- Students work with clients under close supervision in our fully equipped on-campus Speech-Language and Audiology Clinics, as well as in a variety of approved off-campus sites.
- Program flexibility with multiple points of entry.
- Enter as a freshman, transfer, or graduate student.
Communication Sciences & Disorders Department
- McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
- 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- 570-348-6299 x2608
Communication Sciences and Disorders
The Marywood University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department offers a five-year program leading to a Master of Science Degree (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology. It consists of a three-year pre-professional (undergraduate) track, and a two-year professional (graduate) track.
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Accreditations
2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700
The Master of Science (M.S.) residential education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Marywood University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
The program was originally accredited in 2001, and was re-approved for a period of accreditation from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2030.
Professional Memberships
Professional Organizations that support speech-language pathologists
About The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department
Mission Statement
The program is designed to provide students with a variety of academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences, according to the standards set forth by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), to prepare them, from a family-centered perspective, for professional careers as speech-language pathologists, serving children and adults who have communication disorders. The faculty of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is dedicated to providing students with a quality education and opportunities to integrate theory and research into clinical practice.
Program Objectives
Communication Sciences and Disorders is the academic discipline that prepares students to enter the profession of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Individuals pursuing such careers have an interest in working with people who have communication deficits in the area(s) of speech and/or language and/or hearing and also swallowing disorders.
The five-year program leading to a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to:
- Acquire academic knowledge and develop clinical skills pertaining to the scientific study of human communication processes that are necessary to perform competent practice of speech-language pathology, according to the current ASHA certification standards.
- Evaluate the etiologies, pathologies, social-emotional, cognitive, and educational factors associated with disorders of language, articulation-phonology, voice, fluency, swallowing, and hearing.
- Exemplify knowledge of ethical, legal, regulatory, and financial aspects of professional clinical practice.
- Critically evaluate and be sensitive to issues pertaining to cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Become eligible to earn certification from ASHA and state licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania.
- Pursue teacher certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education (optional).
- Work in a variety of settings such as schools, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, community clinics, nursing homes, and private practice.
Strategic Plan
CSD faculty review outcome measure data pertaining to the five-year program from a number of sources. Modifications to our curriculum result from discussions about such data. In addition, the faculty also evaluate the need for further development of the program, and any associated areas for continued growth. These program changes are instrumental in the design of our strategic plan, and are regularly evaluated and congruent with the mission of Marywood University.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty
Adjunct Faculty/Supervisors
- Amanda Connell, M.S., CCC/SLP
- Sarabeth George, M.S.
- Benjamin Ivey, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
- Erin Knoepfel, M.S., CCC/SLP
- Tara Pagotto, Au.D., CCC/A
- Kelly Somers, M.S.
- Adrienne Talerico, M.S., CCC/SLP
- Kearston Thomas, M.S., CCC/SLP
- Erin Walsh, M.S., CCC/SLP
- Stephanie Watson, M.S., CCC/SLP
Centralized Learning Space for CSD Students
The Communication Sciences and Disorders program is organized around a contiguous space in the McGowan Center in the northern section of campus, just steps away from the University student center and main dining facility.
Computer Labs
Students have access to two computer labs in the McGowan Center and additional labs across campus for general academic purposes. A secure computer area is located in the student preparation room for clinical use. In this secure CSD area there is a printer available and this space also houses AAC devices and IPads.
Offices
All CSD faculty members' offices, as well as the department support staff, are centrally located adjacent to the program's classroom and clinical spaces in the McGowan Center.
Speech Science Lab
This lab contains the Kay Elemetrics Speech Lab including VisiPitch and Nasometer programs.
Speech/Language & Audiology Clinics
The Speech/Language & Audiology Clinics offer therapeutic and diagnostic speech, language, and hearing services for children and adults within the community.
Student Personal Space
Communication Sciences and Disorders students have their own clinical preparation room. The graduate students have space for private storage within the clinic area for personal and clinic belongings.
Technology-Ready Classrooms
These traditional learning spaces are equipped with state of the art audio/video systems and flexible learning environments.
The program provides academic coursework and clinical experiences that prepare students for entry-level clinical practice in the field of speech-language pathology.
Degree Tracks
Five Year Program
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
This program allows students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree by designing an academic and clinical curriculum sequence that extends across five years.
The undergraduate (pre-professional phase) portion of the program includes Marywood University’s core curriculum and all of the pre-professional courses that emphasize knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes.
The graduate (professional phase) portion of the program, which begins with the summer semester of the third undergraduate year, emphasizes academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences designed to foster knowledge and skills about the nature of speech, language, hearing and communication disorders and differences as well as swallowing disorders.
This 5-year program provides a rigorous, intensive curriculum sequence tailored to students who are focused on their educational achievements and who are goal oriented. Students who do not meet the academic requirements to transition to the professional (graduate) phase of the program will complete only the pre-professional (undergraduate) phase and earn a bachelor of science degree at the end of their fourth year.
Two-Year (Five Semesters) Master's Program
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
This two-year graduate-level program is offered to qualified individuals with a bachelor's degree. There is limited availability for admission to this program. Students with an out-of-field undergraduate degree can be provisionally admitted to the master’s program, however, they must successfully complete a year of CSD pre-requisite (undergraduate level ) coursework prior to starting the two-year
The graduate program provides a structured sequence of rigorous academic courses and clinical practicum experiences that prepare students for entry-level practice in the field of speech-language pathology. Individuals with such a background and earned
From #DayOne, Marywood is here for you each step of the way. For currently enrolled students visit the Speech Language Pathology Student Resources Website for academic tips, forms, and more to guide you on your academic journey.
The program provides academic coursework and clinical experiences that prepare students for entry-level clinical practice in the field of speech-language pathology.
Five Year Program
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Pre Professional Phase Student Orientation Handbook
Two-Year (Five Semesters) Master's Program
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Employment Opportunities Available for ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists
Individuals who are ASHA-certified are qualified to work with individuals across the lifespan who have communication and swallowing disorders in a variety of work settings such as schools, hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and private practice.
It is important to note that in addition to ASHA certification, most states within the United States require that individuals hold a state license in speech-language pathology and/or audiology in order to legally engage in clinical practice.
Become Certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
An individual must earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a graduate program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA, pass the national examination in speech-language pathology, and complete a nine-month Clinical Fellowship. The academic institution offering the degree must also hold a regional accreditation.
