St. John's University

What you'll study

This clinically focused master's combines foundational coursework in communication sciences with applied clinical practicum and advanced topics in assessment and intervention. Core areas include anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and language development, phonetics, audiology fundamentals, neurogenic communication disorders, voice and resonance, fluency disorders, childhood language impairments, dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and augmentative and alternative communication.

Instruction typically blends lectures, skills labs and supervised clinical experience. Students complete a sequence of clinical practicum hours in the university's speech‑language‑hearing clinic and in external placements such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community clinics. Research methods, evidence‑based practice and professional issues (ethics, documentation, multicultural considerations) are integrated across the curriculum. Many students undertake a capstone project or seminar in clinical practicum, with optional thesis pathways where available.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution; a degree in communication sciences and disorders is typical but applicants with related degrees (e.g. linguistics, psychology, education) are considered, often with prerequisite coursework.
• Prerequisite undergraduate coursework in areas such as introduction to communication disorders, phonetics, anatomy/physiology of speech and hearing, and statistics may be required if not already completed.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance; selection is competitive and considered holistically.
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining professional goals and relevant experience, and an up‑to‑date CV/resume.
• Some clinical or volunteer experience with children or adults with communication needs is highly recommended and strengthens an application.
• Proof of immunisations, background check and compliance with clinical site requirements (e.g. TB screening, CPR) are required prior to practicum placement.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers as speech‑language pathologists in a wide range of settings. Common roles include clinical practitioners in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics and private practice; school‑based speech‑language therapists supporting children across grade levels; early intervention specialists working with infants and toddlers; and clinicians in long‑term care and community health settings.

Other career paths include roles in programme administration, clinical coordination, research assistance, interdisciplinary teams (e.g. with occupational therapy, audiology and special education), telepractice delivery, and continued study toward doctoral research or clinical certification. The curriculum is designed to meet the academic requirements for national certification and state licensure pathways where applicable, though candidates should check specific certification and licensure rules for their intended practice location.

Why study at St. John's University

• Hands‑on clinical training: Students gain supervised practicum experience in the university's on‑campus speech‑language‑hearing clinic and through partnerships with schools, hospitals and community agencies in the New York metropolitan area.
• Experienced faculty: Faculty members bring a mix of clinical expertise and research interests across paediatric and adult populations, multilingual assessment and evidence‑based intervention approaches.
• Interprofessional opportunities: Proximity to health, education and social services programmes on campus and in the city supports collaborative learning and diverse practicum placements.
• Support for professional preparation: The programme emphasises competencies aligned with national certification and licensure standards and provides advising for clinical placements, certification pathways and job search preparation.
• Location advantage: Being situated in a large, diverse urban area offers access to a broad range of clinical populations, specialised services and networking opportunities with regional healthcare and education organisations.