Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology
College of Sciences
Dr. Karen Kettler, Ed.D., Dean
Program Chair: Dr. Stephanie Bradley, Au.D., CCC-A
The Master of Science education program in Speech-Language Pathology is a 64-credit hour program which is composed of 43 hours of didactic coursework in addition to 21 hours of clinical coursework to prepare master’s level students to provide services as competent clinicians, future Ph.D. or clinical doctoral level students (SLPD), and professional representatives of the communication sciences and disorders community. The completion of this program will prepare graduates for the national Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, in addition to qualifying graduates for state licensure and preparedness for potential higher education.
Mission and Vision
Mission Statement: Educating future Speech-Language Pathologists to be compassionate, innovative leaders and effectively serve the local and global communities through competent and ethical decision making.
Vision Statement: Empowering students to affect meaningful and progressive change, through mindful engagement as global citizens within the greater community, as well as effectively serving those with communication impairments
Program Goals
- To provide graduate education in the Master of Science education program in Speech-Language Pathology and to prepare students to meet the most current professional standards for clinical certification and licensure
- To develop the professional preparation of future clinicians in the areas of communication sciences and disorders which includes, but is not limited to, speech production, language, cognition, voice, fluency, feeding and swallowing, resonance, and auditory (re)habilitation in both the pediatric and adult populations
- To give students a wide range of clinical and research opportunities to meet the needs of the community, state, and nation and to prepare students for any occupational setting following the completion of the program
- To ensure a strong foundation of evidence-based practice including research, client and caregiver considerations, and clinical experience
- To foster and utilize a life-long commitment to professional development as it relates to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards, scope of practice, and ethics requirements
Admissions Requirements
Admissions and Performance Standards
Applications to the program are due by February 1st for the following fall semester.
Application submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program. To apply, all students must submit an online application along with all required application materials, listed below:
- Official transcripts of any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of the following prerequisite coursework:
- Per ASHA Standards IV-B (in-field):
- Phonetics/Phonology
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Acoustics/Speech and Hearing Science
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Language Development/Acquisition
- Introduction to Clinical Practice Audiology
- Per ASHA Standards IV-A (general education):
- Official documentation of completion of a minimum of 25 observation hours under the direct supervision of a licensed and certified clinician prior to enrollment in the program
- An official copy of the applicant’s Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores; only scores obtained within the past 5 years will be considered; minimum overall score of 150 on the verbal, 150 on the quantitative, and 4 on the analytical writing section. GRE scores will be waived for students who have completed a bachelor's degree at West Liberty University
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Three letters of recommendation that reflect the applicant’s academic and clinical abilities, potential for graduate studies, and personal qualities necessary for success as a speech-language pathologist
- A letter of intent describing personal characteristics the individual displays that make them a successful future speech-language pathologist and why West Liberty University’s program aligns with their educational needs and goals
- An interview may be requested after a review of all other application materials
- Application fee of $40
International Student Admissions Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit:
- Proof of English Proficiency: A minimum score of 82 on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) for any applicant whose first language is not English; only scores obtained within the past 2 years will be considered
- Credit Certification: Have all your coursework and credits from institutions outside of the United States evaluated by a credential evaluation service provider [e.g., World Education Services (WES), Global Credential Evaluators (GCE), Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), etc.]
- Proof of Financial Support: Submit adequate documentation of financial support for one academic year (nine months). [e.g., official bank statement, sponsorship award letters, scholarship awards, Affidavit of Support (DHS Form I-134), etc.]
- Copy of your ID page in your passport
- Immunization shot records
Degree Requirements
Fall I Curriculum
| SLP 501 | Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 503 | Clinical Speech Anatomy, Physiology, and Motor Control | 3 |
| SLP 505 | Speech Sound Disorders in Pediatric Populations | 3 |
| SLP 507 | Diagnostic Techniques in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 540 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| SLP 550 | Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
Spring I Curriculum
| SLP 502 | Childhood Language and Literacy Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 504 | Fluency Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 506 | Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 508 | Audiology and Hearing Disorders for the Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 541 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| SLP 551 | Clinical Practicum II | 2 |
Summer I Curriculum
| SLP 510 | Capstone in Speech-Language Pathology | 2 |
| SLP 511 | Interprofessional Education | 2 |
| SLP 512 | Professional Writing in Research for the Speech-Language Pathologist | 3 |
| SLP 542 | Advanced Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| SLP 552 | Advanced Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
Fall II Curriculum
| SLP 515 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 3 |
| SLP 517 | Motor Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 519 | Voice and Resonance Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 525 | Dysphagia | 3 |
| SLP 543 | Advanced Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| SLP 553 | Advanced Clinical Practicum II | 2 |
Spring II Curriculum
Optional Courses
| SLP 570 | Medical Speech-Language Pathology | 1 |
| SLP 571 | Educational Service Delivery | 1 |
| SLP 578 | Special Topics in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |