New Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of Scranton plans to offer a new 63-credit-hour Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology anticipated to begin in the fall of 2023.The University of Scranton plans to offer a new Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology, which is one of the nation’s fastest growing occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 25 percent between 2019-2025. The average annual salary for speech-language pathologists, which require a master’s degree and passing a national board examination for certification, was $80,480 for 2020.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at The University of Scranton is an applicant for candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Anticipated to begin in the fall of 2023, the graduate program will be offered in a blended format with online academic courses offered within a synchronous remote learning environment during the fall and spring semesters, an on-campus clinical rotation and in-person academic courses during the first summer session, and two in-person externship clinical training experiences in the student’s place of residence during year two. Students who are interested, may also elect a healthcare specialization in order to obtain advanced training in testing and therapy procedures commonly used by the speech-language pathologist in a medical setting. The program is designed to provide students with the specified knowledge and skill outcomes stipulated in the 2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and the 2017 Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
“The vision of the graduate degree program is for the University to become a leader in speech-language pathology studies by providing exemplary well-rounded training with the opportunity for specialization in healthcare,” said Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor in the University’s Department of Health and Human Performance. “The University of Scranton’s undergraduate communication sciences and disorders and graduate speech-language pathology degree programs will positively impact the number of competent and qualified speech-language pathologists and audiologists who service not only the Scranton community and the state of Pennsylvania, but across the United States of America and beyond.”
The graduate degree program is designed to accommodate students from across the United States and beyond by providing a distance learning environment spanning two academic years from 21 to 24 months. The length of the degree program is determined by the student’s selection to complete the program either with or without an area of specialization. The student may choose to solely complete the 63- credit hour degree program of study or select the 73-credit hour degree program of study with specialization in healthcare. The healthcare specialization requires an additional 10 credit hours, which is dispersed over a 24-month timeframe.
“Through a diverse range of academic and clinical experiences, students will acquire advanced knowledge of basic human communication sciences and disorders by analyzing, interpreting, integrating and applying evidence-based theory to the clinical environment within a learner, knowledge and skill and assessment-centered blended learning atmosphere,” said Dr. Baylow. “This will be done in the context of a Jesuit Catholic education, which provides an inclusive and caring community, individual attention to students, and shows respect for the uniqueness of each member of the University community.”
“The three interrelated themes of Jesuit Catholic education – a focus on a diverse and open-minded education, moral reflection, and teaching for social justice – are embedded in the curriculum along with rigorous scholarship, teaching, service, and community partnerships.” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. “Our emphasis is on developing critical thinking, communication skills and interpersonal competency that create a transformational experience and strengthen our professional practice in helping others. Our graduates, as well as our faculty and staff, are compassionate and ethical practitioners and mentors, committed to striving for excellence grounded in gratitude, lifelong learning and service to others in a global community.”
“As dean of PCPS, I have the utmost confidence that our future speech language pathologist will unite with PCPS alums who model the tenets of St. Ignatius of Loyola by being ‘men and women for and with others.’ They will strengthen our community through service to others by working on inter-professional teams. Our SLP graduates will be grounded in Jesuit ideals and Ignatian pedagogy that will enhance their knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities by providing culturally relevant and sensitive care and by treating others with respect and dignity, and advocating for basic human communicative rights and safe medical care,” said Dean Pellegrino.
Applicants to this highly anticipated new graduate program must meet admission requirements. For more information, visit the program’s webpage or contact Dr. Baylow at hope.baylow@scranton.edu.
