The graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology is currently in the process of achieving CAA (Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology) candidacy status. Students will not be enrolled in this program until this status is achieved.
The graduate program in speech-language pathology is designed to develop students into empathetic and reflective practitioners who use evidenced-based practice to provide meaningful intervention to clients. The program is anticipated to open in Fall 2015, pending the granting of CAA candidacy status. A competency-based curriculum, capped with two eight-week externships (one pediatric and one adult) assists in the development of soon-to-be professionals.
The curriculum is offered on a full-time basis through the day program and typically requires two full years (including the summer between those academic years) to complete. The program incorporates clinical competencies and academic knowledge, and allows students the opportunity to choose from several electives to tailor their program to meet their career goals. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to participate in research under the guidance of faculty.
Students who complete the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology are prepared for entry into this profession as clinical fellows and may choose to work in settings such as schools, hospitals, private practice or long-term care facilities.
Program Mission
The program in Speech-Language Pathology at Maryville University works across cultural and professional borders to develop reflective practitioners who will use knowledge and evidenced based practice to provide caring and compassionate speech-language pathology services in a variety of settings throughout the lifespan while treating the whole patient/client and respecting cultural and individual differences.
Program Objectives
Goals for the graduate program are based upon expected student competencies as set forth by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Upon graduation, students will demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of normal and disordered human communication (speech, language, hearing) and swallowing across the life span, and how disorders are distinct from cultural differences in the realm of communication
- Synthesis of academic, clinical and research experiences to arrive at methods of preventing and treating communication and swallowing disorders across the life span
- Ability to evaluate research, to apply the research process to novel projects, to understand the importance of research for both clinical procedures and the growth of the profession, and to apply current research to clinical experiences.
- Comprehension of contemporary issues in speech-language pathology including professional practice, ASHA policies, certifications, licensure and specialty recognition.
- Application of ethical conduct in academic, research and clinical endeavors
- Emotional maturity and strong interpersonal skills necessary for a career in clinical practice, paired with strong oral and written communication abilities and reflection as a practitioner
- Supervised clinical experiences including evaluation and intervention, across cultures and ages with a wide variety of different disabilities in accordance with ASHA’s guidelines
Graduate Admission Requirements for MS in Speech-Language Pathology
General Instructions for all Speech-Language graduate applicants
1. Application for admission, either on-line or paper version.
2. Non-refundable application processing fee of US $40 (for paper version of application only – no fee for on line version).
3. Official transcripts of all college and university courses completed, sent directly to Maryville University by the registrar of each institution attended. Students who have attended institutions outside the United States should provide comparably certified and evaluated documents (use of services such as World Education Services –WES – is highly recommended – see: http://www.wes.org for additional information).
4. A bachelor’s degree for master’s level programs, or master’s degree for doctoral programs, from a regionally accredited institution. Please see Instruction Pages for specific program requirements.
5. Cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
6. Three letters of recommendation. Use references who know your professional qualifications and academic readiness for graduate study. Please use the reference forms located under Downloadable Forms, with portions to be completed by both you and your references. Forms should be sent directly to Maryville University from your references.
8. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
9. International students must submit proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL or IELTS exam is the most common test of English proficiency. Conditional admission is not available for graduate applicants. Please see the International Admissions website for more details regarding Maryville’s English proficiency requirements.
10. Please note that no edits or additions can be made to the application once it has been submitted. However, you can submit additional documentation electronically by emailinggradprograms@maryville.edu or by mailing them to:
Maryville University St. Louis
Graduate Admissions
650 Maryville University Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Additional Requirements for MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Degree: B.S. or B.A. in Communication Science and Disorders, Communication Disorders, Speech Pathology OR undergraduate degree in other area plus completion of the essential coursework in Communication Science and Disorders equivalent to the Maryville University courses below:
• CMSD 100 Introduction to Communication Disorders
• CMSD 210 Phonetics
• CMSD 310 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
• CMSD 320 Speech and Hearing Science
• CMSD 330 Nature and Foundations of Language
• CMSD 340 Audiology
• CMSD 350 Speech Development and Disorders: Articulation and Phonology
• CMSD 360 Language Development and Disorders
• CMSD 370 Aural Rehabilitation
• CMSD 410 Clinical Methods and Management
• CMSD 415 Clinical Observation
• CMSD 430 Professional Issues in Communication Disorders
Demonstrated knowledge, likely through undergraduate coursework, is required for each of the following: biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, social/behavioral sciences
Essay: Please provide a double-spaced, typed statement (maximum 500 words) that expresses why you wish to enter the graduate program in speech-language pathology at Maryville and/or the profession of speech-language pathology.
Test Scores
GRE Official score for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including Verbal, Analytical, and Writing components
TOEFL A combined score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL is acceptable with minimum sub-scores of the following: speaking sub score of 27, writing sub-score of 23, reading sub-score of 23, and listening sub-score of 27, for students whom English is a second language. A TOEFL paper-based score of 603 with sub-scores of speaking 62, writing 60, reading 57, and listening 62 is acceptable. An IELTS score of 7.0 or higher is also acceptable.
As Clinical Components are an Essential Part of the Graduate Curriculum, the Following Requirement are also Necessary for Enrollment following Admission to the Program:
• Completed physical examinations annually
• Immunity to Measles/Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella, and Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap), Polio, Varicella or Positive Varicella Titer and Hepatitis B (a Hepatitis B declination statement is acceptable in lieu of immunization)
• TB-Tuberculin PPD test (documented 2-step initially, then annual)
• annual flu vaccine
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Criminal background checks and urine drug screening records
• Verification of health insurance to cover injuries that students may incur while engaged in the Educational Program at the Clinical Center
• Fitting for a respiratory isolation device (i.e. N95 mask), if required by Clinical Center
• Nicotine screening, if required by Clinical Center
• Signed release of information forms to allow Criminal Record Background Check, Urine Drug Screen, health and other pertinent data to be provided to the Clinical Education Program and to the Clinical Center facilities where the student completes clinical experiences.
Comprehensive Examination
Students will be required to complete a written comprehensive examination in order to complete the Master degree in Communication Science and Disorders. Typically this exam will be given toward the end of the final semester of the program (i.e. April of the spring semester of the second year) with results (pass or fail) being made available to students prior to the end of the semester. Failure of any section of the written exam will result in the need for an oral examination concerning the failed section topic. Failure of the oral examination will result in repetition of the written exam at the next available opportunity. Students will be required to enroll in SPLP 725 Comprehensive Examination Preparation each semester until the exam is re-taken. The comprehensive examination may be taken a maximum of two times for the purposes of satisfying this graduation requirement.
Deadline for applications: February 1st
