Overview
While the aging of our population continues to drive greater need for more speech pathologists, seniors are far from the only patient universe needing your expertise.
Nova Southeastern University’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology prepares you to succeed in a profession as diverse as it is rewarding.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard , #310, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (800) 498-2071 or (301) 296-5700
Web: caa.asha.org
Our onsite NSU Speech-Language Pathology Clinic in Fort Lauderdale/Davie main campus offers students based in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach much broader and more diverse experience than most university clinics can match.
Our South Florida pediatric and adult patient population spans numerous ethnicities, races, nationalities and cultures and we offer an extensive range of services. Treat all communication disorders, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and voice disorders.
If you’re located outside of South Florida, you’ll benefit from our strong clinical partnerships with many providers: we’ll secure sites as close to your home as possible.
On campus: Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, Miami and online for students 50+ miles away.
Choose from three start dates: winter, summer or fall. See application deadlines for each.
Tuition for the degree program is $1,237 per credit hour. Discover scholarships available to you.
The M.S. in Speech Pathology totals 53 credit hours.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists (visited April 22, 2020).
Please note that there are two different applications you’ll need to submit as part of the admissions process. Please make sure you complete and submit both:
| TERM | CSDCAS APPLICATION OPENS | CSDCAS APPLICATION CLOSES | NSU APPLICATION OPENS | NSU APPLICATION CLOSES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | July 15, 2020 | October 15, 2020 | July 15, 2020 | November 15, 2020 |
| Summer 2021 | July 15, 2020 | February 15, 2021 | July 15, 2020 | March 16, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | July 15, 2020 | June 1, 2021 | July 15, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
Email Brian Tachick, your MS-SLP Admissions Counselor or call him at (954) 262-7496.
NOTE: The GRE is not required for MS-SLP application at NSU
You may be eligible for waived CSDCAS fees through the Fee Assistance Program for your first submitted application. To qualify, you must either be considered Low Income or McNair Scholars. See more about CSDCAS Fee Assistance program eligibility.
Communication Science and Disorders (CSD): Equivalent courses will be accepted as part of the bachelor’s degree coursework if the applicant earned grades of B- or higher in each course. Courses will only be accepted if completed within the past 10 years of the date of enrollment in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. CSD courses MUST be completed before matriculating to the graduate program.
The following 18 semester hours of prerequisites are required:
ASHA Knowledge Outcomes: Equivalent will be accepted as part of the bachelor's degree coursework if the applicant earned grades of C- or higher in each course. There is no expiration date on the ASHA Knowledge Outcome courses. Courses cannot be part of a CSD curriculum course. Courses must be completed at the college level and earned from accredited colleges or universities. Courses MUST be completed before matriculating to the graduate program. For more information see the ASHA program website under Standard IV: Knowledge Outcomes.
More specific information on these courses can be found on the ASHA program website under 2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
(11.06.2018)
If your native language is not English, you may be required to demonstrate English proficiency. The standardized tests listed below satisfy the university's English requirement for non-native English speakers. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to NSU's Enrollment Processing Services (EPS):
Proof of English language competency can also be in the form of a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
PROGRAM OF STUDY (53 CREDITS)
Core Courses (42 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Title & Description |
|---|---|
| SLP 6000 | Diagnosis of Language and Speech Disorders (3 credits) The course will provide procedures and techniques to assess speech and language status. The overall aim of the course is to build on the student?s understanding of the assessment process in communication disorders. Students are to develop the ability to interpret assessment information and to formulate an appropriate diagnosis of the patients/clients we serve. A noncredit lab is included. Prerequisite/s: None |
| SLP 6011 | Language and Learning Disorders in School-age Children and Adolescents (3 credits) This course addresses the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of language learning delay/disorders (including developmental and acquired disorders), affecting school-age children through adolescence. Emphasis will be placed on a communication process model of evaluation and intervention with the implications of this integrated approach to facilitate reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. The importance of the functional interrelationships among linguistic, cognitive, and affective functions and the social contexts within which they occur will be stressed. A variety of assessment and treatment procedures for use with this diverse clinical population will be discussed. Presentation of the paradigm shift from a traditional deficit model to an emergent literacy model with collaborative strategies to design and conduct curriculum-based assessment and interventions will be covered. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6012 |
| SLP 6012 | Communication Disorders in Infancy through Preschool (3 credits) This course covers identification, assessment, and intervention principles and procedures for young children who display or are at-risk for socio-communicative linguistic deficits. Emphasis is placed on family-centered, early intervention, service delivery and the integrated intervention model for facilitation of communication and language skills. Discussion will include collaborative strategies and disciplinary teaming models for facilitating effective parent-professional partnerships. Prerequisite/s: None |
| SLP 6015 | Clinical Processes (3 credits) This course will provide a base of knowledge and fundamental skills needed for beginning supervised clinical practice. It will review the basic aspects of the delivery of treatment services for communication and swallowing/feeding disorders, including communication skills, interpersonal skills, behavioral management skills, intervention strategies and processes, data management, and clinical writing skills. Emphasis will be placed on basic clinical intervention processes common to a variety of disorder areas. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6011, SLP 6020, SLP 6060, and documentation of 25 hours of guided clinical observation of a(n) ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist(s) |
| SLP 6020 | Language Disorders in Adults (3 credits) This course provides a knowledge base for evaluation and treatment of disorders of language in adults including aphasia, closed-head injury, and dementia. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6070. |
| SLP 6025 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits) This course will review the basic aspects of the field of augmentative communication, including aided and unaided symbols, strategies, and techniques. An overview of augmentative communication assessment and intervention principles and procedures will be presented. This course will address the needs of individuals with little or no functional speech across the lifespan, including etiologies such as severe aphasia, autism, cerebral palsy, dual sensory impairment, intellectual disability, progressive neurological diseases, and traumatic brain injury. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6012 and SLP 6020. |
| SLP 6030 | Voice Disorders (3 credits) This course reviews etiology and pathophysiology, case history, perceptual, acoustic, endoscopic, and aerodynamic diagnostic procedures, intervention approaches, and therapy techniques for individuals with functional, neurogenic, psychogenic, and organic voice disorders and resonance disorders. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6070 |
| SLP 6040 | Fluency Disorders (2 credits) Tnhis course covers the etiology, diagnosis, and management of children and adults with disorders of fluency. Developmental stuttering, neurologically-based stuttering, cluttering, and other non-fluent speech conditions will be studied. Prerequisite/s: None |
| SLP 6052 | Motor Speech Disorders in Adults (2 credits) This course provides and training in the assessment and management of motor speech disorders in adults. It includes discussion of the nature, etiology, diagnosis, and management of motor speech disorders with emphasis on differential diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6060, 6053, and SLP 6070. |
| SLP 6053 | Pediatric Feeding and Motor Speech Disorders (2 credits) This course provides education and training in the assessment and management of feeding and motor speech disorders from infancy to adolescence. This course includes discussion of the nature, etiology, differential diagnosis, and management using evidence-based practices of feeding and motor speech disorders in a variety of clinical environments. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6060 and SLP 6070. |
| SLP 6055 | Dysphagia (3 credits) This course provides information about normal anatomy and physiology of the swallow. Using an evidence-based model, information about the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders is provided. Common etiologies for dysphagia (e.g. neurogenic, and head and neck cancer) are addressed for the adult population. An overview of pediatric dysphagia is provided. Current issues and controversial topics are discussed in a framework of questions students should consider. Examples of ethical questions in the management of dysphagia are presented. Students are afforded the opportunity to view fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Video views of normal and abnormal swallows through videofluoroscopic evaluation are provided through a noncredit required lab. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6052, 6053, 6060 and SLP 6070. |
| SLP 6060 | Articulation and Phonological Disorders (3 credits) This course provides a knowledge base for normal and disordered speech sound development. Theories of assessment and intervention are discussed, and application, analysis, and comparison is stressed for all theories and approaches presented. A variety of procedures for identification and remediation of articulatory and phonologic disorders are presented. Traditional therapeutic techniques and current diagnostic and intervention strategies are highlighted. Prerequisite/s: None. |
| SLP 6070 | Research Methods (3 credits) To become a critical consumer of current literature, students will be exposed to analysis of the field’s literature with respect to research design, evidence-based practice, and statistical application. Research ethics, to include informed consent and vulnerable populations, will be discussed. Analysis of the scholarly literature will culminate in a graduate-level paper. Prerequisite/s: None. |
| SLP 6075 | Seminar in Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to increase students' awareness and understanding of current professional issues pertaining to such matters as standards of ethics, scope of practice, legislative mandates affecting the professions, professional service delivery systems, healthcare reimbursement issues, state licensure, national certification, state teacher certification requirements, State Accomplished Practices for Educators, state education standards, job opportunities and interview strategies, participation in professional organizations, professional advocacy, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6101. |
| SLP 6091 | Multicultural and Counseling Issues (3 credits) This course will provide a forum for discussion regarding issues in the provision of services to multicultural populations. Counseling approaches for use with clients and/or families with communication problems through effective interpretation, information dissemination, and discussion will be explored. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6015. |
| SLP 6200 | Capstone (0 credits) Capstone is an online course designed to assist students in reviewing major content areas in the field of speech-language pathology in preparation for the Praxis national examination. It addresses approximately 18 major topic areas covering normal and disordered processes, professional issues, research methodologies, and other content important to the profession. Students progress through the course at their own pace, reviewing online course materials, participating in discussion boards, and contributing to synchronous chats. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6005, SLP 6025, SLP 6030, SLP 6040, SLP 6055, SLP 6091, and SLP 6102.Corequisite/s: SLP 6110 or SLP 6120 or SLP 6130. STUDENTS MUST TAKE THIS CLASS WITH THE FIRST EXTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE. |
ELECTIVES (6 CREDITS) CHOOSE FROM THE LIST BELOW
| Course Number | Course Title & Description |
|---|---|
| SLP 6013 | Autism Assessment: A Communication-Based Perspective(3 credits) This course will provide information about critical issues in assessing communication and language in children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. This course will focus on implementing effective evidence-based assessment techniques in order to develop appropriate communication goals and strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Lectures, case reports, videos, webinars, and hands-on learning activities will be presented. Prerequisite: SLP 6000 and SLP 6011. |
| SLP 6014 | Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits) This course will provide information and discussions about critical issues in teaching communication and language to children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. This course will focus on implementing effective assessment and intervention strategies as well as developing appropriate communication programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Lectures, case reports, videotaped demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities will be completed. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6011, SLP 6025, and SLP 6070. |
| SLP 6021 | Cognitive Communication Disorders (3 credits) This course provides a knowledge base for adult and pediatric acquired and developmental cognitive-communication disorders. Topics include attention, memory, reasoning/problem solving, executive function, learning, processing, and language. The diagnosis and treatment of these deficits in patients at many levels of recovery will be discussed. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6011 and SLP 6020. |
| SLP 6037 | Craniofacial Anomalies (3 credits) This course provides a study of etiology, assessment, and remediation of communicative impairments in children and adults with craniofacial anomalies. Specific emphasis is placed on articulatory and resonance disorders resulting from cleft lip and palate, and velopharyngeal insufficiency and incompetence. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6030. |
| SLP 6045 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Educational Settings (3 credits) This course focuses on the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in educational settings. Learners will gain an understanding of the legal foundations of providing AAC devices and services in school settings. The course addresses strategies for AAC services that can be used to provide access to the general education curriculum for students with significant communication challenges. Language assessment and intervention strategies for AAC communicators are discussed. Issues and strategies to teach reading and writing skills are presented along with strategies for facilitating the development of social skills and friendships. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6025. |
| SLP 6057 | Medical Aspects of Communication Disorders (3 credits) The emphasis of this course will be to enhance the student?s understanding of the relationships between speech-language pathologists, medical disciplines and allied health disciplines. Understanding medical terminology, governing bodies of healthcare organizations, medical ethical dilemmas and report writing for the medical model of treatment will be a significant focus of the course. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6015. |
| SLP 6080 | Directed Research (1-6 credits) This course provides students with an opportunity to develop clinically relevant research skills and gain hands-on experiences with research practices. Students work collaboratively with selected faculty members to plan and conduct research projects. The scope and depth of the project varies according to the number of credits for which the course is taken. Students must secure faculty permission in advance of registering for this course. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6070. |
| SLP 6201/6202 | Special Topics (1-3 credits) Advanced study of selected theoretical, clinical, or professional issues in speech pathology and audiology (elective may be taken for credit, CEU, or recertification). Prerequisite/s: To be determined on a course-by-course basis and enumerated in the course syllabus. |
| SLP 6203 | Organization and Management of School-Based Speech-Language Pathology Programs (3 credits) This course will address the challenges facing school-based speech-language pathologists. Topics will include: legislative mandates; current issues in education and the impact of these issues on the traditional roles of school-based speech-language pathologists; organization and management of school speech-language programs; active participation on the educational team; service delivery models for diverse populations; use of technology in schools; treatment outcomes and accountability measures; marketing services in the schools and the community; creative program ideas. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6000, SLP 6011, and SLP 6060. |
CLINICAL PRACTICUMS, LABS AND EXTERNSHIPS (5 CREDITS)
| Course Number | Course Title & Description |
|---|---|
| SLP 6005 | Diagnostics II Practicum (1 credit) Emphasis on analysis and interpretation of data and the impact on differential diagnosis. Lab class meetings are required. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6000, SLP 6011, SLP 6020, and SLP 6060. |
| SLP 6101 | Clinic Lab I Practicum (1 credit) This course has dual components; students will provide treatment to assigned patients as well as attend weekly class meetings. Participation in a direct patient contact supervised clinical practicum will occur with supervised clinical practice performed in the treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Development and application of appropriate treatment plans, collaborative supervisory meetings, self-analysis skills, research, and completion of written documentation are expected. Discussions on professional topics such as prevention, portfolio development, child/elder abuse neglect, and case studies will be covered. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6015. |
| SLP 6102 | Clinic Lab 2 Practicum (1 credit) In this practicum experience, students will move along the supervisory continuum working toward increased independence. Self-analysis of clinical skills and enhancement of acquired skills will be emphasized. Lab class meetings are required. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6101. |
| SLP 6110 | Externship: Adult (1 credit) The adult externship requires a full-time placement (based on a minimum of 32 hours/week for a 14 week semester) in an adult facility. The candidate will participate in all activities associated with an SLP position including assessment and treatment of adults. Candidates will be supervised by an SLP who is ASHA certified and state licensed. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6005 and SLP 6102. |
| (Choose ONE of the following pediatric externships) | |
| SLP 6120 | Externship: Pediatric School (1 credit) The school externship requires a full-time placement (based on a minimum of 32 hours/week for an entire semester) in a school setting. Candidates will participate in all activities associated with a school-based SLP position including assessment and treatment of students in a PK-12 school setting. Candidates will be supervised by an ASHA certified, state licensed school-based SLP. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6005 and SLP 6102. |
| SLP 6130 | Externship Pediatric Non-school (1 credit) The pediatric externship requires a full-time placement (based on a minimum of 32 hours/week for a 14 week semester) in a pediatric facility. The candidate will participate in all activities associated with an SLP position including assessment and treatment of children. Candidates will be supervised by an SLP who is ASHA certified and state licensed. Prerequisite/s: SLP 6005 and SLP 6102. |
Total Credits for Degree Completion: 53
View a sample Plan of Study of the M.S. in Speech Language-Pathology program.
At this time, we have determined that the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program meets the educational degree completion requirements for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the US protectorates, as defined in 34 CFR §600.2.
The MS-SLP may be completed in eight (8) terms but the program expectation is to complete the program within twelve (12) semesters. Students must complete the program within six (6) years.
Successful completion of all required courses
Clinical labs and externships are practical applications included in the speech-language pathology program. These applied experiences are the final steps in the completion of the program and include placements in three clinical settings, affording students the opportunity to work with diverse clients across the lifespan. Candidates must complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical contact hours before graduation. The MS-SLP will work with each student to secure clinical sites located as near to the student's home as possible. Students who take classes in the Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale/Davie campuses will complete the tree part-time clinical practicums (SLP 6101, SLP 6102, and SLP 6005) at the MS-SLP on-campus clinic at 6100 Griffin Rd. in Davie, Florida.
What is the Student Portfolio?
A Formative Assessment tool used to encourage professional development and reflective learning and is a required component for all students in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Nova Southeastern University.
Students can create and organize the Student Portfolio on their own, following guidelines on the program’s website OR they can purchase a Portfolio (no binder but hole punched and includes inserts) here from NSU-NSSLHA for $30.00.
Distance and Online students: Please provide your shipping address. Shipping is included in the charge.
Local students/Main campus: Your Student Portfolio can be picked up after you receive a “ready for pickup” email from Brenda Miles at the Clinic Building (6100 Griffin Rd. Davie, FL 33314).
Do you have additional questions: Email Mrs. Brenda Miles (bmiles@nova.edu)
If you wish to purchase a pre-assembled, blank, Student Portfolio from NSU-NSSLHA, please click here.
|
| Residential Program | Online Distance Education | All Modalities | ||
|
| Number Completed within Expected Time Frame | Percentage Completed within Expected Time Frame | Number Completed within Expected Time Frame | Percentage Completed within Expected Time Frame |
|
| 2019-2020 | 128 | 96.86% | 78 | 87.18% |
|
| 2018-2019 | 71 | 97.26% | 148 | 89.69% |
|
| 2017-2018 | 86 | 97.72% | 127 | 89.44% |
|
| 3-Yr Avg |
| 97.27% |
| 92.62% | 94.69% |
Employment Rate in Profession
|
| Residential Program | Online Distance Education | All Modalities | ||
|
| Number of Graduates | Percentage of Graduates Employed | Number of Graduates | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|
| 2019-2020 | 77 | 98.70% | 126 | 99.20% |
|
| 2018-2019 | 72 | 100.00% | 147 | 94.87% |
|
| 2017-2018 | 117 | 97.35% | 111 | 94.87% |
|
| 3-Yr Avg |
| 97.79% |
| 97.66% | 97.72% |
Pass Rates for NSU Students Taking the SLP Praxis and Passed within the Year based on Institutional Data
|
| Residential Program | Online Distance Education | All Modalities | ||||
|
| Number who took Exam | Number Passed the Exam | Percentage Passed Exam | Number who took Exam | Number Passed the Exam | Percentage Passed Exam |
|
| 2019-2020 | 81 | 75 | 92.59% | 120 | 102 | 85.00% |
|
| 2018-2019 | 73 | 66 | 90.41% | 151 | 134 | 88.74% |
|
| 2017-2018 | 75 | 67 | 89.33% | 115 | 92 | 80.00% |
|
| 3-Yr Avg |
|
| 90.83% |
|
| 84.97% | 87.15% |
If you are an international student living in the United States, you must present verification of your student visa or residency status. Due to the limited availability of ASHA-certified supervisors, students who live outside of the United States are not eligible for admission to the MS-SLP. Furthermore, students accepted to the MS-SLP program cannot relocate outside of the United States before the completion of the degree.
Any undergraduate coursework you may have taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by one of the NACES evaluation services listed below:
