D'Youville's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a qualified speech-language pathologist through challenging academic courses, interprofessional experiential education and diverse clinical practicums/internships.  The program provides rich and diverse clinical opportunities in the Buffalo, New York and surrounding areas.

Students will gain valuable academic experiences that focus on speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.  We offer a small class size with educational experiences designed to support student learning clinical skill development.  Our program offers experiential education in the on-campus clinical skills lab and the Interprofessional Education and Simulation Center which is housed in the state of the art Health Professions Hub.  Students gain robust clinical experiences working with diverse clientele, focusing on evidenced-based and ethical practice, that prepares them for entry level practice as a speech-language pathologist (SLP).  The program prepares students to apply for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and New York State Licensure.

Program Length: 5 semesters

Total Credits: 56

Our Mission

The D'Youville University Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program prepares future speech-language pathologists to provide evidence-based, inclusive services to persons with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. With a commitment to academic excellence and interprofessional collaboration, the program offers innovative graduate academic and clinical education in a diverse urban community. Our program graduates service-minded leaders and professionals focused on improving the health and well-being of others.

Program Goals

1. Students will meet the requirements for the professional credential, Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and clinical competencies to provide safe and effective entry-level professional services in a variety of settings.
3. Students will integrate evidence-based, ethical, interprofessional, collaborative practice when providing care for persons with a diverse range of communication and swallowing disorders.
4. Students will plan for and participate in leadership roles and service to the community.

Equitable Treatment

The Speech-Language Pathology Program is committed to upholding D’Youville University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, which provides equality of opportunity to all persons in respect to employment and to admission of students. The program strives to create a diverse, inclusive community and does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic predisposition, carrier status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.

Candidacy Statement

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at D'Youville University is an Applicant for Candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Program Director

Lorraine Book PhD, CCC-SLP

Contact: bookl@dyc.edu

Requirements from CIM

Total Credits: 56

In addition to general university policies and regulations, which apply to all students, additional academic regulations of the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program include the following:

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing  

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or above for the entire program.  

Grades Below B Policy  

Students who achieve a grade of B- or below in a course will need to retake the course or complete remediation as deemed appropriate by the program student progress committee.  

Academic Probation  

A student who has less than a 3.00 cumulative GPA at any time will be placed on academic probation for one semester. At the end of the probation semester, the student’s file is reviewed by the program's student progress committee. If the student’s cumulative GPA is a minimum of 3.00, the student is automatically removed from academic probation.  

If a student does not achieve a 3.00 GPA, the program student progress committee will continue the student on probation for one more semester. Appropriate referrals will be made for remediation, as necessary. If a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not then achieved after two consecutive semesters on academic probation, dismissal is automatic.  

Dismissal  

Students will be dismissed from the SLP Program if they fail to remain in good academic standing after having been on academic probation during the immediate two preceding consecutive semesters of the program.  

Appeals  

To appeal a decision rendered by the School of Health Professions faculty/administration that has significant academic consequences, you must follow the appeal procedures which are available at https://www.dyu.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-appeal-procedure 

Ethical Practices  

Both student clinicians and fully certified clinicians are under a moral and professional obligation to conduct their professional affairs in an ethical fashion. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has developed a Code of Ethics for professionals in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. This code must be followed by all students. 

Requirements for Graduation

It is the policy of the Speech-Language Pathology program that students will complete all requirements of the University and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.  Students will receive a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology upon completion of the following:  

Admission Requirements

• Completed and verified CSDCAS Application
• Completion of a baccalaureate degree prior to the start of coursework
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 system)
• Prerequisite courses completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses can be in progress but must successfully be completed prior to the start of classes should acceptance be granted. 
  • Program prerequisite courses (3 credit hours minimum):
    • Child Language Acquisition
    • Phonetics/Phonological Development
    • Speech Science
    • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
    • Introduction to Audiology
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) prerequisite courses. ASHA requires the following prerequisite courses for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) prior to completion of the MS degree. More information can be found here.
    • Biological Science
    • Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry)
    • Statistics
    • Social Sciences and Behavioral Science
• Resume/CV 

• Students who have attended a school outside of the U.S. or Canada must submit a WES course-by-course evaluation to CSDCAS. Canadian students submit transcripts from the college/universities attended to CSDCAS. 

• English Language Proficiency - students whose first language is not English and who have not completed four-years of higher education from a U.S or Canadian college/university must submit an official TOFEL score report (minimum score of 90). 

Optional Materials

• Two letters of recommendation addressing leadership potential, ability to work with others and the ability to succeed in a professional academic setting
• Personal Statement