Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Advisors: Clarke, Epstein, Gray, Raggio, Soto, Sundarrajan, Yu

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. In addition, coursework in biological sciences, physical sciences (either physics or chemistry), statistics, and social sciences is required before admission to the graduate program. These courses may have been completed for an undergraduate degree to fulfill general education requirements and would be acceptable, in addition to an undergraduate major in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, or an equivalent at the post-baccalaureate level. See department and program websites for academic and faculty information at slhs.sfsu.edu

Admission to Program

Admission to the graduate program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is a two-step process that should be completed simultaneously. Annual admissions are for fall semesters only.

  1. Apply to San Francisco State University: Complete the online Cal State Apply application at https://www.calstate.edu/apply. Follow all other requirements for admission to the University by accessing grad.sfsu.edu.
  2. Selection through departmental review is based on the following criteria:  
  • Academic performance
  • Interpersonal/team skills
  • Writing Skills
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion & social justice

Further details of admission requirements:

  • Completion of the SF State Level I Written English Proficiency (WEP) requirement must be met before admission, and is determined through a review of the statement of purpose.  
  • A completed program application form, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation from former professors or individuals conversant with work with speech, language, and/or hearing disabled individuals must be submitted.
  • Evidence of satisfactory completion of ASHA Standard IV-A prerequisites (https://www.asha.org/certification/2020-slp-certification-standards/#4), and an undergraduate degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or completion of equivalent courses, which are prerequisites to the graduate courses in the program. Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences will be required to complete equivalent coursework before admission as a graduate student.
  • Evidence of completion of CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) or equivalent (https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667).  
  • Only if recommended for admission to the program, a Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/certificate-of-clearance-(cl-900)).  

When accepted into the program, attend the program orientation to receive advising.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze communication and swallowing processes and disorders across the lifespan using anatomic, physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural correlates.
    (Standard IV-B and Standard IV-C)
    (assumes Standard IV-A is a prerequisite for IV-B and IV-C)
  2. Plan and conduct appropriate evaluation and screening procedures to develop a diagnosis and make recommendations for intervention, prevention, or referral that reflect current knowledge, research, and standards of prevention, assessment, and intervention. (Standard IV-D, Standard IV-F and Standard V-B (1)
  3. Plan and conduct appropriate evaluation and screening procedures to develop a diagnosis and make recommendations for intervention, prevention, or referral that reflect current knowledge, research, and standards of prevention, assessment, and intervention. (Standard IV-D, Standard IV-F and Standard V-B (1)
  4. Plan and conduct appropriate interventions with measurable and achievable goals; measure, evaluate, and report on client progress; modify plan as needed in response to progress. (Standard V-B (2)
  5. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills appropriate for clinical professional interventions with clients, family, caregivers, peers, and administrative groups. (Standard V-A)
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.  (Standard IV-F)
  7. Contribute to the care of an individual in a culturally sensitive way, working as part of a team of caregivers, providing counseling, and adhering to the ASHA Code of Ethics.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary professional issues including local, state, and national regulations, certifications, licensure, professional practice, legal requirements, and ASHA ethical principles and standards. (Standard IV-E, IV-G, IV-H)

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (M.S.) — 61 units minimum

Academic Courses (38 units)

SLHS 701Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences3
SLHS 702Social Communication Development3
SLHS 703Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practices, and Professional Issues3
SLHS 707Serving School Communities in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences3
SLHS 708Neurogenic Disorders of Language3
SLHS 709Speech Sound Production3
SLHS 710Seminar in Dysphagia3
SLHS 714Interprofessional Education & Family-Centered Practice (1 Unit Course, Taken Twice)2
Select One: 13
SPED 743
Issues in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
SPED 746
Teaching Individuals with Physical and Other Health Impairments
SLHS 754Voice and Resonance3
SLHS 755Fluency Disorders3
SLHS 756Right Hemisphere Syndrome, TBI, Dementia in Communicative Disabilities3
SLHS 757Aural Rehabilitation3
1

Students should only take SPED 746 if an undergraduate course in Augmentative and Alternative Communication was completed before entering the program.

Clinical Practicum (6 units)

SLHS 713Seminar in Therapy (1 Unit Course, Taken Twice)2
SLHS 880Advanced Communication Therapy (2 Unit Course, Taken Twice )4

Internships (14 units)

SLHS 712Internship Workshop Seminar: Communicative Disabilities (1 Unit Course, Taken Twice)2
SLHS 882Advanced Internship (6 unit Course, Take Twice)12

Culminating Experience (3–6 units)

Select One of the following Culminating Experience Options:

Plan A3
SLHS 706
Counseling in Communicative Disorders
SLHS 896EXM
Culminating Experience Examination
Plan B6
SLHS 706
Counseling in Communicative Disorders
SLHS 898
Master's Thesis in Communicative Disorders
Plan C6
SLHS 706
Counseling in Communicative Disorders
SPED 895
Field Study: Special Education