Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MS SLP)

Introduction of the Program

The College of Speech Language & Hearing Sciences, Ziauddin University is proud to introduce a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MS SLP), following the success of the BS-SLT program which was upgraded to the BS ASLT in 2015.

The Graduates of the MS SLP program will teach and train undergraduates in the field of speech language pathology and conduct awareness and advocacy for the profession in Pakistan, upholding its professional ethics and dignity. They shall actively engage in research and development for construction of assessment and therapeutic tools that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for Pakistani population.

The objectives of the program are:

  1. The graduates should have complete understanding of biological and medical sciences, social and behavioral sciences as well as statistics and research methods.
  2. The graduates should be well versed with the human communication, the feeding and swallow processes in children and adults; as well as the biological, neurological, psychological, social, linguistic and cultural bases to them.
  3. The graduate should demonstrate the ability to integrate and differentiate between the normal and abnormal human development across lifespan; and the disorders and differences thereof.
  4. The graduates must be well versed with the etiologies of communication and swallow disorders and their relevant anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the areas of :
  5. Articulation and phonological development and disorders;
  6. Fluency disorders;
  7. Disorders of voice and resonance, as well as respiration and phonation;
  8. Disorders in receptive and expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, prelinguistic communication and paralinguistic communication) in speaking, listening, reading, writing in children and adults;
  9. Hearing impairment and its impact on speech and language development;
  10. Disorders in the functions of feeding and swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding, orofacial myology);
  11. Disorders of cognition in all aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive functioning);
  12. Socio-communicative disorders (including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities);
  13. The selection and utilization of augmentative and alternative communication modalities.
  14. For all items from (a) – (l) above, the graduates must exhibit knowledge of the current procedures of intervention including assessment, evaluation and treatment; as well as demonstrate knowledge of ethical procedures within. [Details for knowledge and skills in professional practice here have been adapted from the ASHA policies of evaluation and examination see below (0) to (q)].
  15. Evaluation 
    Conduct screening and prevention procedures (including prevention activities).
    b. Collect case history information and integrate information from clients/patients, family, caregivers, teachers, and relevant others, including other professionals.
    c. Select and administer appropriate evaluation procedures, such as behavioral observations, non-standardized and standardized tests, and instrumental procedures.
    d. Adapt evaluation procedures to meet client/patient needs.
    e. Interpret, integrate, and synthesize all information to develop diagnoses and make appropriate recommendations for intervention.
    f. Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support evaluation.
    g. Refer clients/patients for appropriate services.
  16. Intervention 
    Develop setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients’/patients’ needs. Collaborate with clients/patients and relevant others in the planning process.
    b. Implement intervention plans (involve clients/patients and relevant others in the intervention process).
    c. Select or develop and use appropriate materials and instrumentation for prevention and intervention.
    d. Measure and evaluate clients’/patients’ performance and progress.
    e. Modify intervention plans, strategies, materials, or instrumentation as appropriate to meet the needs of clients/patients.
    f. Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support intervention.
    g. Identify and refer clients/patients for services as appropriate.
  17. Interaction and Personal Qualities
    Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client/patient, family, caregivers, and relevant others.
    b. Collaborate with other professionals in case management.
    c. Provide counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to clients/patients, family, caregivers, and relevant others.
  18. The graduates must demonstrate knowledge of research principles and evidence based clinical practice.
  19. The graduates must demonstrate appropriate skills in oral and written or other forms of communication required by a professional in the field of speech language pathology.
  20. The graduates must demonstrate knowledge of the following Intervention, assessment and evaluation procedures with patients / clients.

Eligibility Criteria

  • CGPA of 2.00/4.00  or 60% marks in BS-SLT/ BS-ASLT/ BA (Communication Disorders) or an equivalent degree.
  • Admission Test/ GAT (general) conducted by university/ NTS.
  • There is no upper age limit for the admission to the course.

Scope

Candidates graduating with the MS SLP shall be eligible for clinical practice in hospital, and rehab settings as well as at mainstream and special schools, where in they shall independently screen, assess, evaluate, diagnose, and treat all disorders of speech, language, hearing, feeding and swallowing in children and adults as well as provide feedback and counseling to the caregivers, and other support personnel.

The graduates shall successfully utilize AAC tools (Alternative – Augmentative Communication) as and when required after complete assessment of the needs of the patient.

The graduates shall indulge in research and development nationally and internationally towards strengthening their own knowledge and skills as well as for establishing the profession in Pakistan.

The graduates shall develop indigenous tools of assessment and therapy that are culturally and linguistically appropriate to the Pakistani fabric and to the Indian sub-continent.

They shall be eligible to teach and train students in college/university settings.

Graduates shall also teach and train educationists and special educationists for identification and classroom management of children with speech, language, hearing and feeding disorders.

They shall teach and train parents for management of the child at home

The graduates shall work in a team of professionals whenever and wherever required, wherein other members of the team shall include, neurologists, pediatricians, otolaryngologists, maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, psychologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, special educationists, educationists, teachers’ aides and parents.

Duration of the program

  • 4 Semesters across 2 years
  • Note: Each semester shall extend over a period of 16-18 weeks
  • The MS SLP program shall be of not more than 36 months in duration.

Semester wise workload

The MS Speech Language Pathology aims to inculcate and develop knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose and treat speech, language disorders in children and adults.

The program is divided into 04 semesters, over two academic years; with two semesters in each year. There are 08 modules that include 12 core courses, followed by an independent research project and dissertation. There are no optional courses for this program.

Students undertake 24 hours of course work in theory, 6 credit hours of clinical practicum which is 30 credit hours.  The MS SLP program culminates with an addition of 6 credit hours research dissertation at the end of two years, and a research publication.

Course codeYear 1 Semester 1 Jan 19 – May 19Credit HoursContact Hours
SLH701+SLH711Professional & Clinical Studies 1 Foundations of Research1+216+26
SLH705Management of Communication disorders 1:

Language & Cognition

1+116+16
SLH703Management of Communication disorders 2:

Hearing Science & Aural Rehabilitation

1+116+16
SLH707Phonetics, Phonology and Disorders of Speech Production in Children232
SLH709Clinical Linguistics & Bilingualism232
SLH 713Voice & Dysphagia236
Total Credit hours13
 Semester 2 Jul 19 – Nov 19  
SLH702Professional & Clinical Studies 2
(Practicum* in schools & hospital including diagnostics)
1+2*16+70*
SLH704Alternative & Augmentative Communication226
SLH708Management of Communication disorders 3: Language Disorders of Neurogenic origin 1+116+16
SLH706Management of Communication disorders 4: Fluency & Voice Disorders 1+116+16
SLH710Dysphagia232
SLH712Clinical Research & Biostatistics232
Total Credit hours13
Semester 3 Jan20 – May 20  
SLH702Clinical Studies 3 (Practicum in schools & hospital including diagnostics)/Clinical Elective270
Semester 4 July 19 – Nov 19  
SLH802Clinical Studies 4 (Practicum in schools & hospital including diagnostics)/Clinical Elective270
SLH804Research Project and Dissertation 66 -8 months
Total30+6

Exact title of the program

Master of Science – Speech Language Pathology (MS SLP)

Fee Structure

Application Fee5000
Admission Fee50000
Tuition Fee360000
Examination Fee20000