The department offers a program leading to the Master of Arts or Master of Science degrees with specialization in speech-language pathology. The Council for Accreditation of Academic Programs (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits the SPHR graduate program. Graduates of the program meet the requirements for clinical certification of the CAA and are eligible for licensure as speech-language pathologists by the state of Oregon.
The graduate curriculum includes courses aimed at providing students with a solid understanding of the nature of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders as well as the screening, assessment, and treatment of those disorders. A second major component of the program consists of supervised clinical practica in which students work directly with individuals who have swallowing, cognition, and/or communication disorders, challenges, or differences. This type of activity enables students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom and acquire requisite professional skills by partnering with clients from different backgrounds and of all ages. Students obtain practical experience through department-based clinics and in a broad range of externship community placements, including medical and educational settings.
Admission requirements
In addition to the University requirements for admission to graduate programs, candidates for the Master’s degree program in speech-language pathology must have a background of undergraduate courses in speech and hearing sciences and related disciplines. The following courses (or their equivalents) are required prerequisites:
Prerequisites
Courses
| SpHr 370 | Phonetics and Acoustics | 4 |
| SpHr 371 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing | 4 |
| SpHr 372U | Speech and Language Development in Children | 4 |
| SpHr 461 | Neurology of Speech and Hearing | 4 |
| SpHr 487 | Hearing Sciences | 4 |
| SpHr 488 | Clinical Audiology | 4 |
| SpHr 489 | Aural Rehabilitation | 4 |
| | | |
| Stat 243 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics I | 4 |
| | And | |
| Stat 244 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics II | 4 |
These prerequisites can be met by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Portland State University or elsewhere. Individuals with Bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines may complete prerequisite courses by enrolling in the Department as a post-baccalaureate student. All prerequisites must be completed within 5 years of beginning the graduate program.
Strongly Recommended - note: the following are listed on the undergraduate degree program, not the postbaccalaureate program
The following courses are strongly recommended:
Courses
| SpHr 380 | Language Disorders in Children | 4 |
| SpHr 464 | Speech Disorders in Children | 4 |
| SpHr 495 | Neurogenic Communication Disorders | 4 |
| SpHr 496 | Introduction to Clinical Management | 4 |
All students applying for admission to the Master’s degree program should also have successfully completed one or more courses in each of the following areas: statistics (a stand alone Statistics course), biological science, physical sciences (Physics or Chemistry), and social/behavioral sciences (see current ASHA Certification Standards).
Students may apply for admission to the master’s degree program while in the process of completing their Bachelor’s degree or post-baccalaureate coursework. Completion of the prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission into the program.
Application procedure
Candidates applying for admission to the graduate program in Speech and Hearing Sciences must submit application packets to both the Department and the PSU Admissions Office, as outlined in Master of Arts and Master of Science (M.A. and M.S.). All applicants should review the required essential functions to practice as a speech-language pathologist (see www.pdx.edu/sphr/essential-functions ). Specific requirements of the Department include:
- Three letters of reference completed by individuals closely acquainted with the applicant’s academic or employment background. We recommend at least two letters address academic abilities and potential to succeed in the graduate program.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Official scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- A written narrative (Personal Statement) outlining the candidate’s academic background and professional goals.
Detailed information regarding the application process can be obtained from the Web site: www.pdx.edu/sphr.