and expertise in the chosen area.

• In consultation with their thesis advisor, the student will determine the two other committee members.

• The student must ask each potential committee member, in writing, to serve on their thesis committee.

• A faculty member’s decision to serve a thesis committee will be based on availability and workload.

• The thesis project is subject to final approval from the program director.

This process must be completed by the end of the graduate student’s second semester.

Submission of Master’s Thesis

• Master’s thesis must be submitted to the thesis advisor and program director no later than 60 days before graduation (electronic copy is acceptable).
• 45 days prior to graduation the thesis must be submitted to the dissertation secretary for proofing and any noted corrections (prior to defense or presentation).
• The thesis must be resubmitted to the dissertation secretary with corrections made (original marked up copy must also be submitted).
• The thesis presentation and defense must occur no later than 30 days before graduation.
• The thesis must be resubmitted to the dissertation secretary with any noted corrections recommended by the committee. (This can be an electronic copy with a list of noted changes).
• A signed approval page must be forwarded to the dissertation secretary.

Once this process is complete, the dissertation secretary will forward the thesis to begin the process of copying and binding.

The student’s account will be charged for 3 bound copies. One to be placed in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and the others to be placed in the James White Library. The student may request additional bound copies for which they will be charged. An electronic copy is also made available by the James White Library for which the student will have to sign consent.

This process must be completed no later than 15 days before graduation.

STANDARD OPTION

Students with clinical interest will complete the Standard Track which includes: Educational Audiology and Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology. These students will receive specific instruction of the Speech-Language Pathologists role in remediation of the Hearing Impaired population and counseling methodology with in specific areas of speech-language pathology.

Mission Statement

The Andrews University Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SPLAD) provides faith-affirming Christian education.  The sequence of experiences focuses on the knowledge and practices for a career in the discipline.  Students will:

• Become knowledgeable about human communication and potential disorders
• Uphold the ethical and Christian principles regardless of age, gender or ethnicity
• Be prepared to provide high quality, effective clinical service.

Program Requirements

•  All students admitted to the Master’s program must maintain a 3.25 grade point average. 
• Student will be permitted to earn one “C” while in the program. If a second “C” is earned or the student’s grade point average fall below a 3.25, the student will be placed on a remediation plan. If a second “C” is earned, the student will be required to retake the course.
• Students must meet all essential functions of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Andrews University and The American Speech and Hearing Association.
• Students must meet clinical requirements as outlined in rubric.
• Students are required to meet with their advisor at least once per semester to discuss course plan and program progress.
• Students will meet all academic and clinical requirements for certification with the American Speech and Hearing Association.
• Students who elect to write a thesis must be in good academic and clinical standing prior to securing approval for the thesis topic and before the oral examination.

Certification

The applicant for certification in speech-language pathology must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology. Twenty-five (25) hours must be spent in clinical observation, and 375 hours must be spent in direct client/patient contact. The clinical observation must be completed prior to beginning any practicum experiences.

At least 325 of the 400 clock hours must be completed while the applicant is engaged in graduate study in a program accredited in speech-language pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Clinical clock hours will be tracked by the student, advisor, and administrative assistant to insure that the student has had a diverse clinical experience and for accuracy.This program prepares the student for certification.

Maintaining Academic Standing

•  All students admitted to the Master’s program must maintain a 3.25 grade point average. 
• Student will be permitted to earn one “C” while in the program. If a second “C” is earned, the student will be required to retake the course.
• Students who elect to write a thesis must be in good academic and clinical standing prior to securing approval for the thesis topic and before the oral examination.

Admission Requirements

Applying to the program for a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is easy and straightforward.  Several items will be needed to complete the application process. 

For more information on the application requirements and processes go to:

http://www.andrews.edu/grad/programs/speech-language-pathology.html:

To apply to the Master’s program go to:  https://www.andrews.edu/apply/.

Graduation Requirements

CHECKLIST FOR ATTAINING THE MASTER’S DEGREE

This checklist will help students as they work toward completion of their degree. This checklist does not replace the necessary consultation with academic advisors:

• Complete prerequisite undergraduate course deficiencies. In the first conference with the academic advisor during the professional phase of the program, the student should identify such deficiencies and create a plan to remediate them. 

• Secure regular admission the BA-MA program.

• Successfully complete all Standard for Certification associated with the clinical and academic training program.

• Complete 400 clock hours of clinical practice with at least 325 hours at the graduate level and 50 clock hours in each of the three types of clinical settings.

• Meet all requirements for Certificate of Clinical Competence.

• Submit Application of graduation at the beginning of the second to last semester of study.

• Complete and pass comprehensive examination.

• If thesis option is chosen student must defend and submit thesis for final approval and binding at least 15 days prior to graduation.

Resources

Student Handbook

Please visit the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology website for the most up-to-date version of the department’s Graduate Student Handbook. 

CONCERNS REGARDING ACCREDITATION BY THE COUNCIL ON ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION (CAA)

Students concerns regarding the Master’s program may relate to accreditation standards of the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). This accreditation is an assurance that the program is abiding by all required standards for academic content and following approved procedures in the delivery of this content. In the event of a serious concern, students may contact the CAA directly for information. According to the CAA, complaints about programs must:

1. Be against an accredited education program or program in candidacy status in speech-language pathology and/or audiology;
2. Relate to the standards for accreditation of education programs in audiology and speech-language pathology;
3. Include verification, if the complaint is from a student or faculty/instructional staff member, that the complaint exhausted all institutional grievance and review mechanisms before submitting a complaint to the CAA.

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Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700
E-mail: accreditation@asha.org