Marymount Manhattan College

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational liberal-arts coursework with specialised study in communication science and disorder areas. Core topics include anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, phonetics and phonology, normal language development across the lifespan, cognitive-communication disorders, voice and fluency disorders, hearing science and audiology basics, and swallowing (dysphagia) assessment and intervention.

• Introductory modules – introduction to communication disorders, basic human communication processes, and research methods.
• Biological and acoustic foundations – anatomy & physiology of speech and hearing, neuroanatomy relevant to communication, and acoustics/phonetics.
• Development and disorders – language acquisition, developmental language disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering, voice disorders and age-related communication changes.
• Assessment and intervention – standardised assessment tools, differential diagnosis, evidence-based intervention strategies, and family-centred practice.
• Practicum and field experience – supervised clinical observation and hands-on experience in community or school settings, with guided reflection and case-based seminars.
• Electives and capstone – options such as bilingual/multicultural communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), child development, or a senior research/clinical practicum project.

Courses emphasise applied skills (assessment reporting, intervention planning, interdisciplinary teamwork) and are designed to provide the academic prerequisites commonly required for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology. Small class sizes allow for close faculty feedback and supervised clinical experiences in New York City sites.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong academic performance. Typical admissions criteria include a competitive secondary-school GPA and a well-rounded secondary-school transcript.

• Recommended academic background – coursework in biology, psychology, and English language is helpful preparation; mathematics and statistics are also advantageous for research methods.
• Supporting materials – personal statement describing interest in communication disorders, letters of recommendation (often academic or professional), and a résumé of relevant volunteering or paid experience if available.
• Additional considerations – some applicants may be invited to interview or provide evidence of communication skills; successful clearance of background checks and health requirements is generally required prior to placement-based practicum.

Transfer students and applicants with prior college coursework should submit transcripts for individual assessment; departmental advisors can advise on prerequisite completion when pursuing graduate clinical certification later.

Career prospects

Graduates use this degree as a terminal qualification for roles supporting communication services or as a preparatory step for graduate professional programmes. Common career pathways include:

• Graduate study – many graduates proceed to master’s-level programmes in speech-language pathology (required for certification and licensure in most jurisdictions) or doctoral programmes in audiology or research fields.
• Clinical support roles – positions such as speech-language pathology assistants, therapy aides, or early intervention support staff in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community agencies.
• Education and social services – work in early childhood programmes, special education support, advocacy organisations and community outreach focused on communication access.
• Related careers – roles in research assistance, programme coordination, healthcare administration, or sales and education for clinical technologies and communication-assistive devices.

The programme’s practicum experiences and New York City partnerships help students build professional networks and practical experience valued by employers and graduate admissions committees.

Why study at Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College offers a small, student-centred liberal-arts environment located in a major metropolitan centre, enabling easy access to diverse clinical placements and healthcare settings across the city. The department emphasises close faculty mentorship, experiential learning through supervised practicum and internships, and an interdisciplinary approach that draws on psychology, education and health sciences.

Students benefit from personalised academic advising, opportunities for research or community-engaged projects, and the cultural and clinical resources of New York City to broaden practical skills and cultural competence. The programme is structured to prepare students for professional graduate study or direct entry into allied roles supporting people with communication needs.