Master's Degree Program
Degree Awarded:
Master of Education, with a concentration in Speech Pathology
This 2-year program offers an in-depth study of communication disorders. It covers
the topics of human voice, speech fluency, swallowing, speech development, language
development, and cognition. There is an emphasis on communication in culturally and
linguistically diverse populations. Other areas of study include neuroanatomy and
neuropathologies in speech, language and hearing, audiological testing and aural rehabilitation,
and research and assessment methods.
Clinical practica include experiences with children, adolescents, adults and group
therapy. There are practica in aural rehabilitation, student teaching (in a school
setting) and an externship (hospital or rehabilitative center).
Completion of the Master's Degree Program requires completion of a research project
or a passing grade on the department's comprehensive examination. The comprehensive
exam may be taken a total of three (3) times to achieve a passing grade.
Course Sequence
ASHA Basic Science Requirements
All students, regardless of your status in the program (Undergraduate, Extended Master, or Master), must fulfill the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's basic science coursework before graduating from our program. Many years ago, The Clinical Certification Board established this requirement to ensure that SLP professionals have a strong scientific foundation to support their work. As defined by the standards, each student must complete the following:
CATEGORY 1. A course in the Biological Sciences (e.g. Intro to Biology, Intro to Zoology ) or equivalent.
CATEGORY 2. A course in the Behavioral Sciences (e.g. Intro to Psychology, Intro to Sociology or any equivalent course in these disciplines.
CATEGORY 3. A course in the Physical Sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, astronomy) or equivalent
CATEGORY 4. A course in Mathematical Sciences (this is fulfilled through our program requirement to take Math 95 (Statistics) or its equivalent)
CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON TEACHER CREDENTIALING (CCTC) REQUIREMENT
CATEGORY 5. A class in child and adolescent development (satisfied by SJSU's ChAD 60, PSYC 102, or HS 15 - or any equivalent)
This is requirement is necessary to obtain a credential which allows Speech-Language Pathologists to practice in school settings.
Many of you will find that you may already have taken classes in these categories as part of your general education requirements. If that is the case, you do not have to take them again. However, if you have neglected to complete any of these requirements, you must complete them before you are able to graduate from the program.
If you are an SJSU student in the CD&S undergraduate program and you are missing any of the classes listed above, you should plan on completing them at SJSU or a community college during your Senior year.
If you are an Extended Master's student or regular Master's student from another university, you may take these classes anytime and anyplace (e.g.: at a community college, during summer, during winter break, etc.). However, it is our strong advice to each student that you complete these classes before you enter the graduate program. Do so will ease your course load and allow you to focus on speech-language pathology courses and clinics.