In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in the Graduate Bulletin, the student must complete a graduate program of at least 36 units (44 units for the Concentration in Speech-language Pathology). A student must complete Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 799A, Thesis for Plan A. The thesis option requires approval by the school and may not be appropriate for every student. If Plan B is elected, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination (which may be repeated only twice). No more than six units of coursework outside the school acceptable on graduate level may be applied to the master’s degree.
The school offers one concentration leading to the Master of Arts degree as described below.
Concentration in Speech-Language Pathology
This concentration has a clinical focus and may be used to satisfy some of the academic preparation for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for licensure from the State of California. Students are required to complete coursework in all of the following areas:
- Voice Disorders
- Fluency Disorders
- Articulation/Phonology Disorders
- Adult Language Disorders
- Child Language Disorders
The coursework may be taken during undergraduate or graduate preparation.
Undergraduate Preparation – Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 101, 106, 300, 305, 320, 321, 340, 340L, 503, 511, 512, 513, 514, 580; Psychology 260; Psychology 270 or Sociology 201 (or equivalent coursework in these areas).
Graduate Program – Students must complete a minimum of 44 units. The following core courses are required: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 570, 600, 606, 607, 608, 609A, 609B, 613, 614, 617, 675, and either 672 or 673. In addition, students must complete nine units from Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 707, 750, 754, 790, 793, 794, 795, 797, 798, 799A. At least three of the nine units must be selected from Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 707, 750,754, 790, 793, 794.
Students electing to pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA), California licensure for Speech-Language Pathology, or the Speech-Language Pathology Credential (Language, Speech and Hearing or Special Day Class) for California Schools should complete, in addition to the required courses listed above that are associated with the master’s degree, additional courses (up to 25 units) and clinic hours required by national and state organizations. It is school policy that all credential students maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all 600-level and above credential courses.
Specialization in Bilingualism
Students who speak a second language and who have an interest in bilingualism are encouraged to apply to the concentration in speech language pathology with a specialization in bilingualism. Students are required to pass a language proficiency test in a language other than English. Students who speak Spanish complete the requirements of the Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Certificate, consistent with ASHA’s definition regarding bilingual speech-language pathologists. Students who speak other languages receive academic training on bilingualism.
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Certificate
The Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology is designed for students who plan to work with bilingual Spanish-English speakers with communicative disorders. The certificate program requires completion of 13 units to include nine units of substantive coursework and four units of graduate clinical practicum with bilingual speakers with communicative disorders. Based on research and clinical expertise of the faculty, as well as the availability of a clinical population, the certificate is currently focused on Spanish-English communicative disorders.
The following core courses are required: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 570, 600, 606, 607, 608, 609A, 609B, 613, 614, 617, 672, 673, 675, 794. Students must also complete 6 units of 700 level electives and 100 hours of graduate clinical practicum with Spanish speakers.
Languages other than Spanish
Students who speak languages for which clinical training is not available (i.e., languages other than Spanish) are required to take the following courses: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 570, 600, 606, 607, 608, 609A, 609B, 613, 614, 617, 672 or 673, 675, 794. Students must also complete three units of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 750, 795, or 798 with approval of the school adviser. An additional three units must be selected from Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 707, 750, 754, 790, 793, 795, 797, 798, 799A.
last updated: 10/082012
