Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Department Application and Acceptance Policy

Acceptance as a candidate for the Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Minot State University requires an earned bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or completion of post baccalaureate coursework in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited college or university with an academic grade point average as specified in the criteria below.

Students who don’t meet these coursework requirements have the following option:

  • Apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at MiSU. This is a two-semester leveling program which provides students with prerequisite information necessary for graduate study in the field of speech-language pathology. Additional information about the Post-Baccalaureate program can be found at this website: MinotStateU.edu/cd/majors-and-programs.shtml

To be considered for admission to the graduate program, applicants must have:

  •  A minimum 3.25 grade point average for the last four years or in the last 60 semester hours of study;
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic instructors and/or supervisors (two from within the communication disorders major and one external professional evaluator or three from instructors and supervisors from within communication sciences and disorders) who can attest to the individual’s ability to work in teams, diversity experiences, and community service
  • For Statement of Purpose use this prompt: Describe your experiences that align with our program mission
  • Graduate Program UG Coursework Worksheet
  • A video submission (no more than five minutes in length) that addresses the following: Describe your personal strengths and challenges and how you believe these will contribute to your success as a graduate student and future professional.

Potential students are advised of the following: 

  1. Applications received by Jan. 15 will receive priority consideration although applications will be taken through Feb. 15.
  2. North Dakota students and those who have completed an undergraduate degree or post-baccalaureate program at Minot State will receive priority consideration.

Qualified applicants will be rank ordered based on GPA, letters of recommendation, and responses to the critical thinking/problem-solving questions.

When two or more students receive the same ranking, priority consideration will be given to students with North Dakota residency. In addition, students who have completed an undergraduate degree or post-baccalaureate program at Minot State will receive additional priority consideration as will all students afforded the Freshman Guarantee.

  1. Under rare circumstances, with substantial evidence that a person’s undergraduate record does not appropriately and accurately represent a student’s abilities and promise for graduate study, the Faculty may recommend and the Department Chairperson may approve the acceptance of persons who do not meet the stated minimum requirements for acceptance.

Please note:  These students will be admitted on a probational status and the initial semester of study will serve as the only instance of probation. Any student, admitted under probational terms, not meeting program requirements at the end of the first semester will be dismissed from the program.

  1. If a student enters the program on a full-time basis and has met ASHA requirements for the biological sciences, basic chemistry or physics, statistics, and the social/behavioral sciences, then it is possible to complete the degree in five semesters. Students in the residential program will be on campus for four semesters and will complete an external practicum in their fifth semester. Students in the online program will attend part-time for six semesters with a required summer semester on campus and will complete an external practicum in their seventh and eight semesters.

Academic Honesty and Clinical Ethics Policy

The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders follows Minot State University policies regarding academic honesty. When there is supported evidence of cheating on examinations or other coursework, or a serious violation of privacy laws or the ASHA Code of Ethics, the student will receive a failing grade for the course or practicum and will face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the graduate program.

Academic Honesty and Clinic Ethics Appeal Policy 

Dismissal for academic dishonesty or serious clinical violation can be appealed. A student who wishes to appeal his/her dismissal should follow the appeal process established by the Graduate School.

Grading Scale

92-100 A, 84-91 B, 76-83 C

Anything lower than a “C” grade is considered failure of the course. Any student achieving a grade lower than “C” will be required to re-take and pass the course prior to graduation. Instructors have the right to modify the grading scale lower depending on class achievement. Graduate school policies pertaining to “F” grades apply. See retention requirements.

Completion of a course with a "C" grade may not meet Knowledge Standards required for graduation.

Grade Appeal Policy

The process and conditions for a grade appeal follow the definitions and schedules of the Graduate School. All requests for a grade review must be submitted according to the timelines established by the Graduate School.

Master of Science in Communication Disorders: Speech Language Pathology (62SH Minimum)

Required Courses
CSD 501Introduction to Graduate Studies3
CSD 502Early Interdisciplinary Study3
CSD 520Fluency Disorders3
CSD 512Intermediate Clinical Practicum1-3
CSD 512Intermediate Clinical Practicum1-3
CSD 512Intermediate Clinical Practicum1-3
CSD 512Intermediate Clinical Practicum1-3
CSD 516Public School Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology1-9
or CSD 517 Adv External Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology
CSD 517Adv External Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology1-9
CSD 522Neurogenic Communication Disorders3
CSD 524Motor Speech Disorders2
CSD 526Applied Phonology3
CSD 528Assessment in SLP3
CSD 530Cleft Palate1
CSD 532Voice Disorders3
CSD 534Adolescent Language Disorders2
CSD 535Dysphagia3
CSD 536AAC: Multiple Disabilities3
CSD 538Language and Literacy3
CSD 539Audiology for the SLP2
CSD 540Professional Issues2
CSD 545Public School Methods in SLP2
CSD 590Seminar In Communication Disorders1-3
Optional Courses
CSD 503Grad Seminar In Research1-3
CSD 521Speech-Language-Pathology Development and Disorders4
CSD 555Hearing Loss and Communication1
CSD 589Continuing Enrollment0
CSD 592Special Topics1-3
CSD 597Independent Study1-3
CSD 599Thesis1-3
Total Hours57-91

Faculty

Professor

Lesley Magnus, PhD, CCC-SLP, S-LP(C), Reg. SK

Assistant Professors

Mary Huston, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP
Chair, Program Director

Robyn Walker, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Clinic Director

Shelley Bredin-Oja, PhD, CCC-SLP

Kayla Fisher, MS, CCC-SLP

Leisa Harmon, MS, CCC-SLP

Erin Holt, MS, CCC-SLP

Kara Nunziato, MS, CCC-SLP

Lisa Roteliuk, MS, CCC-SLP

Instructors

Emily Stevens, MS, CCC-SLP

Courtney Olson, MS, CCC-SLP

Adjunct

Amanda Blackwell, EdD, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Steven Moates, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Adjunct