M.S. in Communication Disorders

Prerequisite Program:

The mission of the pre-requisite program is to provide you with the foundation you need to enter a graduate level program in speech pathology.

This includes:

• An introduction to a variety of academic, scientific and clinical methods in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of speech-language disorders

All students from all fields of study are welcome. Our faculty is comprised of doctoral and master's level speech language pathologists and audiologists with various specializations, providing Mercy students with first rate and well-rounded instruction.

Students who earn the 21 credits in the pre-requisite program are eligible to apply to the MS degree program. An MS degree is mandatory for entry level into the field. For more information about the prerequisite program in Communication Disorders please download and read. 

Advising

Upon acceptance into the Master of Science Program in Communication Disorders, students will be assigned a faculty member who will serve as their advisor. Students accepted into the program will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $250 at the time acceptance. This fee will be applied to the fall tuition payment. The advisor will meet with students to counsel them on Program and ASHA certification requirements, and to develop a plan of study and a future professional development plan.

Program Design

The Master's Degree program in Communication Disorders is designed for full-time and part-time students and can be completed in two years and two summers for full-time students. The program consists of academic and clinical components that are organized in a progressive sequence. Courses are primarily offered in the evening. Some courses may be offered in various scheduling formats. Clinical practicum schedules require days, evenings and/ or Saturdays. The College defines full-time as nine credits. For the purpose of completing the CD program in two years (including two summers), the student must follow the projected curriculum sequence established by the program. Part-time students must follow the required course projections. 

Students who graduate from the program may sit for the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Specialty Area Test of the Praxis Series by the Educational Testing Service). Students then complete their Clinical Fellowship (CF). Upon successful completion of the degree, the examination, and the CF, the individual will be certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist by ASHA.

Successful completion of the educational and clinical requirements of the graduate program will prepare students for eligibility for the New York State License as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Attendance

Attendance and punctuality in all classes and clinical education assignments is required, unless the student is excused for extenuating and extraordinary life circumstances. A maximum of three undocumented absences from class will result in failure in the course and may jeopardize the student's standing in the program. Absence from a clinical assignment is subject to the rules and regulations of the institution.

Student Classification

A student will be classified as a matriculant when admitted to the CD Program. Students may attend the program on a full-time or part-time basis. However, all students must fulfill a full-time residency requirement of one semester that may be fulfilled during the summer. Students must complete all degree requirements within five years from the time acceptance. A maximum of six transfer graduate credits comparable to graduate courses offered at Mercy College will be accepted. Request for transfer credit must be made at the time of application. Once matriculated, all graduate courses and clinical hours must be completed at Mercy College.

Career Opportunities

Students who complete the Master of Science in Communication Disorders aspire to be speech-language pathologists and NYS Education Department Teacher of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD). (Note: This certification requires 12 additional credits in education coursework, workshop attendance in education and completion of a student teaching experience).

Essential Functions

The program has adopted a list of Essential Functions that outlines the necessary communication, motor, intellectual/cognitive, and behavioral/social attributes deemed necessary for program completion and clinical practice within the field. Students are expected to review this list and sign a form stating that they are or are not capable of performing the skills and abilities listed.

Communication Disorders Strategic Plan for 2018-2023

Please note: The Master's Degree program in Communication Disorders strategic plan is based on analysis of the internal and external environments and may need to be revised as the College modifies its strategic plan and institutional goals.

Program Accreditation

The Master's Degree program in Communication Disorders is accredited in Speech-Language Pathology by the Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Transfer Credits

Graduate courses taken at other institutions prior to admission at Mercy College may, if pertinent to the plan of study, be credited to the graduate degree. Transfer credit is limited to six credits taken within the last five years in which the student has received a grade of B or above.

Transfer courses taken prior to admission will not be computed in the quality point average.