Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)

SLP header 2022.jpeg
Council on Academic Accreditation Logo

About the Program

The master’s of science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} and/or the doctoral degree title (+ designator/abbreviation) education program in audiology at Thiel College is accredited 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.

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071.

The program is designed to accompany our Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Upon completion of your undergraduate studies, you will immediately begin the fifteen month masters program!

For questions, please contact Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders & Program Director for Speech Language Pathology Dr. Mary Beth Mason.

Program Goals

  • To graduate speech-language pathology professionals who have the disciplinary knowledge and skills to provide entry-level services to diverse clienteles and to meet the needs of the community;
  • To graduate speech-language pathology professionals who have the clinical preparation and dispositions to provide entry-level services to diverse clienteles and to meet the needs of the community; and
  • To graduate speech-language pathology professionals who met the requirements for certification and licensure.

Student Learning Outcomes

Following program completion, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of foundations and professional practices.
  • Demonstrate understanding of screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis.
  • Demonstrate understanding of planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment.
  • Demonstrate clinical competence in screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis.

Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's website for their certification standards.

Graduate Coursework

The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates have the disciplinary knowledge and skills, clinical preparation and dispositions to provide entry-level services to diverse clienteles and to meet the needs of their community. The specific coursework focuses on particular communication/swallowing disorders, how to diagnose and treat them and the non-medical needs of clients in diverse communities. Students will be given the opportunity to complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical practice hours over the course of four full-time semesters with a clinical experience embedded in each semester.

It is designed to provide both the scientific and cultural foundations of human communication, disorders and differences. It is also designed to apply practice through clinical practicum experiences. The sequencing of the coursework builds foundational knowledge, dispositions and clinical practice through courses that focus on speech and communication/swallowing disorders, more specific courses that focus on particular speech communication disorders in specific populations (adults or children) while blending seminar coursework and clinical coursework for an integrated experience. Through the varied experiences students will be prepared to enter the workforce as speech-language pathologists immediately upon program completion.

Experiential Learning

As a student you will have the opportunity to observe in our on-campus clinic from day one and each semester in the program. In the spring semester and the second summer you will take a six credit externship in a school setting and in a medical setting to provide you with the experience across the scope and continuum of the speech language profession.

Externship Placements

The program has developed relationships with a vast array of partners, schools districts, medical facilities and long-term care facilities, to give you the experiences you need in the locations that are convenient to you. While most partnerships are in northwestern/western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, should you want to explore an externship location outside the region, you should consult the Clinical Director and the Program Director.

Student Services & Advising

Providing personalized attention to students is a hallmark of Thiel College. Upon matriculation each student is assigned an academic advisor who will meet with the student to develop an academic plan based upon the student’s preparation and career interests.

Professional Credentialing

The program will prepare you for licensure and educational credentialing in the state of Pennsylvania.  The program director can assist you with requirements and applications outside of Pennsylvania.

Thiel College Shield

Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435