Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Program Coordinator: Nancy Paul, Ph. D
Murray 223F (218) 477-4642
paulnan@mnstate.edu

Program Description

The master’s degree offered by this department is a professional degree. Its title, Speech-Language Pathology, indicates that it is the entry-level clinical degree in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Students completing this program are qualified for clinical positions in communication disorders throughout the nation. Those who excel in the master’s program are encouraged to seek the doctoral degree at another university. See "Course Descriptions" for a listing of courses offered.

The Speech-Language Pathology graduate program at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Candidates for the master’s degree fulfill academic and clinical requirements established by ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). The master’s degree program requires two years of study.

Admission Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission to this program; only complete files are reviewed. Send all materials to:
Graduate Studies Office
MSU Moorhead
1104 7th Ave. S.
Moorhead, MN 56563

The deadline for applications is February 1st

• Baccalaureate degree in Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences or Communication Disorders from a regionally accredited institution.
• Completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study form.
• Completed Speech Language Hearing Sciences Departmental Application for Graduate Study Form
• Letters of Recommendation (3 required)
• Non-refundable $20.00 fee to Graduate Studies for first-time applicants to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
• Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
• 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Only official scores are accepted; no more than five years old.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences Department is to impart knowledge about human communication and its disorders; to foster the necessary skills to practice speech language pathology competently; to extend the knowledge of human communication and its disorders to the general public; practicing professionals, and students; and to serve individuals affected by communication disorders.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the master’s degree fulfill academic and clinical requirements established by ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). The master’s degree program requires two years of study. Highlights for achieving requirements for the CCC are as follows:

• Must demonstrate through transcript credit (which could include course work, advanced placement, CLEP, or examination of equivalency) for each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and the social/behavioral sciences.
• Minimum of 75 semester credit hours completed in a course of study addressing the knowledge and skills pertinent to the field of Speech-Language Pathology, including at least 36 hours at the graduate level.
• Has gained knowledge and experience with individuals from culturally/linguistically diverse backgrounds and with client/patient populations across the life span.
• Has knowledge of processes used in research and the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.
• Possess skills in oral, written and other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.
• A minimum of 375 clock hours of supervised practicum experience and 25 hours of observation.
• Some of the above requirements are met by undergraduate courses.

Students who plan to seek clinical positions in schools should complete any additional requirements established by the credentialing authority in the states where they would seek employment.

Course Requirements

Research Requirements (5 - 6 Credits)
SLP 601 Research Design in Speech-Language Pathology (2)
SLP 696 Project/Action Research (Plan B) (2,1)
SLP 699 Thesis (Plan A) (4)

Clinical Requirements (20 Credits)
SLP 646 Clinical Experience (1-4)

Academic Requirements (28 Credits)
Students will need to earn 28-29 SLP credits depending upon whether they have selected SLP 696 or SLP 699. All students are required to earn at least 53 credits to complete the degree.
SLP 621 Seminar: Cleft Palate and Phonological Disorders (2)
SLP 623 Seminar: Voice Disorders (3)
SLP 624 Seminar: Stuttering and Related Fluency Disorders (2)
SLP 627 Communication in Normal Aging and Dementia (2)
SLP 630 Adult Neurogenic Language Disorders (3)
SLP 631 Pediatric and Adult Motor Speech Disorders (2)
SLP 642 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3)
SLP 647 Diagnostic and Appraisal Procedures (3)
SLP 681 Pediatric and Adult Swallowing Disorders (3)
SLP 683 Seminar in Child and Adolescent Language Disorders (3)

Additional Graduate Courses
SLP 690 Topics (1-4)
SLP 697 Independent Study (1-4)
SLP 698 Continuing Registration (1)
SLHS 573 Rehabilitation Audiology (4)

Additional Information

Speech-Language Pathology Website
Graduate Application Form
SLP Departmental Application for Graduate Study Form
Letter of Recommendation Form
Printable copy of this information in PDF