Speech Language Pathology, MS
Program Director: Pam Hart PhD CCC-SLP
Email: phart@sbu.edu
Website: https://online.sbu.edu/programs/master/online-slp?schoolsrc=42787
The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at St. Bonaventure University (SBU) aims to address barriers in education and the growing need for SLP professionals nationwide.
With a framework that emphasizes care for the whole person and engaged learning, the online M.S. SLP prepares students to take an active role in making client-centered SLP care accessible, especially in underserved communities. Students will empower their education and careers as they prepare for rewarding roles as SLPs.
Through flexible education, engaged learning experiences, and an educational framework rooted in Franciscan values, graduates are equipped to become culturally responsive clinicians who make a positive difference.
Program Features
- Flexible plan of study options
- Tailored for adult learners managing responsibilities
- 100% online academic coursework (synchronous & asynchronous modalities)
- Clinical practicum near your home location
- 56 credit hours
- Personalized guidance from a dedicated Student Success Coach
- Focus on your studies—no travel required to campus
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission
- Two annual intakes: Fall and Spring
The program is designed to meet the academic and clinical education requirements for national certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-SLP) and New York state licensure in speech-language pathology. Please see licensure information here for details related to individual state requirements.
Please be aware that some states require a separate credential to practice in the school system which may have additional requirements. If a state Department of Education requires a separate credential to practice in the school system, you must obtain that credential to practice in schools. It is the student's responsibility to determine what is required to obtain the credential to work in the school system. It is the student’s responsibility to remain up to date on all state licensure requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SLP-600 | SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS IN CHILDREN | 3 |
| SLP-610 | DIAGNOSTICS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY | 3 |
| SLP-620 | INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICUM: DIAGNOSTIC SIMULATION | 1 |
| SLP-621 | INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICUM: TREATMENT SIMULATION | 1 |
| SLP-622 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM I | 1 |
| SLP-623 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM II | 1 |
| SLP-624 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM III | 1 |
| SLP-630 | DYSPHAGIA 1:PHYSIOLOGY & ETIOLOGIES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN | 3 |
| SLP-640 | LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN | 3 |
| SLP-650 | DYSPHAGIA II:EVALULATION & TREATMENT IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS | 3 |
| SLP-660 | RESEARCH METHODS & EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE | 3 |
| SLP-670 | APHASIA REHABILITATION & CONTINUUM OF CARE | 3 |
| SLP-680 | INNOVATIONS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY | 2 |
| SLP-690 | VOCAL FUNCTIONS & VOICE DISORDERS | 2 |
| SLP-700 | ETHICS & CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICES | 3 |
| SLP-710 | FLUENCY DISORDERS | 2 |
| SLP-720 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM IV | 1 |
| SLP-721 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM V | 1 |
| SLP-722 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM VI | 1 |
| SLP-723 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM VII | 1 |
| SLP-724 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM VIII | 1 |
| SLP-730 | SPECIAL INTEREST ELECTIVE | 2 |
| SLP-740 | COGNITIVE COMMUNICATION DISORDERS | 3 |
| SLP-750 | AUGMENTATIVE &ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| SLP-760 | PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY | 2 |
| SLP-770 | AUTISM SPECTRUM & SOCIAL COMMUNICATION DISORDERS | 3 |
| SLP-780 | MOTOR SPEECH DISORDERS | 3 |
| Total Credits | 56 | |
SLP-500 INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to professional practice in speech-language pathology, including certification and licensure requirements. Students will develop knowledge of a variety of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Twenty-five guided observation hours will be gained toward ASHA certification requirements.
SLP-510 INTRODUCTION TO HEARING SCIENCES AND AUDIOLOGY (3 Credits)
This course provides an introduction to hearing sciences and the field of audiology. The physics of sound, anatomy and physiology of human hearing, pathologies of the auditory system, types and characteristics of hearing loss, and basic audiological assessment and interpretation will be included. Ethical considerations including the professional role, scope, and credentialing of audiologists will be introduced.
SLP-520 AUDIOLOGY ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF SPEECH AND SWALLOWING (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of human speech and swallowing including structures and functions involved in articulation, respiration, phonation, resonance, and swallowing. Opportunities to apply problem-based learning strategies to clinical cases of speech and swallowing disorders will be included.
SLP-530 LANGUAGE SCIENCE & DEVELOPMENT (3 Credits)
This course focuses on typical language development of children from infancy through adolescence. Theories regarding the influence of environmental, behavioral, and innate components will be studied. Students will acquire skills in language evaluation and analysis across phonological, morphological, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic components. Considerations of age, cultural/linguistic background, and overall developmental milestones will be included.
SLP-540 NEUROSCIENCE FOR COMMUNICATION & SWALLOWING (3 Credits)
This course provides foundational information related to the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of communication and swallowing. Typical and atypical neurological systems will be discussed within the context of basic neurosciences in communication and swallowing disorders.
SLP-550 SPEECH SCIENCE & CLINICAL PHONETICS (3 Credits)
This course introduces speech science and clinical transcription for future professionals in communication sciences and disorders. Theories, measurement, and analysis of speech production using perceptual skills and instrumentation will be included. Training in the skill of phonetic transcription using the alphabet of the International Phonetic Association will be provided. Students will learn to transcribe normal and disordered speech. Considerations of dialectal variations related to culturally and linguistically diverse populations will be included.
SLP-560 AURAL REHABILILITATION (3 Credits)
This course will expose students to the implications of hearing loss across the life span, assistive technologies including hearing aids and cochlear implants, and the key techniques and underlying principles of auditory (re)habilitation.
SLP-600 SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS IN CHILDREN (3 Credits)
A detailed review of etiologies and characteristics of speech sound disorders including phonological process analysis, formal and informal assessment strategies, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and selection of targets. The use of culturally responsive practices for a diverse society will be emphasized.
SLP-610 DIAGNOSTICS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (3 Credits)
Principles and practices of diagnostic evaluations in speech-language pathology for individuals with suspected speech and/or language impairments. Students will practice taking case history information, development assessment plans, conducting evaluations, writing diagnostic reports, and developing treatment goals.
SLP-620 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICUM: DIAGNOSTIC SIMULATION (1 Credit)
This course focuses on breadth of formal and informal diagnostic skills utilized in speech-language pathology. Virtual, simulated clinical practicum experiences will be supervised and debriefed by licensed, certified speech-language pathologists. Students will also gain introductory information related to the clinical practicum sequence and expectations across the M.S. SLP program. A minimum of 25 clinical clock hours will be gained in this course toward ASHA Certification requirements.
SLP-621 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICUM: TREATMENT SIMULATION (1 Credit)
This virtual practicum focuses on foundational treatment skills useful across the scope of practice such developing goals, determining treatment targets, and using data to make treatment decisions. Virtual client cases will be supervised by licensed, certified speech-language pathologists who meet the ASHA supervision requirements. Students will gain a minimum of 25 clinical clock hours in this practicum experience.
SLP-622 CLINICAL PRACTICUM I (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-623 CLINICAL PRACTICUM II (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-624 CLINICAL PRACTICUM III (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-630 DYSPHAGIA 1:PHYSIOLOGY & ETIOLOGIES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN (3 Credits)
The first of a two-part course sequence of dysphagia study designed to meet the breadth and depth of knowledge and skill required by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association for clinical practice in dysphagia. This course includes the study of normal swallow physiology, characteristics and etiologies of swallowing disorders. Students will be introduced to clinical and instrumental evaluation procedures across for children and adults.
SLP-640 LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN (3 Credits)
Assessment, intervention, and service models for children with language disorders from preschool through adolescence. Federal laws and regulatory issues across practice settings will be discussed. Providing culturally sensitive, client and family-centered care within an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment will be emphasized.
SLP-650 DYSPHAGIA II:EVALULATION & TREATMENT IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS (3 Credits)
The second of a two-part course sequence of dysphagia study designed to meet the breadth and depth of knowledge and skill required by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association for clinical practice in dysphagia. This course focuses on evidence-based evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Interprofessional considerations will be discussed.
SLP-660 RESEARCH METHODS & EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE (3 Credits)
Students will develop knowledge and skills in identifying sources of research, critical evaluation of various research methodologies in speech-language pathology, and integration of research to improve efficacy and effectiveness of clinical practice.
SLP-670 APHASIA REHABILITATION & CONTINUUM OF CARE (3 Credits)
Study of current theories and models of aphasia as applied to differential diagnosis, assessment, and rehabilitation from a clinical case perspective. Culturally responsive practices and interprofessional roles in case management are included.
SLP-680 INNOVATIONS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (2 Credits)
This course focuses on the science and art of innovation in speech-language pathology. Students will use frameworks of innovation that integrate research evidence, creativity, and critical thinking to challenge their own assumptions and consider ways to strengthen the profession. All students complete a foundational knowledge module and then choose two additional modules to create an individualized elective that aligns with areas of professional interest.
SLP-690 VOCAL FUNCTIONS & VOICE DISORDERS (2 Credits)
The study of normal and abnormal processes of voice and resonance. Application of instrumental and perceptual evaluation strategies to assess vocal function. The functional, organic, neurogenic, and psychogenic etiologies will be explored in children and adults. Client-centered practices in treatment will be emphasized and counseling of individuals with laryngectomy and other pathologies will be addressed.
SLP-700 ETHICS & CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICES (3 Credits)
Examine communication and swallowing practices in evaluation and intervention within the context of a diverse society. Apply foundational information in cultural awareness to determine client differences versus client disorders.
SLP-710 FLUENCY DISORDERS (2 Credits)
This course provides a foundation in the science of stuttering, cluttering, and other fluency disorders. Etiologies, characteristics, assessment, and treatment of fluency disorders in children and adults will be included. Specific considerations in adolescents including counseling and interprofessional collaboration will be discussed.
SLP-720 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IV (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-721 CLINICAL PRACTICUM V (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-722 CLINICAL PRACTICUM VI (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-723 CLINICAL PRACTICUM VII (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-724 CLINICAL PRACTICUM VIII (1 Credit)
Practicum placement in an educational, clinical, hospital, home health, hospice, private practice, early intervention, or other community site in which speech-language pathology services are provided and supervision by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is available. Each week, students meet in groups of 20 with the Clinical Director for a weekly clinician meeting. This ensures consistent communication between the students and Clinical Director.
SLP-730 SPECIAL INTEREST ELECTIVE (2 Credits)
This asynchronous course is designed to support in-depth learning in an area of special interest. With guidance from a faculty mentor, students choose an area of clinical or professional interest and develop a comprehensive review of past, present, and future clinical practice trends. Students will also develop a continuous learning professional development plan that includes exploration and identification of opportunities for additional professional development/credential in the selected area of interest.
SLP-740 COGNITIVE COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (3 Credits)
The assessment and treatment of cognitive communication disorders through in-depth review of theoretical, neurological, and clinical perspectives. Right hemisphere dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders of cognition will be covered. Ethical and culturally sensitive practices will be emphasized.
SLP-750 AUGMENTATIVE &ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (3 Credits)
Applied clinical and practical issues related to assessment and treatment of individuals with complex communication needs who require augmentative or alternative communication strategies to meet communication needs. Emphasis on culturally appropriate, client-family centered care across the lifespan.
SLP-760 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (2 Credits)
This course focuses on current issues that affect speech-language pathology. Instruction will include information about certification, specialty recognition, licensure, and other credentialing requirements across practice settings. Regulatory affairs and legal issues in educational, healthcare, and private practice settings will be included. Professional association memberships such as ASHA and state level associations will be discussed along with opportunities for advocacy to support continual improvement of the profession.
SLP-770 AUTISM SPECTRUM & SOCIAL COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (3 Credits)
This course focuses on assessment and intervention of the mutually exclusive disorders of autism spectrum disorder and social communication disorder. Differential diagnosis and evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies will be discussed in relation to the role of the speech-language pathologist as part of an interprofessional team. Culturally appropriate, client/family-centered strategies that value diverse perspectives will be emphasized.
SLP-780 MOTOR SPEECH DISORDERS (3 Credits)
This course will explore the neurological bases, assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment of motor speech disorders in adults and children. The course will introduce students to the principles of neuroplasticity and principles of motor learning. Contemporary issues and approaches to the rehabilitation and management of motor speech disorders will be emphasized.