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2015-2016 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Speech-Language Pathology: Non-Thesis Track, MS
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 Return to: Degree and Certificate Programs
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Communication Disorders and Sciences: Admission Requirements
Application for admission to the Doctor of Audiology or the Master of Science In Speech-Language Pathology program Is through a central application system. Refer to the programs’ Web pages for more information. The application deadline for both programs is January 1 for matriculation the following fall.
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
At the time of application, individuals should have completed or be in the process of completing the baccalaureate degree at accredited institutions. The baccalaureate degree must be completed before commencing work at Rush University. Students entering the program must have successfully completed coursework in introduction to audiology, phonetics, normal speech and language development, speech and hearing science, speech and hearing anatomy and physiology and statistics. In addition, entering students must have transcript credit for at least one course in each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences (physics and chemistry) and social/behavioral sciences. Applicants should check the program Web page for additional information about prerequisites.
Admission is granted for the fall quarter of each year. The application file includes a completed application with essay, application fee, three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s academic background, official transcripts from all universities attended and official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a college degree from a U.S. institution must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The generally applied minimum standards for acceptance into the program are a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) overall (on a 4.0 scale) and a 3.5 in major courses in speech-language pathology or a 3.5 in the prerequisite course content as listed in the application. Scores on the GRE (Verbal and Quantitative) should be at the 50th percentile or higher. The Admissions Committee in the department reviews all applications and makes all admissions decisions.
Technical Standards for the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs
Graduates of speech-language pathology and audiology programs must possess the essential knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care safely and effectively. Rush University has specified the following nonacademic criteria (“technical standards”) that applicants and enrolled students must meet to participate in the education program and the practice of speechlanguage pathology and audiology.
1. Observation
- The student must participate actively in all demonstrations and laboratory exercises in the academic and clinical curricula.
- The student must assess and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned to him or her for examination, diagnosis and treatment.
- Such observation and information acquisition usually requires the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation.
2. Communication
- The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and assess nonverbal communications.
- The student must be able to effectively and efficiently transmit information to patients, fellow students, faculty, staff, family, and other professionals.
- Required communication skills include speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the observation skills described above.
3. Motor
- The student must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients.
- Students must be capable of performing basic diagnostic tests, possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures, and execute the movements reasonably required to provide care to patients.
4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
- The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and apply the critical thinking skills required of a health care professional.
- The student must have the capacity to problem-solve in a timely fashion.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes
- The student must be able to fully utilize his or her intellectual abilities and exercise good judgment. Prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients is required.
- Students must be capable of developing mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and others.
- Students must be able to tolerate taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
- Compassion, integrity, concern for others, commitment, and motivation are personal qualities that each student should possess.
- The student must show respect for individuals with disabilities and for persons of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, races, religions, and/or sexual orientations.
Communication Disorders and Sciences: Academic Policies
The Academic Resources and Policies section of this catalog contains Rush University academic policies.
Academic Progression
Academic probation is assigned to a student who earns a quarterly academic grade point average (GPA) between 2.5 and 2.99 (A = 4.0), and/or whose cumulative academic GPA falls between 2.5 and 2.99 at any time. A remediation plan to address probation will be determined by the student and the student’s academic advisor and documented. A student must earn a quarterly and cumulative academic GPA of 3.0 or greater at the end of the quarter during which the student is on academic probation or be placed again on academic probation. A student who incurs academic probation for the third time will be dismissed from the program, even if the cumulative academic GPA is 3.0 or greater.
A student who earns a grade of “D” or less in a required course must repeat that course or an approved equivalent. In a repeated course, the new grade will replace the earlier grade in the cumulative academic GPA. Failure to receive a grade of “C” or better in a repeated course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who earns a grade of “D” or less in two or more required courses, regardless of the grade earned in a repeated course and regardless of the cumulative academic GPA, will be dismissed from the program.
A student who earns a quarterly academic GPA of less than 2.5 at any point during his or her course of study will be dismissed from the program.
A student who fails to meet the stated criteria for the comprehensive examination will be dismissed from the program.
A cumulative academic GPA of 3.0 or greater is required for graduation.
Clinical Progression
Clinical probation is assigned to a student who earns a grade of “C” or less in a clinical practicum, internship, or externship. Although the clinical contact hours may be used to meet CFCC (ASHA) certification requirements, the student is required to repeat the clinical education course before progressing further in the clinical sequence. A remediation plan to address clinical probation will be determined by the student, the student’s academic advisor, and the clinical education manager and will be documented. Failure to achieve a grade of “B” or higher in any subsequent clinical education course will result in dismissal from the program.
The faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student whose conduct or performance demonstrates lack of fitness for continuance in a health profession. Any such student not voluntarily withdrawing will be dismissed from the program.
Interrupted Program
Any student who wishes or needs to interrupt their program must fulfill the following requirements:
Meet with his/her academic advisor and the Program Director to work out a plan of action before leaving the program.
Complete all degree requirements within four years (master’s program) and eight years (doctoral program) of the beginning of the first quarter in which the full-time student is enrolled in the department.
Follow all appropriate leave of absence/withdrawal procedures and policies as defined by Rush University.
Academic Appeal and Grievance
See the CDS Student Manual for the policy on academic appeal and grievance and for other policies. The department follows procedures outlined in the College of Health Sciences Student Academic Appeal and Grievance Procedures. Students who wish to file a complaint related to compliance with an accreditation standard may contact the Council on Academic Accreditation at: Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd, #310, Rockville, MD 20850 (800-498- 2071 or 301-296-5700).
Clinical Education Experiences in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Clinical training occurs throughout the curriculum, including both patient experiences and clinical methods coursework. Enrollment in each quarter of practicum, internship, or externship is contingent upon satisfactory completion (grade “B” or better) of the previous quarter’s clinical education course. Clinical experiences include direct and indirect patient care activities across the scope of practice with diverse populations from all age groups at both on- and off-campus facilities.
Graduation Requirements
The requirements for the Master of Science degree in speechlanguage pathology and the Doctor of Audiology degree include a cumulative academic GPA of 3.0 or greater and successful completion of the comprehensive examination. Audiology students also must complete their Investigative Project. Thesis students must successfully complete the thesis process in lieu of passing a comprehensive examination.
All master’s degree requirements must be completed within 48 months from the beginning of the first quarter in which a full-time student is enrolled in the program. Requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed within eight years of the beginning of the first quarter in which a full-time student is enrolled. Students must complete the number of quarter hours required by the program. Refer to the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences Student Manual for additional discussion about graduation and degree progression.
Educational Activities
The Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences provides professional education and training in speech-language pathology and audiology. Its programs are notable in that the education of speech-language pathologists and audiologists are enhanced by the opportunities, resources, and facilities provided by a world-class academic medical center. In addition to didactic and clinical activities, students and faculty participate in journal clubs, rounds, and student/faculty development sessions. Students and faculty benefit from presentations by distinguished guests who share research and clinical expertise in audiology or speechlanguage pathology. Special seminars and presentations on various health care topics are available to students throughout Rush University Medical Center. Faculty members are involved in the education of residents and students in Rush Medical College. Faculty members participate in grand rounds for various medical specialties and provide in-service programs on campus for staff at Rush University Medical Center and at the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center.
Research Activities
Faculty members are involved in interprofessional and translational research in the areas of audiology, hearing science and speech-language pathology. Projects include cochlear implant processing, working memory and communication, adult speech disorders, dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, language and literacy in children, quality of life and hearing aids, aging and hearing loss and many other topics related to human communication. Faculty members publish in professional journals and present at international, national and state meetings. Summaries of faculty research and professional activities are available online at the Department’s Web site. Students are encouraged to participate in the research process, including development of hypotheses, data collection, and presentation or publication of results.
Thesis
The faculty’s commitment to research and the belief that an appreciation of scientific endeavors is critical to the clinical process provide the basis for an optional thesis. Many students in graduate school choose to do a thesis, thereby gaining valuable research experience. A thesis project is databased and may be an original or replication study. Often students present the results of their research at a professional meeting or publish results in a professional journal. The thesis project is optional in the speech-language pathology curriculum, and students are encouraged to consider choosing this option. Audiology students have the opportunity to complete a thesis in lieu of the Investigative Project. The complete thesis policy is found in the Student Manual for the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences.
Investigative Project
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Audiology program complete the Investigative Project during the third year of the curriculum. The objectives of the Investigative Project are to synthesize a body of literature related to a specific topic in audiology, to cultivate professional writing skills, to acquire didactic skills for dissemination of professional information and to develop organizational and verbal tools needed for professional presentations. Ordinarily, the investigative project includes three options: 1) Evidence-based Practice Systematic Review; 2) Experimental Project; or 3) Professional/Clinical Project . A complete description of the Investigative Project is found in the Student Manual for the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences. Students are expected to submit the completed project for presentation at a state or national professional meeting or for publication.
Service Activities
The faculty provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to a large clinical population, both inpatients and outpatients. In addition, faculty and students participate in community and professional activities on the local, national and international level. Students and faculty participate in health fairs, screenings and other service activities throughout the year. Faculty provides leadership, editorial and committee service to state and national scientific and professional associations.
Communication Disorders and Sciences: Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum
Hours Required for MS Degree: 108
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