M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
The Master of Science Degree (MS) residential program in Speech-Language Pathology at Gallaudet University is accredited 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, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
This two-year five-semester program involves coursework and practicum experiences designed to provide a broad background in speech-language-hearing sciences and disorders. The program also provides a special emphasis on the communication differences of many individuals who are d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing.
The SLP program involves combined course, lab, and clinical work in speech, language, hearing and swallowing. Like other nationally-accredited speech-language pathology programs in the United States, Gallaudet's SLP curriculum is dedicated to speech sciences, research methods, language acquisition, clinical procedures, assistive technology, and multicultural experiences. It also includes instruction in and supervised clinical experiences with persons who have speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, voice disorders, swallowing disorders, fluency disorders, language disorders, and neurogenic communication disorders. Unlike other accredited graduate programs, however, Gallaudet's program requires coursework or demonstrated competence in American Sign Language and competencies in working with children and adults who use ASL. Observation and practicum opportunities in the Hearing and Speech Center on campus are complemented with training experiences at a variety of hospitals, clinics, public and private schools, private practices, early childhood programs, and other acute and long-term care facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Students accepted into the highly competitive SLP program also have opportunities to engage in research, not only through a dedicated master's thesis program, but also with faculty mentors in the Department's research labs and clinic. Opportunities also exist for interprofessional collaboration (IPC), and for elective coursework in other departments and through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Program specific requirements:
Three letters of reference
Goal Statement
Interview with SLP Program
Accreditation
The Master of Science Degree (MS) residential education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Gallaudet University is accredited 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, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Plan of study
Semester I - Fall
| HSL 713 | Language Development and Disorders I | 3 |
| HSL 714 | Speech Science | 3 |
| HSL 744 | Clinical Procedures in SLP | 1 |
| HSL 745 | Clinical Statistics | 1 |
| HSL 746 | Clinical Applications of Sign Communication | 1 |
| HSL 771 | Clinical Practicum in SLP 1 | 1 |
| HSL 824 | Aural Rehabilitation: Adults | 3 |
| | Elective | 1-3 |
| ASL | American Sign Language I | 3 |
American Sign Language I: or equivalent
Semester II - Spring
| HSL 723 | Language Development and Disorders II | 3 |
| HSL 746 | Clinical Applications of Sign Communication | 1 |
| HSL 753 | Motor Speech Disorders | 2 |
| HSL 755 | Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders | 3 |
| HSL 772 | Clinical Practicum in SLP 2 | 2 |
| | Elective | 1-3 |
| ASL | American Sign Language II | 3 |
American Sign Language II: or equivalent
Semester III - Summer
| HSL 716 | Audiology: Educational and Habilitative Implications | 3 |
| HSL 773 | Clinical Practicum in SLP 3 | 1-4 |
| HSL 826 | Aural Rehabilitation:Pediatric | 3 |
| PST | American Sign Language | 3 |
Semester IV - Fall
American Sign Language III: or equivalent
Semester V - Spring
| HSL 726 | Complex Communication Disorders & AAC | 2 |
| HSL 750 | Voice & Resonance Disorders | 3 |
| HSL 775 | Clinical Practicum in SLP 5 | 2-4 |
| HSL 821 | Informational Counseling and Multicultural Issues | 3 |
| PST | American Sign Language | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 57
Additional Requirements
Students must take a minimum of one elective following the first semester of the program. For students opting for the M.S. thesis, thesis credit may be substituted for the elective.
Department Requirements
- Completion of the academic and practicum requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Successful completion of candidacy examination.
- Adherence to the provisions of the ASHA Code of Ethics.
Program Outcomes
1. Knowledge of statistics as well as the biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences. (ASHA StandardIV-A).
2. Knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases. Ability to integrate information pertraining to normal and abnormal human development across the lifespan. (ASHA Standard V-B).
3. Knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates
a. Speech sound production to encompass articulation, motor planning and execution, phonology, and accent modification
b. Fluency and fluency disorders
c. voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation
d. receptive and expressive language including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics (language use and social aspects of communication, prelinguistic communication, paralinguistic communication (e.g. gestures, signs, body language), and literacy in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
e. Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
f. Swallowing/feeding including (a) structure and function of orofacial myology and (b) pharyngeal, laryngeal, pulmonary, esophageal, gastrointestinal, and related functions across the life span
g. cognitive aspects of communication, including attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, and executive functioning
h. social aspects of communication, including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities
i. augmentative and alternative communication modalities (Standard IV-C)
4. For each of the areas specified in SLO 3- current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for persons with communication and swallowing disorders including consideration of anatomical/physiological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates (Standard IV-D and V-B)
5. Knowledge and skills in oral, written, and other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice Standard V-A)
6. Knowledge of research processes and integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice (Standard IV-F)
7. 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)