Expected terms for program completion

The University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program combines strong academic, clinical and research-based training to provide an exceptional education for entry-level speech-language pathologists. Through innovative teaching and comprehensive training experiences, our students are fully prepared to practice in both health care and education settings. Our full-time, intensive program operates under a cohort model, with 25 students accepted into the cohort through our application process. (See admissions page). Students follow the course sequence as a cohort, completing academic and clinical requirements over the course of two years in six semesters. Students gain community-based clinical experiences within the diverse greater Los Angeles area, both at USC and in local school districts. Students benefit from interprofessional experiences in academic and clinical settings, while developing the knowledge and skills identified by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and in the 2020 Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) 2020 Standards of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take and pass the Praxis Examination, apply for the Speech-Language Pathology Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), apply for the Required Professional Experience (RPE) for a state license in speech-language pathology in California, and apply for a Clinical Fellowship (CF) through ASHA, leading to earning a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).

Plan of Study

  • FALL

    OHNS 500: Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology for Speech, Language and Hearing | 3 units
    Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, with a focus on basic human communication and swallowing processes, specifically pertaining to disorders and differences in speech, language and hearing.

    OHNS 501: Speech Sound Disorders | 3 units
    Focus on speech-sound production, assessment and treatment of childhood articulation and phonological disorders, emphasizing the study of efficient and effective procedures and service-delivery models.

    OHNS 502: Language and Literacy Disorders | 3 units
    Focus on language and literacy disorders in children starting from birth through adolescence. Special emphasis on assessment, prevention and intervention methods across populations and multi-cultural backgrounds.

    OHNS 503: Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 units
    Basic and applied research procedures in communication sciences and disorders, including research design, data collection, analysis and application in evidence-based clinical practice.

    OHNS 504: Speech-Language Pathology  Methods/Evidence-Based Practice | 3 units
    Foundation of knowledge and skills for diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders and the clinical application of evidence-based practice. Includes observation and practicum experiences.

    SPRING

    OHNS 505: Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists | 2 units
    Introduction to audiologic principles and practice for the speech language pathologist, interprofessional practice, sensory devices and assistive technology.

    OHNS 506: Autism, AAC, Cognitive Communication Disorders in Children | 3 units
    Assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other cognitive disabilities, including those involving language, social skills, behavior, consideration for assistive technology, and augmentative and alternative communication.

    OHNS 507: Voice and Resonance Disorders | 3 units
    Nature of normal voice production and the assessment and treatment of physiological and other disorders of pitch, loudness and voice quality, including resonance and alaryngeal voice.

    OHNS 509: Dysphagia | 3 units
    Anatomy and physiology of the normal swallow and neurological/oncologic disorders that affect the swallowing process. Current practice for clinical and instrumentation analysis, evaluation and treatment.

    OHNS 510: Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology | 2 units
    Supervised clinical hours in assessment and treatment of individuals with varying communication disorders at a variety of age levels in educational or medical settings.

    OHNS 513: Adult Neurogenic and Related Cognitive Communication Disorders | 3 units
    Acquired communication disorders including aphasia, right hemisphere disorder, traumatic brain injury, dementia and concussion. Assessment and treatment of these disorders, including executive functioning and work/life/family/social implications.

    SUMMER

    OHNS 508: Assessment of Communication Disorders | 3 units
    Principles, methods and materials to assess communication disorders. Models of assessment and testing, techniques, administration, scoring and interpretation, report writing and related issues.

    OHNS 511: Aural (Re)habilitation | 3 units
    The impact of hearing loss on development, cognition and communication across the lifespan. Therapeutic techniques and practices for interventions in children and adults.

    OHNS 512: Communication Disorders in Early Childhood | 3 units
    Normal and atypical development as it relates to prevention, evaluation, treatment planning and remediating communication disorders in early childhood. Involvement of family, interdisciplinary teaming and legal requirements.

    OHNS 514: Clinical Rotations in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 units
    Supervised clinical hours in assessment and treatment of individuals with varying communication disorders throughout two specialty rotations, each lasting six weeks.

  • FALL

    OHNS 515: School-Based Issues in Speech-Language Programs | 3 units
    Legislative foundations for speech-language programs in schools, including due process, prevention, referral and assessment, Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes and procedures, service delivery and accountability.

    OHNS 516: Motor Speech Disorders/Craniofacial Disorders | 3 units
    Motor speech disorders including the dysarthrias and apraxia of speech, as well as craniofacial disorders. Neurological bases, characteristics, differential diagnosis, assessment, treatment and interprofessional collaboration.

    OHNS 517: Multicultural Issues in Speech-Language Pathology | 2 units
    Assessment and intervention considerations and methods for individuals with communication disorders from diverse populations. Focus on cultural sensitivity and commitment to inclusiveness, equity and diversity.

    FALL/SPRING

    *OHNS 518: Independent Study/Research toward Capstone | 1 unit
    Individual research in areas of communication disorders determined in consultation with the instructor. Research project is intended to relate to the Capstone project.

    *NOTE: This course will be offered for the 2024-2025 school year only.

    OHNS 519: Externship in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 units
    Speech-language pathology clinical experience in a supervised school-based, medical or private-practice setting.

    **OHNS 524: Research/Capstone in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 2 units Capstone
    Research Project addressing a problem in the field of communication sciences and disorders. Students will work with their Capstone Lab PI and their research team, culminating in the development of a presentation suitable for the submission to a professional conference.

    **NOTE: This course will be offered beginning fall 2025 semester.

    SPRING

    OHNS 520: Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology | 1 unit
    Professional issues that affect speech-language pathology in different work settings. Licensing and certification, ethics, reimbursement and funding, practice issues and national and state practice guidelines.

    OHNS 521: Fluency Disorders | 2 units
    Topics related to assessment and treatment of fluency disorders. Theories and characteristics, as well as behavioral, psychological and psycho-social impacts. Clinical focus, counseling and transitional planning.

    SUMMER

    OHNS 514: Clinical Rotations in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 units
    Supervised clinical hours in assessment and treatment of individuals with varying communication disorders throughout two specialty rotations, each lasting six weeks.

    OHNS 522: Telepractice and Technology Apps in Speech-Language Pathology | 2 units
    Examination of technological applications and service delivery via telepractice. Problem solving and empirical evidence related to assessment, intervention, data collection, licensure, regulations and potential barriers.

    OHNS 523: Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology | 2 units
    The role of the speech-language pathologist in providing communication counseling to address the broader impact of communication and swallowing disorders.