Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All students must successfully complete clinical practicum requirements as an inherent part of the department program. A prerequisite to the participation in clinical practicum is admission to degree candidacy and/or permission of the departmental faculty. To receive a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, each student must demonstrate clinical competence as well as academic success. Clinical competence means: The ability to identify individuals with communication handicaps; The ability to perform comprehensive evaluation of individuals with communication handicaps; The ability to effect positive changes in the communication skills of individuals with communication handicaps; The ability to relate effectively to clients, their families and fellow professionals. Assessment of these competencies will be made by the faculty before recommending award of the degree. Program Specific Student Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate knowledge of communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders, and methods of prevention, evaluation, and intervention. 2. Demonstrate skill in selecting appropriate tools and conducting evaluations with diverse populations and across the lifespan. 3. Demonstrate skill in conducting intervention with diverse populations and across the lifespan. 4. Demonstrate interaction and personal qualities consistent with the standards of the profession. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of school-based and medical-based speech-language pathology services. 6. Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in discipline-related research. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of counseling principles and practices applied to the practice of speech-language pathology with diverse populations and across the lifespan. 8. Demonstrate knowledge of standards of ethical conduct. 9. Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice. 10. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary professional issues. 11. Demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates. 12. Demonstrate knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice. 13. Demonstrates kills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice. 14. Complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology with at least 325 of the 400 clock hours completed at the graduate level. 15. Pass the national examination adopted by ASHA for purposes of certification and licensure in speech-language pathology. Students must complete a minimum of 62 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology.