Mission, Vision, Values and Goals

Mission Statement

The University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program is dedicated to providing an engaging and innovative academic and clinical education to prepare speech-language pathologists with the knowledge and skills to:

  • Provide evidence-based and culturally sensitive services to individuals with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan
  • Engage in interprofessional and collaborative practice for the prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment of those in their care
  • Advocate for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders, their families, and the profession with a commitment to life-long learning and advancement in the field.

Vision

The USC Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program will become a premier program in Speech-Language Pathology, providing our students a training experience that involves deep connections to research, focus on clinical care, and service to individuals with communication and swallowing disorders within a diverse, urban community.

Values

Equity and Ethics – Inclusive Spirit – Cultural Sensitivity – Leadership – Community Engagement and Service – Access and Opportunity – Person-Centered Care – Wellness – Compassion – Research – Collaboration and Interprofessional Education – Innovation

Program Goals

The University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program will graduate students who can:

  • Engage in the pursuit of excellence in the clinical care of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders
  • Approach clinical problems from an ethical, family-centered, research-oriented, and problem-solving perspective in the prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
  • Apply clinical training within healthcare settings offering services for a wide range of medically related disorders and disabilities
  • Apply clinical training within urban school settings that emphasize services with an expansive array of childhood disorders and disabilities
  • Obtain appropriate licensure, credentialing, and certification across all settings

Strategic Plan

View our plan.

Program Objectives

The University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders in clinical activities across settings and across the lifespan.
  • Apply knowledge of cultural and linguistic correlates in the prevention, assessment, and intervention for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders in clinical activities across settings and across the lifespan.
  • Integrate research principles into evidence-based practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically, engage in ethical decision-making and utilize effective professional and interpersonal oral and written communication skills.
  • Engage in interprofessional collaborative practice with related professionals in interdisciplinary, team-based, comprehensive service delivery models.
  • Exhibit clinical competence for an entry-level practitioner in the evaluation, intervention, and application of professional and personal skills, including cultural sensitivity and compassionate care.

Statement for Equitable Treatment

The University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program is committed to the policy that all individuals shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by the University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The University of Southern California prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at the University of Southern California.

View our NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

 

Code of Ethics

The University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program holds strict adherence to the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as the Integrity and Accountability Code of the University of Southern California.

CAA Accreditation Status

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech Language Pathology (residential) at the University of Southern California is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.