Graduate Catalog

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.

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

HSL713Language Development and Disorders I

3

HSL714Speech Science

3

HSL743Foundations of Clinical Practice in speech-language pathology

2

HSL755Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders

3

HSL771Clinical Practicum in SLP 1

2

ASL 111American Sign Language 1

3

American Sign Language I: or equivalent

To take during either Fall I or Spring I semester

HSL746Clinical Applications of Sign Communication

1

Semester II - Spring

HSL723Language Development and Disorders II

3

HSL753Motor Speech Disorders

3

HSL760Swallowing Disorders

3

HSL772Clinical Practicum in SLP 2

2

HSL824Aural Rehabilitation: Adults

3

ASL 112American Sign Language 2

3

American Sign Language II: or equivalent


Semester III - Summer

HSL773Clinical Practicum in SLP 3

3-4

HSL826Aural Rehabilitation: Pediatric

3

Semester IV - Fall

HSL750Voice & Resonance Disorders

3

HSL754Speech Sound Disorders

3

HSL774Clinical Practicum in SLP 4

3-4

HSL784Research Methodology in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences

3

ASL 113American Sign Language 3

3

American Sign Language III: or equivalent


Semester V - Spring

HSL 726Complex Communication Disorders & AAC

2

HSL 821Informational Counseling and Multicultural Issues

3

HSL751Stuttering

3

HSL 775Clinical Practicum in SLP 5

2-4

Program Outcomes

SLP students will demonstrate the knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases (ASHA IV-B)

SLP Students will demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/ physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in:

1. Articulation

2. Fluency

3. Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation

4. Receptive and expressive language (phon, morp, syn, sem, prag, prelinguistic and paralinguistic comm) in speaking, listening, reading and writing

5. Hearing, including the impact on speech and language

6. Swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions feeding and orofacial myology)

7. Cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive functioning)

8. Social aspects of communication (including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities)

9. Augmentative and alternative communication modalities (Standard IV-C).

SLP students will demonstrate current knowledge of the principles and methods, and clinical skills in prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders (listed in 1 through 9) across the lifespan, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates. (Standards IV-D and V-B)

SLP students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in oral, written and other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice, including skills in communicating effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client/patient, family, and other professionals involved in case management. (Standard V-A)

SLP students will demonstrate knowledge of research processes and integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice. (Standard IV-F)

SLP students will demonstrate knowledge of ASHAs current Code of Ethics and ethical conduct standards, professional contemporary issues, including entry level and advanced credentialing, regulations and policies relevant to professional practice. (Standards IV-E, G and H)

Subject:

Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences