Speech-Language Pathology, MS

Location(s): Health Science Campus

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) degree prepares competent and dedicated professionals to serve adults and children with communication disorders. Students in the MS-SLP program meet the highest academic, clinical and ethical standards.

Admission Requirements

Before enrollment, applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
All prerequisite coursework must be completed before enrollment; this coursework is presented on the Speech and Hearing Science minor webpage. For a list of required courses, students should review the list of courses included in the Division of SLP’s Undergraduate Minor in Speech and Hearing Science.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate degree transcript. Initially, applicants can submit an unofficial transcript, but an official transcript will be required following graduation from the undergraduate institution.
Applicants must submit documentation of having completed 25 guided observation hours of speech and language therapy; this documentation must be completed by a therapist holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). These hours have to be completed prior to being engaged in clinical training.
Students are required to submit a letter of intent describing what has drawn them to the field of speech and language pathology, why they are interested in pursuing graduate education and their career aspirations.
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s readiness for graduate studies are also required. It is recommended that at least two of these letters should be from faculty who taught the applicant during undergraduate studies.
GRE scores are not required.

Applicants selected to move forward (finalists) must complete a recorded interview. Directions and prompts for the interview will be shared with the finalists.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

The MS-SLP program requires 54 credit hours over six semesters. Academic coursework is primarily taught in person, with some courses delivered online (less than 50%) during the program’s second year. This six-semester program (over 2 years) allows students to explore all aspects of the field of SLP while working to better the lives of people with communication and swallowing difficulties.

First Year

Fall (13 credits total)

Spring (13 credits total)

SLP 501 Clinical Practicum II- 1 CR
SLP 521 Language Disorders in School Age and Adolescents- 3 CR
SLP 532 Dysphagia- 3 CR
SLP 550 Articulation and Phonological Disorders- 3 CR
SLP 561 Neurogenic Communiation Disorders II- 3CR

Summer (5 credits total)

SLP 541 Stuttering- 3 CR
SLP 590 Internship I- 2 CR

Second Year

Fall (10 credits total)

SLP 535 - Voice & Pharyngeal Disorders
SLP 580 Augmentative and Alternative Communication Disorders- 3 CR
SLP 581 - Autism &Intellectual Disorders
SLP 591 - Internship II

Spring (9 credits total)

SLP 530 - Counseling in SLP
SLP 575 Professional Issues in Schools- 2 CR
SLP 592 Internship 3- 4 CR

Summer (4 credits total)

SLP 593- 4 Credits

Clinical Requirements

The first two clinical practicum experiences are completed primarily through simulation experiences and limited evaluation and treatment experiences (school and community screenings or specialized clinics). Following completion of the first two semesters of coursework and practicum, students complete two semesters of part-time internships in the community, with the final two internships being full-time.

Capstone Project

MS-SLP students learn about the importance of research by completing a research experience. All students are assigned to a faculty member for this experience, which starts during the program’s first semester and culminates in a capstone project. Students may choose to complete a thesis in place of the capstone project.

Additional Information About the Program

Students are required to be in the Binghamton area to take courses and complete clinical placements during the first four semesters of the program.
Graduates are eligible for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and New York state (NYS) licensure. Additionally, students will be eligible for teaching licensure through completing the MS-SLP degree and other requirements for the Pathway: NYS Professional License and Process to Work in K-12 Schools.
Students are recommended to complete the PRAXIS exam by completion of the program. Though students can graduate without completing the exam, Certification and most state licensing agencies will require successful PRAXIS exam scores.

For more information on the MS in SLP Degree program, please refer to the Division of SLP website. To apply to the MS SLP program, please visit the University Admissions website.