2. Large faculty representing diverse areas of expertise
Relatively small cohort of clinical students
– 25-30 students per MA cohort
The faculty will know you personally
What makes us special?
ILL-INI
3. Faculty are national leaders in research and in
professional service to ASHA
Faculty recognized across campus for teaching
excellence
You will receive an outstanding education
What makes us special?
ILL-INI
4. Faculty bring years of clinical experience in diverse
settings with diverse populations to clinical instruction
You will be well prepared clinically
What makes us special?
ILL-INI
5. Your degree from the University of Illinois is valuable.
You will learn how to provide evidence-based clinical
practices, and
You will be exposed to discovery and innovation on a
world-class campus.
What makes us special?
ILL-INI
6. The MA Degree
MA is an advanced clinical degree from an accredited
university graduate program and is the standard
credential for SLPs entering the profession.
Emphasis on the application of basic science and
technology in advanced professional training.
SLPs develop competency in the prevention, diagnosis,
and habilitation/rehabilitation of communication and
swallowing disabilities, related communication and
educational disabilities, and client-centered practice that
spans birth through adulthood.
7. Program Structure
Fall Spring Summer
Year 1 Courses
3 required
Clinic
Courses
4 required
Clinic
Courses
3 required
Clinic
Year 2 Courses
2 required
1 elective
Clinic
Courses
1 required
1-2 electives
8-week
external
(school)
10-week
external
(medical)
See
MA program
handout for
more details
8. Graduation Requirements
60 graduate hours
– 52 academic and 8 clinical credits
– Students typically graduate with more than the
minimum credit hours to take advantage of elective
courses, research and additional clinical opportunities.
Thesis option: Available, but not required.
Good news: There are no additional
comprehensive exams as a requirement for
graduation. The PRAXIS serves this purpose.
– And our pass rate? It’s exceptional.
9. Financial Matters
Tuition Estimate 2020-2021
Residents
Nonresidents/
International
Tuition (F,Sp) $13,176.00 $28,464.00
Fees (F,Sp) $ 4,538.00 $ 4,538.00
Summer
(2020 rate)
$ 6,686.00 $12,811.00
See Tuition and Fees handout for total estimated cost for the 2-year program
and a breakdown of estimated costs per semester.
10. Financial Matters
MA students may apply for departmental funding each
semester.
– TAs for individual courses
– Hourly positions as graders
– Research assistants on faculty grants.
– Time commitments are usually 6-10 hours per week
There are other sources of employment on our campus
and the student is encouraged to learn about these.
– Disability Resources and Educational Services – academic coaches,
transcribers
– McKinley Health Center
– Athletic Department – academic coaches, tutors
– We’ll also connect you with the Campus Job Board
16. You’ll be exposed to
the whole scope of practice!
By attending our ASHA accredited
program, you’ll gain competencies in the
BIG 9 areas of speech-language
pathology.
This prepares you for ASHA certification
(Certificate of Clinical Competence).
What does this mean for you as a student?
– Whatever your professional goals may
be, you’ll need experience evaluating
and treating clients whose
communication needs vary widely!
– How varied?
17. The Scope of Practice includes:
1. Articulation and phonology
2. Fluency
3. Voice
4. Receptive and Expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics,
prelinguistic communication and paralinguistic communication) in speaking, listening, reading,
writing)
5. Hearing
6. Swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for
feeding, orofacial myology)
7. Cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, problem solving, executive
functioning)
8. Social aspects of communication (including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and
lack of communication opportunities)
9. Communication modalities (see ASHA Standards)
18. Fall 1: Clinical Experiences
You’ll work with University of Illinois clinical faculty
– University of Illinois Speech-Language Pathology Clinic
– School sites!
Generally 1.0-2.0 clock hours per week
– Aim for 20+ client hours by end of first semester
Typical clients?
– Expressive/Receptive Language
– Articulation/Phonoly
– Voice
– Others, depending on prior class experiences
19. Spring 1: Clinical Experiences
Again, typically with University of Illinois clinical faculty
Clock hours increase to 3.0-4.0 per week
Likely less direct supervision
Caseload may begin to include:
– Fluency
– AAC
– More clients with challenging behaviors
There may be limited opportunities available in
outpatient pediatrics/early intervention with external supervisors
– Many of these require travel time
20. Fall 2: Clinical Experiences
Most hours will be at an external placement
– Skilled nursing facilities
– Hospitals
– Early intervention
– Outpatient
– Home health
– You will most likely need to travel 1 semester!
Very common to have a few clients on site at the University Clinic
21. Spring 2: Clinical Experiences
First 8 Weeks: Mini-placement, and/or wrap-up of
competency needs at University Clinic
Second 8 Weeks: Full-time school placement
22. Spring 2: Full Time School
Placement
Jennifer Dahman, M.S., CCC-SLP, Clinical Assistant
Professor, coordinates Clinical Experiences in Schools
– She will also provide support as you apply to the Council on
Teacher Education (CoTE) to obtain your Professional
Educator License.
You can apply for a placement at ANY PUBLIC
SCHOOL!
– The catch? It’s gotta be in Illinois
Most students earn ~100 hours from this experience
23. Summer 2: Full-Time Medical Placement
Clarion Mendes, M.A., CCC-SLP/L coordinates full-
time medical placements.
Medical placements can be in Illinois or
other states as well.
FLEXIBILITY is crucial!
– Communicate early & often with the coordinator
Student earn ~125 hrs from this experience
24. What makes us special?
ILL-INI
Your voice matters.
Want to do your full-time school placement
in Chicago?
– We’ll know and we’ll do our best to get you there.
Looking to do your full-time medical
placement at a pediatric hospital?
– We’ll know and we’ll do our best to get you there, too.
25. What makes us special?
ILL-INI
Graduate school is a “buffet” that gives you the
opportunity to sample the full spectrum of speech,
language, communication & swallowing disorders.
We maximize this experience with a diverse combination
of internal AND external clinical placements.
Jen will have additional information for this oh-so-soon
A perk of selecting this university, is that you CAN select any school.
Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/aspeelm3/slp-skilled-nursingrehab/
Again, a perk at the University of Illinois, is that you can provide feedback!