The Master of Arts degree (MA) program in speech-language pathology is designed to provide the academic and practicum experiences that will develop clinical competence in the management of speech, hearing, and language disorders.
The program offers sequential and simultaneous academic coursework, supervised clinical practicum, and research experiences that enable students to meet the requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensure by the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Successful completion of the program also requires the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination in speech-language pathology. Graduate courses are offered in the evening with clinical practicums and seminars during the day.
Two program options are available in the speech-language pathology graduate program as follows:
Program Overview
The mission of our programs in Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) at South Carolina State University is to educate students to function effectively as speech language pathologists who serve the communicative needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations in a variety of work settings, utilizing evidence-based practices. Students are provided opportunities to engage in critical clinical decision-making based on empirical evidence, thereby integrating scientific methods and clinical practice. The practical experiences are initiated in and supported by the South Carolina State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic; and they are continued in sundry off-site settings, including public schools, hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation centers.
The Master of Arts degree (MA) program in speech-language pathology is designed to provide the academic and practicum experiences that will develop clinical competence in the management of speech, hearing, and language disorders. The program offers sequential and simultaneous academic coursework, supervised clinical practicum, and research experiences that enable students to meet the requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensure by the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Successful completion of the program also requires the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination in speech-language pathology. Graduate courses are offered in the evening with clinical practicums and seminars during the day.
Accreditation
The Master of Arts (M.A.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology, {residential}, at South Carolina 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, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
The Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Degree
Available:
Undergraduate Program
Online Program
Next Start Date:
October 17 & January 9
Columbia College SLP Program Handbook
The Speech-Language Pathology program provides an engaging learning environment characterized by academic education and clinical experiences. Academic coursework will provide a foundation for understanding human communication and communication disorders. Clinical experiences will focus on describing speech and language characteristics and implementing speech and language therapy.
Students who complete either the clinical or non-clinical track will have the necessary prerequisites to apply to an accredited master's degree program. Completion of the SLP program at Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance into a Master's degree program.
Clinical observations and two semesters of clinical practicum are required to complete the clinical track. This requires availability during normal business hours (M-F 7 am-6 pm) (the equivalent of approximately 16 working hours per week). If this is not possible, students can complete the BA in SLP through the non-clinical track.
Highlights
- On-campus or online delivery of coursework.
- Students are provided with hands-on experiences through clinical observations and clinical practicum and learn how to screen patients with speech, language, and hearing impairments and implement treatment plans developed by licensed/certified SLPs.
- Students received the 2019 SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Award.
- SLP-As work under the direct supervision of a licensed certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
- SLPA employment rate of 90+% over the past 3 years
- Communication Sciences and Disorders (SLP) graduate program acceptance rate of 90+% over the past 2 years
"The Columbia College Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) undergraduate program has, in many ways, allowed me to reach and exceed my personal and professional goals.”
- Rachell Harglerode '21
After Graduation
Licensure
Completion of the clinical track will prepare you for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) license in South Carolina. Our clinical track includes the prerequisites necessary to apply to an accredited graduate program. You will need to obtain an advanced degree in Speech-Language Pathology to become a licensed, certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Our coursework will fully prepare you to take the next step in the process.
Learn more about:
- SLP-A licensure in South Carolina
- SLP-A licensure in other states, see the Labor and Licensure Board website for that state
- SLP-A certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- The national, professional, scientific, and credentialing association website- ASHA
Career Opportunities
Speech-Language Pathologist was ranked by US News and World Report (2020) as #3 in Best Healthcare Jobs and #10 in 100 Best Jobs.
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), much faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows older, there will be more instances of health conditions that can cause speech, language, and/or swallowing impairments, such as strokes or dementia.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Median Pay (Master’s degree): $77,510
Job Outlook
2018-2028: Projecting 27% growth
Job Placements
Recent graduates employed by:
- All on Board Speech, LLC, Columbia, SC
- Lighthouse Therapeutics, LLC, Lugoff, SC
- Anderson School District 5, Anderson, SC
- Voices Through Hope Therapy Services, Simpsonville, SC
- Summit Speech Therapy, Sumter, SC
- Greenville Bilingual Therapy, Greenville, SC
- Capital City Therapy, Columbia, SC
- SpeakEasy Therapy Factory Speech-Language & Swallowing Services, LLC, Blythewood, SC
Acceptance into Graduate Programs
Our 2021 BA clinical track graduates who applied to graduate programs had a 100% acceptance rate and were accepted to the following graduate programs:
- University of South Carolina
- University of St. Augustine
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Baylor University
- Francis Marion University
- South Carolina State University
Our 2020 BA clinical track graduates who applied to graduate programs had a 100% acceptance rate and were accepted to the following graduate programs:
- University of Central Florida
- University of South Carolina
- Jacksonville University
- Georgia Southern University
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Baylor University
- Francis Marion University
Our 2019 graduates who applied to graduate programs had an 85% acceptance and were accepted to the following graduate programs:
- University of South Carolina
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Francis Marion University
- Loyola University of Maryland
- Emerson College
The CC SLP program was able to not only provide a stellar, and invigorating educational experience, but they were also able to provide a home, a team, and a close-knit community of support and friendship, that I will always cherish.
- Katelyn Terrell '21
Speech-Language Pathology Areas of Study
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The Speech-Language Pathology degree course requirements are identical for undergraduate and online program students. Learn about the classes we offer and areas you can focus on when you study Speech-Language Pathology.
- Speech-Language Pathology,
Clinical Track, BA (Undergraduate & Online Program)
- Speech-Language Pathology, Non-Clinical Track, BA (Undergraduate & Online Program)
- Speech-Language Pathology, Minor (Undergraduate Program)
- Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Certificate (Online Program)
The Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Certificate is designed for individuals who have completed or are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an area other than Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology. Completion of the certificate does not result in a degree, does not include clinical practicum, does not guarantee acceptance to a graduate program, and students who complete this program will not be eligible to apply for SLP-Assistant Licensure in South Carolina. Students are encouraged to research admissions requirements for graduate programs to which they plan to apply.
Social
Instagram: @ccslpprogram
Facebook: SLP Facebook Group
Awards & Achievements
To provide a broad understanding of the nature, prevention, and treatment of communication disorders we ensure that you will receive the best training and classroom experience to prepare you for practical application in the field.
Through a variety of experiences and academic coursework, you will be prepared to serve a culturally diverse society in various employment settings.
Awards and Achievements
Madisen Brewington, 2022 SCSHA Foundation Student Scholarship
Bethany Stokes, 2021 SCSHA Jennifer Mungo Student of the Year and 2021 Columbia College Student Activities Senior Leader of the Year
Kayla Graham, 2021 SCSHA Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Scholarship Recipient
Jill Eversmann, MS, CCC-SLP, 2021 SCSHA Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Career Award Recipient
AnnMarie C. Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2021 Columbia College Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Abigail Tempel, 2020 South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association Jennifer Mungo Student of the Year Award Recipient
Alexis Lawton 2019, South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Scholarship Recipient
Abigail Tempel and Dr. AnnMarie C. Knight, 2019 SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program Award
Neuroanatomy and
Neuroscience Education in Speech-Language Pathology: Opinions of Practicing Clinicians
Bethany Stokes and Dr. AnnMarie C. Knight, 2019 SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program Award
Improving Communication Between Hospitality Service Personnel and Persons with Aphasia: A Pilot Study
Faculty-Mentored Research
2020 ASHA Convention, San Diego, CA (cancelled due to COVID-19)- Stokes, B., Knight, A.M., & Keator, L. (2020). Improving communication between hospitality service personnel and persons with aphasia: A pilot study. ASHA National Convention (poster), San Diego, CA, Nov. 2020.
- Knight, AM, Sendler, B, Lawton, A, Comeau, C, & Barrineau, M (2019). Enhancing the undergraduate experience through experiential learning. Seminar, ASHA Convention, Orlando, FL, Nov 2019.
- Knight, AM, Basilakos, A, Tempel, A, Guardino, K, & Barrineau, M (2019). Neuro (neuroanatomy & neuroscience) education in speech-language pathology. Seminar,ASHA Convention, Orlando, FL, Nov 2019.
- Tempel, A. & Knight, A.M. (2019). Neuroscience Education in Speech-Language Pathology. What Does it Look Like? Southern Regional Honors Conference (poster). March, Memphis, TN.
- Knight, A.M., Lawton, A., Comeau, C., & Sendler, B. (2019) Experiential Learning, Evidence-Based Practice, and Undergraduate Education in Speech-Language Pathology (poster). South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association. February, Greenville, NC.
- Knight, A.M., Basilakos, A., Guardino, K., & Tempel, A. (2019). Neuroscience Education in Speech-Language Pathology. What Does it Look Like? (poster). South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association. February, Greenville, NC.
- Knight, A.M., Prescott, B., Russell, L., & Guardino, K. (2019). Talkin’ Tots: A Smartphone Application for Parent Education (poster). South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association. February, Greenville, NC.
- Comeau, C., Lawton, A., & Knight, A.M. (2018). Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Speech Pathology Education: Language and Literacy in an Elementary School (poster). American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. November, Boston, MA.
- Sendler, B. & Knight, A.M. (2018). Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Speech Pathology Education: Cognitive Stimulation Activities for Adults with Dementia (poster). American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. November, Boston, MA.
- Bailey Sendler, graduated 2019
- Abigail Tempel
- Rachel Gillette
- Rebecca Eubanks
- Rachell Hargelrode
- Mary Cate Baker
Faculty/Instructors
AnnMarie C. Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor, Program Chair
BA, University of South Florida; MA and PhD, University of Florida
Areas of expertise: Adult dysphagia, acquired neurogenic disorders, scholarship of teaching and learning
Jill Eversmann, MS, CCC-SLP
Academic and Clinical
Faculty
BA, James Madison University, MS, Towson University
Areas of expertise: sign language, language development, children with hearing loss, early intervention
Kerrie Allen Ammons, PhD, M.C.D., CCC-SLP '96
Adjunct Professor
BA, Columbia College; MCD and PhD, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: Language disorders, literacy development
Ellie Cooper, M.S., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Adjunct Professor
BS,
University of Arkansas, MS, Fontbonne University, Current Doctoral Student University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: hearing loss, aural (re)habilitation, listening and spoken language
Susan Fulton, Ph.D, CCC-A
Adjunct Professor
Masters in Communicology, University of South Florida; Ph.D, University of South Florida
Areas of expertise: pediatric audiology, hearing science
Stephen B. Kneece, MA, CCC-SLP
Lecturer
BA,
University of South Carolina, MA, South Carolina State University
Areas of expertise: augmentative and alternative communication
Elisabeth A. Mlawski, PhD, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA, Ohio State University; MS, Northern Arizona University; PhD, Seton Hall University
Areas of expertise: pediatric language development and disorders, diagnostics, clinical supervision
Julie Porth Smith, MCD, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Academic/Clinical
Faculty
BA, Columbia College; MCD, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: Autism, assistive technology, alternative augmentative communication, early language development
Leah Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BS, The Pennsylvania State University; MS, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Areas of expertise: adult dysphagia, MBSS and FEES, acquired neurogenic disorders, traumatic brain injury, critical care
Erica
Taylor, MS, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA, Wake Forest University; MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Areas of expertise: Dysphagia, diagnostics, laryngology, head and neck cancer/total laryngectomy, alaryngeal speech
Julie K. Tworzyanski, MSP, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Clinical Educator
BA, Columbia College, MSP, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: early intervention, early language development, articulation
disorders
Denise Strickland, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Academic Faculty BS, The University of South Carolina; MS, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Areas of expertise: adult dysphagia, acquired neurogenic disorders, critical care, counseling
Jodi N. Kumar, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Academic Faculty BA, University of Albany (SUNY); MS, College of Saint Rose Areas of expertise: speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders