The MA in speech-language pathology is an entry-level degree to practice as a speech-language pathologist. The MA in speech-language pathology program offers two different modalities: the residential (on-campus) mode and the distance education mode. Students enrolled in either one or the other should register for the classes offered for their modality, either on-campus for the residential modality or online for the distance education modality. Residential modality students will not be allowed to take a class online without permission from the program director. Students who have registered for a course in the other modality will be automatically un-enrolled from the course at such time that their enrollment is discovered, which may delay completion of the course, loss of tuition, and a delay in clinical placements or even graduation. Residential modality students are expected to attend classes in person as scheduled. Students in the residential mode are expected to complete the program in two years. The distance-education mode allows students to complete the program in a two-year or three-year track. The three-year track is strongly recommended for most students due to their non-academic time commitments.
Retention Requirements for MA in Speech-Language Pathology Students
Students must earn at least a B in every course in the MA program to pass the course. A student who does not earn a B will be placed on academic remediation and must retake the course. The student will register for the course the next time it is offered for the cohort, which under most circumstances is the following year. The student should be aware that remediation may result in delayed externship start, delayed graduation date and additional tuition expenses for the academic course. A second grade below a B in the same course will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
Students must earn at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) every semester across all courses. If a student earns below a 3.0 GPA in any one semester, the student will be placed on academic probation and must earn a 3.0 GPA in all other semesters. Students may earn below a 3.0 GPA only one time during their tenure at Calvin University. A second semester with a GPA below 3.0 will result in the student being dismissed from the SPAUD program. Students may retake SPAUD courses to improve their GPA. Students must also meet the essential functions required to practice as a speech-language pathologist.
If a student is not showing sufficient development as a clinician, or if clinical instructors or academic instructors raise concerns regarding essential functions or professional behavior, a plan will be created outlining the activities and/or experiences the student must complete to demonstrate adequate improvement in the area of concern. This plan must include measurable goals that can be completed within one semester, as well as specification of persons who will be responsible for monitoring and implementing plans to achieve each goal. The student should be aware that clinical remediation may result in a delayed graduation date and additional tuition and fees for the course. Students may not remediate the same or similar issue more than one time. If the same or similar issue for remediation is identified in subsequent semesters was covered in a previous remediation plan, as determined by the clinic director and program director, the student will be dismissed from the program.
Further information can be found in the Speech Pathology and Audiology Student Academic and Clinical Handbook.
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