ESU’s Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program Gains National Accreditation

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s master of science in speech-language pathology program has been re-accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This national accreditation was the result of an extensive self-study culminating in a two-day site visit in April, 2013.

Robert Ackerman, Ph.D., the graduate coordinator of the program, was pleased to receive word that ESU’s program met all of the standards necessary for this specialized program which prepares students to become speech-language pathologists in educational and medical settings. According to Dr. Ackerman, ESU’s program emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills required to work with individuals of all ages with communication and swallowing disorders.

“The accreditation standards focus on student learning outcomes, program resources, client welfare, and professionalism,” said Ackerman. “Our students are the greatest and many have achieved greatness upon completion of this program.” According to Ackerman, there is a continuing and growing demand for qualified professionals in the field of speech-language pathology, both in Pennsylvania and nationally.  “There are so many opportunities out there for our graduates, in both health care and educational settings.  Many of them receive multiple job offers right out of grad school,” he said.

Students in the program receive hands-on training through their work with clients in the ESU Speech and Hearing Center at ESU, then go off campus to full-time externship sites during their last semester. “The accreditation site visit occurred soon after the program moved into the newly renovated Monroe Hall. The new facilities provide excellent resources for class and lab work, as well as for the Speech and Hearing Center which provides therapy for those with communication disorders in Monroe County and the surrounding areas,” said Elaine Shuey, Ph.D., chairperson of the ESU Speech-Language Pathology Department.

Alberto Cardelle, Ph.D., interim dean of ESU’s College of Health Sciences, said “Our Speech-Language Pathology program is among the best, and this accreditation by a federally sanctioned national organization confirms the excellence of our program. This accreditation lets students know that if they choose to come to ESU they will be receiving a high quality education.”

For more information about the ESU master of science in speech-language pathology program or the ESU Speech and Hearing Center, please contact Dr. Ackerman at 570-422-3682 or by email at rackerman@po-box.esu.edu.

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