Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MS Program accredited?
The master of science program in speech-language pathology at La Salle University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850-3289 (301.296.5700).
Will I receive teacher certification in Pennsylvania?
Speech-Language Pathology graduate students can pursue one of two types of certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). La Salle University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is a PDE approved preparation program for both certification types. Teacher of Speech and Language Impaired Instructional I Certificate allows school-based speech-language pathologists to be assigned and evaluated as classroom teachers, in addition to performing typical speech-language pathology duties. School Speech-Pathologist Educational Specialist Certificate I is a non-teaching certification that recognizes Speech-Language Pathology as a unique specialized profession with roles and responsibilities both aligned with and separate from classroom teachers. This certification does not allow the SLP to be assigned as a classroom teacher.
Any candidate applying for either certification is required by Pennsylvania State Board regulations to pass the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (NESPA) PRAXIS test. Information about the Praxis Series Tests is available in the Program Director’s office. (St. Benilde 2201). Candidates who apply for the Teacher of Speech and Language Impaired, Instructional I Certification are also required to take the PRAXIS II test, complete approved education courses and an approved student teaching practicum (COSD 521).
Other states’ requirements may differ and may also require prospective candidates to take additional examinations. In addition to all of the requirements for completion of the Master’s degree, candidates for both PDE certificates must be recommended by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty. Recommendations are predicated upon successful completion of all course requirements with the required Grade Point Average (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Communication Sciences and Disorders courses).
Which documents do I need to submit for an application?
All application materials must be submitted through the CSDCAS Portal. Please do not send any materials directly to La Salle University; they will not be considered as part of your application. Required materials include the following:
- Online application through CSDCAS including the CSDCAS processing fee. La Salle University does not require any supplemental or additional application fees.
- A personal essay in response to the following prompt: “Being an effective speech-language pathologist is both an art and a science. As a graduate student you will be expected to do well academically and clinically. In no more than 400 words, please describe an experience highlighting the personal qualities you possess illustrating that you will be a successful clinician.”
- Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be provided by someone who taught you during your college career and can speak about the quality of your academic work and your ability to succeed in a graduate program.
- Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate studies and graduate studies.
- Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years. GRE scores must be sent directly to CSDCAS, using the designated institution code assigned to La Salle University. This code is 0717.
Where will I do my clinical practicum?
In accord with ASHA certification requirements, the SLP graduate program offers clinical education at various practicum sites. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has established strong ties with more than 250 schools, hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation facilities in the greater Philadelphia area for supervised clinical practicum affiliations.
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders opened the La Salle University Speech-Language-Hearing Community Clinic at St. Benilde Tower in Spring of 2008. Communication Sciences and Disorders students have observational and clinical practicum opportunities at this site while receiving close supervision and instruction from La Salle University faculty members.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Click here if you want to apply online now.
When may I be admitted to the program?
Students are admitted for the Fall term only which begins in late August. Completed applications must be submitted to and verified by CSDCAS by February 1.
Where are courses offered and when are they offered?
All courses are offered on the main campus of the University at 20th Street and Olney Avenue in Philadelphia on weekday late afternoons and evenings. However, clinical practicum experiences at our affiliate sites are during business hours.
How many credit hours are required to complete the program and how long does it take to finish the program?
A minimum of 60 semester credit hours is required for completion of the program. Students may have to complete more credits hours to meet certification standards. Typically, this is accomplished in two years, including the summer sessions (5 semesters). The master’s program is a full-time cohort program.
What are the costs of the program?
Specific tuition information can be found on the Financial Aid website.
What financial aid is available to me?
Some graduate assistantships are available.
Federal Direct Loans are available to graduate students who are either US-citizens or permanent residents. Information on the loans may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office at 215.951.1070. The University also provides students with the option of deferred payment, so that students may pay in installments over the course of the semester. Information on this plan may be obtained from the Office of Student and Accounts Receivable at 215.951.1055.
Is it possible to transfer credits from another MS Program?
Students may transfer up to nine credits from another graduate speech-language pathology program. A grade of “B” or better is required in classes transferred, and each request is evaluated by the Graduate Program Director on its own merits.
What do I do if I have a complaint or concern?
You can contact the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) directly with any complaints or concerns that you may have regarding the SLP Program’s compliance with accreditation standards. To contact the CAA, you can write to theAccreditation Office at ASHA, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850; call ASHA’s Action Center at 800.498.2071; or e-mail to accreditation@asha.org.
Other complaints can be directed to Dr. Jennifer Kleinow, Professor, Chair, and Graduate Director of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at kleinow@lasalle.edu or to Dr. Kathleen Czekanski, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at czekanski@lasalle.edu.
