Mission
The mission of the master of science degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is to educate competent speech-language pathologists who are dedicated to serving persons with communication disorders throughout the lifespan, and who are capable of providing these services in a variety of employment settings.
The following goals address the program's mission:
- Graduates will demonstrate a wide theoretical base for understanding normal development of basic human communication processes, as well as the nature, causes, evaluation and treatment of disorders of communication and swallowing, including issues related to culturally diverse populations.
- Graduates will demonstrate competence in management of clinical subjects across the life cycle who are delayed or disordered in the development or use of effective communication and/or who exhibit disorders of swallowing.
- Graduates will demonstrate competence with skills in clinical diagnosis and intervention, interaction with families of individuals with communicative impairments, and collaboration with other professionals for efficient and effective management of persons having varied needs.
- Graduates will develop a value for scientific rigor and a spirit of inquiry for entry into their professional careers.
- Graduates will function independently as lifelong learners.
These program goals reflect those of the University. The master of science degree program in Speech-Language Pathology responds to the call for high quality graduate academic programs firmly rooted within the traditions of American higher education and academic freedom, and strongly based upon the heritage of the liberal arts, the Catholic faith and the Sisters of Mercy.
The academic curriculum provides a rigorous educational challenge. It provides experiences across the broad spectrum reflected in the varied workplaces and activities of contemporary speech-language pathologists. These experiences have been developed to foster the knowledge and skill outcomes expected of programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The curricular offerings are continuously evaluated for their content and timeliness.
Clinical education is a major component of the graduate experience. This education occurs on campus and in over 250 schools, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities with whom the program has active affiliation. All clinical practica are provided under the supervision of faculty and external clinical educators who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a professional license to practice speech-language pathology from the State of Illinois.
The campus-based Ludden Speech and Language Clinic is an integral component of the program. It provides opportunities for beginning clinical education and clinical services to persons of all ages who have disorders of speech and/or language.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate study at Saint Xavier University, applicants to the master's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology must meet the following specific requirements:
- Completion of an undergraduate major, or equivalent undergraduate course sequence in speech-language pathology. Applicants with deficiencies in undergraduate courses are required to complete pre-professional coursework.
- A grade-point average of 3.0 during undergraduate study.
- A personal statement regarding interest in the field.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic and clinical achievements and potential for successful graduate study.
Course Requirements
A total of 51 credit hours is required for completion of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Credits are obtained in three interdependent categories: speech-language pathology content, clinical education and research. Students successfully completing the graduate degree are eligible for clinical certification in speech-language pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as a function of meeting extensive knowledge and skill expectations associated with curricular offerings. Detailed formative activities regarding specific curricular requirements occur following acceptance into the graduate program.
Core Courses
- CSDIG 500: Clinical Problem Solving: Assessment (4)
- CSDIG 501: Clinical Problem Solving: Management (2)
- CSDIG 502: Developmental Disorders of Speech (3)
- CSDIG 503: Developmental Disorders of Language (3)
- CSDIG 505: Aural Rehabilitation (3)
- CSDIG 507: Advanced Practicum in SLP - Campus (1)
- CSDIG 512: Advanced Practicum: School (2)
- CSDIG 513: Advanced Practicum: Clinic (2)
- CSDIG 514: Practicum in Prevention (1)
- CSDIG 515: Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I (3)
- CSDIG 516: Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II (3)
- CSDIG 517: Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology III (3)
- CSDIG 521: Acquired Disorders of Speech (2)
- CSDIG 522: Acquired Disorders of Language (3)
- CSDIG 525: Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders (3)
- CSDIG 551: Assessment and Management of Dysphagia (3)
- CSDIG 594: Foundations of Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders (3)
Elective Courses
- CSDIG 523: Assessment II (1)
- CSDIG 530: Seminar: Fluency Disorders (2)
- CSDIG 531: Seminar: Voice Disorders (2)
- CSDIG 540: Seminar: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2)
- CSDIG 554: Seminar: Dysphagia II (1)
- CSDIG 581: Seminar: Multicultural Issues (1)
- CSDIG 582: Seminar: Counseling (1)
- CSDIG 595: Special Topics (1-3)
- CSDIG 596: Independent Study (1-3)
- CSDIG 599: Research Requirement (3)
Typical Course Sequence (51 credit hours)
- Fall I (12 credit hours)
- CSDIG 502: Developmental Disorders of Speech
- CSDIG 503: Developmental Disorders of Language
- CSDIG 515: Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I
- CSDIG 522: Acquired Disorders of Language
- Spring I (12 credit hours)
- CSDIG 500: Clinical Problem Solving: Assessment
- CSDIG 516: Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
- CSDIG 551: Assessment and Management of Dysphagia
- CSDIG 594: Foundations of Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Possibly:
- CSDIG 514: Practicum in Prevention
- Summer (6-12 credit hours)
- CSDIG 521: Acquired Disorders of Speech
- CSDIG 507: Advanced Practicum in SLP
- Possibly:
- Elective Courses
- Fall II (6-12 credit hours)
- CSDIG 505: Aural Rehabilitation
- CSDIG 517: Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology III
- CSDIG 525: Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders
- Elective Seminars
- Possibly:
- CSDIG 514: Practicum in Prevention
- Spring II (6-9 credit hours)
- CSDIG 501: Clinical Problem Solving: Management
- CSDIG 512: Advanced Practicum: School
- CSDIG 513: Advanced Practicum: Clinic
- CSDIG 599: Research Requirement
- Comprehensive Exams
Clinical Education
Students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum.
Knowledge and Skills
Students must successfully meet the knowledge and skill requirements (KASA) for clinical
certification in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association.
Thesis/Comprehensive Examinations
Satisfactory completion of either a research project, which is detailed in the Graduate
Student Handbook, or successful completion of comprehensive examinations.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include the knowledge and skills required to function in the many
and varied clinical situations and with the diversity of clients served in the practice
of Speech-Language Pathology. These functions include five areas: sensory-observational,
communication, motor, intellectual-cognitive and behavioral-social. These areas are
detailed in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Transfer Policy
Students must petition the graduate program director prior to enrollment in graduate
credits at another regionally accredited institution. Only graduate courses not offered
at SXU will be considered. Students are allowed a maximum of 6 pre-approved transfer
credits. Only courses with B or better grades earned at another university are transferable.
Transferred credits are not considered in the computation of the cumulative grade
point average. Courses will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Program Accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (residential) at Saint Xavier University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Students who complete the program and meet certification standards are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology from ASHA.
State of Illinois Educator Licensure
Students who wish to satisfy Illinois State Board of Education requirements for a Professional Educator License with an Endorsement in Speech-Language Pathology: Non-Teaching must complete the approved program of general and professional education requirements and pass the appropriate test of content knowledge.
State of Illinois Licensure
Students must show evidence of successful completion of the program requirements and a passing score on the Praxis Exam (National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) in order to apply for a license to practice speech-language pathology in the State of Illinois. Applications must be made to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Detailed information concerning ASHA membership, certification requirements, accreditation status, state of Illinois licensure and/or school certification is available in the office of the program director.
Course Availability
Required courses are offered on a regular basis. Elective offerings are provided on a periodic basis. Clinical practicum is available every semester. Credit hour values are noted parenthetically.