Curriculum - Speech-Language Pathology Program
Our 63-credit Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology curriculum integrates academic coursework and clinical education to prepare students for professional practice with individuals with diverse communication and swallowing needs across the lifespan. Grounded in the Jesuit tradition and Ignatian pedagogy, students learn to integrate knowledge, evidence, reflection, and clinical reasoning into their developing practice.
Program Structure
- 63-credit M.S. degree
- Full-time study: 21-24 months
- Synchronous distance learning
- Eight 7-week academic cycles across four semesters
- Summer clinical education
The program combines the flexibility of distance education with real-time interaction among students, faculty, and peers. Academic coursework is provided in a synchronous distance learning environment, with students participating in classes together at scheduled times. The 63-credit program includes four semesters of coursework, with two 7-week cycles per semester, as well as an 8-week summer session. Students also participate in three in-person clinical education experiences during the program.
Healthcare Specialization
Students interested in working in medical settings across the continuum of care and across the lifespan may elect to complete the Healthcare Specialization. The specialization adds 10 credits to the 63-credit M.S. curriculum and includes additional synchronous coursework and an additional summer residency experience.
Clinical Education
Although academic coursework is completed through synchronous distance learning, clinical education includes in-person experiences. Students begin their clinical education in Scranton, Pennsylvania, through our Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment, where they work alongside faculty, clinical supervisors, and peers as they develop foundational clinical skills. Subsequent clinical placements are completed in settings near where students live, providing opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop their skills within their own communities.
The overall curriculum is designed to provide a program of study sufficient in depth and breadth to achieve the specified knowledge and skill acquisition (KASA) outcomes stipulated in 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).
Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum Sequence and Course Description