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
| 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 |
| HSL 784 | Research Methodology in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences | 3 |
| HSL 874 | Clinical Practicum-Specialty Areas | 1 |
| | 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 |
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)