Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Dee Ann Shelton, Ed.D. CCC/SLP

Graduate Program Director

The Master’s of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at Hardin-Simmons University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

Mission

The mission of the Hardin-Simmons University Speech-Language Pathology program is to equip highly competent speech-language pathologists who are enlightened by Christian faith and values and demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to work in the diverse communities of the world.

Graduate Program

The Speech-Language Pathology Program is a part of the College of Health Professions and offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) degree. The curriculum is a full-time two-year (five semesters) 55 credit hours (39 hours of course work and 16 hours of clinical practicum) non-thesis program designed for students with and undergraduate background in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students without this background may apply but will be expected to complete leveling courses before starting the program.

The SLP graduate program offers students a distinctive academic and clinical experience in the field of speech-language pathology. Students are required to be enrolled in clinical practicum each semester to achieve a total of 400 clinical clock hours. Students within the College of Health Professions (COHP) participate in interprofessional activities throughout the year. These experiences will provide graduates with the skills and competencies leading to a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Admission Criteria (CSDCAS)

     • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university in Communication Sciences and Disorders or leveling classes before beginning the graduate program
     • Academic transcripts indicating an earned bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders
     • GPA 3.2 or higher
     • GRE combined score of 290 (Verbal Reasoning and Qualitative Reasoning) and at least a 3 on the writing section
     • 3 letters of recommendation of which two must be from an academic faculty (or one from a previous academic faculty and one from an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist)
     • Personal statement (prompt on CSDCAS)
     • TOFL/IELTS scores (for international students)
A student whose native language is not English must provide an official TOFEL score of 550 on the paper-based exam, a 213 on the computer-based exam or a 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT). TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. HSU school code: TOEFL-6368

Prerequisite Coursework:

Students entering this graduate program who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders must successfully complete the following leveling courses or their equivalents before they can enter the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program.

In addition to the above prerequisites, the Council for Clinical Certification requires that all students have transcript credit for statistics, biology, physical science (physics or chemistry), and social science. Students may complete their leveling courses in the post-baccalaureate program at Hardin-Simmons or any accredited program that offers equivalent courses. The program director may determine equivalency of leveling courses. Hardin Simmons University has a post-baccalaureate program for students needing to complete their leveling work.

Graduate Coursework

Graduate Course Description

CSD 6308 Research Methods in Communication Disorders
This course will focus on technical writing skills with an emphasis on research and the interpretation of research and evidenced-based practice in the field of speech-language pathology.

CSD 6310 Pediatric Language Disorders
This course will focus on normal language development and disorders in children. Assessment and intervention methodologies will be discussed. A focus on the benefits of family/caregiver involvement and collaboration will be examined as a part of intervention strategies.

CSD 6315 Aphasia and Related Disorders
A study of neurogenic speech-language disorders including etiology, theory, diagnosis and treatment of aphasia and right hemisphere disorders. Cultural and ethical issues associated with adult neurogenic communication disorders are included.
CSD 6301 Clinical Practicum
The first clinical practicum course will include both classroom instruction as well as diagnostic and therapeutic contact with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. This experience will include report writing, treatment planning and patient and parent/caregiver counseling. Student must complete this course with a “B” or higher to progress to CSD 6302.

CSD 6320 Counseling and Interviewing in Communication Disorders
The purpose of this course is to examine the principles of counseling and interviewing children and/or adults with communication disorders and their families/caregivers.

CSD 6325 Phonological Disorders
Course will focus on assessing and identifying as well as designing evidence-based intervention for phonological disorders.

CSD 6332 Dysphagia and Related Disorders (Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing)
This course covers pediatric through geriatric feeding/swallowing disorders resulting from structural and neurological lesions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis is placed on etiology and characteristics of different dysphagic symptoms, as well as on diagnostic methods and management of specific symptoms.

CSD 6338 Voice and Fluency
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive study of both Voice Disorders and Fluency disorders in children and adults. This will include etiologies, cultural characteristics, assessment and management of voice and fluency disorders.

CSD 6302 Clinical Practicum
The second clinical practicum will include diagnostic and therapeutic contact with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. This experience will include report writing, treatment planning and patient and parent/caregiver counseling. Students may be assigned off-campus practicum sites with the permission of the Clinic Director. Student must complete this course with a “B” or higher to progress to CSD 6403.

CSD 6341 Multicultural Aspects of Communication Disorders
This course will provide students with an overall understanding of evidence-based assessment and intervention for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

CSD 6403 Clinical Practicum
The third clinical practicum will include diagnostic and therapeutic contact with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. This experience will include report writing, treatment planning and patient and parent/caregiver counseling. Students may be assigned off-campus practicum sites with the permission of the Clinic Director. Student must complete this course with a “B” or higher to progress to CSD 6304.

CSD 6354 Motor Speech Disorders A study of Neurogenic Speech Motor Disorders including etiology, theory, diagnosis and treatment. Differential Diagnosis is stressed among the basic characteristics of Dysarthria and Apraxia leading to assessment and management strategies.
CSD 6358 Special Populations and AAC
This course will focus on assessing, identifying and designing augmentative and assistive communication techniques/devices to enhance communication for individuals with communication disorders.

CSD 6362 Language and Literacy
This course will focus on language and literacy development and will include the topics of oral language development, reading, and written expression in school age children.

CSD 6304 Clinical Practicum
The fourth clinical practicum will include diagnostic and therapeutic contact with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. This experience will include report writing, treatment planning and patient and parent/caregiver counseling. Students may be assigned off-campus practicum sites with the permission of the Clinic Director. Student must complete this course with a “B” or higher to progress to CSD 6305.

CSD 6368 Graduate Seminar
Students will have an opportunity to merge their theoretical class work and clinical experiences in preparation for the workforce.

CSD 6379 Independent Study
This course is designed for students to work one-on-one with a professor on a research topic or a topic of interest in communication sciences and disorders.

CSD 6305 Clinical Practicum
The final clinical practicum will include diagnostic and therapeutic contact with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. This experience will include report writing, treatment planning and patient and parent/caregiver counseling. Students may be assigned off-campus practicum sites with the permission of the Clinic Director.

CSD 6384 Special Topic/Seminar
This course will focus on an advanced study of topics in the field of Speech Language Pathology. A range of topics on communication sciences and disorders can be used for this class.

Graduation Requirements:

Graduation from the Speech and Language Pathology graduate program involves successful completion of the following requirements: curriculum, clinical experience, and satisfactory performance on the departmental comprehensive exam.

     • A 3.0 GPA at the time of graduation encompassing 39 hours of graduate course work in the SLP program.
     • Completion of 16 academic credit hours of clinical practicum (which represents 450 hours of working under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist) with a passing grade (B or higher).
     • Professional behaviors appropriate for the profession as assessed by departmental faculty and clinical supervisors (certified speech-language pathologists)
     • Satisfactory performance on the departmental comprehensive exam

Administrative Offices, clinical facilities, and classrooms for this program are located on the HSU campus in the Hemphill/Caldwell buildings on Cedar Street. For more information call 1-325-670-1020 or email slp@hsutx.edu.