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51���� has added a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology to its portfolio of programs in the Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions.

The — one of only a handful of fully online Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs in the nation — will welcome its first cohort of students in the fall.

“Our program was developed with two goals in mind: reducing barriers to graduate study and improving access to SLP services, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” said Dr. Pamela Hart, professor and program director. “We aim to make a positive impact in both areas with this high-quality distance education program.”

Grounded in evidence-based practice and the university’s Franciscan tradition, the program aligns with SBU’s mission to provide transformative education and serve vulnerable communities, Hart said.

The program follows a trimester format and consists of 56 credits — 46 academic coursework credits and 10 hands-on clinical practicum credits that students can complete in their home region.

The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level practice as speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Graduates will have met the academic and clinical education requirements for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification and licensure eligibility in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% increase in demand for SLPs over the next 10 years.

Coursework includes synchronous and asynchronous components to balance flexibility and structure while fostering peer and faculty collaboration. Clinical education will integrate in-person practicum and simulation experiences, ensuring students develop competency in all required clinical practice areas.

“Our program will balance flexibility with structure,” said Dr. Swagata Banik, dean of the DePerro School. “Our goal is to support student development throughout the program and to serve as a resource following graduation. By providing high-quality academic and clinical education focused on student success, St. Bonaventure seeks to become a leader in distance education and educational innovation in speech-language pathology.”

The program is an applicant for candidacy accreditation through the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) and is now accepting applications for its inaugural fall 2025 cohort.

The candidacy accreditation process is the standard pathway for new speech-language pathology programs to achieve full accreditation. Candidacy status is granted for a maximum of five years, during which the program works toward full accreditation.

Once candidacy status is achieved, graduates of SBU’s program will have the same rights, responsibilities, privileges, and educational qualifications as graduates of fully accredited programs. The program expects to receive CAA notification regarding candidacy status next month.

For more information, or email Dr. Hart at phart@sbu.edu

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).