Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Master's
Overview
The Speech-Language Pathology program at DeSales aims to provide students an experiential learning curriculum utilizing the most advanced technologies.
Throughout your learning experience and after graduation:
- you'll use your knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice, addressing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
- you'll be prepared to adapt and lead in the complex and dynamic healthcare environment of today and tomorrow through inter-professional collaborations.
- you'll advance innovations in clinical practice through implementation science and cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
Admissions Requirements
Admission into our MS in SLP program is highly competitive. We welcome high caliber graduate students who want to make a positive impact in the field of communication science & disorders.
Decisions on placement are based on impressive academic achievement, but also on demonstrated quality performance in science and CS&D related courses, as well as motivation and professional potential, and strong interpersonal skills.
What You'll Need
To qualify for admission into the graduate program you must have submitted your application through CSDCAS and have completed, or be in the process of completing, all of the following items:
- A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or, for international students, the equivalent degree from a foreign institution.
- Provide CSDCAS with official transcripts from all colleges attended and two (2) letters of recommendation.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall and in the sciences.
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is waived.
- 25 observation hours with an ASHA certified, licensed provider.
- For applicants who completed their baccalaureate degree in a country where English is not the primary language, an official copy of the TOEFL exam must be provided to CSDCAS or directly to DeSales University. A minimum score of 90 is required for admission.
Pre-requisite Coursework
- Introduction to Biology or Biology I
- Statistics
- Introduction to Psychology
- A Chemistry or Physics course
- Phonetics
- Audiology
- Speech and Hearing Science
- Introduction to Communication Sciences & Disorders
- Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Language Development
Additional Information
- Potentially qualified applicants will be granted a personal interview by invitation only, attempting to ascertain your awareness of the SLP role, motivation for pursuing a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, interpersonal and oral communication skills, compassion, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to serving individuals in vulnerable populations.
- The MS in SLP Program at DeSales University is a full-time academic program. The courses are completed in sequence as listed in the curriculum.
- Applicants who are alumni of DeSales University will be granted interviews for admission if they meet the minimum requirements for admission, as outlined above.
- The Admissions Committee takes into consideration an individual's experience working with and/or serving vulnerable or traditionally under-served populations when evaluating his or her application for admission. This is in keeping with DeSales University's mission of Christian Humanism and service to diverse populations.
Important Deadlines
- Early application deadline: December 1
- Final deadline: February 1
- Rolling admissions after February 1
Curriculum
Required Courses (45 credits)
- Seminar in Professional Issues & Ethics (2 credits)
- Assessments & Diagnostics (3 credits)
- Child Language Disorders I (3 credits)
- Neurogenic Disorders of Language I (3 credits)
- Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)
- Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology (3 credits)
- Voice & Resonance Disorders (3 credits)
- Child Language Disorders II (3 credits)
- Neurogenic Disorders of Language II (3 credits)
- Fluency Disorders (3 credits)
- Speech-Language Pathology in the School Setting (2 credits)
- Dysphagia (3 credits)
- Aural Rehabilitation (2 credits)
- Cultural Competency in Speech-Language Pathology (3 credits)
- Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology (2 credits)
- Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)
- Capstone in Evidence-Based Practice (1 credit)
Clinical Practica (17 credits)
- Clinical Practicum I (1 credit)
- Clinical Practicum II (2 credits)
- Clinical Practicum III (3 credits)
- Advanced Clinical Practicum I (3 credits)
- Advanced Clinical Practicum II (3 credits)
- Advanced Clinical Practicum III (5 credits)
Elective Courses (6 credits, choose 3)
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology: Gross Anatomy (2 credits)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2 credits)
- Communication Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (2 credits)
- Speech-Language Pathology in the Medical Setting: Complex Cases (2 credits)
- Behavior Management for the Speech-Language Pathologist (2 credits)
- Craniofacial and Feeding Disorders (2 credits)
- Thesis (2 credits)
Faculty
Facilities
The DeSales University Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders (CCSD), located in Wills Hall, includes the Speech-Language Pathology program's on-campus clinical training site for master's level students.
The Center has state of the art facilities offering assessment and treatment services that include speech, language, feeding/swallowing, and voice and is available to the broader Lehigh Valley community.
As part of graduate programming, students work with diverse client populations across the lifespan at the Center. Graduate students complete their first-year practicum experiences in the clinic. Each student clinician is assigned one client for the Fall, then two to four clients for each of the Spring and Summer semesters. By beginning at the CCSD, students obtain clinical practicum experience under the direct supervision of PA licensed, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech-Language Pathologists with specialized training for the supervision of new clinicians. Students work collaboratively with faculty and peers to develop goals and objectives for therapy and create therapy plans for clients using a variety of materials and cutting-edge technology within the Center.
A core purpose of the Center is to introduce students to hands-on therapeutic techniques in Speech-Language Pathology by providing a supervised learning experience that also serves the University and surrounding community. The pro-bono clinic provides access to speech therapy for individuals who may not be able to receive services otherwise. We aspire to build and sustain a welcoming community in which all perspectives are heard and valued.
Clinic Services
The Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders provides a comprehensive range of screening, diagnostic and therapy services to pediatric and adult individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties.
Our services include: initial speech, language and swallowing screenings, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individual and group therapy sessions. Weekly therapy sessions are typically scheduled for one or two 45-minute sessions. Group therapy and caregiver support services are also available.
Evaluations are conducted on an individual basis. As a result of the evaluation, a client may be enrolled in therapy, referred for additional testing, or referred to other resources.
A Speech-Language Pathology student works on feeding skills with a pediatric client.
Referrals
Physicians, teachers, school administrators, nurses, parents, counselors, or the clients themselves may make referrals to the clinic.
Hours of operation, appointment scheduling, and other information may be obtained by calling 610-282-2143 or by email at speechclinic@desales.edu.
Tuition & Fees
Program Costs
- Tuition per term: $10,750*
- Professional fee each semester: $500 per term
- Applications only accepted through CSDCAS: $0 for DeSales, CSDCAS fees as required
- Graduation fee: $120
- Returned check service: $30
*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets
Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology Refund Amount
- Withdrawal after 1st class: 80% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 2nd class: 65% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 3rd class: 50% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 4th class: 25% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 5th class: No refund
St. Francis de Sales: The patron saint of hearing and the deaf
St. Francis de Sales serves as an inspiration for modern day Speech-Language Pathologists. In 1605, he developed a system for communicating with a deaf and mute young man by using signs he formed with his hands and fingers, thereby anticipating the creation of sign language by several centuries. His desire to connect with and understand this young man serves as a wonderful reminder for healthcare practitioners that we can enable healing by treating our patients with dignity.
CAA Accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at DeSales 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, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. The program was awarded a candidacy accreditation status on February 19, 2022, by the CAA. This candidacy accreditation cycle is effective February 1, 2022 through January 1, 2027.
