Graduate Program - Speech Language Pathology
The Master of Science degree with a major in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to practice in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice as speech-language pathologists.
The educational program includes instruction in a broad array of diagnostic and treatment paradigms as well as supervised hands-on experience in the department's unique Center for Communication Disorders and at selected off-campus sites including schools and hospitals.
The Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology at Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 220 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. The current accreditation cycle expires in November 2026.
Individuals who enter the graduate program with all prerequisite coursework can complete the graduate program in five semesters, full-time (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring). Individual programs for all students are designed to meet the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Connecticut licensure, and special endorsement in speech-language pathology for Connecticut public schools. The Graduate Program Coordinator will review students’ prior coursework to determine which prerequisite courses are needed to fulfill all requirements.
Students must maintain an overall and departmental GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program. A “B-” or higher must be achieved in all academic courses and clinical practica.
ASHA Prerequisite Coursework
Biological (human or animal)
Physical Science (physics or chemistry)
Statistics
Social/Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health) - 2 courses
Required Pre-Professional Course
Prior to the start of the graduate program in communication disorders you must either:
- earn a bachelor's degree in communication disorders and sciences (speech-language-hearing sciences), OR
- have completed course content in the following areas:
- Phonetics and Phonological Systems
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
- Language Development
- Introduction to Audiology and Hearing Science
- Neurological Bases of Communication
- Speech Science
- Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
School Certification Coursework Information
Speech-language pathologists who work in Connecticut public schools must have school certification (Special Endorsement in Speech-Language Pathology). Although not required for admission to the graduate program, prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete the following coursework requirements prior to the beginning of their graduate studies.
Once enrolled, the College of Education Certification Officer will review transcripts and communicate which course requirement(s) needs to be completed. The Graduate Program Coordinator can assist in locating courses as indicated by the Certification Office.
Special Education - 3 credits
Professional Education – 6 credits (e.g. psychology: child, educational, developmental, adolescent, or cognitive/learning; foundations in education; classroom instruction and management)
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all courses in a planned program with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the six-year limit.
- Pass Praxis II test for speech-language pathology; have pass indicator placed on the transcript. Be sure to use the following codes when taking the test:
- CT State Department of Public Health: Code R7051
- ASHA: Code R5031
- SCSU Records: Code RA3662
- Complete all clinical hours and practica requirements to meet ASHA and department standards.
- Complete capstone - Either pass CMD 605 - Special Projects or successfully complete thesis (approved by School of Graduate Studies).
- Complete Interprofessional Practice Education activities including four IPE modules and documentation of a minimum of four IPE activities.
- Information on applying for CT State Licensure, Teacher Certification, and ASHA certification.