New Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology achieves accreditation candidacy status

McDaniel College’s new Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) has received approval by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with candidacy status for accreditation. 

According to Vickie Mazer, dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, “This achievement reflects extensive planning, collaboration, investment, and commitment to quality. It affirms that McDaniel has developed a rigorous, student-centered program designed to prepare graduates to enter the speech-language pathology profession and make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

“I want to extend my appreciation to the SLP faculty under the leadership of Program Director D’Jaris Coles-White for their hard work and dedication in developing a program that emphasizes academic excellence, clinical preparation, and flexibility. The program features a comprehensive curriculum with both on- and off-campus clinical experiences, as well as access to newly renovated, state-of-the-art facilities designed to support student learning and professional readiness.” 

Launching in May 2027, the M.S.-SLP program offers several pathways for admission: 

• The traditional post-bachelor’s entry is designed for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology, or who hold a bachelor's degree in another field and have completed the prerequisite coursework for admission. 
• A five-year accelerated B.A. in Health Sciences/M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology is available for first-year undergraduate students at McDaniel who are committed to a career in speech-language pathology, leading to both a B.A. in Health Sciences with a Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences specialization and a M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from McDaniel. 
• A Bridge program is also available to prepare students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology. Offered online, this option provides the prerequisite coursework required for admission and is particularly well suited for those considering a career change. 

McDaniel will begin accepting applications for its inaugural cohort on July 18 through CSDCAS.org. Students planning to enroll as first-year students at McDaniel starting in fall 2027 will be eligible to declare the five-year accelerated B.A. in Health Sciences/M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology beginning August 1. 

“This is a significant milestone as we continue to expand our health sciences offerings at McDaniel to meet regional and statewide workforce needs,” said President Julia Jasken. “As only one of four programs in Maryland and the second of its kind at a private institution in the state, we are proud to contribute to the preparation of highly qualified speech-language pathologists who will serve in our schools, healthcare settings, and communities.” 

Other health profession programs at McDaniel include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), which started with its first cohort in fall 2024, and a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences that began in fall 2020. McDaniel also currently offers a Master of Science in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, which introduced its first cohort of 24 students in May 2026.