Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Speech-Language Pathology MS


Andrews University’s Speech-Language Pathology MS is designed to provide the student with in-depth academic study, the potential for research and extensive clinical experiences in preparation for careers in the diagnosis, evaluation and management of individuals with speech and language disorders. The Master’s degree program has achieved candidacy status from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Admission Options:

In addition to the standard Speech-Language Pathology MS, Andrews University offers two other tracks based on prior educational background: 1) Transitional Program and 2) Accelerated Program.

  1. Transitional Program (3 Year Track): Students interested in earning the Bachelors/Masters in a transitional program will need to follow the admission requirements as stated below in the section entitled, “Admission Requirements for the 3 Year Track.” This program is designed for students who wish to obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, but hold a bachelor’s degree in another major area.
  2. Accelerated Program (5 Year Track): Students interested in earning the Bachelors/Masters in an accelerated program will need to follow the admission requirements as stated below in the section entitled, “Admission Requirements for the 5 Year Track.” This track allows eligible students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 5 years compared to 6. Students must begin this track fall semester of the undergraduate freshmen year at Andrews University.

Program Options


Each graduate student may choose the Standard Option or Research Option to complete their degree.

Program Electives


Additional Requirements


  • All students admitted to the Master’s program must maintain a 3.0 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 falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on a remediation plan. Student may also be required to retake the course.
  • Complete and pass Comprehensive examination (SPPA 670).
  • Pass Praxis Examination aka ASHA examination.

Clinical Requirements


  • 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.
  • Placement sites for Practicum may require vaccine records, drug screening, and fingerprinting separate from the program requirements, the cost of this is the student’s responsibility.

Maintaining Academic Standing


  • 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 falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on a remediation plan. Student may also be required to retake the course.
  • Students must meet all essential functions of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
  • 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 do a research project must be in good academic and clinical standing prior to securing approval for the thesis topic and before the oral examination.

Graduation Requirements


  • Complete prerequisite course requirements in: statistics, biological science, physics/chemistry and behavioral science.
  • Successfully complete all academic and clinical courses that meet all 2014 American Speech and Hearing knowledge standards and outcomes for the Certificate of Clinical Competence
  • 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.
  • Submit Application of graduation at the beginning of the second to last semester of study.
  • Complete and pass Comprehensive examination.
  • Pass Praxis Examination (also known as ASHA examination).
  • If research option is chosen, student must present and receive final approval at least 15 days prior to graduation.

Admission Requirements


3-Year Track


Prerequisite Courses

Upon admission students will complete one year of undergraduate prerequisite coursework in speech-language pathology. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA during the prerequisite course completion (with no grade below a B). Prerequisites must be complete within one academic year. After successful completion, students will enter the Master’s degree program. The minimum GPA requirement for the MS program is 3.0. Students may be required to complete additional courses in order to meet the standards for certification by the American Speech and Hearing Association. Students must complete courses in statistics, physics, or chemistry and a behavioral science for regular admission to the MS program.

The following courses must be completed during the prerequisite year.

5-Year Track


Students eligible to begin as the 5 year track student must meet the following criteria:

  • High School GPA of 3. 5 or higher upon admission to the undergraduate program.
  • Math placement score of P3
  • ACT score of 22-23/SAT score of 510-530

Students will begin the program as a BHS student and must apply to the BS program during their sophomore year. At the end of the 4th year, (senior year) students will graduate with a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Students must complete an application process to the MS program during their senior undergraduate year. During the senior year, students will complete the initial courses toward the MS degree.

Resources


Student Handbook


Please visit the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders website for the most up-to-date version of the department’s Graduate Student Handbook.

Additional Information


Accreditation


The Master of Science program in speech-language pathology at Andrews University 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. This is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years.​

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 complainant exhausted all institutional grievance and review mechanisms before submitting a complaint to the CAA.

2200 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700

E-mail: accreditation@asha.org

Student Learning Outcomes


Graduates of this program will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of theoretical and conceptual knowledge of speech, language, and hearing as the components of communication across the lifespan.
  • Differentiate between various speech, language, and hearing differences and disorders.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present information clearly, logically, and critically both orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical standards as they relate to their field of study and interprofessional practice.