B.S./M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

A five-year combined BS/MS in speech-language pathology is available to highly qualified undergraduate students who are also seeking the graduate degree.  Application to this accelerated program takes place in the junior year.  A minimum major GPA of 3.5, successful completion of a clinical semester, and demonstration of professional skills and college-level writing must be met for admission.  Graduate coursework begins in the last semester of the senior year, allowing students to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees in 12 semesters, rather than the 14 semesters required by the traditional undergraduate and graduate programs.

Student Accounts and Financial Aid Note:  During the first four years of this program, full-time enrolled students will be charged full-time undergraduate tuition and fees and they will continue to receive all eligible Nazareth College undergraduate scholarships.  All federal financial aid (Direct Loans, Parent PLUS loans, PELL grant, SEOG, Perkins, etc.)  and  NYS financial aid (NYS TAP , NYS Merit, etc. ) eligibility will be based solely upon undergraduate coursework required for undergraduate degree completion, particularly during the spring semester of the senior year.  After the completion of the senior year, and after a BS.CSD degree has been conferred, the student will be charged graduate tuition and fees and they will be eligible for graduate federal student aid only; Nazareth College undergraduate scholarships will no longer be awarded.

Program  Information

The major in communication sciences and disorders provides a strong foundation in communication and basic speech and hearing sciences. As part of a pre-professional program in speech-language pathology and audiology, students explore the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of speech, hearing, and language to prepare for graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, and other fields. Students who follow the major sequence and satisfy course requirements and competencies, and who meet major GPA requirements, may apply to do closely-supervised clinical work in the on-campus Speech and Language Clinic or in off-campus experiential learning opportunities. Information about the graduate component of this program is available in the graduate catalog.

Certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech & Language Disabilities (TSSLD) is the credential needed to work as a speech-language pathologist in schools in New York State.  Students who fulfill pre-requisites and meet GPA requirements may complete some preparatory coursework and clinical experience in the CSD undergraduate program. Student teaching and related coursework for initial certification as a TSSLD is an option in the Nazareth College graduate program in speech-language pathology. 

Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes

1. CSD undergraduates demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases.
2. CSD undergraduates demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences, including their etiologies, characteristics, anatomic/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural correlates.

SLO for the optional clinical/teacher certification track:

1. CSD undergraduates who participate in clinical experiences demonstrate knowledge and skills related to prevention, assessment, and intervention for individuals with communication disorders.