Speech-Language Pathology: The UDC Edge

Experience | Commitment | Students First

MS Speech-Language Pathology

Program Description

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology has been in existence for more than 30 years. The program was first accredited in 1981 and has maintained continuous accreditation.

The SLP graduate education program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and has the distinction of being the first accredited training program at a Historically Black College or University. The program has also been designated a Center of Excellence by its University of the District of Columbia peers. The master’s program has a long history of excellence in preparing clinicians to serve children and adults across the communication disorders spectrum, with particular emphasis on sociocultural and sociolinguistic impacts on service delivery. The achievements of program graduates, such as Praxis pass rates and employment rates, support the relevancy and value of the program’s mission, goals, and approaches in the lives of graduates and the clients they serve.

Program Mission

The Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology promotes innovation in scholarship and service. That innovation fosters excellence in evidence-based clinical knowledge and produces effective, engaged practitioners who are compassionate and culturally competent to serve the communication needs of a diverse and global community.

Outcomes for Student Learning

Our outcomes for student learning are fully aligned with the Standards for Speech-Language Pathology clinical certification and required knowledge and skill acquisition defined on the KASA. Program graduates will:

Practice in a manner that is consistent with the professional code of ethics and the scope of practice documents for the profession of speech-language pathology.
Adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies that are related to services provided by speech-language pathologists.
Use the highest level of clinical integrity with each individual served, family members, caregivers, other service providers, students, other consumers, and payers.
Understand and use best professional practices related to maintenance of confidentiality for all individuals in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA requirements.
Use all forms of expressive communication—including written, spoken, and nonverbal communication—with individuals served, family members, caregivers, and any others involved in the interaction to ensure the highest quality of care that is delivered in a culturally competent manner.
Communicate with patients, families, communities, and interprofessional team colleagues and other professionals caring for individuals in a responsive and responsible manner that supports a team approach to maximize care outcomes.
Use valid scientific and clinical evidence in decision-making regarding assessment and intervention.
Use clinical judgment and self-reflection to enhance clinical reasoning.
Access sources of information to support clinical decisions regarding assessment and intervention/management.
Critically evaluate information sources and apply that information to appropriate populations.
Integrate evidence in provision of speech-language pathology services.
Show evidence of care, compassion, and appropriate empathy during interactions with each individual served, family members, caregivers, and any others involved in care.
Understand the impact of his or her own set of cultural and linguistic variables on delivery of effective care; individuals served on delivery of care; and between the caregivers and the individuals served in order to maximize service delivery. These variables include, but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, linguistic background, national origin, race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

Diversity Statement

The Speech-Language Pathology Program values equity and equality in diversity across all stakeholders, not limited to faculty, students, clients, and the surrounding local community. We seek to recruit faculty, staff, and graduate a student population that is diverse, including race, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ability. The program embodies a culturally responsive environment based upon the needs of the community we serve. We offer preparation for our emergent professionals to stand ready in service and answer the call for diverse communities with cultural intelligence, dignity, and respect.

University Anti-Discrimination Policy

The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intra-family offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. This policy covers all programs, services policies, and procedures of the University, including admission to educational programs and employment. The University emphasizes the recruitment of minorities, women, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and other eligible veterans.

Accreditation Status

The master’s (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at the University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800.498.2071 or 301.296.5700

Click here to view accreditation status.

Announcements

MS in Speech-Language Pathology at UDC Named One of the Best for 2018!