Faculty
C. Szymanski, Graduate Program Director; K. Czarnik, M. Flahive, G. Harris-Schmidt, W. Hooks Jr., J. Jastrzab, P. Klick, D. Polelle, J. Platt, M. Schmitt, W. Sennett.
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
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 having communication disorders from infancy through maturity, 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, which emphasize "liberal education and career-related academic programs in preparation for and improvement of the world of work" and "required studies which engage the student in reflection on the varieties of human behavior, on the many expressions of human communication, and on the perennial questions of mystery that unite humans and all cultures."
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, 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). Faculty and the Program's Advisory Board continuously evaluate curricular offerings for their content and timeliness.
Clinical education is a major component of the graduate experience. This education occurs on campus and in over one hundred schools, hospitals and rehabilitation agencies 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.
The campus-based Ludden Speech and Language Clinic is an integral component of the program. It is a venue for beginning clinical education while providing clinical services to persons of all ages, from the region, who have disorders of speech, language or swallowing.
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.
- Submission of applicant's scores on the General Section of the Graduate Record Examination. Graduate faculty recommend a combined score of 1,000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.
- A recommended grade-point average of 3.0 during undergraduate study.
- A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
- 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.
A personal interview is also recommended.
Requirements
- Courses
A total of 46 semester-hours is required for completion of the Master of science degree 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 skill and knowledge 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 510 Practicum in Diagnostics (2) CSDIG 512 Supervised Practicum in Schools (Student Teaching) (2) CSDIG 513 Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology (Medical) (2) CSDIG 514 Audiology Practicum (1) CSDIG 515 Advanced Clinical Practicum SLP I (2) CSDIG 516 Advanced Clinical Practicum SLP II (1-2) CSDIG 517 Advanced Clinical Practicum SLP III (1-2) CSDIG 521 Acquired Disorders of Speech (2) CSDIG 522 Acquired Disorders of Language (3) CSDIG 551 Dysphagia: Assessment & Management (2) CSDIG 594 Introduction to Research in Communication Disorders (3) Elective Courses: CSDIG 530 Seminar in Fluency Disorders (2) CSDIG 531 Seminar in Voice Disorder (2) CSDIG 540 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2) CSDIG 550 Seminar in Aphasia and Related Disorders (2) CSDIG 552 Seminar in Craniofacial Anomalies (2) CSDIG 570 Speech Production and Perception (2) CSDIG 575 Seminar in Traumatic Brain Injury (2) CSDIG 581 Multicultural Issues Seminar (2) CSDIG 582 Seminar in Counseling (2) CSDIG 595 Special Topics (1-3) CSDIG 596 Independent Study (1-3) CSDIG 599 Research Project (3) Elective Clinical Practica: CSDIG 518 Practicum in Clinical Supervision (1) CSDIG 519 Clinical Practicum in Family-Based Service Delivery for Speech-Language Disorders (1) Introductory Seminars*: CSDIG 400 Neuroanatomy CSDIG 450 Clinical Methods * Designed for those with little or no background in these areas. Placement based on advisor recommendation. These courses do NOT count toward the required number of credits for the master's degree. 500-level courses in English, education, psychology and nursing may also be elected. - 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 of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. - Satisfactory completion of either a research project, which is detailed in the Graduate Student Handbook, OR successful completion of written and oral comprehensive examinations.
- Essential Functions
Essential functions include the knowledge and skills requisite 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 and are detailed in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Transfer Policy
A maximum of 6 hours of graduate credit from another regionally accredited institution may be transferred toward a Master's degree in speech-language pathology.
Certificate of Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology
(15-18 Semester-Hours)
The department offers a Certificate Program in Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology. This individualized set of activities leads to a Certificate of Advanced Studies. It has been developed for those individuals who have earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology and wish to do further graduate work without commitment to another graduate degree. The experience is designed particularly for speech-language pathologists who wish to complete teaching certification, clinical hours, or other continuing-education goals. Application should be made through the Graduate Admission Office.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Accreditation
The Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
State of Illinois Certification
Students who wish to satisfy Illinois State Board of Education requirements for the Type 73 certificate (Speech and Language Impaired) must complete the approved program of general and professional education requirements, and pass the appropriate Illinois certification, Illinois Test of Basic Skills, and the appropriate test of subject matter knowledge.
Detailed information concerning ASHA membership, certification requirements, accreditation status, State of Illinois licensure and/or teacher 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.
Courses
CSDIG 500 - Clinical Problem Solving: Assessment (4)
Offered every spring
Principles of measurement concepts and qualitative and quantitative assessment in speech-language pathology.
CSDIG 501 - Clinical Problem Solving: Management (2)
Prerequisite: CSDIG 500, 510
Offered every spring
Professional issues seminar, designed to challenge decision making among developing clinicians. Examines important dimensions of development, including ethical conduct and the profession's Scope of Practice, workplace characteristics and demands, the role of professional organizations, and requisite skills for lifelong learning.
CSDIG 502 - Developmental Disorders of Speech (3)
Offered every fall
Detailed study of phonological and articulatory speech sound disorders in children. Discussion of strategies and techniques for assessment and management among a variety of clinical populations.
CSDIG 503 - Developmental Disorders of Language (3)
Offered every fall
Study of infants, children and adolescents with language disorders. Discussion of strategies and techniques for assessment and management with a variety of clinical populations.
CSDIG 505 - Aural Rehabilitation (3)
Offered every summer
Overview of amplification and (re)habilitative needs identified among hard-of-hearing individuals of all ages. Strategies for management developed from the perspective of the speech-language pathologist.
CSDIG 510 - Practicum in Diagnostics (2)
Clinical practicum involving evaluation and diagnosis of a variety of communication disorders with clients in the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic.
CSDIG 512 - Supervised Practicum in the Schools: Student Teaching (2)
Prerequisite: CSDIG 500, 502, 503, 510, 515
Performance of a minimum of 100 clinical hours of supervised practicum in speech-language pathology in a public school setting.
CSDIG 513 - Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology (Medical) (2)
Prerequisite: CSDIG 510, 515, 521, 522, 551
Clinical practicum with a variety of communication disorders in off-campus medical sites such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, etc.
CSDIG 514 - Audiology Practicum (1)
Prerequisite: CSDI 307 or equivalent
Clinical practicum involving assessment and management of hearing loss in children and adults.
CSDIG 515 - Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I (2)
On-campus clinical practice with clients across the life span, who have a variety of communication disorders, overseen by University clinical educators.
CSDIG 516 - Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II (1-2)
Prerequisite: 515
Additional on-campus clinical practice with clients exhibiting a variety of communication disorders, overseen by University clinical educators.
CSDIG 517 - Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology III (1-2)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of CSDIG 515 or 516 and recommendation of faculty
Clinical activity at off-campus sites, with clients who have a variety of communication disorders.
CSDIG 518 - Practicum in Clinical Supervision in Speech-Language Pathology (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of CSDIG 515 or 516 and recommendation of the faculty
Offered every spring
On-campus practicum in supervision of speech-language student clinicians, combined with study of supervisory trends and strategies.
CSDIG 519 - Clinical Practicum in Family-Based Service Delivery for Speech-Language Disorders (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of CSDIG 515 or 516 and recommendation of the faculty
Clinical activities in delivery of speech-language services through family intervention.
CSDIG 520 - Advanced Studies in Normal Language Acquisition (2)
Examination of recent research and theories dealing with language acquisition using a psycholinguistic and multidimensional framework to describe language development from infancy through adolescence.
CSDIG 521 - Acquired Disorders of Speech (2)
Study of neurogenic disorders of adult speech, including assessment and management of apraxia and dysarthria.
CSDIG 522 - Acquired Disorders of Language (3)
Offered every fall
Study of acquired neurogenic disorders of adult language. Topics include assessment and management of aphasia, right hemisphere dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
CSDIG 530 - Seminar in Fluency Disorders (2)
Review and analysis of stuttering research, examination of issues in stuttering modification and fluency shaping.
CSDIG 531 - Seminar in Voice Disorders (2)
Examination of issues concerning the clinical assessment/treatment of voice disorders in children and adults.
CSDIG 540 - Seminar in Augmentative & Alternative Communication (2)
Introduction to augmentative and alternative principles and practices. Assessment and management of adults and children with severe communication problems are addressed. Topics include: symbol selection, vocabulary selection, issues of access, sensory impairments, evaluation, and treatment.
CSDIG 551 - Dysphagia: Assessment and Management (2)
Advanced examination of theoretical and clinical issues related to swallowing disorders in adults and children.
CSDIG 552 - Seminar in Craniofacial Anomalies (2)
Study of nature and causes of cleft lip, palate, and other craniofacial dysmorphology. Specific focus on issues of speech, language and hearing problems, incorporating principles of assessment, treatment and research.
CSDIG 570 - Speech Production and Perception (2)
Advanced study of issues in speech production and perception, including clinical implications.
CSDIG 575 - Seminar in Traumatic Brain Injury (2)
Study of the effects of traumatic brain injury on the speech, language and cognition of both children and adults.
CSDIG 581 - Multicultural Issues Seminar (2)
Organized exploration of issues pertinent to clinical service provision to persons from varying cultural backgrounds.
CSDIG 582 - Seminar in Counseling (2)
Examines the role of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in the provision of informational and personal adjustment counseling to individuals having communication disorders and their families.
CSDIG 594 - Introduction to Research in Communication Disorders (3)
Detailed orientation to fundamental constructs in research, including issues of design, analysis and interpretation. Offered spring.
CSDIG 595 - Special Topics (1-3)
Offerings developed to provide detailed examination of emerging issues of significance in clinical and/or research areas of the discipline.
CSDIG 596 - Independent Study (1-3)
Independent, directed study of a specific problem or problems in speech-language pathology. Requires permission of instructor and program Director.
CSDIG 599 - Research Project (3)
Scholarly activity under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
( ) = credit -hours / / = classroom hours
Saint Xavier University 2008-2009 Catalog
Please visit the SXU Web site for the most recent information.