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NIU committee approves standalone MA in Speech‑Language Pathology, warns of clinical-hour capacity limits
Summary
The committee endorsed a new Master of Arts in Speech‑Language Pathology to be forwarded to the board; administrators said the clinically based program requires 400 direct clinic hours, admitted 35 new students last year from about 250 applications, and current clinical supervision limits enrollment growth.
The Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Personnel Committee on May 7 endorsed a proposal to establish a standalone Master of Arts in Speech‑Language Pathology and will forward the request to the board for approval on June 4, 2026.
Provost Lori Eilish Piper said the specialization in speech‑language pathology will be split out of the broader Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders to create clearer degree recognition, better searchability for prospective students, and stronger vocational alignment. Piper said the program is supported by existing faculty and requires no additional resources.
Cheryl Morris, identified in the presentation as an expert on clinical supervision, told trustees that students must complete 400 direct clinic hours before graduation and that the program uses both an internal clinic and external supervisors. Morris said clinical supervision capacity constrains enrollment growth: "Last year, we brought in 35 new students, and there were probably 250 applications," she said, noting clinical‑hour supervision and reliance on external supervisors limit how many candidates the program can admit.
Trustees asked whether the program will be unique in the region and queried the competition and capacity. Provost Piper said the standalone title will make the program more visible and help recruitment; she and program staff said the university has already hired additional part‑time clinical faculty to expand supervision capacity.
Trustee Soumage Strum moved approval; Trustee Rita Athas seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. The committee will forward the proposal to the board for final action on June 4.
