Career Guide

A graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology (typically a Master’s) is required for entry into the profession. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission, along with prerequisite coursework in areas such as biology, linguistics, and communication sciences. Some universities offer combined or accelerated pathways, but availability varies, so applicants should research each program’s specific requirements. All accredited SLP graduate programs include supervised clinical practicum experiences, which prepare students for professional practice. Graduates must also pass the national Praxis exam and complete a Clinical Fellowship to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). State licensure is required to practice, and requirements may differ by state. Teacher certification is a career opportunity. For more information, visit New York State Professional License - Pathways to Certification.

MCC students are advised to transfer to a 4-year college for a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences or Communication Disorders & Sciences, (names vary by program), and then apply to SLP graduate programs. A strong GPA is needed for admission.

Most SLP graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree, a strong academic record, and completion of prerequisite coursework in areas such as biology, statistics, and social sciences. Applicants typically submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a résumé outlining relevant experience. Programs may expect applicants to have completed 25 guided observation hours with an ASHA-certified SLP.

Common SLP prerequisites include biological sciences, physical sciences, chemistry or physics, statistics, and social and behavioral sciences. Specific grades may be required. Examples of recommended MCC courses include:

• SPC 142 Public Speaking or SPC 143 Small Group Communication
  
• CHE 124 General, Organic, Biochemistry or higher; OR PHY 145 College Physics I or higher
  
• BIO 133 and 132 Human Biology and Lab
  
• PSY 101 Introduction to Psychological Science
  
• PSY 201 Developmental Psychology - Child or or PSY 202 Developmental Psychology - Adolescence or PSY 212 Developmental Psychology - Lifespan
  
• MTH 160 Statistics I or MTH 162 Statistics for the Social Sciences
  
• EDU 200 Foundations in Education (for teacher certification)
  

Local institutions in New York State with a program in SLP programs include:

SUNY Buffalo State University – B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and M.S.Ed in SLP
SUNY Fredonia – B.S. Communication Disorders and Sciences and M.S. in SLP
SUNY Cortland – B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science and M.S. in Communication Disorders
University at Buffalo (SUNY) – B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and M.A. in SLP
Nazareth University – B.S. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and M.S. in SLP
Syracuse University – B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and M.S. in SLP
D'Youville University – B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and M.S. in SLP
Ithaca College – B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and M.S. in SLP

See the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for graduate program information (speech-language pathology and audiology)

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Speech-Language Pathologists
American Speech Language Association