Message from the Program Director
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP)
It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you at
Dar Al-Hekma University on behalf of our program. I am honored to be a part of your journey as you embark on this exciting adventure of advanced study and ethical practice in speech and language pathology.
Our mission is to provide you with a comprehensive and rigorous academic curriculum that promotes excellence in clinical practice, research, and community engagement in a rapidly evolving field. Throughout the program, you will work alongside our dedicated and experienced faculty members, gaining hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
As you begin your studies, I encourage you to embrace the resources and support available within our program. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of our faculty members with questions, ideas, or concerns. We are committed to supporting your academic and professional growth, and we are excited to see the incredible things you will accomplish. Once again, welcome to the program. Your time here will be nothing short of rewarding, and we cannot wait to see how you will thrive.
The MSLP program is both clinic and research based. Related to that, a
bachelor’s degree in speech language and hearing sciences is offered. There are also
graduate scholarships that are offered to students to facilitate their academic journey.
Mission
The mission of the Master's Program in Speech-Language Pathology is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for competent clinical service delivery to children and adults with communication disorders, in Arabic and English.
Program Goals
- Introduce students to various theories and concepts that are relevant to speech-language pathology.
- Equip students with professional clinical skills that include screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, counseling services, and report writing.
- Ensure that students are equipped with up-to-date technologies for evaluation and intervention in the field of speech-language pathology.
- Provide students with a wide range of learning resources that foster their understanding of scientific and clinical research.
- Enhance ethical conduct in clinical practices by providing clinical experience with individuals who have communication disorders and by involving students in interprofessional service delivery
- Graduates of the program are prepared to receive their license to practice based on the requirements of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
- Graduates are also prepared to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).
Why choose this Master Program at Dar Al-Hekma University?
- Dar Al-Hekma MSLP graduates are nationally and internationally acknowledged and recognized leaders in academia, research institutions, government, professional and health care organizations such as the Saudi Society of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SSSPA) ) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- MSLP is the first and only graduate program in speech-language pathology in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
- The MSLP curriculum has been developed and reviewed by American and western scholars who are renowned in the field
- The program is designed in a way to reflect the most current theories and research in the field of speech-language pathology through the five specialized clinical practicum courses that are offered, namely: General Practicum 1, Child Practicum, Adult Practicum, School Practicum, and Medical Practicum..
- Faculty and clinical supervisors in the MSLP program are ASHA certified with varied specialties like adult neurogenic disorders, child language disorders, and swallowing disorders.
- The MSLP program operates a speech and hearing clinic at the University, which facilitates learning in an experimental setting that mimics real life clinical experiences. The clinic serves members of the DAH community who seek speech, language and hearing services for children, adolescents and adults with various communication problems.
Graduate Attributes:
-
Cognition:Students should have essential cognitive functions such as language, understanding, synthesizing, memory, attention, visuospatial skills, and higher-level cognitive abilities.
-
Communication: Students should have the communicative abilities to demonstrate competencies, answer oral and written questions, and present information in class or conferences.
-
Professionalism: Students should consistently respect themselves and others, be caring, fair, honest, and prompt, and abide by all the laws and regulations of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the DAH university codes of conduct.
-
Competencies: Students should demonstrate the following competencies: being knowledgeable, an influencer, collaborator, critical thinker, problem-solver, and be research-oriented.
-
Values: Students should possess the following values: loyalty, responsibility, conscientiousness, generosity, reliability, passion, respectfulness, humility, and creativity.
-
Attitudes:Students should demonstrate the following attitudes: be tolerant, positive, balanced, punctual, health-conscious, disciplined, flexible, resourceful, empathetic, and confident.
Admission Requirements
Programs
| Linguaskill Score
| Required Bachelor
Degree
| Pre-Requisite Program
| Other Admission Requirement
|
|---|
Master of Science in Speech-
Language Pathology
| 176
| A Bachelor Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
or Speech, Language, and Hearing Science
or other related fields
| None
| Pass Interview
|
For further details about admissions, click here
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of concepts and theories related to the identification and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
Skills
- Design treatment plans for patients/clients beginning with the evaluation and diagnosis of speech and language disorders.
- Apply basic principles and methods of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting to determine the presence or absence of communication disorders to devise and implement effective treatment plans.
- Utilize advanced techniques to evaluate and analyze data to make informed decisions about speech, language, and cognitive communication disorders.
Values
- Employ ethical practices when working with individuals with communication disorders and their families, and while collaborating with other professionals in the field.
- Demonstrate ethical knowledge and integrity in conducting scientific research.
Plan of Study
|
Year One |
|---|
|
Semester – Fall |
Semester – Spring |
Semester – Summer |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
| CSCD 6301 | Oral & Written
Language Disorder | 3 | AURE 6301 | Advanced Aural
Rehabilitation | 3 | CSCD 6305 | Voice Disorders | 3 |
| CSCD 6302 | Advanced Research
Methods | 3 | CSCD 6201 | Medical Aspects of
Speech-Language
Pathology | 2 | CSCD 6103 | Practicum III
– Adult Practicum
in Speech-Language
Pathology | 1 |
| CSCD 6303 | Autism Spectrum
Disorder | 3 | CSCD 6304 | Phonological
Disorder | 3 |
| CSCD 6101 | Practicum I | 1 | CSCD 6102 | Practicum II – Child
Practicum in Speech-
Language Pathology | 1 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
10 |
Total Credit Hours |
9 |
Total Credit Hours |
4 |
|
Year Two |
|---|
|
Semester – Fall |
Semester – Spring
|
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
CSCD 6306
| Dysphagia | 3 | CSCD 6309
| Motor Speech Disorders & Traumatic Brain Injury | 3 | CSCD 6000
| Preparation for PRAXIS
| 0
|
CSCD 6307
| Aphasia & Cognitive Disorder
| 3 | CSCD 6202
| Fluency Disorders | 2 |
CSCD 6310
| Clinical Research Project
| 3 | CSCD 6308
| Craniofacial Anomalies | 3 |
CSCD 6104
| Practicum IV – School Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
| 1 | CSCD 6105
| Practicum V – Medical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
| 1 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
10 |
Total Credit Hours |
9 |
Total Credit Hours |
0 |
| Summer II (Optional) | CSCD XXXX
| Free Elective (Students may not be required to take this elective) | 2 |
|---|
Elective Cluster
| CSCD 6203 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| CSCD 6204 | Telehealth | 2 |
| CSCD 6205 | Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders | 2 |
| CSCD 6206 | Early Intervention
| 2 |
Total credit hours for graduation: 42
|
Career Prospects
The program equips students with the necessary skills that qualify them for a variety of career paths/jobs in the market including, but not limited to:
Providing services to individuals of all ages with the full range of communication and swallowing disordersWorking in national and local agencies such as hospitals, clinics, public and private schools, as well as having their own clinics and private practices. Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities, engage in empirical research to further knowledge about communication processes and disorders, and develop new assessment and intervention methods. Graduates of the program are prepared to receive their license to practice based on the requirements of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Graduates are also prepared to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6301 Oral and Written Language Disorders
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course provides the skills needed for evidence-based practice in disorders covering listening, speaking, reading and writing. It also focuses on theories, characteristics, etiologies, diagnosis, treatment and research in oral and written language disorders. The course covers language disorders as it relates to impairment and learning disabilities, language literacy and communication development, motor and sensory impairments, ability-achievement discrepancy and cognitive referencing policies.
Pre-requisites Courses: None
Co-requisites Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6302 Advanced Research Methods
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course covers evidence-based practice and research methodology in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. The course emphasizes components of research topic selection, research design, literature review, research concepts using scientificterminology, hypothesis setting, variables, data collection and research conclusions, as they relate to a completed research project. It also supports research as framed within the context of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model.
Pre-requisites Courses: None
Co-requisites Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6303 Autism Spectrum Disorders
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course focuses on the diagnostic criteria used to identify children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and etiological and contributing factors of ASD. It also emphasizes the communication, social interaction and play characteristics of individuals with ASD. The course also covers speech-language pathology (SLP) methods of prevention, assessment and intervention for this population and their implementation. The course incorporates research and knowledge of cultural and family practices to evaluate and modify current prevention, assessment and intervention SLP practices to meet the needs of clients with ASD.
Pre-requisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: AURE 6301 Advanced Aural Rehabilitation
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course emphasizes evidence-based practice in assessment and intervention for individuals with hearing loss. It also covers technologies for accessing sound, communication strategies for optimizing communication for adults with hearing loss, and intervention approaches for children with hearing loss, including the development of listening and spoken language.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6201 Medical Aspects of Speech-Language Pathology
Credit Hours: 2
Course Description:
This course provides relevant theory and a comprehensive overview of Medical Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). It covers basic SLP problems, medical SLP problems. In addition, it covers the evaluation and treatment of these SLP problems, medical ethics, and standards of various professional organizations.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6304 Phonological Disorders
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course highlights advanced competencies in the knowledge of phonology and phonological disorders, including the selection, planning, and implementation of assessment and intervention strategies. It covers similar and different phonological characteristics of the English and Arabic speech production, and what is considered as typical or atypical speech. The course also focuses on the diagnosis and treatment, as well as clinical and theoretical research, of typical and disordered phonology.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD Voice Disorders
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course introduce the theory and application of the study of voice disorders and their rehabilitation in children and adults. It covers the societal and personal relevance of pathologies affecting voice, the prevention of voice disorders, the effect of pharmaceutical agents on voice, basic science foundation of voice therapy, and an overview of critical voice therapy programs and outcome data.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6306 Dysphagia
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course focuses on examining, at an advanced level, the structures and physiology of swallowing. It also covers the assessment procedures, pathologies, and treatment strategies. In addition, it emphasizes clinical research associated with the processes of deglutition and their disorders in adults and children.
Prerequisite Courses:None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6307 Aphasia and Cognitive Disorders
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course focuses on adult neurogenic language disorders including adult aphasia and cognitive disorders, definitions, incidence, prevalence, and causes. It also covers the clinical types, and contemporary approaches to assess and treat aphasia and cognitive disorders.
Prerequisite Courses:None
Co-requisite Courses:None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6308 Craniofacial Anomalies
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
The course focuses on the nature, causes, and characteristics of craniofacial anomalies and the speech, language, and hearing disorders that accompany them.
It emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders associated with cleft lip and palate. This course also covers other craniofacial anomalies related to syndromes, birth defects, and acquired defects.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6309 Motor Speech Disorders & Traumatic Brain Injury
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course provides the academic knowledge base for clinical practice with individuals who have neurologically based speech disorders. The course introduces the best practices in clinical treatment of motor speech disorders and provides a knowledgeable and practical foundation in the area of motor speech disorders. It highlights the etiologies, types, assessment, and treatment of motor speech disorders through collaborative, problem-based learning experiences, and labs. The course also covers: (1) the anatomical and physiological bases of motor speech disorders, (2) the assessment of motor speech disorders, and (3) the treatment and management of motor speech disorders.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6202 Fluency Disorders
Credit Hours: 2
Course Description:
This course provides an understanding of the complex issues related to the evaluation and treatment of fluency disorders. It also includes the etiological theories, assessment, best practice in treatment and service delivery. In addition, it covers the contemporary research and interdisciplinary considerations.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6310 Clinical Research Project
Credit Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course provides the research competency required by the Ministry of Higher Education. It also highlights the knowledge and skill to conduct independent research and focuses on the discipline of speech-language pathology.
Prerequisite Courses:
CSCD 6302: Advanced Research Methods
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6101 Practicum I-in Speech-Language Pathology-Diagnostic
Credit Hours: 1
Course Description:
This purpose of this course is to provide the students with supervised clinical experience in planning and evaluating the speech and language of children and adults, analyzing and interpreting assessment data, and submitting assessment reports.
Prerequisite Courses: None
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6102 Practicum II - Child Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Credit Hours: 1
Course Description:
This field experience allows student clinicians to obtain practical skills in the diagnosis and treatment of children. It also aims to give training in a broad spectrum of communication disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse populations’ settings. Further skills are practiced to prepare students to become independent, competent speech-language pathologists.
Prerequisite Courses: CSCD 6101 Practicum I-in Speech-Language Pathology- Diagnostic
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6103 Practicum III - Adult Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Credit Hours: 1
Course Description:
This field experience allows student clinicians to obtain practical skills in the diagnosis and treatment of adults. It also aims to give training in a broad spectrum of communication disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse populations and settings. Further skills are practiced to prepare students to become independent, competent speech-language pathologists.
Prerequisite Courses:
CSCD 6102: Practicum II-Child Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6104 Practicum IV – School Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
Credit Hours: 1
Course Description:
This field experience allows student clinicians to obtain practical skills in the diagnosis and treatment of children in a school setting. It also aims to give training in a broad spectrum of communication disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse populations and settings. Further skills are practiced to prepare students to become independent, competent speech-language pathologists.
Prerequisite Courses: CSCD 6102: Practicum II-Child Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Co-requisite Courses: None
Course Code &Title: CSCD 6105 Practicum V – Medical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Credit Hours: 1
Course Description:
This field experience allows student clinicians to obtain practical skills in the diagnosis and treatment of adults and/or children. It also aims to give training in a broad spectrum of communication disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse populations and settings. Further skills are practiced to prepare students to become independent, competent speech-language pathologists.
Prerequisite Courses: CSCD 6201: Medical Aspects of Speech-Language Pathology
Co-requisite Courses: None
