Communication Science & Disorders, MS

Introduction

The Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program at Stockton University has a curriculum designed to prepare program graduates for certification as speech-language pathologists by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), New Jersey licensure in speech-language pathology and for certification as speech-language specialists in the New Jersey public schools. Graduates are also encouraged to consider an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The program's requirements are guided by standards established by:

• The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)

• The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) of the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which issues the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)

• The New Jersey Department of Education, which issues certification for the speech-language specialist

• The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, which issues the license to practice speech-language pathology.

The program requires completion of 63 graduate credits. All master’s degree candidates must complete 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. Of these 400 hours, 25 must be in guided clinical observation. Per ASHA certification standards, at least 325 of the 400 clinical hours must be completed at the graduate level. Students will receive clinical experience both on campus in the Speech and Hearing Clinic and off campus in various clinical placements,

Students will be able to graduate having had a variety of clinical experiences. 

Admission to the Program

Stockton's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology utilizes the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS) The Office of Graduate Admissions hosts several information sessions throughout the year and can also provide additional information regarding the admissions process at Stockton University. 

Each year the program admits a limited number of qualified students. Students must complete all program prerequisites and have a baccalaureate degree by the time of matriculation. The Admissions Committee of the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program requires the following:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree

• Demonstration of academic preparedness with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

• Completion of all prerequisite courses.

• An essay that demonstrates written communication skills and addresses the statement on the admissions application.

• For applicants whose native language is not English, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s academic potential, character, and/or work ethic.

Stockton uses a holistic admissions review process which considers all aspects of an applicant’s application including life experiences. 

Additional paperwork will be required of international students. Forms can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions. 

Some preference may be given to Stockton graduates and applicants from the state of New Jersey.

Prerequisite coursework includes the following areas (with a grade of “C” or better). Students may apply to the program while in the process of completing these prerequisites.

The coursework should cover the following concepts.

The coursework should cover the following concepts.

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism

• Phonetics

• Speech and Hearing Science

• Introduction to Communication Disorders

• Speech and Language Development

• Biological Science

• Physical Science (a course in physics or chemistry)

• Social Science (such as psychology or sociology)

• Statistics

While not required, coursework in the following areas is recommended:

• Audiology

• Linguistics

While not required, study of a language in addition to English will also help the applicant prepare for serving the diversity of client populations. 

Additional information on the current CFCC requirements for certification in speech-language pathology are found at: http://www.asha.org/certification/. 

Background Checks

Matriculated students in the program will be required to complete a criminal background check at the time of new student orientation. A felony conviction may make a student ineligible to complete the clinical practicum requirements for the degree. 

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to obtain New Jersey state licensure. The Health Care Professional Responsibility and Reporting Enhancement Act requires that a criminal history record background check be conducted for all health care professionals licensed or certified by the Division of Consumer Affairs. Detailed information may be found at: 

Health Care Professional Responsibility and Reporting Enhancement Act: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Pages/hcreporting.aspx

 Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program is to prepare students for New Jersey licensure and for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in speech-language pathology, as well as for certification as Speech-Language Specialists by the New Jersey Department of Education; to demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice; to provide opportunities for continuing education; and to provide direct clinical services to the surrounding community. 

The Curriculum

The program is designed to take five semesters to complete, which includes one summer of required coursework. Completion of the program requires a minimum of 63 graduate-level credits. The curriculum can be viewed on the program’s website. 

The program utilizes a cohort model and with few exceptions, required courses are offered once a year and must be taken in sequence.

Bilingual English Spanish Specialization

The Bilingual English Spanish Specialization (BESS) is an option for students enrolled in Stockton University’s Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology Program. The purpose of BESS is to enhance the preparation of future bilingual

speech-language pathologists with a special interest in working with Spanish English bilingual individuals within the scope of practice of speech-language pathology. 

Information on the BESS including eligibility and the curriculum can be found on the program webpage under the Bilingual English Spanish Specialization tab. 

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet with their preceptors each semester to discuss class registration and to review their progress on the Plan of Study. Degree approval will be reported to the Registrar’s Office as part of the degree certification process. 

Students must satisfactorily complete all coursework and clinical practica. Students must apply for Graduation online to the Office of the Registrar for review and certification. Students who successfully complete the MCSD program are eligible to sit for the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, an integral component of the ASHA certification standards. A passing score on the examination is also required for New Jersey state licensure in speech-language pathology and New Jersey Department of Education certification as a speech- language specialist. Prior to graduation, the student will be advised by the preceptor to register for the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (0331) by the time the graduate student finishes the Clinical Fellowship (CF) post-graduation. The student needs to register for the exam directly with the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org). The student will be required to have the test scores reported to the program as well as to ASHA and other appropriate agencies granting licensure/certification. A passing score on the Praxis exam is not required for graduation.

Course descriptions and schedules can be found online in the Catalog of Courses.