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Program Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time, two-year, post-baccalaureate professional degree offered to students who are interested in completing graduate level training in this field. Students will complete the academic and clinical standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in order to be eligible for certification in Speech-Language Pathology. Students who complete this program will also be eligible for state licensure.

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Program Requirements

This six semester degree requires the completion of 59 credits for the non-thesis track and 65 credits for the thesis track. At the end of the program, students will be eligible to take the national Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology and will be eligible for certification by ASHA. 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.

Program Faculty & Staff Members

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Shaun Thunell - A smiling man with short hair wears a green vest with a logo over a green-and-white checkered shirt. The background is plain light gray.

Shaun O. Thunell, D.C., M.Ed, R.T.(R)(ARRT)

Associate Dean/Director School of Clinical Sciences

sthunell@nmu.edu 906-227-2868

Office Location:

3513 The Science Building

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Heather Isaacson - A person with shoulder-length dark hair smiles while wearing a grey blazer over a polka dot top. The background is a soft, dark tone.

Heather Isaacson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program Director / Assistant Professor

hisaacso@nmu.edu 906-227-1765

Office Location:

1511 The Science Building

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Maryam Khaledi - A woman with dark hair tied back wears a checkered blazer over a black top. She has a neutral expression and is standing against a plain white background.

Maryam Khaledi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

mkhaledi@nmu.edu 906-227-1121

Office Location:

1509 The Science Building

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Diane Jandron - A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and glasses is smiling. She is wearing a navy blue top and a gray blazer. The background is a plain light gray.

Diane Jandron, M.A., CCC-SLP

Director of Clinical Education

dsavolai@nmu.edu 906-227-2085

Office Location:

1503 The Science Building

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Kate Keranen - A woman with long hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark denim jacket over a black top. The background shows an indoor setting with soft lighting and blurred furniture.

Kate Keranen

Executive Administrative Assistant for the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program

katkeran@nmu.edu 906-227-2095

Office Location:

1513 The Science Building

Program Details

Courses listed below are required of all students seeking the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology:  

Total Credits Required for the Degree59-65
Core CurriculumCredits
AIS 535 Using Scholarly Library Resources in Support of Graduate Research2
SL 541 Counseling for Communication Disorders2
SL 542 Dysphagia (Adult and Pediatric)3
SL 543 Augmentative and Alternative Communication2
SL 550 Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders3
SL 552 Voice and Velopharyngeal Disorders3
SL 553 Language Disorders in Early Childhood3
SL 554 Language Disorders in School-Age Children3
SL 555 Fluency Disorders3
SL 557 Motor Speech Disorders3
SL 558 Aphasia3
SL 559 Neurocognitive Disorders3
SL 560 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology2
SL 561 Clinical Practicum (on-campus)3
SL 563 Clinical Practicum (educational setting) 3
SL 564 Clinical Practicum (medical setting)3
SL 565 Clinical Practicum (other setting) 3
SL 566 Externship in Speech-Language Pathology10

Additional Requirements:

This program offers two tracks which include a non-thesis option and thesis option. The following are the additional courses required to complete the degree. Students select one track and communicate that choice to the Program Director no later than October 31 of the first fall semester of the program.

Non Thesis Option (for students interested in a clinical career track):
SL 567 Case Study Paper (this paper will coincide with the SL 566 Externship)2 cr.
Thesis Option: 
SL 589 Research1-6 cr.
SL 599 Thesis1-4 cr.
GD 599 Thesis Completion0 cr.

(A minimum of 4 credits of Research and 4 credits of Thesis are required for graduation for those students who have chosen this track.)

Download a sequence of course charts.

Admission Requirements 

Students seeking admission to graduate courses must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year institution or an equivalent foreign institution and satisfy the admission requirements listed below. The program is designed for students with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution seeking admission to an entry-level graduate program in speech-language pathology. 

Application Timeline: Applications are due January 15 for summer two admission. 

Students should submit an application to both the College of Graduate Studies and Research and the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

Application  

  • Submit a completed Application for Admission to the College of Graduate Studies. This application is for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in one of the NMU graduate level programs.
  • Submit the required materials to CSDCAS website: https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicantux/#/login 

Student must meet the following criteria by the CSDCAS application deadline 

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and no grade lower than a B- in any undergraduate speech and hearing coursework.
  • Complete all prerequisites before the start of the program.
    • 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.
    • Prerequisite coursework includes all of the following:
      • Anatomy and Physiology
      • Phonetics
      • 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
  • Submit the NMU College of Graduate Studies application and the CSDCAS application by the preferred application deadline.
  • Official transcripts must be received and verified by the 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. 

Required CSDCAS Application Documents 

Application deadline is January 15. Other applications may be considered based on available spots within the program.

Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant and preparation for graduate study. 

A statement of intent must be included that describes the applicant’s prior coursework and reason for pursuing this 
degree, professional objectives, and why NMU is a good fit for his or her experience and future profession.

A Guide for Future Practitioners in Speech-Language Pathology: Core Functions

Reference: Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2023). A guide for future practitioners in audiology and speech-language pathology: Core functions. https://www.capcsd.org/academic-and-clinical-resources/

This guide is intended for individuals seeking a career in speech-language pathology. It identifies the core functions that individuals of such programs typically are expected to employ in didactic and clinical experiences to acquire the knowledge and demonstrate the competencies that will lead to graduation and successful entry into professional practice. 

The term “core functions” refers to behavioral or cognitive functions that an individual must be able to perform with or without accommodations necessary to ensure equitable access.

These skills include academic and non-academic components. The program will attempt reasonable accommodations for students, while maintaining the integrity of the curriculum and the elements that are essential to the acquisition of knowledge in all areas of speech-language pathology. 

NMU Disability Services can provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. 


Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2023)

COMMUNICATION

Statements in this section acknowledge that audiologists and speech-language pathologists must communicate in a way that is understood by their clients/patients and others. It is recognized that linguistic, paralinguistic, stylistic, and pragmatic variations are part of every culture, and accent, dialects, idiolects, and communication styles can differ from general American English expectations. Communication may occur in different modalities depending on the joint needs of involved parties and may be supported through various accommodations as deemed reasonable and appropriate to client/patient needs. Some examples of these accommodations include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, written displays, voice amplification, attendant-supported communication, oral translators, assistive listening devices, sign interpreters, and other non-verbal communication modes.

  • Employ oral, written, auditory, and non-verbal communication at a level sufficient to meet academic and clinical competencies
  • Adapt communication style to effectively interact with colleagues, clients, patients, caregivers, and invested parties of diverse backgrounds in various modes such as in person, over the phone, and in electronic format.

MOTOR 

Statements in this section acknowledge that clinical practice by audiologists and speech-language pathologists involves a variety of tasks that require manipulation of items and environments. It is recognized that this may be accomplished through a variety of means, including, but not limited to, independent motor movement, assistive technology, attendant support, or other accommodations/modifications as deemed reasonable to offer and appropriate to client/patient needs.

  • Engage in physical activities at a level required to accurately implement classroom and clinical responsibilities (e.g., manipulating testing and therapeutic equipment and technology, client/patient equipment, and practice management technology) while retaining the integrity of the process
  • Respond in a manner that ensures the safety of clients and others

INTELLECTUAL / COGNITIVE 

Statements in this section acknowledge that audiologists and speech-language pathologists must engage in critical thinking, reasoning, and comprehension and retention of information required in clinical practice. It is recognized that such skills may be fostered through a variety of means, including assistive technology and /or accommodations/modifications as deemed reasonable and appropriate to client/patient needs.

  • Retain, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply auditory, written, and oral information at a level sufficient to meet curricular and clinical competencies
  • Employ informed critical thinking and ethical reasoning to formulate a differential diagnosis and create, implement, and adjust evaluation and treatment plans as appropriate for the client/patient's needs
  • Engage in ongoing self-reflection and evaluation of one's existing knowledge and skills
  • Critically examine and apply evidence-based judgment in keeping with best practices for client/patient care

SENSORY/OBSERVATIONAL

Statements in this section acknowledge that audiologists and speech-language pathologists use auditory, visual, tactile, and olfactory information to guide clinical practice. It is recognized that such information may be accessed through a variety of means, including direct sensory perception and /or adaptive strategies. Some examples of these strategies include visual translation displays, text readers, assistive listening devices, and perceptual descriptions by clinical assistants.

  • Access sensory information to differentiate functional and disordered auditory, oral, written, and visual communication
  • Access sensory information to correctly differentiate anatomical structures and diagnostic imaging findings
  • Access sensory information to correctly differentiate and discriminate text, numbers, tables, and graphs associated with diagnostic instruments and tests

INTERPERSONAL 

Statements in this section acknowledge that audiologists and speech-language pathologists must interact with a diverse community of individuals in a manner that is safe, ethical, and supportive. It is recognized that personal interaction styles may vary by individuals and cultures and that good clinical practice honors such diversity while meeting this obligation.

  • Display compassion, respect, and concern for others during all academic and clinical interactions
  • Adhere to all aspects of relevant professional codes of ethics, privacy, and information management policies
  • Take personal responsibility for maintaining physical and mental health at a level that ensures safe, respectful, and successful participation in didactic and clinical activities.

CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS

Statements in this section acknowledge that audiologists and speech-language pathologists have an obligation to practice in a manner responsive to individuals from different cultures, linguistic communities, social identities, beliefs, values, and worldviews. This includes people representing a variety of abilities, ages, cultures, dialects, disabilities, ethnicities, genders, gender identities or expressions, languages, national/regional origins, races, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and lived experiences.

  • Engage in ongoing learning about cultures and belief systems different from one's own and the impacts of these on healthcare and educational disparities to foster effective provision of services.
  • Demonstrate the application of culturally responsive evidence-based decisions to guide clinical practice

The Northern Michigan University Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program strives to provide an active learning environment to foster the development of Speech Language Pathologists with the knowledge, ability, and attributes to serve the regional and diverse global community with skills, respect and compassion.

NMU MSSLP Strategic Plan

The Master of Science Program in Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Michigan University aims to develop high quality Speech-Language Pathologists through a combination of coursework, supervised clinical training, service experiences and research.  This foundation will provide students with the opportunities to develop the clinical skills and knowledge, critical thinking skills, and professional ethics to guide them throughout their careers. Graduates will have the skills needed to improve the lives of individuals with a diverse set of communication needs and disorders.

Logo of "Council on Academic Accreditation." The text includes "Candidate" and "Speech-Language Pathology." A blue curved line partially encircles the words.

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 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 “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

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Next Steps

If you want to learn more about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program, contact us, request information, or apply online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 906-227-2095

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