Speech-Language Pathology, (MA)

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Speech-Language Pathology MA Degree Program

Demonstrate the breadth and depth of foundational communication science, including biological, etiological, theoretical, acoustic, physiological, cognitive and psychological bases of communication.
Understand and demonstrate the theoretical motivation for and practical applications of clinical reasoning for identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders.
Apply research analysis into evidence-based clinical application.
Effectively communicate discipline-related knowledge in oral and written modalities, with families, clients, and other professionals.
Understand and accommodate cultural or linguistic differences related to communication development or to perceptions and attitudes toward communication disorders, differences, or intervention.
Exhibit attributes and abilities characteristic of competent speech-language pathologists, including accountability, integrity, adaptability, leadership, and professionalism.

Admission Standards and Procedures

The Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology professional degree program in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders uses a centralized application service known as the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). All applications will be reviewed only through the CSDCAS portal (https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login).
All CSDCAS applications must be verified by CSDCAS by February 1^st each year.
The admissions committee uses a holistic approach and reviews all aspects of the application including
1. Official transcripts from all universities attended
2. 3 letters of recommendation
3. 2 personal essays
4. 1 analysis essay
5. Relevant experience and extracurricular activities
6. Video submission.

More information regarding application components can be found at https://www.memphis.edu/csd/programs/profapply.php.

We have no set thresholds for GPA scores. The average GPA for students typically accepted into the program (all four years of the undergraduate degree) is 3.7 (4-point scale). Information from the entire application along with the GPA is used to make final decisions for admission.
International students must submit transcripts using a WES evaluation and submit language proficiency scores using either IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Students are expected to understand and use English proficiently and meet or exceed the English proficiency requirements stipulated by the Graduate School.Meeting the minimum department standards does not entitle an applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only ensures consideration of the application.

Background Requirements

To be considered for admission, all applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Previous academic preparation in audiology/speech-language pathology is not a requirement for admission.
Non-CSD basic science coursework necessary to meet U of M graduation, ASHA certification, and State Licensure includes:
- Biological Science (3)
- Statistics (3)
- Behavioral/Social Science (6)
- Physical Science (3)

If college-level credits for these courses have not been earned upon enrollment, they will need to be completed during the MA graduate program.

General Program Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours and meet the academic and practicum requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Additional coursework will be required for those students without undergraduate preparation in audiology/speech-language pathology.
Full-time study requires enrollment in clinical practicum, and students must obtain a 3.00 or above in at least 9 semester hours of clinical practicum, and must obtain a 3.00 or above in their last two semesters of clinical practicum. A minimum of 14 credit hours of AUSP 7200 and AUSP 7208 /AUSP 8208 must be taken, but more hours may be required in order to meet certification standards.
A thesis or non-thesis option is available. Students choosing the non-thesis option must take 3 credits of Research Activity (AUSP 7991 and 7990). NOTE: Students electing to write a thesis should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before starting to write.
All students must successfully complete a benchmark examination and a comprehensive examination.

Retention Requirements

All students enrolled in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders are expected to attain high academic achievement and maintain professional and ethical conduct. In addition to Graduate School policy, the criteria listed below will be used to determine the retention status of students enrolled in the School.

General Academic Performance:

Grades of less than 2.0 in required courses are considered unacceptable and must be repeated with a minimum grade of 2.00 in order to meet graduation requirements.
A student may count two grades of 2.00 toward their degree. Students have the option of repeating two courses in which a grade of 2.00 or less was earned. The student will be dismissed at the end of the semester in which a third grade of 2.00 or less has been earned.
Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 at the end of each semester of enrollment at the University of Memphis. A GPA below 3.00 across two consecutive semesters may be grounds for dismissal.

Professional Performance:

Because the MA in Speech-Language Pathology is a professional practice degree, satisfactory acquisition of knowledge and skills for certification as prescribed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is required. Failure to achieve any of these standards for clinical performance may result in dismissal from the program.
The cumulative grade of the first two semesters of clinical practicum (7200/7208) must be a B- (2.67) or greater. A cumulative clinic grade for the last five semesters must be at least 3.00. Students must obtain a B (3.00) or better in each of their last 2 semesters.

Grounds for Dismissal Include:

Failure to maintain appropriate standards of academic integrity or CSD Policies.
Failure to follow the ASHA Code of Ethics.
Failure to follow HIPAA guidelines.
Failure to meet essential functions as specified in CSD Policy Number E-120.
Failure to achieve competency as specified in CSD Policy Number E-117.
A grade of 2.00 or less in clinic practicum will mandate a review within the School and may be grounds for dismissal.
Failure to pass the benchmark examination.
Failure to pass the comprehensive examination.

Specific Requirements

Professional Background Coursework (6 hours, may be taken at the University of Memphis):

Audiology: Hearing Disorders/Evaluation (3)
Habilitation/Rehabilitation (3)

Speech-Language Pathology Minimum Degree Requirements:

All listed courses are required unless marked as electives. Courses with an asterisk may be waived for students with an undergraduate background in CSD. Other required courses can be waived under special circumstances and with instructor’s permission.

Certification and State Licensure

School degree requirements meet the academic and clinical training requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, teacher certification, and state licensure.

Speech-Language Pathology, (MA)