Master of Science Satisfactory Progress Information
M.S. Degree Policy: Satisfactory Academic Progress for Continuation and Graduation
Prospective and matriculated students are advised to carefully review the complete MS progress policy and standards available on this website. This information is also shared in admission materials, in section IV of the formal MS Program Plan, and during new student program orientation.
The MS degree policy entitled “Satisfactory Academic Progress for Continuation and Graduation” amplifies the requirements found in the University of Washington Student Conduct Code and establishes clear expectations for academic and professional performance within the University of Washington Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences (SPHSC) MS degree program. All MS students are required to review, understand and adhere to these academic standards throughout their enrollment. Any questions regarding the information contained in this policy should be directed to the department’s Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) or MS Program Director.
This policy is comprised of three interrelated components, each of which must be upheld to ensure a student’s successful continuation and completion of the degree program.
- The University of Washington Graduate School - Policy 3.7: Academic Performance and Progress (Appendix A). This policy outlines the academic performance and progress requirements for all UW graduate students and includes guidance on the appropriate process for instances where student academic performance does not meet program expectations. Key elements:
- Maintain satisfactory scholarship by maintaining a cumulative and quarterly GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- The University of Washington Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences - MS Satisfactory Progress Policy (Appendix B).This policy outlines the academic performance and progress requirements for all SPHSC Master of Science students and includes guidance on the appropriate process for instances where student academic performance does not meet expectations. Key elements:
- Earn a minimum grade of 2.7 in all required didactic courses and a grade of “credit” or “pass” in all required clinical practicum courses.
- Consistently attend classes and participate in course activities, including collaborative efforts as applicable.
- Demonstrate in their written, oral and clinical work the ability to analyze and conceptualize clear and concise ideas and synthesize, organize, apply and evaluate information.
- Demonstrate expected clinical growth by incrementally building toward independence in the planning and implementation of evaluation and treatment services. Demonstrate independence not only in mastering and autonomously performing requisite skills and competencies, but in managing a full-time caseload by the conclusion of the program.
- Demonstrate academic and professional integrity at all times.
- The University of Washington Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences-Technical Standards for Graduate Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology: Admission, Retention, Promotion and Graduation (Appendix C). This policy outlines the six technical standard areas that all SPHSC Master of Sciences students must demonstrate in order to acquire the knowledge and skills requisite to the graduate degree program and successful entry into clinical speech-language pathology practice. Key elements:
- Demonstrate requisite behaviors and abilities across the following areas: motor, sensory, intellectual/cognitive, communication, interpersonal and cultural responsiveness.
MS student performance is reviewed quarterly by the speech-language pathology faculty and the department’s Student Progress Committee. Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress will be contacted by the Department’s Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) and representatives of the master of science faculty to discuss next steps.
What Are the Technical Standards for Graduate Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology?
The University of Washington Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and the Master of Science degree programs in speech-language pathology are responsible for ensuring that holders of the M.S. degree have been educated to competently implement a broad spectrum of speech-language pathology care across a variety of practice settings and clinical situations, to apply for licensure in the state of Washington, and to apply for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
As an accredited speech and hearing sciences program, the University of Washington curriculum for the M.S. program adheres to the standards and guidelines of the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The education of speech-language pathologists requires the assimilation of knowledge, acquisition of skills, and development of critical thinking and judgment through patient/client care experiences in preparation for an entry-level, independent and semi-autonomous practice. The practice of speech-langauge pathology emphasizes collaboration with the patient/client, their families and caregivers, and other healthcare and educational professionals.
The curriculum leading to the M.S. in speech-language pathology requires students to engage in diverse, complex, and specific experiences essential to the acquisition and practice of essential speech-language pathology skills and functions. Students must possess and meet certain technical standards to successfully complete both the academic and clinical components of the curriculum with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities. Unique combinations of abilities in these six areas are required to satisfactorily perform these functions: 1) motor, 2) sensory, 3) intellectual/cognitive, 4) communication, 5) interpersonal and 6) cultural responsiveness. In addition to being essential to the successful completion of the M.S. requirements, these functions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients/families, fellow students, faculty, and other professions with whom we interact.
The six areas necessary to acquire or demonstrate competence in a discipline as complex as speech-language pathology, and needed for successful admission and continuance by candidates for the M.S. at the University of Washington in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, are outlined in the Department’s M.S. Degree Policy: Satisfactory Academic Progress for Continuation and Graduation document linked above. These technical standards must be met in addition to the standards of behavior and academic conduct set forth in the UW Student Conduct Code.
The purpose of the Department’s Technical Standards document is to clearly outline for prospective candidates the standards and requirements for the M.S. degree program and profession of speech-language pathology. These technical standards exist in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against qualified candidates with a disability who can meet the essential requirements of a program with reasonable modifications of policies, practices and services. Accepted students are required to acknowledge and sign the Department’s Technical Standards document prior to entering the program. Thus, all applicants should carefully review these essential abilities before completing the admissions materials. If there are questions, please reach out to our graduate advisors right away and/or the UW Disability Resources for Students Office.