Speech-Language Pathology

Pre-Professional Phase (Years 1-3)

The Pre-Professional Phase (six semesters) includes University undergraduate core requirements plus coursework selected to provide a liberal arts education, a basis in the sciences, and critical thinking skills to prepare students for the Professional Phase.

Professional Phase (Years 4-5)

Year 4 students are in the 1st Year Professional Phase of the program.  Throughout this phase, students will see 2-3 clients per week on-campus at the Duquesne Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

Beginning with the Fall semester of the 5th year, students are assigned externship placements off campus.  Fall and Spring placements are within the Pittsburgh region. Summer semester of the 5th year, students have the opportunity to select placements anywhere in the country.

Course Requirements

Fall of 1st Pre-Professional Year - 17 Credits

• SLP 101 - Intro to Comm Sciences & Disorders - 3 cr.
• BIOL 101/L - Intro to LIfe Processes - 4 cr.
• PSYC 101 - Intro to Psychology - 3 cr.
• BRDG 101 - Writing & Analysis - 3 cr.
• BRDG 103 - PE Health Research Skills - 1 cr.
• BRDG 105 - Intro to Ethical Reasoning - 3 cr.

Spring of 1st Pre-Professional Year - 15 Credits

• SLP 205W - Speech & Language Development - 3 cr.
• BRDG 102 - Writing & Literature - 3 cr.
• PSYC 225W - Dev. Psych: Childhood & Adolescence - 3 cr.
• COMM 407 - Intercultural Communications - 3 cr.
• EQ XXX - Essential Equations - 3 cr.

Fall of 2nd Pre-Professional Year - 16-17 Credits

• BIOL 207/8 - Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab - 4 cr.
• SLP 320 - Phonetics - 3 cr.
• PHYS or CHEM Coded Course - 3/4 cr.
• MATH 225 - Intro to Biostatistics - 3 cr.
• Elective / Minor - 3 cr.

Spring of 2nd Pre-Professional Year - 12 Credits

• BRDG XXX - Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - 3 cr.
• THEO XXX - THEO Coded Course - 3 cr.
• PHIL XXX - PHIL Coded Course - 3 cr.
• Elective / Minor - 3 cr.

Fall of 3rd Pre-Professional Year - 15 Credits

• SLP 250 - Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing - 3 cr.
• SLP 313 - Intro to Audiology - 3 cr.
• HCE 255/PHIL 252/ THEO 253 - Healthcare Ethics - 3 cr.
• MATH 335 - Biostatistics II - 3 cr.
• Elective / Minor - 3 cr.

Spring of 3rd Pre-Professional Year - 16 Credits

• SLP 310 - Speech Science - 3 cr.
• SLP 350 - Clinical Procedures & Observation in SLP - 3 cr.
• HLTS 403 - Neuroscience - 4 cr.
• GSPE 501 - Exploring Inclusive Practices - 3 cr.
• GSPE 602 - Multi-tiered Systems of Support - 3 cr.

Professional Phase Course Requirements

Fall of 1st Professional Year - 16 Credits

• SLP 501 - Counseling - 2 cr.
• SLP 502 - Special Topics Seminar - 0 cr.
• SLP 505 - Speech Production Disorders - 3 cr.
• SLP 510 - Assessment - 3 cr.
• SLP 526 - Developmental Language Disorders & Autism I - 3 cr.
• SLP 530 - Acquired Language Disorders - 3 cr.
• SLP 540W - Clinic I - 2 cr.

Spring of 1st Professional Year - 16 Credits

• SLP 517 - Stuttering - 3 cr.
• SLP 535 - Neurocognitive Disorders - 3 cr.
• SLP 536 - Developmental Language Disorders & Autism II - 3 cr.
• SLP 541W - Clinic II - 2 cr.
• SLP 500 - Dysphagia - 3 cr.
• SLP 571 - Clinical Seminar in Prof Issues & Ethics - 2 cr.

Summer of 1st Professional Year - 10 Credits

• SLP 515 - Research in SLP - 3 cr.
• SLP 542 - Clinic III - 2 cr.
• SLP 555 - Augmentative & Alternative Communication/Lab - 3 cr.
• SLP 573 - Medical SLP Seminar - 2 cr.
• SLP 700 - Thesis I - optional - 1 cr.

Fall of 2nd Professional Year - 11 Credits

• SLP 525 - Motor Speech Disorders - 3 cr.
• SLP 543 - Clinic IV - 4/5 cr.
• SLP 554 - Voice Disorders - 3 cr.
• SLP 710 - Thesis II - optional - 1 cr.

Spring of 2nd Professional Year - 11 Credits

• SLP 520 - Aural Rehabilitation - 3 cr.
• SLP 544 - Clinic V - 4/5 cr.
• SLP 556 - Craniofacial Disorders and Pediatric Feeding Disorders - 3 cr.
• SLP 710 - Thesis II - optional - 1 cr.

Summer of 2nd Professional Year - 9 Credits

• SLP 545 - Clinic VI - 3 cr.
• SLP 558 - Intercultural and Global Issues in SLP - 2 cr.
• SLP 559 - Business Practices in SLP - 2 cr.
• SLP 575 - Capstone Evidence Based Practice - 1/2 cr.
• SLP 720 - Thesis III - optional - 1 cr.

Students progress through the program without the need to reapply to the graduate phase or take GREs. Students earn a B.S. in Health Sciences after the Spring semester of the 4th year of the program and a M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at the end of the 5th year of the program.

1. A 3.0 cumulative QPA at Duquesne University and a “C” or better in all courses
2. Documentation of current Basic Life Support
3. Documentation of completion of health requirements and other pre-clinical requirements (including: state and federal background checks, and Basic Life Support)
4. Departmental approval

Important Note: The material contained herein is subject to change from time to time and this publication cannot be considered an agreement or contract between individual students and the School. The Rangos School of Health Sciences reserves the right to alter or amend the terms, conditions, and requirements herein, and to eliminate programs or courses as necessary. Once enrolled, students should consult on a regular basis with their Student Success Coach and/or Faculty Advisor for specific information regarding academic policies pertaining to their respective program

Completing an optional Master’s Thesis will increase the overall credit load by 1 credit (74 total). Thesis students enroll in three 1-credit Thesis courses (SLP 700, 710, and 720) and enroll in 1 less credit for two courses, SLP 575 and either SLP 543 or 544.

Students also have the option of completing a thesis as part of the Professional Phase.

Mission 

The mission of the Duquesne University Department of Speech-Language Pathology is to prepare value-oriented professionals who excel in providing evidence-based, person- and family centered care through the seamless integration of clinical and academic education, excellence in scholarship, and meaningful engagement with the community, in alignment with the mission of Duquesne University and the Spiritan charism.

Vision

To be a national model for integrative and mission-driven speech-language pathology education, where innovation, research, person-centered care, exceptional clinical education, and community engagement come together to prepare compassionate, reflective professionals who lead and empower individuals across the lifespan to communicate, connect, and thrive.

SLP Goal 1: Cultivate Student-Centered Excellence

DU Goal: Duquesne will identify bold pathways to offer students the knowledge and skills they will need for productive and fulfilling lives and careers in the decades ahead.

Shared Theme: Preparing students for fulfilling lives and careers.

Objectives:

• Integrate classroom, clinical, and research experiences through individualized mentorship.
• Incorporate simulation, VR, and educational technology to enhance teaching and clinical practice.
• Expand student participation in scholarly and community-engaged research.
• Embed content and experiences focused on person- and family-centered practice, social determinants of health, advocacy, and leadership in classroom, clinical, and engagement activities.
• Maximize the functionality and innovation of learning spaces in the new Health Sciences Building.

Goal 2: Deepen Community Engagement and Impact

DU Goal: Duquesne will become the region’s flagship institution for community engagement through mutually beneficial partnerships that advance the city, the region and the world.

Shared Theme: Advancing the mission of the department in the region and global community through community partnerships.

Objectives:

• Expand continuing education initiatives.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with local, regional, and global organizations.
• Support study abroad and global health initiatives.

Goal 3: Advance Interprofessional and Alumni Collaboration

DU Goal: 3.   Duquesne’s academic programs will transcend traditional boundaries, positioning it as a leader in interdisciplinary and interprofessional programs.

Shared Theme: Surpassing traditional academic boundaries.

Objectives:

• Advance innovative and interprofessional experiential learning initiatives.
• Strengthen RSHS’s role as a community-engaged health sciences hub by aligning academic, clinical, and research initiatives and experiential learning with the opportunities of the new Health Sciences Building, fostering thoughtful engagement with key University Centers and Institutes, and surrounding communities.
• Strengthen alumni mentorship and deepen alumni, faculty, staff, and student relationships.

Goal 4: Foster a Thriving, Inclusive, and Innovative Department Culture

DU Goal: 4.   Duquesne will create a vibrant campus community that fosters the achievements of its talented students, faculty and staff.

Shared Theme: Creating a vibrant and supportive work environment.

Objectives:

• Promote a culture of belonging, respect, and wellness among faculty, staff, and students.
• Strengthen departmental identity and visibility through shared celebrations, internal spotlights, social media, and marketing, including the recognition of faculty excellence in teaching, service and scholarship.
• Encourage mentorship and development across all roles.

Goal 5: Ensure Program Sustainability and Innovation

DU Goal: 1.   Duquesne will encourage an entrepreneurial spirit that will allow it to creatively steward University assets, adapt to changing environments and enhance its financial vitality to fulfill its mission for a new era.

Shared Theme: Encouraging entrepreneurial stewardship and creative adaptation.

Objectives:

• Leverage new health science building for increased visibility and fundraising opportunities.
• Expand marketing and outreach strategies to elevate program visibility and reputation.
• Build relationships with donors and alumni to support student scholarships and initiatives.
• Partner with the Dean’s Office and University leadership to provide data-driven insight and recommendations that support long-term program sustainability, adaptability, and growth.