Programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

MS DEGREE PROGRAM
Admission Requirements
Combined MS/ScD Program
Degree Requirements
Curriculum
CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED GRADUATE STUDY (CAGS)
Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
Curriculum
ScD IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY OR AUDIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
Residency Requirement
Coursework Grade Requirements
Practicum Grade Requirements
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

A full range of courses and programs for students interested in speech, language and hearing science and their associated disorders are offered. The undergraduate curriculum features basic studies in normal communication processes and introductory studies in speech-language pathology and audiology. This material is necessary for the student preparing for professional studies in speech-language pathology or audiology at the graduate level and for the student interested in gaining general knowledge about communication sciences and disorders. In addition, students will benefit from courses in the liberal arts.

The Speech-Language Pathology Program is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The Master of Science program enables students to fulfill the requirements for professional certification by ASHA in speech-language pathology, as well as prepare them for obtaining a Massachusetts state licensure and/or teacher license. Advanced graduate studies and doctoral programs are provided for those students seeking additional professional training and research skills.

Aphasia Community Resource Center The Aphasia Community Resource Center at Boston University aims to:

• provide a supportive environment in which persons living with aphasia, their families, and their friends can share experiences;

• provide recreational and educational resources;

• educate members about local and national resources;

• educate the broader Boston community about aphasia and related disorders.

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master of science degree program

The mission of Boston University’s Master of Science Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology is to prepare graduates to meet ASHA clinical certification standards and state licensure requirements necessary for entry-level practice positions in all settings. We believe that the study of human communication disorders must be built upon a strong foundation in the basic sciences and normal processes related to communication and cognition as well as an understanding and appreciation of scientific inquiry. The Program strives to create a learning environment that fosters critical and innovative thinking and encourages the development of future leaders of the professions.

The master’s degree program generally requires the equivalent of four semesters of full-time study, including the clinical practicum for those students who have met the prerequisites prior to entering the program. Many students also enroll for one or more summer terms. Course selection depends upon the student’s undergraduate preparation and professional and certification goals. A minimum of sixty-two graduate credits plus successful completion of a comprehensive written examination are required. For qualified students, a thesis may be substituted for the written examination.

The program offers preparation for employment in medical, rehabilitation, educational, and community settings.

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Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. The applicant must also complete the following prerequisite speech-language pathology and audiology courses or their equivalents:

1. SAR SH 521 Phonetics
2. SAR SH 522 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
3. SAR SH 524 Language Acquisition
4. SAR SH 531 Introduction to Communication Disorders
5. SAR SH 535 Introduction to Audiology
6. SAR SH 547 Introduction to the Clinical Process

The following courses or their equivalents must be completed prior to graduation:

1. SAR SH 505 Introduction to Phonological Disorders and
2. SAR SH 542 Aural Rehabilitation

Completion of these courses may be completed on a nongraduate credit basis concurrently with graduate study. An early-entry option is available that permits applicants to complete some prerequisite coursework during the summer before matriculation.

The applicant must submit evidence of academic and clinical aptitude in the form of previous academic records, aptitude scores on the Graduate Record Examination (institution code 3028), and at least three letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic ability.

Combined MS/PhD Program

Exceptional applicants who plan to pursue doctoral studies may request to be considered for parallel admission to the PhD program in speech-language pathology. Under this option, the master’s degree student integrates doctoral coursework and supervised research experiences into the plan of study, which is determined by an advisory committee of departmental faculty. It is expected that, at the end of three years of full-time study, the student in the combined MS/PhD program will meet all of the coursework and practicum requirements for the master’s degree and all of the coursework requirements for the doctoral degree. Upon successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination, the student is admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree and begins the dissertation. In addition to the application materials noted above, applicants for the combined MS/PhD program must participate in an interview with the faculty.

Application Deadline

February 1 is the recommended date for submission of all application materials for fall admission. However, applications are considered as they are received until enrollment capacity is met.

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Degree Requirements

Each student’s plan of study must be approved by his or her faculty advisor. Sixty-two credits in courses at the graduate level with at least 54 credits taken at Boston University are required for the degree. At least one semester must be devoted to full-time study, and all degree requirements must be completed within five years after initial matriculation in the program.

Satisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination is required, unless the faculty approves a thesis as a substitute.

Candidates must achieve an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, with no more than 8 credits of C or C+ work accepted toward the degree. Required courses receiving grades of C– and below must be repeated; a student may repeat a required course only once.

For prerequisite courses that are being completed by matriculating MS degree students, the first course with a grade of C or below must be repeated. Should a grade of C– or below be received in a second course, the student will be terminated from the program.

Matriculation in the graduate program is contingent upon the maintenance of a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 for more than one consecutive semester will be terminated from the program. This applies to all graduate students enrolled for more than 4 credits in a semester. The acceptability of C or C+ work in required courses is subject to departmental faculty approval.

To count clinical practicum clock and credit hours toward ASHA certification, the student must receive a practicum grade of B– or better. Clinical practicum hours that receive a grade below this level must be repeated.

Curriculum

The sample program below is for students entering with an undergraduate degree in communication science and disorders.

(course credits)

First Year

Fall Semester

SAR SH 700 Research Methods (2)
SAR SH 708 Models of Language (4)
SAR SH 737 Evaluation and Diagnosis in Speech Pathology (3)
SAR SH 740 Introduction to Clinical Practicum: Speech and Language (2)
SAR SH 748 Hearing Practicum I (1)
SAR SH 756 Cognition and Neural Bases (4)

Spring Semester

Summer Term

Electives (optional)

Second Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

SAR SH 650 Medical Seminar (1)
SAR SH 721 Motor Speech Disorders (2)
SAR SH 732 Fluency Disorders (2)
SAR SH 734 Acquired Cognitive Disorders (2)
SAR SH 743 Clinical Practicum: Speech and Language (5)
SAR SH 790 Comprehensive Exam (0)
Elective (2)

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certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS)

This is a 40-credit-hour advanced professional program in speech-language pathology, audiology, or a related field for individuals who are interested in pursuing education beyond the master’s level. The program comprises academic coursework, research, and advanced practica.

Admission Requirements

A master’s or doctoral degree or the equivalent with a major in speech-language pathology, audiology, or a related field is required for admission. Applicants must have completed one year of successful professional work, and preferably will hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or certification or its equivalent in an allied field.

Applicants must submit previous academic transcripts, scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (institution code 3028), and three reference letters from individuals familiar with the applicant’s abilities and record.

Application Deadline February 1 is the recommended date for submission of all application materials for fall admission; October 1 is recommended for spring admission.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 40 credits approved by the student’s faculty advisor is required for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. A maximum of 12 credits of coursework may be taken below the 700 level.

The program requirements are as follows:

1. 16 credits in an area of concentration
2. 4-credit internship in administration, teaching, or clinical supervision, or completion of an applied project in one of those areas approved by the faculty advisor
3. 4 credits in an applied research project
4. 16 credits of electives

Curriculum

Since all CAGS programs are individually tailored to the needs and interests of the student, it is not possible to present a sample of a “typical” student’s program. The CAGS program may be completed on a part-time basis.

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doctoral program in speech-language pathology or audiology

The doctoral programs in speech-language pathology and audiology prepare professionals for leadership positions in the field. The resources of Boston University and the surrounding area are vast; doctoral students have the opportunity to take courses in the University’s various Schools and Colleges, including psychology, linguistics, medicine, engineering, rehabilitation, education, and public health. Students can also benefit from other universities in the area. Each student’s program is individualized and combines academic work with developmental experiences and original research.

The doctoral program in speech-language pathology offers a research track to students who may have previously obtained clinical certification. For post-baccalaureate entrants, clinical training is included in the combined MS/PhD program in speech-language pathology. Audiology offers a research track which prepares students for academic and research careers. The graduate program in speech-language pathology is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA).

Admission Requirements

Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology A master’s degree and/or an AuD from an accredited college or university is required for admission. Applicants must show evidence of high academic achievement in their previous coursework, scores on the Graduate Record Examination (institution code 3028), and at least three letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic ability. The admissions committee considers an applicant’s experience, professional certification (if applicable), and personal statement of goals in its selection process. To ensure that the student will have a suitable mentor, candidates are strongly encouraged to meet with a research faculty member about their research interests prior to submitting an application. A personal interview by the doctoral program faculty is usually required.

Application Deadline February 1 is the recommended date for submission of all application materials for fall admission with consideration for graduate assistantships; December 1 is recommended for spring admission.

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Degree Requirements

Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology

For students entering post-master’s degree, a minimum of 48 credits in graduate-level coursework (700 level or above), a preliminary project, qualifying examinations, and a dissertation are required. Up to twelve credits of coursework below the 700 level may be allowed with the approval of the student’s doctoral planning committee.

Students entering post-baccalaureate who are interested in speech-language studies and in obtaining clinical certification are eligible for the combined MS/PhD program in speech-language pathology.

All candidates for the doctoral degree must demonstrate both content area expertise and basic research skills.

Coursework

Students must complete at least one year of full-time study prior to the preliminary project and beginning the dissertation.

Core courses (24 credits) are chosen by the student in consultation with the advisor.

Research design courses (8 credits) must include advanced statistics and/or research methods.

Research

Directed research (6 credits) must be completed before the qualifying project begins. The student and research mentor will devise a suitable project to include discussion of crucial experimental design issues as well as focused training in the specific methodologies of the chosen content area. Further topics will include data analysis and interpretation of statistical results with application to models and follow-up studies.

Qualifying project (2 credits) The student will write a paper that meets the standards for peer-reviewed journals in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The paper may be a comprehensive literature review or may synthesize research findings. The topic and scope are subject to the approval of the student’s advisory committee. The qualifying project must be distinct from the dissertation.

Dissertation research (8 credits) Completion of this requirement includes formulation of a research question, collection and analysis of data, preparation of a written document that is acceptable to the committee members, as well as a final oral defense. The initial portion of the dissertation defense is open to the Sargent College community.

All doctoral candidates must fulfill the residency requirement and submit an acceptable doctoral dissertation. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of beginning the doctoral program (seven years for post-baccalaureate entrants).

Residency Requirement

A minimum of one academic year of residency is required for the programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. Residence is defined as full-time study via coursework and/or research activities which can be achieved with registration for a minimum of 8–12 credit hours each semester (including dissertation credits) for two consecutive semesters. Full-time status can be demonstrated by either a combination of coursework and appointments to research and/or teaching assistantships (8 credits) or a full-time course load (12 or more credits).

For the combined MS/PhD program, the first two years of the program (primarily clinical training) cannot be used to satisfy the residency requirement.

The student must be registered during each fall and spring semester while completing the requirements for the degree. To assure compliance with this requirement, a doctoral candidate should become familiar with the University’s reduced tuition provisions for continuing students. Doctoral programs must be completed within five years of initial matriculation (seven years for post-baccalaureate entrants).

Coursework Grade Requirements

Candidates must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. No more than 8 credits of C or C+ work will be accepted toward the degree and the acceptability of any C or C+ work in required courses is subject to program faculty approval. Continued matriculation in the doctoral program is contingent upon the maintenance of the minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Practicum Grade Requirements

A student must receive a practicum grade of B– or better for 350 clock hours of practicum in order to apply those hours toward ASHA certification. Clinical practicum hours that receive a grade below this level must be repeated and any subsequent repetition is subject to program faculty approval.

A grade of B or better is required in practicum beyond the first 350 clock hours mandated by ASHA in order for those course credits to count toward the MS, CAGS, or doctoral degree requirements.

Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

617-353-3252

Professors Kidd, Waters

Adjunct Professor Caplan

Associate Professor Matthies

Assistant Professors Coady, Singh

Clinical Professor Langmore

Clinical Associate Professors Cox (Joint appointment with other Boston University Schools or Colleges.), Gavett, Parris, Strand

Clinical Assistant Professors Dix, Hoover, Howland

Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Oppenheimer

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professors Bunting, Sanders

Adjunct Assistant Professor Raade

Lecturers Costello, Daniels-Miller, Delhorne, DiGrande

Research Assistant Professor Mason

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Boston, MA 02215

20 September 2007
Boston University
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