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 of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders education program in speech-language pathology at SUNY College at Cortland is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
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, all graduate students who complete the M.S. program, the clinical fellowship and the Praxis are eligible for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.
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 |
| 2017 |
10 |
9** |
90% |
| 2016 |
14 |
13* |
92.8% |
2015
(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 |
| 2017 |
9 |
Information not available to date |
| 2016 |
13 |
13/100% |
| 2015 |
12 |
12/100% |
PRAXIS Pass Rate
| Period |
Number of Students
Taking the Exam to Date |
Number of Students Passed |
Pass Rate (%) |
| 2015-17 |
8 |
8 |
100% |
| 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Attain and demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of normal processes related to the development of speech, language, hearing and communication as demonstrated by key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
- Attain and demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of disorders of speech, language, hearing and communication as demonstrated by key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
- Conduct, analyze, and interpret clinical assessment utilizing evidence based practice as demonstrated by key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Speech and Hearing Science curriculum.
- Formulate a plan of care and execute intervention techniques and strategies utilizing evidence based practice as demonstrated by key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
- Develop and refine oral, written, and professional communication skills as demonstrated by key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
- Integrate knowledge about diversity and the global society into their interactions with clients and their families as demonstrated by key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
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
- Completed online Graduate School Application – Apply Now — Review of applications begins Feb. 1.
- 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.
- 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.
- A resume, submitted online with the application.
- A minimum of three department recommendation forms and letters, including at least two from academic or clinical professors/instructors. The recommendation form is available through the online application.
- Official score report for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) — verbal, math and writing.
Admissions Criteria
- Minimum 3.0 or higher grade point average both in the major and cumulatively.
- GRE scores including verbal, math and writing.
- 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.
- 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:
- Artistic Expression/Humanities (3 cr. hr.)
- Communication (3 cr. hr.)
- Information Retrieval (0-3 cr. hr.)
- Concepts in History/Social Science (3 cr. hr.)
- Language other than English (6 cr. hr.)
- Scientific Processes (3 cr. hr.)
- Mathematical Processes (3 cr. hr.)
- Literature, Analysis and Written Expresssion (6 cr. hr.)
6. Additional requirements related to teacher certification in New York state (courses or equivalent):
- Health 110: Personal and Community Health
- Psychology 332: Educational Psychology
- EDU 496/596: Organization of Speech/Language/Hearing programs in the schools
- 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 at lease four 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.
