Department website: http://www.MinotStateU.edu/cd

MSU - Speech Language Pathology (minotstateu.edu)
(701) 858-3031 (800) 777-0750 ext. 3031

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Chair:  Dr. Mary Huston
MS Speech-Language Pathology Program Director: Dr. Mary Huston

Minot State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program produces graduates who are eligible for ASHA certification and North Dakota licensure. In addition, students from across the country and Canada acquire state and provincial licensure through the curriculum offered in this program.   

This degree provides theoretical knowledge as well as clinical, and research experiences to prepare graduates for the diverse field of speech-language pathology. Academic course work along with practicum experiences on campus, in schools, hospitals, and various other clinical environments are integral part of the learning experience at Minot State University.

The residential program consists of a minimum of 62 semester hours of graduate credit for a total of five semesters; the final of which is an externship in a placement of the student's choice. The online program is offered part-time and takes eight consecutive online semesters to complete, and your final externship will take place in the seventh and eighth semesters. In addition, students must take and pass oral and written comprehensive examinations or write and successfully defend a thesis.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program [residential and distance] in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at Minot State University 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, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

 

• Initial accreditation was granted to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Minot State University on Aug. 1,1970, and reaccreditation takes place on a recurring schedule. 
• Reaccredited March 1, 2020 - Feb. 29, 2028

All clinical faculty hold the ASHA Certificate for Clinical Competence for their prospective area and are licensed by the North Dakota State Board of Examiners in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Minot State University is to provide entry level speech language professionals who meet the needs of the state and region by:

1. Providing students with high quality educational and clinical experiences
2. Encouraging active engagement through a variety of community service and clinical experiences
3. Delivering integrated experiences that allow students the opportunity to connect theory with practice, work in teams, respect the diversity of today’s world, and understand connections between research, evidence-based practice, and the therapeutic environment

Goals and Outcomes of the Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology:

Student Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Goals	Student Learning Outcomes
SLG 1: Use evidence-based information to plan, conduct, and interpret assessments that identify and assist people with communication, literacy, and swallowing differences and disorders across the discipline and lifespan.	SLO 1: Students will identify environmental, genetic, and acquired conditions that affect communication, literacy, and swallowing/feeding.
	SLO 2: Students will integrate and synthesize information to correctly diagnose the absence or presence of communication, literacy, and swallowing/feeding disorders and make appropriate recommendations.
SLG 2: Apply evidence-based information to develop and implement intervention plans for diverse clinical populations with communication, literacy, and swallowing disorders across the discipline and lifespan.	SLO 1: Students will develop setting appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals.
	SLO 2: Students will provide appropriately sequenced treatment using evidenced-based techniques and strategies, giving clear instruction, and using appropriate models, prompts, and cues.
	SLO 3: Students will measure and evaluate client’s performance and progress.
SLG 3: Communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.	SLO 1: Students will complete written administrative and reporting functions necessary for assessment and intervention.
	SLO 2: Students will communicate effectively; recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of individuals.
SLG 4: Respect the needs of diverse clientele and provide culturally sensitive services.	SLO 1: Students will become aware of their values and biases, recognizing how these intersect with those of others.
	SLO 2: Students will work effectively across cultures.

Graduation Requirements

Prior to being awarded the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree, students must meet all the following University and program requirements:

• Complete required coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher;
• Complete 400 hours of clinical practicum, including 25 observation hours;
• Complete a minimum of one semester of clinical externship in an off-campus setting following completion of all academic and campus clinic requirements earning a grade of “B” or better;
• Complete all Knowledge and Skills Assessment Standards for CFCC competency as indicated through program and clinical tracking.
• Complete the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology; and
• Complete all requirements for the thesis OR comprehensive examination option:
  1. Comprehensive Examination Option: This option requires the student to pass a four-hour written and a one- to two-hour oral comprehensive examination.
  2. Thesis Option: This option requires the student to complete and successfully defend a master’s thesis. Students who plan to pursue advanced graduate study are strongly encouraged to choose the thesis option. Graduate thesis advisor approval is required for this option.

Retention Requirements and Clinical Practicum Policy

All graduate school policies regarding academic probation and retention apply. Students must meet the academic retention requirements specified by the MiSU Graduate School, maintaining a GPA of 3.00 or better. Students in the graduate SLP program will be allowed only one semester of academic probation at any time throughout their program of study.

In addition, the CSD department holds the following clinical practicum retention policies.

1. Students admitted with a “C” grade in an undergraduate practicum course will be placed on probation and must receive at least a “B” in their first clinical practicum course in the graduate program to be retained within the program.
2. Students must repeat, the following semester, any graduate level clinical practicum course in which a “C” was earned. Deficiencies must be remediated prior to enrollment in additional clinical practicum experiences.
3. Any grade of "C" in subsequent practicum experiences will result in dismissal from the program.
4. An unmet clinical intervention plan will result in a grade of "C" and may result in repeating the practicum or dismissal from the program.
5. Students earning a grade of "D" or “F” in any clinical practicum experience will be dismissed from the program.
6. Students earning a grade of "C" in the clinical practicum the semester immediately prior will not enter their externship.

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 cumulative grade point average of 3.25 (out of 4) or a minimum of 3.25 for all CSD Coursework.
• 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;
• A personal essay following the prompt located on the CSD department webpage under Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology https://www.minotstateu.edu/cd/; 
• A completed Undergraduate Program Course Worksheet.

Potential students are advised of the following: 

1. Application deadline is January 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 personal essay.

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 distance education program will attend part-time for six semesters and full-time the final two semesters in which they will complete clinical externships and coursework. All distance education MS:SLP students are required to complete one summer semester on campus (dates: end of May through end of July).

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 501	Introduction to Graduate Studies	3
CSD 502	Early Interdisciplinary Study	2
CSD 520	Fluency Disorders	3
CSD 522	Neurogenic Communication Disorders	3
CSD 524	Motor Speech Disorders	2
CSD 526	Applied Phonology	3
CSD 528	Assessment in SLP	3
CSD 530	Cleft Palate	1
CSD 532	Voice Disorders	3
CSD 534	Adolescent Language Disorders	2
CSD 535	Dysphagia	3
CSD 536	AAC: Multiple Disabilities	3
CSD 538	Language and Literacy	3
CSD 539	Audiology for the SLP	2
CSD 540	Professional Issues	2
CSD 545	School-Aged Language Disorders	3
Required Clinical Courses
Option 1 (Residential): CSD 512 = 12 SH; CSD 516 AND/OR CSD 517 = 9 (TOTAL = 21 SH) 21
CSD 512	Intermediate Clinical Practicum
CSD 512	Intermediate Clinical Practicum
CSD 512	Intermediate Clinical Practicum
CSD 512	Intermediate Clinical Practicum
CSD 516	Public School Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology
or CSD 517	Adv External Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology
Option 2 (Distance): CSD 512 = 3 SH, CSD 516 = 9 SH, AND CSD 517 = 9 SH (Total 21 SH)
CSD 512	Intermediate Clinical Practicum
CSD 516	Public School Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology
CSD 517	Adv External Practicum: Speech-Language-Pathology
Must have 21 credits of Clinical Experience		21
Optional Courses
CSD 503	Grad Seminar in Research
CSD 555	Hearing Loss and Communication (Required for Canadian licensure)
CSD 589	Continuing Enrollment
CSD 592	Special Topics
CSD 597	Independent Study
CSD 599	Thesis
Total Hours		62

Faculty

Associate Professor

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

Assistant Professors

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

Kelly Heinz, MS, CCC-SLP

Adjunct

Amanda Blackwell, EdD, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Kylie Harris, AuD, CCC-A

Steven Moates, SLPD, CCC-SLP