Program Overview

Program Coordinator Andrea Abramovich, (845) 257-2377, abramova@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 090I
Credits 64
Program Length MS can be completed in 2 years if enrolled full-time, but students must complete degree within 4 years
Modality In-person
Full-time/Part-time Full-time
Transfer Credits 6
Capstone Comprehensive Exam
 
 

Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate programAdmission Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution 

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) 

  • A college-level course in statistics with a minimum grade of 2.0 (4.0 scale) 

  • At least eight courses in communication disorders at the undergraduate level. Courses must be determined to be equivalent to the New Paltz minimum specified courses listed below and must have been completed in the last 10 years. These courses may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed prior to entry into the program. 

  • One copy of ALL official transcripts (including transfer schools) 

  • A non-refundable application fee of $60 

  • Three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with your relevant academic experience and capability. At least two must be from academic faculty. Letters are not accepted from personal acquaintances.
  • Proof of completion of 25 guided observation hours.
  • A typed, 400-500 word response to the writing prompt (included in the application).
  • A completed Prerequisites Form (included in the application).
  • An interview and proctored writing sample may be required.
  • GRE scores are NOT required.
Specified Courses (24 Credits)
Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing3
Audiology3
Aural Rehabilitation3
Hearing and/or Speech Science3
Language Development in Children3
Diagnostic and/or Clinical Methods 13
Phonetics3
Speech and/or Language Disorders3
Total Credits24
1

 Must include 25 observation hours

Additional Courses 

In addition, students applying for the Speech-Language Disabilities Program (090I) must complete the following three courses or their equivalents. These courses should be taken in advance but may be completed during graduate study:  

  • A course in the Foundations of Education, e.g., equivalent to EDS340 Sociological and Philosophical Foundations of Education (3 credits) 

  • A course in child or adolescent development, e.g., equivalent to EDS371 Child Psychology and Development (3 credits) 

  • A course in special education inclusion, e.g., equivalent to SPE350 Creating Inclusive Elementary School Classrooms or SPE385 Differentiating Instruction in the Secondary School (3 credits). Alternatively, students may take SPE565 Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits) after starting the graduate program 

Other required courses for ASHA certification that should be taken in advance but may be completed during graduate study are listed below. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in each course. 

  • A college-level biological science course, preferably human or animal (3 credits) 

  • A college-level physics or chemistry course relevant to the field of Communication Disorders (3 credits)  

  • Two college-level social science courses (total of 6 credits) 

Refer to the ASHA.org website for examples of courses that fulfill these requirements: ASHA Certification Courses 

Application Deadlines

Applications for Communication Disorders Graduate Programs are considered for Summer admission. Once accepted, students may postpone their start to the Fall if desired, or if necessary to complete prerequisite coursework.

Applications Open - August 1 Summer Semester
Applications Close - January 15 Summer Semester
 

M.S. in Communication Disorders- Speech and Language Disabilities Concentration 090I

The Speech-Language Disabilities concentration comprises 64 credits and is recommended for students who wish to earn TSSLD certification and do not already have the NYS initial teaching certificate. This concentration leads to New York State teacher certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD), New York State licensure, and ASHA certification.

Required Coursework (45 Credits)
Scientific and Research Bases:12
Neurophysiology of Speech and Language
Advanced Speech Science
Applied Language Sciences
Clinical Instrumentation Laboratory
Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice 1
Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice 2
Speech , Language, and Swallowing:30
Phonological Disorders
Child Language Disorders
Seminar in Motor Speech Disorders
Fluency Disorders
Adult Language Disorders
Swallowing Disorders
Augmentative Communication Systems
Early Intervention for Speech-Language Pathologists
Voice Disorders
Advanced Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders
Education:3
Language and Literacy Development 1
Clinical Practicum (19 Credits)
CMD501Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology 12
CMD502Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology 22
CMD503Practicum in Speech Language Pathology: On-Campus Summer2
CMD510Professional Issues in Communication Disorders2
CMD513Practicum in Speech Language Pathology: On-Campus 22
CMD514Practicum in Speech Language Pathology: Off-Campus Fall3
or CMD515 Practicum in Speech Language Pathology: Off-Campus Spring
CMD526Diagnostic Practicum in SLP1
CMD530Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology in the Schools3
CMD570Diagnostic Audiology Practicum for the SLP1
Select one elective course from the list below:1
Diagnostic Practicum in SLP
Practicum in Speech Language Pathology: Specialty Clinic
Practicum in Speech Language Pathology: Off-Campus Screenings
Research Practicum
Indep Study Communication Disorders
Comprehensive Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
Total Credits64
1

A literacy course offered by Teaching & Learning may be substituted with advisor permission.

2

1-credit course -- should be taken twice.

Additional Requirements for the Initial Certificate – TSSLD

Schools Against Violence (SAVE)
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
Identification and Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Educating All Students exam (EAS)
SLP PRAXIS - New York State Teacher Certification exam
Fingerprinting
Health & Safety workshop
Autism workshop
SPE565Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms (not required if an undergraduate special education inclusion class was taken)3

Graduate Checklist

  • Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.   

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable. 

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.  

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study 

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit. 

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher. 

  • Pass your capstone or culminating assessment. 

  • Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview. 

Program Requirements

Students must:

  • File a “plan of study” during the first semester after matriculation
  • Complete prescribed course work within four years after matriculation
  • Maintain a cumulative average of 3.0 or higher, with no more than two grades below B-
  • Successfully complete a comprehensive examination with written and oral components
  • Demonstrate clinical competence by successfully completing the prescribed number of clinical contact hours. These will be between 325 and 375 clock hours depending on previous clinical experience

Program Learning Outcomes

This is an accredited program, and thus the program student learning outcomes are determined by the accrediting agency.  

Standard V-A 

The applicant must have demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice. 

Implementation: The applicant must have demonstrated communication skills sufficient to achieve effective clinical and professional interaction with clients/patients and relevant others. In addition, the applicant must have demonstrated the ability to write and comprehend technical reports, diagnostic and treatment reports, treatment plans, and professional correspondence. 

 

Standard V-B 

The applicant for certification must have completed a program of study that included experiences sufficient in breadth and depth to achieve the following skills outcomes: 
 

Evaluation 

  • Conduct screening and prevention procedures (including prevention activities). 

  • Collect case history information and integrate information from clients/patients, family, caregivers, teachers, and relevant others, including other professionals. 

  • Select and administer appropriate evaluation procedures, such as behavioral observations, nonstandardized and standardized tests, and instrumental procedures. 

  • Adapt evaluation procedures to meet client/patient needs. 

  • Interpret, integrate, and synthesize all information to develop diagnoses and make appropriate recommendations for intervention. 

  • Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support evaluation. 

  • Refer clients/patients for appropriate services. 

 

Intervention 

  • Develop setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients'/patients' needs. Collaborate with clients/patients and relevant others in the planning process. 

  • Implement intervention plans (involve clients/patients and relevant others in the intervention process). 

  • Select or develop and use appropriate materials and instrumentation for prevention and intervention. 

  • Measure and evaluate clients'/patients' performance and progress. 

  • Modify intervention plans, strategies, materials, or instrumentation as appropriate to meet the needs of clients/patients. 

  • Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support intervention. 

  • Identify and refer clients/patients for services as appropriate. 

 

Interaction and Personal Qualities 

  • Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client/patient, family, caregivers, and relevant others. 

  • Collaborate with other professionals in case management. 

  • Provide counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to clients/patients, family, caregivers, and relevant others. 

  • Adhere to the ASHA Code of Ethics and behave professionally.