Student Learning Outcomes

When students graduate from the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, they will realize these outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate prerequisite knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and the social/behavioral sciences.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases (CFCC Standard III-B).
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders, including their etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates (CFCC Standard III-C)
   • articulation
   • fluency
   • voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation
   • receptive and expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and manual modalities
   • hearing, including the impact on speech and language
   • swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding; orofacial myofunction)
   • cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive functioning)
   • social aspects of communication (including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, lack of communication opportunities)
   • communication modalities (including oral, manual, augmentative, and alternative communication techniques and assistive technologies)
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates of the disorders (CFCC Standard III-D)
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of standards of ethical conduct (ASHA Standard III-E)
6. Students will demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research and the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice (CFCC Standard III-F).
7. Students will demonstrate knowledge of contemporary professional issues (CFCC Standard III-G).
8. Students will demonstrate knowledge about certification, specialty recognition, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials (CFCC Standard III-H).
9. Students will demonstrate skill in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice (CFCC Standard IV-B).
10. Students will demonstrate the following evaluation skills in relation to the specific areas outlined in student learning outcome 3 (ASHA Standard IV-G)
    • Conduct screening and prevention procedures (including prevention activities).
    • Collect case history information and integrate information from clients/patients, family, caregivers, teachers, relevant others, and other professionals.
    • Select and administer appropriate evaluation procedures, such as behavioral observations, non-standardized and standardized tests, and instrumental procedures.
    • Adapt evaluation procedures to meet client/patient needs.
    • Interpret, integrate, and synthesize all information to develop diagnoses and make appropriate recommendations for intervention.
    • Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support evaluation. • Refer clients/patients for appropriate services.
11. Students will demonstrate the following intervention skills in relation to the specific areas outlined in student learning outcome 3 (ASHA Standard IV-G)
    • Develop setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients'/patients' needs. Collaborate with clients/patients and relevant others in the planning process.
    • Implement intervention plans (involve clients/patients and relevant others in the intervention process).
    • Select or develop and use appropriate materials and instrumentation for prevention and intervention.
    • Measure and evaluate clients'/patients' performance and progress. • Modify intervention plans, strategies, materials, or instrumentation as appropriate to meet the needs of clients/patients.
    • Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support intervention. • Identify and refer clients/patients for services as appropriate.
12. Students will demonstrate the following interaction and personal qualities in relation to the specific areas outlined in student learning outcome 3 (ASHA Standard IV-G)
    • Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client/patient, family, caregivers, and relevant others.
    • Collaborate with other professionals in case management.
    • Provide counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to clients/patients, family, caregivers, and relevant others.
    • Adhere to the ASHA Code of Ethics and behave professionally.
13. Students will summarize the roles and responsibilities of other professionals who work in education and health care related fields.