Frequently Asked Questions About the Undergraduate CSD Program

1. What is the program’s accreditation status?

The master’s program (M.S.Ed.) in Speech-Language Pathology offered by the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at The College of Saint Rose is currently accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd, #310, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. The program is accredited through July, 2009. The department is currently preparing its re-accreditation report which is due August 1st 2008 and for a site visit in the spring, 2009 semester.

2. I have heard that the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is qualitatively different from other programs. Can you explain why this is so?

Yes. The department has, for the past 35 years, effectively prepared master clinicians by developing in them a unique combination of clinical, academic, and research knowledge, as well as interpersonal and advocacy skills. The department’s philosophy of clinical service delivery is consistent with the ethical standards, scope of practice, and current standards of practice of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. It is our goal to serve individuals with communication disorders in the most effective and humane manner possible and to ensure that our students commit themselves to this fundamental clinical value.

Some specific features of our program that appeals to students include: small class size, “smart” classrooms, faculty approachability, broad level of faculty expertise, diversity of clinical placements, faculty involvement in clinical work, new on-campus clinic, and an active NSSLHA group. Distinctive department programs include: Council of Fluency, Voice Modification for People in the Trans-gendered Community, Support Group for Individuals with Neurogenic Communication Disorders, Preschool and Early Intervention Services, Communication Services for Adolescents who have Emotional and Social Issues, and Consultation Services for Individuals with TBI.

In addition, the department is part of a College that has long been dedicated to promoting academic excellence, developing a caring, diverse community, and empowering individuals to improve themselves and the world around them. Also, the department is part of The Lally School of Education which is known for its emphasis on promoting academic rigor, creating life-long learners, fostering collaboration, and developing strong personal and professional values. The school also values its long-standing engagement in the urban community and the important role this plays in expanding educational opportunities for our students.

The College of Saint Rose is a vibrant community that offers a variety of scholarly, cultural, and entertainment activities to all. These include music and art shows, theatre, lectures on a wide range of topics, and NCAA Division 2 Inter-Collegiate sports.

3. What services are available for students who have special needs?

Offices within the division of Student Affairs coordinate programs designed to support students and enhance their academic experience. Services include tutorial support, counseling for HEOP and ACCESS students, co-curricular programs and activities, services for disabled students, Multicultural Affairs, and the Academic Support Center. Please see the catalog for additional information.

If you are a student with a documented disability and require academic accommodations please register with the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities, located in the Academic Support Center on the 2nd floor of St. Joseph Hall (campus extension 2335 or 337-2335, off campus) for disability verification and for determination of recommended reasonable academic accommodations. After you have made arrangements with that office, please see me to discuss your accommodations. Please remember that timely notice will help avoid a delay in your receipt of accommodations.

4. What is a typical schedule for an undergraduate student in CSD? Most students take 15 to 16 credits each semester.

This usually includes a combination of CSD and liberal arts courses. Most of our students pursue their degree on a full time basis, but part-time attendance is also an option.

5. Can I take graduate courses in the last semester of my undergraduate program?

With department permission, students who are in their last semester of the undergraduate program and are within 9 credits of the 122 credits needed to graduate may take a maximum of 2 graduate courses. These courses count toward the graduate degree, not the undergraduate degree. Interested students can obtain the graduate application using the instructions provided in item 10 below. It is not necessary to complete all of the steps for applying to the graduate program. Simply complete the identifying information on the application and obtain the necessary signatures. Permission to take these graduate courses does not mean that the student has been accepted into the graduate program. For specific questions, contact the graduate office at 518-458-5358.

Students who complete their bachelor’s degree in less than four years may apply to our graduate program by October1st for the spring semester or by February 1st for the summer and fall semesters.

6. Does the department use any type of electronic communication system to help keep students updated on the department’s policies and procedures?

Yes. For the past several years, the College has been using Blackboard which is a very good way to communicate to students. The department has a number of documents housed in Blackboard for ease of availability for students. Also, faculty members are more frequently using it to post assignments and readings in an effort to use less paper.

7. Does the department have a student organization?

Yes. The College of Saint Rose has an active chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) with undergraduate and graduate members. The club’s goals are to benefit its members by promoting opportunities for continued education and chances to form meaningful relationships with students and professors in the Communication Sciences and Disorders major. Some NSSLHA-sponsored activities include a student-faculty dinner, monthly speakers at meetings, and events, such as the Mini-Convention and Grand Rounds, which promote education and awareness on select topics. The club also aims to keep its members informed about outside events related to the fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology such as the ASHA and NYSSLHA conventions.

8. What clinical opportunities are there for undergraduate students?

As a requirement of CSD 100, students will assist and observe a speech-language pathologist in a clinical setting for 15 hours.
In CSD 109, students will be required to observe a speech-language pathologist for 15 hours in a public school. In the third year of study, students will learn how to plan and implement speech and language services in a variety of clinical settings during Clinical Methods & Supervised Observation. Students complete 25 hours of observation of therapy and diagnostic sessions under the supervision of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist. In the final year of study, students will take part in a clinical experience that includes supervised assessment and treatment of clients with speech and language problems as well as typical communication development. Students share their clinical experiences with peers in a required seminar.

9. Does undergraduate clinical work count toward the ASHA required 400 clock hours?

Students are allowed to carry over 75 hours. 25 of these are supervised observation hours and 50 are from clinical practice. ASHA requires that at least 325 clock hours of the 400 be accrued at the graduate level.

10. What are the steps involved in applying to the CSD graduate program?

After entering the college’s website (www.strose.edu), the following sequence of steps will bring students to the necessary graduate program application materials: 1)Future Students, 2) Saint Rose Academics, 3) School of Education, 4) Communication Sciences and Disorders, 5) MSED in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 6) online application. Students have the option to apply directly online or to download the forms and apply using U.S. mail.

Students who attended the Saint Rose undergraduate program are not required to obtain letters of reference from departmental faculty. It is advisable to ask faculty to speak on your behalf. Recommendations from individuals outside the college (e.g., clinical supervisors) should be submitted in writing. For specifics call 518-454-5136 (Note: Students who are applying to other graduate programs should open a credential file in the Career Center).

11. How are admissions decisions made?

An admissions committee is made up of members of the department. This committee reviews all files that meet the minimum criteria. Some students will not be accepted, typically based on some combination of the following: low grade point average, letters of recommendation that do not address their ability to do scholarly work, and a poorly written personal statement. The majority of the applications whose files are competitive will be invited to the College for an interview. These interviews also include a spontaneous writing sample. Once the interviews are completed, students are notified of the committee’s decision in writing.

12. Do students graduating from the CSD department do well on the PRAXIS exam?

Yes. In fact, data from the past few years reveals that our pass rate is between 85% and 100%. Please click on this link for specific data.
Informational Tables 

13. Do students graduating from the CSD department have success in finding employment in the field?

Yes. Data provided from interviews with graduating students and surveys completed by former students reveal that over 95 % are finding employment in the field within 1-3 months of graduating. It is common for students to secure employment prior to graduating as a result of their successful clinical placements. Students are employed in a variety of geographic locations in the US and in Canada.

14. What kind of financial aid is available?

The College of Saint Rose is a member of the Federal Family Education Loan (FASA) program. By filling out a FAFSA, all graduate students are considered for a Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan and a Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan. Eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Pell Grant is determined by specific formulas established by appropriate state and federal agencies. The Office of Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions also awards a handful of very competitive scholarships. In addition, approximately 80 graduate assistantship positions are sponsored by the College. Both the scholarships and assistantships require additional applications, which can be found online at the Graduate Admissions website.

15. What kind of housing is available in Albany?

With over 60,000 students calling the Albany area home, it is easy to find housing that meets your needs and budget. Housing options in Albany range from brownstones in downtown Albany neighborhoods, to garden apartments in the surrounding suburbs. The Office of Campus Life hosts an off-campus housing webpage where students can search for apartments and roommates. Additionally, University Heights College Suites offers student apartments at a fixed monthly rate.

16. What is it like to live in Albany?

The College of Saint Rose is located in the capital of New York State, so there are many things on- and off-campus to discover. Campus clubs and organizations host numerous speakers, musicians, artists, and trips throughout the year. The Albany area is home to numerous festivals, parks, museums, restaurants, and theatres. If you like to shop, Crossgates Mall is the third largest mall in the state and is minutes from campus. The College of Saint Rose is also less than an hour drive from Saratoga and Lake George, as well as many other outdoor recreation areas.