Speech-Language Pathology, MS

Program Description

The Masters program in speech-language pathology (SLP) is designed to prepare students to make intelligent decisions and take appropriate, thoughtful action. The program is organized to encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving to identify and meet the communication needs of individuals and families. The SLP program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Completion of course work for speech-language pathology requires two academic years (fall, spring) and one summer; enrollment in two summer sessions is encouraged. This option prepares students for a career in an educational setting (i.e., public school, special school, special school district); a clinical setting (i.e., hospital, guidance center, rehabilitation center or nursing home); an industrial setting; a private setting; or others. Entry into a PhD program is also possible after completion of this program.

Admission Requirements

Completed application must be received by CSDCAS and noted as complete by January 15 to be considered for the fall semester. The number of students who can enter the program each year is limited. Admission to the program is competitive.

Full admission to the program shall be based on the following components and application requirements/deadlines:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in CSD. (For those with a non-CSD undergraduate degree, please contact the school at 417-836-5368).
2. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (4.00 scale). Additionally, GPA within the CSD undergraduate major must be a 3.00 or better.
3. Graduate Record Examination. GRE scores are considered along with GPA and other application components. GRE scores must be submitted through CSDCAS by choosing the MSU designation (code 0741).

CSDCAS application service. Students will submit applications through a site called CSDCAS. Instructions for the application process are available on the CSDCAS site.

Program Requirements

Non-Thesis Option: A minimum of 58 semester hours in Speech-Language Pathology shall be completed, including the following:

1. Graduate course work to meet academic requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC).
2. Clinical practicum requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC).
3. Completion of a master’s project.
4. Comprehensive Examinations.

Thesis Option: Requirements included in items 1 and 2 above shall pertain. Completion of the Master’s Thesis and oral defense shall replace items 3 and 4 listed above.

Additional Program Requirements

1. Students must pay for and pass both a background/crime records check and drug test prior to their first clinical placement. The CSD Background Check and Drug Testing Policy and Procedure document is available in the School of Health Care Professions Office (Professional Building, room 237).
2. Students will also be required to provide their Praxis examination scores to the department prior to graduation.

Retention Requirements

1. To remain in the program, a student must maintain a GPA of 3.00.
2. No course with a grade below a “C” may be applied to a graduate degree.
3. Any grade below a “C-” in any given course, didactic or clinical, is not acceptable and may be grounds for dismissal from the CSD program.
4. The accumulation of more than 9 hours of “C+” or below in academic and/or practicum courses will result in dismissal from the program.
5. Students must progress satisfactorily through the levels of clinical practicum as defined in the Clinic Handbook.
6. Clinical hours from clinical classes where a grade of “C” or less was earned will not be counted toward required clinical experiences.
7. While grades are important, the student’s continuation in the CSD Program is based on the composite picture of the ability of the student to perform satisfactorily in the clinical phase of training as well as the academic components.

The School of Health Care Professions reserves the right to refuse enrollment or program continuation to any student. This refusal will be determined by the judgment of the CSD Graduate Faculty and the Director of the School of Health Care Professions based upon the student’s ability to successfully complete clinical practicum assignments or to assume patient care responsibilities and/or function as a clinician/teacher. Additionally, if a student has failed to demonstrate an attitude of professionalism as judged by the CSD Graduate Faculty and Director of the School of Health Care Professions, a student maybe dismissed from the program.

According to the Missouri State University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Codes of Ethics of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and requirements of the School of Health Care Professions, academic integrity and honesty are the foundation of the University community. Students are expected to practice academic and clinical integrity in all assigned work. Students are also expected to be honest in all interactions with other students, faculty, and staff, and be professional in attitude, actions and attire.

The University, and the School of Health Care Professions, has the inherent right to promulgate appropriate rules and regulations for the orderly conduct of University business and the protection of the health and safety of the University community. Students are expected to comply with all published and stated rules and regulations. If a student is accused of violating any code (theft, academic dishonestly, possession of drugs, etc.) they will be subject to warnings, loss of privileges, probation, suspension, and/or dismissal.