2017-18 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2017-18 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Communication Sciences and Disorders [CSDS] M.S.


Ann Blanton, chair
Professional Studies Building, Room 2201
607-756-5423
Fax: 607-753-5940
Email: department secretary
cortland.edu/spchpath

Overview

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders integrates theory and content with strong clinical experience to prepare students for careers in communication sciences and disorders, often referred to as speech-language pathology.

Accreditation Status

The master's (M.S.) education program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at SUNY Cortland is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This is a "pre-accreditation" status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do graduates of CAA candidate programs have the skills and knowledge for professional practice?

Yes, graduates of CAA candidate programs are educated in a core set of skills and knowledge required for entry into independent professional practice.

Does the M.S. program at SUNY Cortland qualify graduate students for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence?

Yes, it does. All graduate students who omplete the M.S. program, the clinical fellowship and the Praxis are eligible for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Are past graduates of the M.S. program at SUNY Cortland ASHA certified?

Yes, all past graduate are either ASHA certified or in the process of obtaining their ASHA certification. The first graduating cohort (Class of 2015) is certified, and the second graduating cohort (Class of 2016) is completing the clinical fellowship and in the process of applying for ASHA certification.

Graduate Student Outcomes

Graduate Student Outcome Data Program Completion Rate

Period Total Number
of Students
Number Completed
Within Expected Time Frame
Percent Completing Within Expected Time Frame
2015-17 10 9** 90%
2014-15 14 13* 92.8%
2013-15
(inaugural class)
12 12 100%

* One student withdrew. ** One student on medical leave.

Employment Rate

Period Number of Graduates Number of Graduates/
Percent of Graduates Employed
2015-17 10 Information not available to date
2014-16 13 13/100%
2013-15 12 12/100%

PRAXIS Pass Rate

Period Number of Students
Taking the Exam to Date
Number of Students Passed Pass Rate (%)
2015-17 Information not available to date Information not available to date Information not available to date
2014-16 13 13 100%
2013-15 12 12 100%

 

Program Highlights

The program develops critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that assist students in applying theoretical knowledge to the clinical setting. Theoretical and research-based information on communication disorders, educational principles, technological aspects and multicultural aspects are explored in an experiential/active learning environment. The academic core is 36 credit hours and includes required courses in language disorders, phonology and articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, neuromotor speech disorders, auditory disorders, dysphagia and communication disorders in older adults. There are also required courses in augmentative and alternative communication, diagnostics, speech science and research and design. In addition, electives may be selected from areas of literacy, early intervention, multiculturalism and bilingualism and cleft palate/craniofacial disorders or a related area.

Career Potential

The degree provides the academic and clinical preparation necessary for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), New York state licensure as a speech-language pathologist, and institutional recommendation for teaching certification as a teacher of students with speech and language disabilities.

Culminating Experience

The culminating experience is the student's choice of either a master's thesis or a comprehensive exam.

Graduate Admissions

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

  1. Completed online Graduate School Application – Apply Now — Review of applications begins Feb. 1.
  2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to the SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office
    Note: Candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor's degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
  3. A typewritten statement of 250 words or less demonstrating commitment to, and interest in, the profession of speech-language pathology. The applicant should demonstrate an ability to write clearly and well.
  4. A resume, submitted online with the application
  5. A minimum of three department recommendation forms and letters, including at least two from academics. The recommendation form is available through the online application.
  6. Official score report for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) — verbal, math and writing.

Admissions Criteria

  1. Minimum 3.0 or higher grade point average both in the major and cumulatively
  2. GRE scores
  3. Must be in the process of earning or have earned an undergraduate B.S. or B.A. in any of the following: speech-language pathology and audiology, speech pathology, communication disorders, communication disorders and sciences, communication sciences and disorders.
  4. Discipline content including:Normal Language Development; Phonetics; Speech Science; Audiology; Articulation and Language Disorders; Aural Rehabilitation; Hearing Science/Anatomy and Physiology; Biological Science; Physical Science (chemistry or physics); and Statistics.

5. Liberal arts content course work, including:

  1. Artistic Expression/Humanities (3 cr. hr.)
  2. Communication (3 cr. hr.)
  3. Information Retrieval (0-3 cr. hr.)
  4. Concepts in History/Social Science (3 cr. hr.)
  5. Language other than English (6 cr. hr.)
  6. Scientific Processes (3 cr. hr.)
  7. Mathematical Processes (3 cr. hr.)
  8. Literature, Analysis and Written Expresssion (6 cr. hr.)

6. Additional requirements related to teacher certification in New York state (courses or equivalent):

  1. Health 110: Personal and Community Health
  2. Psychology 332: Educational Psychology
  3. EDU 496/596: Organization of Speech/Language/Hearing programs in the schools
  4. Psychology courses related to normal/typical development

Once the SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office receives all of the required documents, your application will be forwarded to the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department. A committee consisting of a minimum of two department representatives will evaluate the applications.

Students who have course work deficits in areas 5 (liberal arts) and 6 (teacher education requirements) may receive a provisional acceptance to the program.

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1

D. Culminating Activity


Students may have the option for either the comprehensive exam or a master's thesis.

Special Note


Students who do not successfully complete SHH 688 or 689 must register for

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 58


Additional Requirements


For NYSED Initial Teaching Certification (if equivalents are not completed at the undergraduate level) the following courses are required: