Goals and Objectives of the Speech-Language Pathology Program

Academic courses and clinical practicum are designed to achieve the behavioral outcomes listed below. The objectives of this program are reflected in both program and course content.

Graduates of the program are expected to:

• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental and linguistic and cultural bases.
• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of the nature of speech, language, hearing and communication disorders and differences, and swallowing disorders, including their etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental and linguistic and cultural correlates.
• Learn and demonstrate understanding of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of their anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental and linguistic and cultural correlates of the disorders.
• Complete diagnostic evaluations of speech, language, and hearing disorders for diverse populations of persons with communication and swallowing disorders in all age groups across the life span. This would include screening, gathering and integrating case history information, and using appropriate evaluation procedures in the reporting of information to colleagues and families.
• Plan and execute treatment programs for diverse populations of persons with communication and swallowing disorders in all age groups across the life span.
• Demonstrate the ability to incorporate the use of technology into clinical practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical and research ethics in the academic and professional setting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relation between research and treatment by being able to relate research findings to clinical practice.
• Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Satisfy the academic and practicum requirements for obtaining the ASHA Certification of Clinical Competence, the New York State Professional License in Speech-Language Pathology and New York State Certification at the completion of the M.S. degree requirements.