CSUSM gains initial accreditation for Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) has earned initial accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program. ASHA is the national regulatory body that sets the standards for Graduate Education Programs in SLP and for clinical practice in certifying individual practitioners.

"Earning initial accreditation reflects the department and University's commitment to the implementation and maintenance of rigorous performance standards and in providing exceptional education to students in our service region," said Suzanne Moineau, chair of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.

The CAA holds graduate education programs to 30 standards that cover a broad range of requirements over the administrative structure and governance, faculty, curriculum, students, assessment and program resources. Initial accreditation is a five-year process that includes a step-wise progression towards full implementation and maintenance of the 30 programmatic standards. Programs are required to submit annual reports reflecting progress towards full compliance and in the fourth year undergo a site visit prior to receiving accreditation.

"Strengths of the program include the relationship that it has with the community and the array of clinical experiences that we offer our students," said Moineau. "This summer the department ran 11 free clinics, which provided about 2,300 hours of free speech, language and swallowing services to 137 community members. We are just underway on a $1.25 million grant to train SLP graduate students for practice in high-need school districts with a special emphasis on the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders in children with craniofacial anomalies."

The SLP program in the College of Education, Health and Human Services boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the Praxis national examination as well as a 100 percent employment rate for those graduates seeking employment.

"Thanks to the wonderful CSD program at CSUSM," said Debra Stoermer, SLP Masters graduate, "I began my career in speech-language pathology with a strong foundation, confident in my skill-set. Dr. Moineau and her colleagues have created a comprehensive program that will fully prepare students for careers in both medical and educational settings."