Program Description

The Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS/Speech Language Pathology, MS program is designed for students to obtain a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the end of their senior year. The B.S. in communication sciences and disorders provides students with a broad education in human communication sciences and disorders. Students will participate in clinical experiences in the Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, and interested students will have the opportunity to participate in research in faculty laboratories.

The M.S. part of the program begins in the summer after the student completes the B.S. program and requires students to complete four graduate semesters (summer, fall, spring, summer). The M.S. program in Speech-Language Pathology at Syracuse University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association. Graduates of the M.S. program may also fulfill the requirements for New York State teacher certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities.

While pursuing the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology students are prepared for a professional career in diagnosis and management of individuals with speech and language disorders. Students in speech-language pathology participate in a wide range of diagnostic and therapy experiences under the direct supervision of clinical faculty. After obtaining a minimum of 75 hours of on-campus clinical practicum in the department’s Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic students are assigned two off-site clinical experiences. These externship placements provide students with experience working in the field under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist. Placements include public schools, preschool programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, private clinics, and special education programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders

1. Explain the processes involved in the acquisition of human (oral/aural) communication

2. Identify the nature of the basic human communication process, including the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases

3. Demonstrate knowledge of aspects of speech, language and hearing disorders, including: phonology, articulation, language, hearing voice, swallowing and fluency disorders

4. Explain the basic foundations of treatment of communication disorders including prevention, evaluation, and intervention

5. Demonstrate professional writing skills for academic and clinical situations: organization, technical skills, intended audience and purpose

6. Evaluate hypotheses about human communication processes in order to develop critical thinking skills

7.  Identify aspects of human diversity (e.g., age, ethnicity, gender, race, disability) that influence communication and the disorders of communication that individuals may experience.

M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

1. Apply knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases across the life span for individuals with and without disorders.

2. Describe communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas: articulation; fluency; voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation; receptive and expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, prelinguistic communication and paralinguistic communication) in speaking, listening, reading, writing; hearing, including the impact on speech and language; swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding, orofacial myology); cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive functioning); social aspects of communication (including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities); augmentative and alternative communication modalities.

3. For each of the areas specified in outcome 2, demonstrate current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.

Major Requirements

To declare a major in Communication Sciences & Disorders, students must complete CSD 212 with a grade of B or better.

To be eligible to apply for the combined BS/MS Speech-Language Pathology 5 year program, a student must have an overall GPA of 3.7 after the Fall semester of the third year, and 24 CSD credits earned.