Speech-Language Pathology
We offer a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Speech Language Pathology. Our program emphasizes clinical training, person and family centered care, and evidence-based practice.
The program follows a cohort model, meaning students enter with a group of students and stay with this group throughout their time in the program. Cohort sizes can range anywhere from 20-30 students.
Applications can be submitted in early August for the following academic year. The application deadline of March 1st. There is a rolling admissions process that begins in January, and applications may continue to be reviewed until early May.
No. This is a hybrid program, which combines residential and distance learning. Most of the academic courses are online and all clinic courses are in person. Students can expect to be on campus 1-2 days per week during fall/spring and daily for 1-2 weeks in the summer.
Prerequisite classes are scheduled online from 5-6:40 pm in the evenings. Graduate classes are scheduled online in the mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. during year one and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm during year two to accommodate field schedules.
Students are enrolled in two clinic courses each semester during year one and participate in a summer intensive program during summer semesters. We use block scheduling for clinic courses, which typically require students to be on campus for two “blocks” of time, usually 3-4 hours in the afternoon. Summer intensive clinic courses usually run during Summer B session, which is during July and early August. Summer clinic intensive programs usually run for two weeks.
The program typically takes 2 years to complete (5 semesters), including coursework, clinical practicum training, and two full-time field externships.
No. This is not a part-time program.
Students are expected to maintain full enrollment and consistent progress throughout their time in the program.
Yes, many students maintain part-time employment during their studies, especially in the prerequisite year and first graduate year. However, beginning in the second year when externship placements (clinical field training) begin, students are strongly encouraged to scale back work hours to accommodate a minimum of 3 days and up to 5 full days per week at their practicum sites.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology {residential, distance education} at St. Elizabeth 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, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment. There are two graduate program tracks: Two-year and Three Year.
Only students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) or similar are eligible to apply for the Two-Year track (CSD Track).
Students with degrees in other majors can apply to our Three-Year Track (Non-CSD), which will allow them to take at least 18 credits of prerequisite courses required for certification following graduation.
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and a commitment to the profession of Speech-Language Pathology.
There is very limited funding available through graduate assistantships. Students are encouraged to apply early and to explore additional financial aid options through the university’s Office of Financial Aid.
Students participate in supervised clinical experiences beginning in the first semester of their first graduate year.
Practicum placements include:
- On-Campus Clinic
- Summer Intensive Programs
- Schools
- Outpatient Clinics
- Hospitals
- Therapy Abroad
No. Most students will take comprehensive examinations in their second graduate year, however, if a student chooses to complete a thesis, then they will not have to take comprehensive exams.
We seek individuals who are:
- Academically prepared
- Committed to the service of others
- Capable of self-reflection and personal growth
- Dedicated to developing clinical and research competencies