M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

This two-year (including one summer) program involves coursework and practicum experiences designed to provide a broad background in speech-language-hearing sciences. The program also provides a special emphasis on the communication needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

The SLP program involves combined course, lab, and clinical work in speech, language, and hearing. Like other nationally-accredited speech-language pathology programs in the United States, Gallaudet's SLP curriculum is dedicated to speech sciences, research methods, language acquisition, clinical procedures, assistive technology, and multicultural experiences. It also includes instruction in and supervised clinical experiences with persons who have speech sound disorders, voice disorders, swallowing disorders, fluency disorders, language disorders, and neurogenic communication disorders. Unlike other accredited graduate programs, however, Gallaudet's program requires courses in American Sign Language and competencies in working with children and adults who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Observation and practicum opportunities in the Hearing and Speech Center on campus are complemented with training experiences at a variety of hospitals, clinics, public and private schools, private practices, early childhood programs, and other acute and long-term care facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Students accepted into the highly competitive SLP program also have opportunities to engage in research, not only through a dedicated master's thesis program, but also with faculty mentors in the Department's research labs and clinic. Elective coursework within the Department includes diverse topics such as cued speech, visual phonics, and cochlear implants; elective coursework is also available in other departments on campus and through a consortium of university programs in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

Opportunities are provided for conducting a master’s thesis and for elective coursework in other departments or through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Admissions Procedures

Applicants for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions web site for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available in the Graduate Catalog.

Program Specific Requirements

GRE or MAT
Three Letters of reference

Recommended Undergraduate Major

Speech-Language Pathology
Audiology or related discipline
Communication Sciences/Disorders

Prerequisite Coursework

Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in any of the above listed majors must demonstrate successful completion of required courses in anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, acoustics or speech-and-hearing sciences, and introduction to audiology. A biological science is also required of applicants.

Program of Study

Semester I - Fall

GPS 700 Culture and Language Seminar (1)
HSL 713  Language Development and Disorders I (3)
HSL 714  Speech Science (3)
HSL 763 Clinical Procedures for Communication Disorders (3-4)
HSL 774 Clinical Practicum: Speech-Language Pathology (1)
HSL 746 Clinical Applications of Sign Communication (1)
HSL 824 Aural Rehabilitation: Adults (3)
ASL American Sign Language II (or equivalent) (3)

Semester II - Spring

HSL 755 Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders (3)
HSL 723 Language Development and Disorders II (3)
HSL 771 Clinical Practicum: Aural Rehabilitation (1)
HSL 784 Research Methodology in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (3)
ASL American Sign Language III (or equivalent) (3)

Semester III - Summer

HSL 716 Audiology: Educational and Habilitative Implications (3)
HSL 826 Aural Rehabilitation: Pediatric (3)
HSL 774 Clinical Practicum: Speech-Language Pathology (1) [optional]

Semester IV - Fall

HSL 719 Aural Rehabilitation II (3)
HSL 760  Swallowing Disorders (3)
HSL 754 Speech Sound Disorders (3)
HSL 771 Clinical Practicum: Aural Rehabilitation (1-4) (May alternatively be taken during Semester V)
HSL 791 Internship in Speech-Language Pathology (4)

Semester V - Spring

HSL 750 Voice Disorders (3)
HSL 751 Stuttering (2)
HSL 821 Informational Counseling and Multicultural Issues (3)
HSL 791 Internship in Speech-Language Pathology (4)

Additional Requirements

Students must take a minimum of one elective following the first semester of the program. For students opting for the M.S. thesis, thesis credit may be substituted for the elective.

Department Requirements

1. Completion of the academic and practicum requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
2. Successful completion of candidacy examination.
3. Adherence to the provisions of the ASHA Code of Ethics.

Pediatric-Aural Rehabilitation Emphasis

Students accepted into the SLP program may also apply for a pediatric-aural rehabilitation emphasis option. The curriculum for students who apply for this emphasis includes: the addition of two required courses, (e.g., HSL 826: Aural Rehabilitation: Pediatric; HSL 958: Cochlear Implants), adapting assignments in 13 required courses to pediatric populations or aural rehabilitation, and adapting required practicum and internship experiences to serve pediatric populations. The pediatric aural rehabilitation emphasis option comprehensively addresses the Recommended Competencies Required for the Practice of Aural Rehabilitation for SLPs (2001) of the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association.