Shenandoah’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program is designed for learners with a Bachelor of Science in communication disorders or related fields (psychology, biology, education, etc.) and provides academic and clinical coursework needed to meet national certification and state (VA) licensure requirements. Students who apply for the MSSLP program without a background in communication sciences and disorders or speech pathology (usually a Bachelor of Science) must have completed specific prerequisite courses prior to applying for admittance. (View proposed prerequisite coursework below.)

The MSSLP program at Shenandoah is predominantly in person, with approximately 25% of coursework offered online. 

Our program requires students to complete a minimum of 400 clinical practicum hours under the supervision of a certified speech pathologist, along with the required course work. The program prepares students to earn a passing score on the Speech-Language Pathology PRAXIS exam and to complete a Clinical Fellowship. Both are requirements for certification. 

Undergraduate degrees that provide excellent preparation for this graduate program include: 

• Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders or Speech Pathology
• Bachelor’s degrees in biology, psychology, sociology, education or special education
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor’s degrees with concentrations related to the singing voice, as well as anatomy and physiology, or paired with a minor in communication disorders

All students in the MSSLP program are subject to specific policies and procedures set forth by the MSSLP Student Handbook (Click here for handbook)

The Master of Science (MS-SLP) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at Shenandoah University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

For complaints, please click here: http://caa.asha.org/programs/complaints/

Program Completion Rates

Period	Completed within proposed timeframe	Completed later than proposed timeframe	Number not completed	Percentage completed program
2024-2025	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2025-2026	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2026-2027	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2027-2028	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Employment Rates in the Profession

Period	Number of Graduates	Percentage of Graduates
2024-2025	N/A	N/A
2025-2026	N/A	N/A
2026-2027	N/A	N/A
2027-2028	N/A	N/A

PRAXIS Examination Pass Rates

Period	Number taking exam	Pass Rate
2024-2025	N/A	N/A
2025-2026	N/A	N/A
2026-2027	N/A	N/A
2027-2028	N/A	N/A

Curriculum for speech-language pathology master’s program (60-credit program, including five elective credits)

Prerequisites

SLP 400/500	Introduction to Communication Disorders*
SLP 401/501	Normal Speech and Language Development*
SLP 402/502	Speech and Hearing Anatomy and Physiology*
SLP 403/503	Audiology*
SLP 404/504	Phonetics*
SLP 405/505	Speech Science*
SLP 406/506	Observation in Communication Disorders**

*Courses are available through Health Science SLP track. To learn more, see additional information regarding prerequisite course requirements.

**During this course, 25 guided observation hours are earned.

Fall Semester I First Year (15 credits)

		Credits
SLP 512	Neuroanatomy and Physiology for the Communication Disorders Professional	3
SLP 513	Early Intervention	2
SLP 514	Phonology and Articulation Disorders	3
SLP 515	Aphasia and Right Hemisphere Disorders	2
SLP 507	Foundations of Clinical Practicum I	1
SLP 516	Foundations of Counseling	2
SLP 517	Differential Diagnosis	2

Spring Semester First Year (14 credits)

		Credits
SLP 518	Language Disorders in School-age Populations	2
SLP 519	Cognitive-Linguistic Disorders in Adults	2
SLP 522	Autism and Neurodiversity	3
SLP 520	Research in Communication Disorders	3
SLP 521	Dysphagia	3
SLP 508	Clinical Practicum I	1

Summer Semester Second Year (6 to 9 credits)

		Credits
SLP 524	Multicultural Populations	3
SLP 523	Augmentative and Alternative Communication	2
SLP 509	Clinical Practicum II	1
	Elective	3

Fall Semester Second Year (11 credits) 

		Credits
SLP 526	Voice Disorders in Speech Pathology	3
SLP 525	Motor Speech	3
SLP 528	Aural Rehabilitation	3
SLP 510	Advanced Clinical Practicum I	2

Spring Semester Second Year (11 credits)

		Credits
SLP 529	Professional Issues, Advocacy, and Ethics	2
SLP 527	Fluency Disorders	2
SLP 530	Capstone Project	3
SLP 511	Advanced Clinical Practicum II	2
SLP	Elective	2

Electives (5 to 6 credits)

		Credits
SLP 531	Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Disorders	3
SLP 532	Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders	3
SLP 533	Professional Speaking	1
SLP 534	Medical Speech Pathology	2
SLP 595	Special Topics	1-3
ASL 101	Sign Language	3
MUPP 533/733	Anatomy and Physiology of the Signing Voice	3

 

Course Number	Course Name	Credit Hours
SLP 400	Introduction to Communication Disorders	3
SLP 401	Normal Speech and Language Development	3
SLP 402	Speech and Hearing Anatomy and Physiology	3
SLP 403	Audiology	3
SLP 404	Phonetics	3
SLP 405	Speech Science	3
SLP 406*	Observation in Communication Disorders	1

*During this course, 25 guided observation hours are earned.

In addition to the prerequisite speech courses, the following prerequisite courses must be completed at the college level with a “B” or better before admission to the MSSLP program: 

• Biological Science
• Physical Science
• Social/Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health can meet this prerequisite)
• Statistics

Course Descriptions for Speech-Language Pathology Program

60-credit program (55 required core semester hours and 5 elective semester hours)

Prerequisites

SLP 400/500 Introduction to Communication Disorders (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of communication disorders (CD) including: speech, language, cognition, and hearing, along with their effects on patients, families and caregivers. The classifications, descriptions and pathologies of these disorders, as well as their evaluation and treatments, are discussed. The effects of linguistic diversity and culture on communication will be introduced. In addition, the role and professional responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist along with requirements to enter the profession are explored.

SLP 401/501 Normal Speech and Language Development (3 credits)

This course covers the normal acquisition of speech and language across the lifespan. Normal development of language, cognition, perpetual, motor, emotional and social skills are taught. Theories of language and cultural influence on language development is explored. 

SLP 402/502 Speech and Hearing Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)

This course will teach the structures, functions, and systems of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms.

SLP 403/503 Audiology (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the profession of audiology, human auditory system, and basic audiologic hearing evaluation. Students will also learn the causes and basic rehabilitative treatment of persons with hearing disorders.

SLP 404/504 Phonetics (3 credits)

This course is an overview of the acoustical and physiological bases of speech production. This course also includes a broad coverage of phonetic transcription, place and manner of articulation, airstream mechanism, and speech perceptions for the purpose of clinical application.

SLP  405/505 Speech Science (3 credits)

This course is the study of speech production along with the acoustic characteristics of speech and hearing.

SLP 406/506 Observation in Communication Disorders (1 credit)

This course provides guided activities and assignments to direct the participants through observations of speech, language and cognitive evaluation and treatment sessions. Students are supervised under a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist. A minimum of 25 observation hours across disorders, therapy locations, ethnicity, and age is required.

Curriculum

SLP 512 Neuroanatomy and Physiology (3 credits)

This course provides a broad overview of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems as a component of speech, language, cognition, and swallowing performance. Communication and swallowing disorders of the CNS and PNS will be discussed. This course may utilize prosected body parts of cadavers to enhance instruction. (Prerequisite: SLP 506)

SLP 513 Early Intervention (2 credits)

This course discusses the prevention, evaluation and treatment of infants, toddlers and preschool populations with language disorders and differences. Early intervention strategies along with practice and administration of speech language samples are examined.

SLP 514 Phonology and Articulation Disorders (3 credits)

This course studies the normal and disordered phonological and articulatory processes. A variety of evaluation and management methods for articulatory and phonological delays and disorders will be discussed.

SLP 515 Aphasia and Right Hemisphere Disorders (2 credits)

This course is a broad overview of the etiologies, features, definitions, and classifications of persons diagnosed with aphasia and acquired neurolinguistic impairments. A historical perspective, etiological factors that affect varied cultural groups, along with current research will be incorporated into the evaluation and treatment approaches of these disorders.

SLP 516 Foundations of Counseling (2 credits)

This course will emphasize the counseling approaches and techniques a speech pathologist can utilize, for use with clients, patients, family and caregivers, or persons with communication disorders. Counseling theories and techniques will be explored, along with the emotional needs of persons with: acquired communication disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum, transgender populations, and others. 

SLP 517 Differential Diagnosis (2 credits)

This course explores the variety of test protocols, methods, and materials necessary to appropriately diagnose persons with communication disorders. Test reliability, and validity along with standardized and non-standardized procedures will be examined. Standardized tests and their impact on diverse populations will be reviewed.

SLP 518 Language Disorders in School-Age Populations (2 credits)

This course is a comprehensive study of later language development of children and adolescents. Reading and literacy development and disorders will be reviewed. Topics unique to school-based treatments will be studied. Formal and informal assessments and intervention strategies will be analyzed especially in light of diverse populations. 

SLP 519 Cognitive-Linguistic Disorders in Adults (2 credits)

This course studies the characteristics, etiologies, definitions, of cognitive-linguistic disorders associated with traumatic brain injury, right-hemisphere damage and dementias. Differential diagnosis along with intervention recommendations and strategies are explored.

SLP 520 Research in Communication Disorders (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide the graduate student with a basic foundational model for research in the communication disorders field. Students will learn the scientific method of research, examine different types of research including experimental, survey, and descriptive. Students will analyze findings from other research studies and develop a research problem.

SLP 521 Dysphagia (3 credits)

This course provides a complete understanding of normal chewing and swallowing as well as disordered stages of feeding and swallowing in pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Etiologies, diagnostic, and management techniques for swallowing are explored in general, together with varied cultural groups. Instrumentation used for dysphagia management will also be introduced.

SLP 522 Autism and Neurodiversity (3 credits)

This course examines the etiologies, and characteristics of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Evidence based assessment and intervention strategies will be discussed. The impact of ASD on individuals and families will be reviewed along with prevention, consultation and public awareness. In addition, this course will examine autism in the light of neurodiversity.

SLP 523 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2 credits)

This course provides a complete study of evidence-based technology including, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, used for assessment and intervention to enhance communication skills of children and adults with multifaceted communication needs. This course will also explore current AAC research, and apply this knowledge to services for individuals with a wide range of disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others.

SLP 524Multicultural Populations (3 credits)

This course examines the service delivery to culturally linguistically diverse populations. This course will have a special focus on developing cultural responsiveness when conducting patient and family interviews, consultation, treatment, and education. Non-bias assessment, communication difference versus disorders, and an overview of cultural characteristics will be discussed.

SLP 525 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)

This course explores the etiologies, characteristics of acquired motor speech disorders. The best evidence-based practices for assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention strategies of various motor speech disorders will be discussed.

SLP 526 Voice Disorders (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide an overview of normal voice production across the life span along with the functional/behavioral, organic and neurogenic etiologies of voice disorders. Research to support evidence-based treatment and prevention of voice disorders will be explored. Particular emphasis will be made for care of the professional voice user including singers.

SLP 527 Aural Rehabilitation (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of the role of speech language pathologists in the management of persons with hearing impairments. Topics such as auditory training, language, speech, and speech reading will be discussed.

SLP 528 Fluency Disorders (2 credits)

This course discusses fluency/stuttering disorders and cluttering including the symptoms, characteristics, social impact, and clinical management for children and adult populations.

SLP  529 Professional Issues, Advocacy and Ethics (2 credits)

This course is designed to address professional issues in licensure, certification and other credentialing for the speech-language pathologist. This course will also focus on the ethical decision-making model and include resources and guidelines to assist with ethical decisions using the ASHA Code of Ethics as the model. Advocacy related to local, state, national and international service delivery will be addressed. A discussion on supervision as a communication disorders professional will also be introduced.

SLP 530 Capstone Project (3 credits)

This course serves as the catalyst in developing a capstone project in speech pathology. The Capstone Project serves as a summative assessment of graduating student knowledge and skills of topics unique to the communication disorders profession. Students are mentored by faculty and projects are showcased to faculty and peers.

SLP 507 Foundations of Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

This course is an introduction to clinical procedures and processes including recording a case history, patient and family interviews and basic principles of assessment, report writing, and treatment development. Computer simulations and standardized patients will be utilized to assist with clinical problem-solving cases. This course has an Interprofessional lab component that is taught across all allied health professions at the university.

SLP 508 Clinical Practicum I (1 credit)

This course is designed to assist the student in generating long and short-term goals, diagnostic and treatment lesson planning and clinical decision-making skills, to name a few, in pediatric, school age, adult and elderly populations. This course has an Interprofessional lab component taught across all allied health professions at the university.

SLP 509 Clinical Practicum II (1 credit)

This practicum course is designed to prepare students for extended practicum experiences. Students will work with varied ages and disorders while utilizing clinical foundation knowledge for therapeutic intervention. This course has an interprofessional lab component.

SLP 510 Advanced Clinical Practicum I (2 credits-Pass/No Pass)

This course has an interprofessional component that is taught across all allied health professions. This course involves an external placement in a school, hospital, nursing home or private practice. Students are utilizing skills acquired during course work including previous clinical experiences. This course has an interprofessional lab component that is taught across allied health professionals at the university.

SLP 511 Advanced Clinical Practicum II (2 credits Pass/No pass)

This course is an advanced practicum course involving an external placement in a school, hospital, nursing home or private practice. Students are under the supervision of a licensed certified speech-language pathologist. This course has an interprofessional lab component.

Electives

SLP 531 Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Disorders (3 credits)

This course provides in depth discussion of cleft and lip, palate and craniofacial anomalies that affect speech and language production and development. Assessment and management of persons with cleft and craniofacial disorders will be examined along with team management practices

SLP 532 Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders (3 credits)

This course addresses the etiologies, assessment and management of infants, preschoolers and children with feeding and swallowing disorders. Current trends, history and research with pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders will be discussed. (Prerequisite: SLP 521)

SLP 533 Professional Speaking (1 credit)

This course is designed to assist the learner in developing and executing the techniques necessary to produce intelligible General American English. Material will focus on accent modification, code switching and dialect reduction for those desiring to improve intelligibility, clarity and articulation of their General American English speaking and effective English writing skills. This course is appropriate for English language learners and speech and language pathology majors. This course may have a clinic component.

SLP 537 Medical Speech Pathology (2 credits)

This course will provide an overview of topics and subjects pertinent to speech pathologists in medical settings. A variety of topics will be covered including trachs and vents, along with the interprofessional medical team and insurance/billing. Pharmacology component will be included

MUTH 561 Introduction to Sign Language

This course is designed to provide an additional skill to the speech professional.

SLP  595  Special Topics 

This course is designed to cover current topics of interest to the profession of speech-language pathology. The topics may be focused on school-based speech-language pathology or medical speech pathology practice. Guest lecturers and research related to speech, language, cognition, voice, swallowing and contemporary professional issues will be incorporated. This course is created to expand the understanding of the discipline of speech pathology and to address contemporary topics not routinely covered in standard communication disorders curriculum. Topics may vary from year to year depending on what is being discussed at the state, national or international levels.

 

Katrina Miller

Associate Professor/Director of Speech-Language Pathology

View Dr. Miller’s Faculty Profile

 

 

 

Meet the Speech-Language Pathology Faculty

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admissions materials, and find our admissions standards.

Application Information

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association position on Students and Professionals Who Speak English with Accents and Non-Standard Dialects:  

Position Statement:

It is the position of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that students and professionals in communication sciences and disorders who speak with accents and/or dialects can effectively provide speech, language, and audiological services to persons with communication disorders as long as they have the expected level of knowledge in normal and disordered communication, the expected level of diagnostic and clinical case management skills, and if modeling is necessary, are able to model the target phoneme, grammatical feature, or other aspect of speech and language that characterizes the client’s particular problem. All individuals speak with an accent and/or dialect; thus, the nonacceptance of individuals into higher education programs or into the professions solely on the basis of the presence of an accent or dialect is discriminatory. Members of ASHA must not discriminate against persons who speak with an accent and/or dialect in educational programs, employment, or service delivery, and should encourage an understanding of linguistic differences among consumers and the general population.

Retrieved from: http://www.asha.org/policy/ps1998-00117/

Please see the university’s full Non-Discrimination And Bias Policy webpage.

 

 

It is the goal of the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) to offer free speech and language services to the Leesburg and Winchester communities. Services include individual and group treatments for children, teenagers and adults with communication differences and disorders.

Testing and Treatment Services

Comprehensive and evidence-based diagnostic and treatment services will be provided by graduate speech and language pathology students under the supervision of a certified and licensed speech-language pathologists. Clients will work with therapeutic teams to develop goals that meet their specific needs.

We will treat people who have:

• Articulation Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aphasia
• Dementias
• Right hemisphere brain damage
• Stuttering
• Voice Disorders (including the singing voice)
• Alternative and augmented communication (AAC)
• Accent expansion preferences

For additional information regarding start dates, contact slpclinic@vitosdelinh.com.

 

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Strategic Plan

View Strategic Plan (PDF)