Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential

Credential Requirements (4 units)

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The Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential track prepares a student to apply for California’s Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential and requires the completion of the M.S. degree outlined above and the following:

Required for Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential:

• Internship in the public schools (included in the M.S. degree: SPPA 6066)
• Fulfillment of California’s Basic Skills Requirement

and

• EPSY 5021 - Introduction to Educating all Students in Diverse Classrooms Units: 4

Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) 74-78 units

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Program Description

The Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology is offered in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. The objective of this program is the professional preparation of each student, academically and clinically, for state licensure, clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the credential as a public school Speech, Language and Hearing Specialist.

Speech-language pathology and audiology are the professions which help adults and children overcome disabilities of speech, language and hearing.

This program has developed a reputation for rigorous and balanced professional training. The master’s degree program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology will be able to:

1. Screen, assess and treat individuals with a variety of communicative disorders across the lifespan;
2. Communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, families, and other professionals;
3. Evaluate and apply clinical research, recognizing the need for evidence to support best practices in clinical service delivery;
4. Consistently apply ethical professional standards, recognize and respect the limits of their professional preparation and clinical skills, and work effectively with other professionals;
5. Demonstrate cultural competence and commitment to advocacy for persons with communicative disorders.

Career Opportunities

Students who complete the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology are eligible for ASHA certification, California state licensure, and in most cases the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, community speech and hearing clinics, public schools, and private practice.

Special Features

Clinical experiences are a key component in preparing students for licensure. The department operates the Norma S. and Rary R. Rees Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, an on-campus facility that provides clinical services to speech, language, and hearing impaired individuals from Bay Area communities. Students who are enrolled in the Speech-Language Pathology master’s program are able to observe, receive training, and do research in this fully-equipped facility. Additional clinical training is received in off-site placements and internships in settings that meet each student’s interests and training requirements including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and clinics. In order to acquire the knowledge and skills requisite to the practice of speech-language pathology, including the ability to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of client care, students must demonstrate skills and attributes in five skill areas: academic performance, written language, oral communication, hearing, and interpersonal management. Prior to entering clinic, students will pass an essential functions evaluation of skills necessary to be an effective clinician. The evaluation will include a screening of students’ speech, oral-written language, and hearing.

Scholarships

• The most usual form of financial aid is in the form of guaranteed student loans. However, other types of financial aid are available. The university supports the following programs:
  • State University Grant
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Federal Stafford Loan (including unsubsidized)
  • Federal Work-Study
  • Federal Supplemental Loans for Students
  • Cal State East Bay Scholarships
• The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders recommends the award of certain forms of financial aid within the University. They include the following:
  • Betty Lindeman and Robert N. Rosenthal Memorial Fund, non-interest loans, $500 - $1500 for graduate students in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.
  • Stephanie Amore Memorial Fund, endowment earnings benefit students in the department
  • Stephanie Kalman Foundation Scholarships, $2,000-$3000 scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
• The department also maintains information on scholarships and grants from additional university and professional sources.
• Occasionally, funds are available for Graduate Equity Fellowships, Research and Teaching Assistantships, and Student Assistantships (clerical).

Admission

• A candidate must be admitted to the university, consistent with requirements and procedures explained in this catalog. Interested candidates apply for admission to the department and to the university at the same time. Applications for admission to the department are online at the department website (http://www.csueastbay.edu/commsci).

  There are three categories of student status while pursuing the degree: “Conditionally Classified Graduate”, “Classified Graduate”, and “Advancement to Candidacy.”

  “Conditionally Classified” Status
  Students are in “Conditionally Classified” status when they have been admitted to the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology degree program, but have not yet completed the requirements for “Classified Graduate” status. Students whose undergraduate degree is not in the field of speech pathology should apply under this status.

  “Classified Graduate” Status
  Students are in “Classified Graduate” status when they:

• have been admitted to the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology degree program;
• possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Speech Pathology and Audiology or the equivalent coursework in Speech Pathology and Audiology with another degree. Preparatory coursework completed at other institutions must correspond in scope and content with required and elective courses offered on this campus;
• complete SPPA 4852, 4854, 4859, 4861, 4862, 4865, 4866 and 4867 or the equivalent;
• possess an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better covering the last 90 quarter units of course work;
• present evidence of having satisfactorily completed a minimum of 60 clock hours of supervised clinical practica in speech, language, and hearing;
• fulfill the University Writing Skills Requirement. For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see the Testing Office website at www.csueastbay.edu/testing or call 510.885.3661.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students reach “Advancement to Candidacy” status if they:

1. are a “Classified Graduate” student in good standing;
2. complete at least 12 units in graduate work in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a GPA of at least 3.0;
3. complete a minimum of 2 units of SPPA 6056 and/or SPPA 6156 with a grade of “B” or better;
4. defend satisfactorily his or her thesis proposal, if a thesis capstone is selected; and
5. show evidence of progress and ability to complete the program by receiving at least a 3.0 GPA in each course taken.

Course Descriptions

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Use this link to see all Course Descriptions  available throughout this catalog.