Clinical Practicum

The Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is located at 621 Skytop on South Campus of SU. The clinics, in operation since 1972, serve the Syracuse community and surrounding areas. Master's students engage in a wide range of diagnostic and therapy experiences under the direct supervision of faculty and certified clinical staff in the Gebbie Clinic. These experiences include individual case management (assessment and treatment), group therapy and diagnostic team evaluations. Students gain proficiency in the treatment of speech and language disabilities, incorporating areas such as phonology, language, fluency, swallowing, autism, Asperger's syndrome, genetic disorders, adult neurogenic disorders, and voice. Many of these clinical practica may include use of advanced technology (Sonospeech, Kay Elemetric Swallowing Station, Computerized Speech Lab, laryngeal videostroboscopy, PRAAT, and a variety of software programs).

Students will experience a wide variety of externship settings in their last two semesters of the program, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, early intervention centers and private practices in the central New York area. Placements include public schools, infant/toddler and preschool programs, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, private clinics and special education programs generally in the Syracuse area. Students who excel in academic and clinical work may be allowed to do their final externship outside of the central New York area. Previously, students have been placed in schools and hospitals in diverse locations such as Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Canada.

Comprehensive examinations are taken during the last semester of master's degree coursework (fall or spring). As an alternative to the comprehensive examination, the student with interest in research may elect a thesis option.