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Program:
Current statistical projections show that the future of the speech-language pathology profession appears excellent. There are shortages of qualified personnel in many areas of the US and job opportunities in medically-related areas are expected to grow at an above average rate.
Mercy College's undergraduate Communication Disorders (CD) (same as speech-language pathology/audiology) program is a premier Bachelor of Science (BS) program in the metropolitan New York area. The mission of the CD program is to provide a solid foundation of liberal arts and sciences while providing an introduction to CD theory and clinical experience. We welcome students from other fields of study, and from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The program prepares students for graduate study in CD, education, special education, teaching the deaf and hearing impaired, psychology, and social work.
The program incorporates an introduction to a variety of academic and clinical methods in the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of speech and language disorders. In their last year of study, CD students are offered a clinical practicum experience in our on-site Speech and Hearing Center. Our innovative curriculum offers "learning by doing." Our faculty is comprised of speech-language pathologists and audiologists with various specializations, providing Mercy students with first-rate, well-rounded instruction and supervisors who take a personal interest in their students' success. Many faculty members have published within the field and are nationally recognized for their expertise.
Students with a bachelor's degree and the required prerequisite courses can directly apply to the MS degree program . A master's degree is mandatory for entry level into the profession of speech-language pathology. As of 2007, a doctoral degree will be mandatory as entry level for practice in audiology.
"Receiving my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders under the support of an outstanding team of Professionals at Mercy College gave me the confidence to continue on to Mercy's Graduate Program."
Adriene Flynn, '06
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Download a PDF version of our Program Brochure
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Program Contacts:
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Helen Buhler
Associate Professor and Program Director
hbuhler@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7743
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Denise DiCristofaro
Instructor and Graduate Admissions Coordinator
ddicristofaro@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7739
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Eileen Hoffman
Instructor and Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator
ehoffman@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7741
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Gloria Schlisselberg
Associate Professor and Clinic Director
gschlisselberg@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7505
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Patricia Chute, EdD
Chair, Division of Health Professions
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Career Opportunities:
Careers in Communication Disorders include: speech-language pathologist, audiologist, speech and hearing scientist, language scientist and NYS Education Department Teacher of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD). (Note: This certification requires a master's degree in CD and additional academic and clinical experience, workshop attendance in education, and completion of a student teaching experience, prior to application to the New York State Education Department.)
"The undergraduate program at Mercy provided small class sizes along with knowledgeable professors who promoted class interaction and learning. It truly provided me with a strong educational foundation for graduate school."
Betty DeThomasis, '03
SLP, Pendergast School District
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Curriculum:
The Bachelor of Science degree curriculum includes coursework in both academic and clinical areas: speech and swallowing disorders, language disorders, audiology, anatomy, speech and hearing science, and a clinical practicum. In their last year of study, CD students are offered a clinical practicum experience in Mercy's on-site clinic where they are supervised by our expert NYS licensed and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified faculty members while conducting therapy with clients.
The goal of the CD undergraduate program is to provide students with a pre-professional foundation for graduate study in CD with a scientific/clinically-based curriculum. Coursework is in basic human communication processes as well as foundation courses in speech-language pathology and audiology.
For the complete course curriculum click here.
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Campuses where program is offered:
Dobbs Ferry
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Facilities:
Mercy College has an on-site Speech and Hearing Center, a speech and hearing science laboratory, an audiology suite, and a hearing aid dispensary servicing children and adult clients from the community.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the requirements for the professions of speech-language pathology and/or audiology?
Entrance into the field requires a graduate degree in speech-language pathology, audiology, communication disorders, communication science and disorders or speech and hearing sciences. The degree includes academic coursework and clinical practicum, and culminates in eligibility for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Most states, including New York, require licensure.
What career options are available?
Upon conferral of the master's degree in CD, employment is available in schools, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, private practice, and college or university settings. Our students have a 100% success rate in finding employment upon graduation. The long-range forecast for job opportunities in the next 10 years is excellent. For a listing of careers in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, a free brochure that contains additional information about the profession is available from ASHA at 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 or asha.org.
How competitive are graduate programs in speech-language pathology, audiology, or communication disorders?
Acceptance to graduate programs is highly competitive. Students must excel at the undergraduate level overall and in the major courses with a minimum of a 3.0 gpa in both.
What clinical experiences are offered to undergraduates in CD?
Students will learn diagnostic testing and treatment techniques in a variety of pediatric and adult communication disorders through both academic and clinical experience. Students are closely supervised in a practicum experience.
Are there CD-related clubs or organizations on campus?
Mercy College has a chapter of the National Student Speech, Language & Hearing Association (NSSLHA) which is the student branch of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . The Club is centered on educational, social and fundraising activities, and offers students who will enter the field access to a national network. Benefits include attendance opportunities to conventions, lectures, field trips, and meetings.
How can I find out information about the New York City teacher scholarships program to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in a critical shortage area?
Visit Teach NYC, click on speech pathology undergraduate or graduate.
"Attending the undergraduate Communication Disorder program opened my eyes to the different wonderful and rewarding experiences pertaining to the field of speech-language pathology. The close-knit network of students and professors helped increase my awareness and my interest in this gratifying field of study."
Stefanie DaCosta, '06
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