Speech-Language Pathology

Address: 1513 West Science

Phone: 906-227-2125

Fax: 906-227-2178

Web Address: https://dev.nmu.edu/dev-clinicalsciences/ms-speech-language-pathology

E-mail: MSSLP@nmu.edu

Graduate Program Director: Heather Isaacson, PhD, CCC-SLP

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program at Northern Michigan University has been accepted as a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland, 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.

Program Requirements

This MS-SLP program is a six semester, two-year degree that requires the completion of 59-65 credits depending on the degree track selected by the student.   Students are able to select from two degree tracks, a non thesis option or thesis option. For progression and retention in the program, students must meet the ASHA Code of Ethics, obtain the required knowledge and skills for certification, and pass all academic and clinical practicum courses with no grade lower than a B-.

At the end of the program, students will be eligible to take the national Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology and will meet the education requirements to be eligible for certification by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

This program is intended to prepare students for licensure/certification, meeting educational requirements established by regulatory boards in the state of Michigan.  The program is a cohort program starting in the summer of each year with courses to be completed in the order designated by the department. 

Admission Requirements

The program is designed for students seeking admission to an entry-level graduate program in speech-language pathology. Prospective graduate applicants with a degree or equivalent coursework in speech pathology and audiology or with degrees in other disciplines/areas of study may apply to the MS-SLP program. 

Please note that simply meeting the criteria listed below is not a guarantee of admission.  As is the case with most graduate programs in speech-language pathology, admission is highly competitive.

• Comply with the regular Admission Requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, which includes completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 
• Comple all prerequisites before the start of the program with no grade lower than a B-:
  • Anatomy and Physiology of Communication Mechanisms
  • Phonetics
  • Articulation Development and Treatment
  • Speech and Hearing Science
  • Child Language Development
  • Statistics
  • One course each in biological sciences, physical sciences (Physics or Chemistry), and social sciences
  • Introductory level of Audiology
  • Aural Rehabilitation

(Students who have not begun the required prerequisites may apply for conditional admission. Students may complete a one-year sequence of courses. After successful completion of the coursework, students will be admitted to the graduate program. Completing the prerequisite courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher indicates successful completion.)

Application Requirements:

Complete the NMU Graduate School application along with:

• Official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions received and verified prior to January 15 
• Test of English Proficiency (TOEFL). For applicants whose native language is not English, submission of a TOEFL score which meets or exceeds the minimum passing scores by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - Ad Hoc Committee on English Language Proficiency, is required.

Complete the application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).  You will also need to supply:

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant and preparation for graduate study.
• A statement of intent which describes the applicant’s prior coursework, reason for pursuing this degree, professional objectives, and why NMU is a good fit for his or her experience and future profession. 

Application Timeline

Applications, including all requirements, are due January 15.  Applications received after January 15 may be considered on a space-available basis.  Students are admitted for the summer semester.  All steps must be completed and admission requirements met for your applicaiton to be reviewed by the school. 

• Program Interviews - These will be scheduled with each applicant and will take place during February each year.
• Program Selection Decision - Students will be notified of admission or non-admission to the MS-SLP program between March and August of each year.
• Program Commitment by Student - Students will be required to either accept or decline admission into the MS-SLP program by April 15 unless they are on a waiting list for the program.
• Students begin the MS-SLP program - Students who have been admitted and have accepted their offer to begin the MS-SLP program, will begin the program in the second summer session of each year.

After Admission to the Program

Once admitted into the MS-SLP program, enrollment is contingent on the student’s successful completion of the following, at the student’s expense:

• A criminal background and fingerprint check.
• Proof of a negative drug screen, vaccinations, and TB test in accordance with affiliate policies. 
• Proof of current certification in CPR/AED at the healthcare provider level.  Refresher courses will be offered as needed. 
• Proof of current health insurance to meet off-campus internship requirements.