Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology educates competent speech-language pathologists to critically evaluate communication disorders and the methods used in the habilitation and rehabilitation of those disorders.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

The admissions process for the master's degree program begins by submitting an application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Only after program acceptance, applicants choosing to attend Kent State will be asked to apply to Kent State University.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university¹
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:²
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

The bachelor's degree may not necessarily be in the areas of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. However, students wishing to enter the master's degree who have neither completed an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology and audiology nor possess the necessary prerequisite coursework (SPA 10002/SPA 34106, SPA 33101, SPA 34102, SPA 34103, SPA 34104, SPA 43402, SPA 43404) are required to complete that coursework.

²

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: January 15
    All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1
    Admission for spring semester is reserved for Kent State University students in the combined B.S./M.A. degree program. All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Effectively communicate knowledge and interact with diverse populations (age, culture, disability).
2. Collect, analyze, synthesize and apply research and data regarding the nature, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders throughout the lifespan and across cultures.
3. Engage in the development and implementation of research-based and ethical prevention, assessment, diagnostic and treatment plans for individuals with a variety of communication disorders throughout the lifespan.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

The Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology (residential) at Kent State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Full Description

The Speech Pathology and Audiology minor provides students with an understanding of the basic sciences of human communication, as well as introduces them to the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. The coursework includes a solid foundation in typical and atypical development that may be useful to students considering graduate degrees in speech pathology, audiology, psychology, counseling and other health and human service fields.

Students interested in entering into a master's program in speech pathology or audiology upon completion of the minor should contact the undergraduate program coordinator when the minor is declared to discuss any additional prerequisite coursework that may be required to meet the educational requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Admission Requirements

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.750 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate of this program will be able to:

1. Increase their knowledge of the fields of speech pathology and audiology, and the professional roles of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
2. Understand the basic principles of speech production and phonetic transcription of English with the International Phonetic Alphabet.
3. Understand acoustics and psychoacoustic as they relate to speech production and perception.
4. Describe typical speech and language development and apply this knowledge to analyze the language development of individuals of various ages.
5. Describe the functional anatomy and physiology of the respiratory phonatory, articulatory, neural, and auditory systems as they are used within typical and atypical speech and hearing.
6. Measure human hearing by pure-tone and speech audiometry, evaluate middle ear function by immittance audiometry, screen for hearing loss, and identify pathologies of the conductive and sensorineural systems.
7. Identify disordered speech and language development in children, adolescents, and/or adults and select appropriate, evidence-based intervention procedures to address areas of need.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • Mostly online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is a pre-professional program focusing on the basic sciences of human communication, as well as the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. This program provides a firm foundation for continuing to the master's degree in speech-language pathology or doctorate in audiology.

The curriculum integrates a sequence of coursework designed to provide a strong liberal arts background and understanding of normal and disordered aspects of the human communication process. Specific coursework includes anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, hearing and speech science, neurology, phonetics, normal speech and language development, speech and language disorders, audiometry and aural rehabilitation.

Speech-language pathologists are required to hold a master’s degree, while audiologists hold a doctorate in audiology. Both are employed in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, community clinics, private practice, research laboratories and colleges and universities.

Students may apply early to the Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Current Kent State and Transfer Students: Active Kent State students who wish to change their major must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and meet all admission criteria listed above to be admitted. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Transfer students visit the admissions website for transfer students for more information.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Admission to the combined bachelor's/master's degree program: A minimum 3.000 GPA (after 90 earned credit hours) and three letters of recommendation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language and hearing processes and disorders in children and adults.
2. Demonstrate the skills necessary to be successful speech-language pathologists, audiologists or other health and human services professionals.
3. Gain entry into graduate programs in speech pathology, audiology and/or related fields, or obtain positions in health and human services-related professions.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

The B.S. degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Full Description

The Sports Medicine: Orthopedic Patient Care minor focuses on orthopedic and rehabilitation classes and is designed for students interested in fields such as athletic training, orthopedics (orthotists, prosthetist), orthopedic physician, chiropractic, physical and occupational therapy.

The program's curriculum covers musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment techniques for common musculoskeletal injuries.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of different professions and their scope of practice in the medical and health care fields.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of required patient documentation and administrative policies and procedures associated in the medical and health care fields.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of social cultural issues associated with the care and treatment of patients.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills required for first responds when responding to emergencies.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and working knowledge of fundamental neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology as it relates to injury and illnesses commonly seen in the fields of sports medicine.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of patient history, evaluation differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis musculoskeletal and general medicine conditions.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Sports Medicine: General Medical and Emergency Care minor focuses on general medical, pharmaceutic and EMT skills and is designed for students interested in medical or pharmacy school.

The minor's curriculum includes general anatomy and physiology of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen and neurologic structures; and organs associated with general medical pathologies scene in the sports medicine field (including, but not limited to, diabetes, respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular conditions).

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of different professions and their scope of practice in the medical and health care fields.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of required patient documentation and administrative policies and procedures associated in the medical and health care fields.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of social cultural issues associated with the care and treatment of patients.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills required for first responds when responding to emergencies.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and working knowledge of fundamental neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology as it relates to injury and illnesses commonly seen in the fields of sports medicine.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of:
   1. emergency medical management of injury and medical conditions;
   2. general medical and acute and chronic injuries sustained to the head, neck, thorax and abdomen;
   3. the role of neurology structure and function in healthy and affects patient populations; and
   4. the role of pharmaceutical interventions in the treatment of common pathologies.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Sports Medicine: Administration minor focuses on administrative and academic information and skills for students who want to enter into sports medicine administration positions in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and academic research.

The minor's curriculum provides the common skills, techniques and knowledge associated with administrative responsibilities in medical and health care, as well as academic careers, including, but not limited to, evidence-based research, medical and healthcare ethics and administration in health care.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of different professions and their scope of practice in the medical and health care fields.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of required patient documentation and administrative policies and procedures associated in the medical and health care fields.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of social cultural issues associated with the care and treatment of patients.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills required for first responds when responding to emergencies.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and working knowledge of fundamental neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology as it relates to injury and illnesses commonly seen in the fields of sports medicine.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of
   1. professional roles and administrative responsibilities of individuals in the medical and health care professions;
   2. the professional role in establishing and maintaining professional ethical standards in the care and treatment of patients; and
   3. an appreciation for the standards for developing and using evidence-based research into clinical practice in medical and health care fields.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine focuses on the knowledge and skills that are required for sports medicine and athletic training professionals with specific coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, chemistry, physics, basics of sports medicine, strength and conditioning, first aid, pathologies of injury and illness, pathologies of general medical conditions, pharmacology, therapeutic intervention in health care (including modality application and rehabilitation), healthcare organization and management, emergency medical skills, documentation and record keeping in health care and psychology.

Students completing this program gain experience in direct patient care and patient care skills, preparing them for their specific career path. Direct patient care skills taught and evaluated include, but are not limited to, first aid and CPR; assessment of biomechanics; gait analysis; goniometry; manual muscle testing; postural assessment; palpation; auscultation; emergency management; and obtaining medical and family histories through patient encounters.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Current Kent State and Transfer Students: Active Kent State students who wish to change their major must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA to be admitted. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Transfer students visit the admissions website for transfer students for more information.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop foundational knowledge for admission to advanced studies in graduate athletic training programs or employment in associated sports medicine fields.
2. Demonstrate sound decision making through analysis and application in the prevention, management and resolution of health-related issues associated with sports medicine issues.
3. Engage in comprehensive sports medicine care while integrating disciplined-specific, synthesized, creative, respectful and ethical elements.
4. Develop confidence and competence to successfully transition into practice and/or higher education programs in sports medicine.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

The B.S. degree in Sports Medicine is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).