Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Mission
The Speech-Language Pathology Program at the University of Toledo is dedicated to the development of competent and caring entry-level speech-language pathologists. The program is committed to providing a broad foundation of normal bases of speech, language, and hearing and specialized coursework in the assessment and remediation of speech and language disorders. The program provides coursework and practicum experiences with a diverse population to ensure that students demonstrate knowledge and skill competencies to provide services to children and adults with communication disorders.
The program is committed to quality teaching enhanced by faculty research with an emphasis on evidenced-based practices in assessment and remediation of speech-language disorders in children and adults. Clinical practicum is an integral part of the student's development and such experiences are interspersed throughout the student's education to provide opportunities to apply previously learned approaches and techniques under supervision.
About our Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program
The Master of Arts (MA) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at The University of Toledo is accredited (March 1, 2022-February 28, 2030) by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700, and provides the educational and clinical experiences required for certification and/or licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
The graduate program provides students with the necessary coursework and clinical practicum experience to attain a Master of Arts (MA) in speech-language pathology that is applicable toward the Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state licensure in the area of speech-language pathology. In addition to successful completion of the master’s degree requirements, the certification and licensure processes include approved undergraduate preparation, successful completion of the national specialty examination in speech-language pathology, and a clinical fellowship (professional experience year).
MEETING EDUCATIONAL AND CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS
The graduate program at the University of Toledo Speech-Language Pathology is an on-site program with limited course work offered virtually for all students enrolled in the program. The program includes five semesters of coursework that result in 62 credit hours of coursework. All coursework and clinical experience are designed so students can meet the knowledge and skills requirements for the ASHA Certification of Clinical Competence (speech-language pathology). Click here to view the program-level and course-level Student Learning Outcomes.
Available Certifications
There are three professional credentials available which, in part, require a graduate
degree and the completion of specific course work and practicum experiences offered
by our speech-language pathology program. Each of the credentials also prescribes
the applicant to meet other requirements as well as the educational and clinical experiences
offered by our program.
Certificate of Clinical Competence
The Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech language-pathology is offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This national certification is recommended for all students and is invaluable when moving from state to state.
The Certificate of Clinical Competence requires specific course work in the normal bases of speech, language and hearing, and in the evaluation and treatment of disorders of communication as well as a graduate degree. Additional requirements in the provision of supervised services in the evaluation and treatment of speech, language, hearing and swallowing disorders in adults and children is also required. In addition, a national examination (the speech-language pathology specialty examination), the PRAXIS, must be passed with a score of 600 or higher. Finally, a Clinical Fellowship Year, with continued supervision and support, is required during the first year of employment as a speech-language pathologist.
Licensure as a School Speech-Language Pathologist
The school speech-language pathology licensure is recommended by the University to meet requirements by the state of Ohio. Michigan eligibility for working in the schools is linked to the CCC-SLP. To meet the course work and practicum requirements to be eligible for employment in the public school system in Ohio, the student must meet the University requirements for an education focus in speech-language pathology.
These requirements may include specific course work in education as well as courses in disabilities studies, learning disabilities, and American Sign Language. In addition, an extensive practicum experience in the public school setting is obtained. A score of 170 is required on the PRAXIS examination.
Certification Advice
Depending upon course work decisions, students may meet the educational and clinical requirements for various professional credentials. We recommend students interested in obtaining the school speech-language pathologist licensure begin their educational focus during the undergraduate program.
All students who follow the advice of their Program Graduate advisor and successfully complete the Plan of Study will meet the educational and clinical requirements for both the Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for state of Ohio licensure in speech-language pathology. Since Michigan recognizes CCC-SLP, graduates should also be eligible for licensure in that state.
The Plan of Study leading to the master's degree and meeting the requirements for ASHA CCCs, state licensure, and/or licensure as a school speech-language pathologist will be unique to each individual student depending upon the undergraduate background and the student's goals.
The following plan of study is based on an equivalent background to the undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology curriculum at the University of Toledo. The expected undergraduate preparation is located online on the Advising page (see Advising tab on the left). Students who do not have an equivalent undergraduate background may be required to take additional course work or practicum experiences to meet the minimum standards for the professional credentials.
Comprehensive graduate project
All graduate students will complete a comprehensive graduate project by the time they graduate. Students in their first year will be assigned an advisor who will guide them through the project. There are several options for the project. Examples include: 1) research, 2) clinical-based projects, or 3) a clinical or technical demonstration.
required speech-language pathology graduate courses
SLP - 6000/6001/6002 ADVANCED PRACTICUM IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
[2 hours] Provides students with supervised therapeutic experiences with specific
speech and language disorders. Students should have completed or be currently enrolled
in graduate level communication disorders course addressing the specific practicum
disorder selected. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor
SLP - 6010/6011 DIAGNOSTIC PRACTICUM IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
[2 hours] Provides a minimum of 30 hours supervised diagnostic practicum with a variety
of communicatively disordered cases. Prerequisite: SLP 6100/8100 or equivalent.
Co-requisite: SLP 6100/8100 Permission of instructor
SLP 6040 EXPLORING RESEARCH IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
[2 hours] This course will guide graduate students in an exploration of the methods
and process of research in Speech and Language Pathology. In addition, the students
will be guided in the process of critically reviewing research pertinent to the field.
The course will culminate in the development of an independent research project or
paper that will lead to their comprehensive exam/project required for graduation.
Term Offered: Spring, Fall
SLP - 6100 DIAGNOSIS OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DISORDERS
[3 hours] Detailed analysis of formal and informal instruments and procedures designed
to evaluate speech and language disorders. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in
speech-pathology; Permission of instructor
SLP - 6210 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND DISORDERS: EARLY CHILDHOOD
[3 hours] This course provides the conceptual framework for understanding language
disorders in preschool children. Special emphasis is placed on application and theory
of assessment as well as intervention strategies in for early intervention, school,
and private settings.
SLP - 6220 LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
[3 hours] The conceptual framework for understanding language disorders in school-age
children with special emphasis on language assessment and language interventions in
school settings.
SLP - 6300 PHONOLOGICAL AND ARTICULATORY DISORDERS
[3 hours] Advanced study of phonological and articulatory disorders including developmental
apraxia. Focus on phonological differences in multi-cultural society with emphasis
on assessment of disorders and current advances in remediation.
SLP - 6400 ADULT LANGUAGE AND COGNITIVE COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
[5 hours] Advanced course exploring normal and disordered neural anatomy and physiology
for communication and cognition. Students will demonstrate knowledge of assessment
and treatment of cognitive and linguistics deficits due to trauma and disease to central
nervous system.
SLP - 6500 MOTOR SPEECH DISORDERS
[3 hours] Adult apraxia and dysarthrias will be discussed in relation to neurological
organization, disorders, and speech characteristics.
SLP - 6550 TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
[3 hours] Introduction to the study and application of assistive technology, including augumentative
and alternative communication devices, to aid communication for persons incapable
of producing functional oral communication. The course includes device characteristics,
program features, and intervention strategies as well as current trends in technological
advances that includes but are not limited to devices such as iPads, smartphone applications,
and software.
SLP - 6600 VOICE AND RESONANCE DISORDERS
[3 hours] An advanced course in the nature, evaluation and treatment of voice and
resonance disorders. Major voice and resonance disorders in adults and children are
emphasized.
SLP - 6650 FEEDING AND SWALLOWING DISORDERS
[3 hours] This course introduces the student to the nature, evaluation, and management
of feeding and swallowing disorders from infancy through adulthood.
SLP - 6700 ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION OF FLUENCY DISORDERS
[3 hours] An advanced course to develop skills in the assessment and remediation
of fluency disorders with special emphasis on current trends in stuttering therapy.
Prerequisite: 45 hours in Speech Pathology; Permission of Instructor.
SLP - 6750 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
[3 hours] This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn about specific
issues related to working in a variety of professional settings.
SLP - 6800 AURAL REHABILITATION
[3 hours] Aural (Re)Habilitation examines communication assessment and intervention
approaches over the lifespan for individuals with both peripheral and central auditory
perceptual issues. Emphasis is placed upon early identification and education to minimize
and alleviate communication and related problems commonly associated with hearing
impairment and auditory perceptual disorders. Prerequisite: SLP 3400
SLP - 6920 CONCOMITANT PROJECT
[1 hour] The Master's project is an individually designed product.
SLP - 6940 ADULT INTERNSHIP IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
[6 hours] Provides the advanced graduate student with supervised practicum experiences
at an off-campus site; including schools, hospitals, agencies, rehabilitation clinics,
work training sites and other community sites where persons with disabilities are
served. Prerequisite: Speech and Language; completion of all course work; permission
of instructor.
SLP - 6941 PEDIATRIC INTERNSHIP IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
[6 hours] Provides the advanced graduate student with supervised practicum experiences
at an off-campus site; including schools, agencies, rehabilitation clinics, work training
sites and other community sites where persons with disabilities are served. Prerequisite:
Speech and Language; completion of all course work; permission of instructor.
SLP - 6990 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
[1-6 hours] Individual study provides advanced graduate students opportunities to
work individually on professional problems with faculty of the Speech-Language Pathology
program. Individual meetings with sponsoring faculty are held. Prerequisite: Admission
to graduate degree program.
For detailed information about the program, policies and procedures, and the Plan of study, see the Graduate Handbook
Interested applicants should review the Admission Requirements
Graduate Advising
Graduate advisors are individually assigned when students begin the graduate program. If you have general advising questions, please email SLPGradProgram@utoledo.edu.
You may also contact Dr. An Dinh with questions:
Dr. An Dinh
HH2028
419.530.4065
An.Dinh@utoledo.edu