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 confirm that all prerequisite courses have been completed and meet with students to plan their program.
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
Prior to the start of the graduate program in communication disorders you must complete courses in the following content areas:
- Biological (human or animal) (1 course)
- Physical Science (physics or chemistry) (1 course)
- Statistics (1 course)
- Social/Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health) (2 courses)
Pre-Professional Prerequisite Coursework
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
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all required and elective courses in a planned program with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the six-year limit.
- 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).
Post-Master’s Degree Steps
- Pass Praxis II test for speech-language pathology. Be sure to use the following codes when taking the test to ensure that your score is sent to these agencies. If you are planning to apply for a license in a state other than Connecticut, you will need to be sure to look up the code for that state to have the scores sent directly to them as well.
- CT State Department of Public Health: Code R7051
- ASHA: Code R5031
- SCSU Records: Code RA3662
- Apply for credentials to practice as a Speech Language Pathologist. The following are links to the agencies for licensure and teacher certification in Connecticut and for ASHA certification. It is important to review the requirements and contact the relevant agency for support.