SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
College of Health and Human Services
- COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
- BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
- MASTER OF SCIENCE
- CERTIFICATE
- CREDENTIAL
- CAREER POSSIBILITIES
- FACULTY
- CONTACT
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are concerned with disorders of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing. A Speech-Language Pathologist is trained to diagnose and treat language, speech and swallowing disorders. An Audiologist is trained to identify impairments and dysfunction of auditory, balance, and other related systems.
The Department offers a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program, a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a Second Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The SLPA Program meets the State of California’s registration and licensing requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. The Bachelor’s degrees provide background in theoretical and clinical areas necessary to apply for graduate study in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The Master's degree provides professional training for a career in Speech-Language Pathology.
Employment as a Speech-Language Pathologist in California requires both a Master's degree and a credential or license. Completion of the Master's degree provides the training necessary for students to qualify for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, California State License as a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential for working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the California public schools. The Department also prepares students to apply for the Special Class Authorization, an extension of the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, required to teach a classroom of language-disordered children in California (Other experiences and exams are also required; these will be described below under "Additional Information.").
A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders can lead to other careers in health- and education-related fields. The broad, yet challenging, nature of the Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for employment requiring a background in human development, communication, health, and education. Graduates have pursued work in the fields of special education, counseling, and rehabilitation, as well as careers in the health insurance industry, disability law, career advising, and government health programs.
Special Features
- The Bachelor’s degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Graduate students pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology participate in supervised clinical practica through the campus-based Maryjane Rees Language, Speech, and Hearing Center.
- Graduate practica in Communication Sciences and Disorders include three semesters of on-campus clinic, an internship in the public schools, and optional internships in local hospitals and other agencies. Upon completion of the Master's degree, students will have acquired a variety of supervised clinical experiences totaling a minimum of 388 clock hours.
- The Master’s degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- The Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential with or without Special Class Authorization is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Additional Information
Program Completion
If the Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or its equivalent has been completed at another University, additional time may be needed to complete the undergraduate requirements not already met. If courses are waived at Sacramento State because they were taken at another University, the student must have an adequate number of graduate units at Sacramento State in the major to meet the MS degree requirements and ASHA graduate level requirements.
Certificate of Clinical Competence
The Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Sacramento State fulfills the academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), which is granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The student must complete a Clinical Fellowship (one year of paid professional experience under supervision) and pass the appropriate PRAXIS exam before the certificate is granted. The Certificate of Clinical Competence is required for many positions, both in the public schools and in other settings.
Licensure
The Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Sacramento State fulfills the academic and clinical requirements for the California License in Speech-Language Pathology. The license is required for employment in settings other than schools or federal agencies. Students must complete a Clinical Fellowship Year (one year of paid professional experience under supervision) and pass the appropriate PRAXIS exam before the license is granted.
Credential
The Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Sacramento State fulfills the academic and clinical requirements for the California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. This credential authorizes the individual to work as an itinerant speech-language pathologist in the California public schools. This requires a minimum 100 hour internship in a public school setting. In addition to the credential, students may pursue the Special Class Authorization, which is required to teach a special classroom of language disordered children. This requires a minimum 100 hour internship in a classroom for children with severe language disorders. Candidates must not have a criminal record that would preclude the issuance of a credential as determined by California State law. Candidates must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
A student must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the major to graduate from the program. If the student falls below a 2.5 GPA, she/he may repeat two courses and must petition the Department to take any additional courses to improve his/her GPA.
This program is organized for students to begin in the fall semester. If begun in the spring, it may take an extra semester to finish the undergraduate curriculum.
Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
Units required for Speech Pathology Major: 58-61
Minimum total units required for BS: 120
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Pre-Major Courses (15 units)
(3) |
A course in Human Development such as CHDV 30 |
(3) |
A course in Introduction to Statistics such as STAT 1 |
(3) |
A course in Introduction to Psychology such as PSYC 2 |
(3) |
A course in biological sciences such as general human anatomy, physiology, biology, botany, zoology, |
(3) |
A course in physical sciences such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, physical geography, geology, meteorology, |
B. Required Upper Division Courses (28 units)*
(4) |
Phonetic Sciences (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 111) |
|
(3) |
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism |
|
(3) |
Language Science and Development (Child Development course, introductory course in Psychology) |
|
(3) |
Developmental and Acquired Neurogenic Language Disorders Across the Life Span (SPHP 110, SPHP 111, SPHP 112) |
|
(3) |
Speech Sound Development and Disorders in Children: Aspects of Articulation and Phonology (SPHP 110) |
|
(3) |
Audiology and Hearing Testing (SPHP 111 or instructor permisisson) |
|
(3) |
||
(2) |
||
(1) |
Supervised Field Observations |
|
(3) |
Research in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (Introductory course in statistics or instructor permission; senior status) |
C. Area Requirements (15 units)
(3) |
||
(3) |
Introduction to Medical Speech Pathology (SPHP 110, SPHP 111) |
|
(3) |
Communication Disorders in Multicultural Populations (SPHP 110, SPHP 125, SPHP 126) |
|
(3) |
||
(3) Select one course in sign language |
||
D. Electives (0-3 units)
(3) |
Introduction to Clinical Methods, Ethical Practices and Legal Issues (Senior standing; SPHP 145; fulfill requirements under "Admission to supervised clinical practice") |
* Required for students who plan to attend graduate school at Sacramento State in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Optional for students who do not plan to attend graduate school or plan to attend graduate school at another university. Must meet requirements for Admission to Supervised Clinical Practice. Students who do not take this course may need to take an elective to meet the 120 unit requirement.
Course SequenceStudents must maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to continue in the program. If the student falls below a 2.5 GPA, he/she may repeat two courses and must petition the department to take any additional courses to improve his/her GPA. Listed below is the recommended course sequence:
| Semester 1, Fall: | |
| Semester 2, Spring: | |
| Semester 3, Fall: | |
| Semester 4, Spring: | |
Admission to Supervised Clinical Practice
Prior to enrolling in the first course involving direct-client contact (SPHP 146) the student must demonstrate the criteria listed below. These criteria are applicable for all succeeding clinical practica.
- Able to model appropriate speech, voice, and language in the clinical setting. Screening for these skills occurs during the first semester in the program.
- The ability to write using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The writing proficiency requirement is fulfilled by passing the Sacramento State Writing Placement for Juniors Examination administered by the English Department.
- Physical capability of dealing with young children and physically disabled persons.
- Sufficient self-discipline and reliability to maintain and meet regular clinical schedules.
- Sufficient emotional stability to work with difficult clients.
- Once the student has met with the client(s) or students in the public schools, dropping clinical practicum classes by the student is prohibited except for medical reasons or extraordinary circumstances as approved by the Department. Students are not allowed to repeat clinical practicum courses if they drop without permission.
- Must maintain a 3.2 GPA within the major (SPHP) with no SPHP clinical practicum course grade below a "B-" and no other SPHP course below a "C."
- Pass a tuberculin (PPD) test and have measles, rubella, and hepatitis B immunizations.
- Have current CPR certification for infants, children, and adults prior to beginning internships (SPHP 295I, SPHP 295M, SPHP 295S).
- Must complete a Level 1 criminal background screening investigating any prior convictions and disciplinary actions. Failure to disclose a conviction may interfere with clinical placement. All background checks must be performed by Corporate Screening. Background checks performed by other agencies are not accepted. Students will complete background check following provided instructions. All results are sent to the Dean’s Office and remain confidential. Students with prior convictions or disciplinary actions which will interfere with clinical placement will be contacted by the Department Chair to determine a possible resolution. If a resolution cannot be found, the student will not be admitted into the clinical practicum courses.
- Allied Health and Education programs require a $20.00 annual fee for insurance. The insurance is $20.00 per academic year, and not charged per course.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are concerned with disorders of communication, speech, language, swallowing, and hearing. A Speech-Language Pathologist is trained to diagnose and treat communication, language, speech and swallowing disorders. An Audiologist is trained to identify impairments and dysfunction of auditory, balance, and other related systems.
The Department offers a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program, Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a Second Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The SLPA Program meets the State of California’s registration and licensing requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. The Bachelor’s degrees provide background in theoretical and clinical areas necessary to apply for graduate study in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Master's degree provides professional training for a career in Speech-Language Pathology.
Employment as a Speech-Language Pathologist in California requires both a Master's degree and a credential or license. Completion of the Master's degree provides the training necessary for students to qualify for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, California State License as a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential for working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the California public schools. The Department also prepares students to apply for the Special Class Authorization, an extension of the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, required to teach a classroom of language-disordered children in California (Other experiences and exams are also required; these will be described below under "Additional Information.")
A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders can lead to other careers in health- and education-related fields. The broad, yet challenging, nature of the Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for employment requiring a background in human development, communication, health, and education. Graduates have pursued work in the fields of special education, counseling and rehabilitation, as well as careers in the health insurance industry, disability law, career advising, and government health programs.
Special Features
- The Bachelor’s degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Graduate students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders participate in supervised clinical practica through the campus-based Maryjane Rees Language, Speech, and Hearing Center.
- Graduate practica in Speech-Language Pathology include three semesters of on-campus clinic followed by an internship in the public schools, an internship in local hospitals or other medical placements, and an option to enroll in further internships in private practice, for special class authorization, or other agencies. Upon completion of the Master's degree, students will have acquired a variety of supervised clinical experiences totaling a minimum of 400 clock hours.
- The Master’s Degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- The Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential with Special Class Authorization is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
- In order to complete the MS, students must meet the clock-hour practicum requirements established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- Classes may be repeated only once without special department petition; the total number of classes which may be retaken is limited to two at the undergraduate and two at the graduate level.
- Students must keep a signed record of observation hours and supervised clinical clock hours in the supply room for each semester; a personal copy is recommended in the event signed hours may be missing from the student's department file.
- With incomplete's in clinic practice, the student will not be allowed to enroll in public school practice or clinic practice.
- Students may not register for SPHP 500T or SPHP 500P until his or her prospectus has been approved by the Thesis Committee and the first and second readers judge that the first two chapters of the thesis are sufficiently well developed. No subjects may be run until the student has registered for SPHP 500P or until written permission of the first reader has been accepted by the Department Chair.
- Regarding grades of ''Incomplete'' ("I") and ''Report in Progress''
("RP") in a SPHP 500: if all coursework has been completed and an "RP" has been
carried for over two years (i.e., two calendar years since date grade
was first assigned), the student will receive ''No Credit'' ("NC") and
must:
- reapply for admission to the University;
- meet any new requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has established since the grade in a SPHP 500 was first assigned; and
- submit to the Department Chair written approval of the first reader to continue work on the thesis and/or project. Note: If a student has not maintained an "RP" during the two years since the date the first grade was assigned, the student will receive "NC," must apply for admission, and meet all departmental criteria in place at that time.
- Students may switch from a Thesis or Project to Comprehensive Exam Track providing they have not enrolled in SPHP 500T or SPHP 500P.
- a baccalaureate degree;
- an undergraduate major in Speech Pathology and Audiology or communicative disorders;
- a minimum 2.75 GPA overall and 3.0 GPA in the major;
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores totaling at least 900 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam. In the event that 900 is not achieved, the minimum total score required is 1350 if the analytic score is included, or 4.5 on the analytical writing portion. (The GRE may be waived if the student has a 3.5 GPA or above in SPHP courses);
- three letters of recommendation on the department form; and
- a letter describing relevant experience. (See Undergraduate Advising Manual.)
- an online application for admission; and
- one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.
- Graduate Record Examination (aptitude section) scores;
- a record of clinical observation hours and supervised clinical experience if any;
- one additional set of transcripts;
- three letters of recommendation, on the department form; and
- description of relevant work, volunteer and internship experience and description of experience with ethnic and minority groups (persons with disabilities, multilingualism, and signing).
- removed any deficiencies in admission requirements; and
- completed the first and second semester sequence of courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
- taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.
- Any grade lower than a "B-" is not acceptable in clinic and is considered a failing grade for that clinic
- Any grade for a clinic that is lower than a "B-" means that the clinic must be repeated.
- Any student who has failed any two clinics will not be allowed to continue in the graduate program and will be dismissed
- Students must meet clock hour requirements for the CCC, License and credential. Clock hours from SPHP 295I and SPHP 295S may be counted for the CCC and License if the on-site supervisors hold the CCC.
- The student must complete 100 supervised practicum hours with minors prior to enrolling in SPHP 295I.
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Policies
Admission Requirements
Admission as a classified graduate student to the Speech Pathology graduate program requires:
Applicants who have deficiencies in admission requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be admitted with deferred or conditionally classified graduate status. Students with degrees in other fields must complete the equivalent of an undergraduate major and apply to be classified. Any deficiencies in admission requirements will be noted on a written response to the student's admission application.
Admission Procedures
All prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (915) 278-6470:
For more admissions information and application deadlines please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/.
At the same time, each applicant must send the following to the Graduate Coordinator in the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department:
For full Graduate Studies application procedures and deadlines, please reference the Office of Graduate Studies Web site at www.csus.edu/gradstudies.
Approximately ten weeks after the closing date for applications, a decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant. Students may take up to 6-7 units as unclassified graduates.
Advancement to Candidacy
Each student in the MS program must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:
The student fills out the Advancement to Candidacy form after planning a degree program in consultation with the Speech Pathology graduate advisor. The completed form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.
Requirements - Master of Science Degree
Courses should be taken in the sequence shown. Students working toward a master's degree may choose as a Culminating Experience either a Thesis (Plan A) or Project (Plan B) or a Comprehensive Examination (Plan C). Contact the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department for more information on these programs.
If a student with a BA or BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology (Communicative Disorders) is admitted into the Sacramento State graduate program and had a "C-" grade in any undergraduate course in the major, he/she must retake the course or an equivalent course before enrolling in related clinical practice courses.
Students failing to maintain a GPA of 3.00 are automatically placed on academic probation. The student has one semester to make up the grade point deficiency or he/she will not be allowed to continue the graduate program and will be dismissed.
Only graduate students in good standing (3.00 GPA or higher) may enroll for graduate clinical practice or field placement.
Before enrolling in any clinical practicum, students must be immunized for rubella, measles, and TB, or submit proof of up-to-date immunizations.
Note: This program assumes that the student starts in the fall semester; he/she may start in spring. If starting in spring, the student begins with the courses listed under second semester, but takes the clinical methods and practice listed under first semester. He/she then continues with coursework listed under the first, third, and fourth semester. He/she will continue with clinical methods and practice for the second, third, and fourth semesters in the same order as those that start in the fall semester.
Speech Pathology (54-60 units)
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. First Semester (15 units)
(4) |
Neurogenic Language Disorders |
|
(3) |
Advanced Seminar in Child Language Disorders (SPHP 125 or equivalent) |
|
(2) |
Methods: Speech Disorders I (SPHP 125, SPHP 126, SPHP 143, SPHP 145, SPHP 146, SPHP 148 or equivalents; instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 229A) |
|
(2) |
Practice: Speech Disorders I (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 228A) |
|
(1) |
Practice: Hearing Screenings (SPHP 130 or instructor permission) |
|
(1) |
Methods: Language Disorders I (SPHP 130, SPHP 133, SPHP 145, SPHP 146, SPHP 148 or equivalents; instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 243A) |
|
(2) |
Practice: Language Disorders I (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 242A) |
B. Second Semester (13 units)
(2) |
AAC and Assistive Technologies |
|
(2) |
Motor Speech Disorders |
|
(3) |
Curriculum in Relation to Language - Learning Disabilities in School-Age Children (Instructor permission) |
|
(1) |
Methods: Speech Disorders II (SPHP 123, SPHP 127 or equivalents; SPHP 228A, instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 229B) |
|
(2) |
Practice: Speech Disorders II (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 228B) |
|
(1) |
Methods: Language Disorders II (SPHP 223, SPHP 242A, instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 243B) |
|
(2) |
Practice: Language Disorders II (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 242B) |
C. Third Semester (16-18 units)
(3) |
Counseling Techniques for Speech Pathologists and Audiologists |
|
(3) |
Dysphagia and the Medical Setting (SPHP 218, SPHP 221, instructor permission) |
|
(1) |
Methods: Speech Disorders III (SPHP 218, SPHP 228B; SPHP 221 may be concurrent; Corequisite: SPHP 229C) |
|
(2) |
Practice: Speech Disorders III (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 228C) |
|
(1) |
Methods: Language Disorders III (SPHP 218, SPHP 242B; SPHP 221 may be taken concurrently, instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 243C) |
|
(2) |
Practice: Language Disorders III (SPHP 243B, instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 242C) |
|
(1) |
Methods: Speech Language Assessment (SPHP 147 or equivalent; SPHP 228B, SPHP 242B; instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 245) |
|
(1) |
Practice: Speech Language Assessment (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 244) |
|
(2-4) |
Culminating Experience: Thesis(Advanced to Candidacy) Culminating Experience: Project (Advanced to Candidacy) Culminating Experience: Comprehensive Exam (Advanced to Candidacy) |
D. Fourth Semester (10-14 units)
(2) |
Speech/Language Internships Seminar (SPHP 228A, SPHP 228B, SPHP 228C, SPHP 229A, SPHP 229B, SPHP 229C, SPHP 241S, SPHP 242A, SPHP 242B, SPHP 242C, SPHP 243A, SPHP 243B, SPHP 243C, SPHP 244, SPHP 245; Corequisite: 8 units of SPHP 295I, SPHP 295M or SPHP 295S) |
|
(4) |
Internship: Speech-Language and Hearing Services in Schools (SLHS) (Approval of the Department's Credential Committee, achievement of a passing score on the CBEST, completion of all required graduate clinics; Corequisite: SPHP 250) |
|
(4) |
Internship: Speech-Language Pathology in a Medical Setting (Instructor permission; Corequisite: SPHP 250) AND/OR |
|
(4) |
Internship: Special Class Authorization Eligibility(Approval of the Department's Credential Committee, a passing score on the CBEST, completion of all required graduate clinics; Corequisite: SPHP 250) |
Additional Information
Audiology DegreeThe Master of Science degree in Audiology is no longer a curricular option due to changes in professional standards requiring a clinical doctorate degree. A joint doctorate with another institution is being investigated. Please contact the Department office at (916) 278-6601 for more information.
Certificate of Clinical Competence
A Master's degree is required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence,
which is granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
The MS degree fulfills the academic and clinical practice requirements
for this certificate in Speech Pathology. The student must
complete a Clinical Fellowship Year (one year of paid professional experience
under supervision) and pass the appropriate PRAXIS exam before the certificate
is granted. The Certificate of Clinical Competence is required for most
positions, both in the public schools and in other settings.
Licensure
A Master's degree is required for the California License in Speech Pathology
or Audiology. The MS degree fulfills the academic and clinical practicum
requirements for this license. The license is required for employment
in settings other than schools or federal agencies. The student must complete
the required professional experience (one year) and pass the appropriate
PRAXIS exam before the license is granted.
Credential
A Master's degree is required for the Clinical Rehabilitative Services
Credential (Language, Speech, and Hearing). The MS degree fulfills the
academic and clinical requirements for this credential, authorizing the
individual to work as an itinerant speech-language specialist in the public
schools. This requires a minimum of 200 clock hours of clinical practice
with minors. One hundred of these hours must be in a public school setting.
In addition to the credential, students may pursue the Special Class Authorization,
which is required to teach a special classroom of language disordered
children. This requires a minimum of 100 hours in a class for children
with severe language disorders.
Candidates must not have a criminal record that would preclude the issuance of a credential as determined by California State law. Candidates must pass the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test).
Career Possibilities (Please note that most of the career possibilities listed below require additional education beyond the baccalaureate degree.)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) · Speech-Language Pathologist in medical, school and private practice settings · Speech-Language Pathologist with Special Class Authorization to teach a classroom of language-disordered children · Audiologist · Employment requiring a background in human development, communication, health, and education · Fields of audiology, special education, counseling, rehabilitation, the health insurance industry, disability law, career advising, hospital administration, school administration and government health programs.
Faculty
Ann Blanton, Darla Hagge, Robert Pieretti, Celeste Roseberry-Mckibbin, Heather Thompson
Robert Pieretti, Department Chair
David Gleason, Administrative Support Coordinator
Shasta Hall 172
(916) 278-6601
www.csus.edu/hhs/SPA