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Speech-Language Pathology, MS

Candidacy Statement

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (distance education) at The University of Scranton 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.

Candidate for Accreditation – What Does This Mean?

Program Overview

Grounded in the Jesuit tradition of excellence, our Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) distance learning degree program (63-73 credit hours) prepares students to become knowledgeable, compassionate, and competent clinicians who provide person-centered services for individuals with diverse communication and swallowing needs across the lifespan.

The mission of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become competent, reflective clinicians in Speech-Language Pathology and contribute to the advancement of the profession through clinical practice, research, leadership, and professional development.

Through academic and clinical experiences grounded in Ignatian Pedagogy, students learn to integrate knowledge, evidence, reflection, and clinical reasoning into their developing practice. Our synchronous distance learning environment creates opportunities for students to learn and collaborate with faculty and peers while developing the knowledge and skills needed for professional practice.

The program is designed to meet the 2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC Standards) and the 2023 Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA Standards).

In 2025, our program was named the top SLP degree program in Pennsylvania by SpeechPathology.org, an online resource whose mission is to empower future speech-language pathologists by providing the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Program Goals

Grounded in Jesuit ideals and Ignatian pedagogy, our program supports students in becoming transformative, culturally informed, and socially responsible clinicians.

Students will learn to:

  • Provide person-centered care
  • Apply professional knowledge and skills to effective assessment and treatment
  • Integrate evidence and technology into clinical practice
  • Engage in ethical and reflective professional practice
  • Apply best practices when evaluating and treating communication disorders and/or differences
  • Provide culturally-responsive care
  • Treat others with respect and dignity
  • Advocate for  communicative rights and safe, equitable medical care

Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment

Our Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children provides graduate students with an opportunity to come together in person as they begin their clinical education. Working alongside faculty, clinical supervisors, peers, children, and families, students develop foundational skills while building connections within their learning community. 

Program Director

Laura Chapman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Leahy Hall 818
laura.chapman@scranton.edu
Office phone: 570-941-4658
Department phone: 570-941-5874  

© 2026 University of Scranton

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