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School of Health Professions 2018 - 2019 Catalog

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (SLP)

This program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in audiology and speech-language pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Program Description

Speech-language pathologists specialize in prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Their work involves conducting research; treating individuals with communication disorders, including children with speech-language disorders, people who stutter, stroke survivors, and persons who have swallowing problems; and instructing various others, such as actors and singers, in the preservation of their voices.

After completing two years of graduate study, graduates of the Speech-Language Pathology program will be eligible to pursue a Clinical Fellowship which is required for national certification and state licensure.

Essential Functions

To successfully complete the Speech-Language Pathology program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, an individual must meet the following technical standards:

  1. Observation: Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures. Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.

  2. Communication: Communicate effectively at a level which will support competent professional practice. Communicate professionally on papers required as part of coursework and during clinical work (i.e., clinical interactions and documentation). Use technology to meet requirements of courses and clinical practicum (e.g., computer skills including but not limited to: internet access, word processing and spreadsheet programs, learning management systems, and electronic health records).

  3. Cognition: Comprehend, integrate, and synthesize a large body of information in a short period of time. Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to ensure patient safety. Accurately self-assess clinical skills and academic performance.

  4. Social Behavioral Skills: Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions. Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical situations. Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.

  5. Motor Skills: Sustain necessary physical activity level required for classroom and clinical activities during the defined workday. Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environment, materials, and equipment. Access transportation to attend academic courses and clinical placements.


Admission to the Program

The SLP program begins in August of each year and the application deadline is January 15 of each year for the following fall class. Admission decisions are made by April 15. Class enrollment is limited. Students are required to adhere to all policies as outlined by the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, the School of Health Professions, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Students also have specific rights as outlined in the student handbook.

Application Process

Minimum admission requirements include:

  • Completion of the online application
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate audiology and speech pathology courses
  • A grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses
  • Demonstration of superior oral and written communication skills
  • Scores above the 10th perentile on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical subtest of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Proof of appropriate immunizations against infectious diseases
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if English is the second language
  • An earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in the area of speech, language, and hearing sciences from an accredited institution. Applicants who have earned undergraduate degrees in fields other than speech, language and hearing sciences must complete a post-baccalaureate of science in speech, language, and hearing sciences or undergraduate leveling coursework.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

The following courses are required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

Required Course
Semester Hours

Physical Science (physics or chemistry)

3-4

Biological/Life Science (biology of animals, human genetics, or human anatomy & physiology)

3-4

Social & Behavioral Science

3

Statistics

3


Total Hours = 12-14                

SLP Curriculum

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to maintain good academic standing. By the time of graduation, students are expected to have completed the academic and clinical requirements for professional certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and licensing by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Students are required to successfully pass a comprehensive written examination or successfully defend a formal thesis project under the supervision of a graduate faculty member in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Example Course Sequence

FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5320      Research Principles & Application

3

HPSH 5381      Graduate Clinical Practicum I: SLP

3

HPSH 5424      Pediatric Language Assessment & Intervention

4

HPSH 5463      Adult Language Assessment & Intervention

4


Total Hours = 14   

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5325      Childhood Speech Sound Disorders

3

HPSH 5362      Motor Speech Disorders

3

HPSH 5382      Graduate Clinical Practicum II: SLP

3

HPSH 5430      Dysphagia

4

HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)                                     

1-3


Total Hours = 8-11

Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5215      Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations

2

HPSH 5370      Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology

3

HPSH 5383      Graduate Clinical Practicum III: SLP

3

HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)

1-3

                                                                                                                                                                     

Total Hours = 8-11                  

SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5201      Clinical Instrumentation & Technology for Communication Disorders                 

2

HPSH 5243      Aural Rehabilitation

2

HPSH 5143      Aural Rehabilitation Lab

1

HPSH 5440      Voice & Fluency Disorders

4

HPSH 5384      Graduate Clinical Practicum IV: SLP

3

HPSH 5110      Capstone Course

1

Or


HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)             1-3

Total Hours = 13-16                

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5222      Counseling & Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology

2

HPSH 5239      Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders

2

HPSH 5385      Graduate Clinical Practicum V: SLP

3

HPSH 5366      Augmentative & Alternative Communication

3

HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)                                            

1-3


Total Hours = 11-13    

  • HPSH 5110 Capstone Course (1:1:0,F)

    A comprehensive review of: the nature of human communication and swallowing processes; prevention, assessment, and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders; and research principles and professional issues.

  • HPSH 5143 Aural Rehabilitation Lab (1:0:1,F)

    This laboratory course will allow students the opportunity to obtain hands-on experiences in aural rehabilitation. Course will include hands-on experience related to the use, management, and troubleshooting of hearing aids and FM systems. Cochlear implants, vibrotactile devices, and assistive listening devices will also be introduced.

  • HPSH 5201 Clinical Instrumentation and Technology for Communication (2:2:0,F)

    This course is designed to introduce students to various types of clinical instrumentation and technology used in the provision of speech-language assessment and treatment. Lecture will review basic concepts of acoustic phonetics and lab will include hands-on experience in the use of current and emerging technology.

  • HPSH 5215 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations (2:2:0,O)

    This course examines the cultural, linguistic and social factors involved in assessment and intervention of communication disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations across the lifespan.

  • HPSH 5222 Counseling and Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology (2:2:0,F)

    This course provides an overview of theory and practice of counseling methods and techniques to be used by speech-language pathologists in varied settings with both adult and pediatric populations.

  • HPSH 5239 Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders (2:2:0,F)

    A course designed to prepare students to access and critically evaluate professional literature; integrate valid scientific and clinical evidence with sound professional judgment to make clinical decisions; and apply principles of evidence-based practice to the provision of speech-language pathology services.

  • HPSH 5243 Aural Rehabilitation (2:2:0,F)

    The study of aural habilitation and rehabilitation procedures, intervention techniques, and the use of amplification for hearing-impaired children and adults. Psychosocial issues of hearing loss will be discussed in relation to the hearing impairment as well as the cultural history of the patient.

  • HPSH 5310 Special Topics in Speech Pathology (3:0:3,F)

    Directed study for non-thesis candidates. May be repeated for credit.

  • HPSH 5320 Research Priniciples and Application (3:3:0,F)

    A summary of the basic concepts of science and research. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to become knowledgeable consumers of research and to apply research principles to evidence-based practice.

  • HPSH 5325 Childhood Speech Sound Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    Overview of normal speech acquisition and current approaches to assessment and management of pediatric speech sound disorders.

  • HPSH 5362 Motor Speech Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    A study of the neurologic foundations of speech, speech disorders that can develop as a result of damage to the nervous system, and the ways in which motor speech disorders can be diagnosed and managed.

  • HPSH 5366 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3:3:0,F)

    Examination of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with severe communication disorders, including a perspective on how AAC fits within the broad area of communication development and disorders. Topics include assessment and intervention issues, clinical populations who may require AAC, and research in AAC.

  • HPSH 5370 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology (3:3:0,O)

    An overview of contemporary professional issues and considerations related to SLP practice, including topics such as ethical conduct, caseload/workload issues, certification and licensure, health literacy, supervision of support personnel, reimbursement, and legislation related to the field.

  • HPSH 5381 Graduate Clinical Practicum: SLP (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5382 Graduate Clinical Practicum:SLP II (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5383 Graduate Clinical Practicum SLP III (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5384 Graduate Clinical Practicum: SLP IV (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5385 Graduate Clinical Practicum: SLP V (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5424 Pediatric Language Assessment & Intervention (4:4:0,F)

    Comparison of typical and atypical language in children from infancy through adolescence. Assessment and management strategies for diverse populations, and varied service delivery models.

  • HPSH 5430 Dysphagia (4:3:1,F)

    A detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of normal and disordered swallowing patterns, with discussion of current diagnostic techniques and treatment alternatives. Includes a lab to allow hands-on experience in interpreting swallow studies.

  • HPSH 5440 Fluency & Voice Disorders (4:4:0,F)

    This course provides an introduction to clinical issues of assessment and treatment of stuttering (fluency) and voice disorders in children and adults.

  • HPSH 5463 Adult Language Assessment & Intervention (4:4:0,F)

    Effects of normal aging on communication. Assessment and intervention models for acquired adult language disorders (e.g. aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury). Medical terminology and report writing will also be included.

  • HPSH 6000 Master's Thesis (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    Consent of instructor is required.