Deborah Sharp, 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 residential Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders in speech-language pathology at SUNY 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

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.

Student Achievement Data

Student Achievement Data Program Completion Rate

Period	Total Number of Students	Number Completed Within Expected Time Frame	Percent Completing Within Expected Time Frame	Percent Completing in Extended Time Frame
2023	19	10	52.63%	100%
2022	13	10	76.92%	100%
2021	19	15	78.95%	100%

3-year average program on-time completion rate (in accordance with CAA reporting requirement): 68.63% 

*Students are fully supported through program completion, including extended timelines, to meet academic and clinical benchmarks.  

PRAXIS Pass Rate

Period	Number of Students Taking the Exam to Date	Number of Students Passed	Pass Rate (%)
2023	16	14	87.5%
2022	16	14	87.5%
2021	8	8	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, technology 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 children and adults. There are also courses in augmentative and alternative communication, diagnostics, speech science and research methods. In addition, electives may be taught in the areas of literacy, early intervention, multiculturalism and bilingualism, cleft palate/craniofacial disorders and other related areas.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Attain and demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of normal processes related to the development of speech, language, hearing and communication and demonstrate in key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
2. Attain and demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of disorders of speech, language, hearing and communication and demonstrate in key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
3. Conduct, analyze, and interpret clinical assessment utilizing evidence-based practice and demonstrate in key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Speech and Hearing Science curriculum.
4. Formulate a plan of care and execute intervention techniques and strategies utilizing evidence-based practice and demonstrate in key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
5. Develop and refine oral, written, and professional communication skills and demonstrate in key assessments defined in specific course syllabi in the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum.
6. Integrate knowledge of diversity and the global society into interactions with clients and their families and demonstrate in 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

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 two recommendation forms and letters, including at least one from academic or clinical professors/instructors in the major. The recommendation form is available through the online application.

Admissions Criteria

1. The 3.0 or higher grade point average both in the major and cumulatively is the minimal acceptable grade point average but does not guarantee admission into a degree program.
2. 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.
3. Discipline content including: Normal Language Development; Phonetics; Speech Science; Audiology; Articulation and Language Disorders; Hearing Science/Anatomy and Physiology; Biological Science; Physical Science (chemistry or physics); and Statistics.

4. 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.)

5. 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 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.

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