FAQ

Q: Who is eligible for the “Speech Upgrade Project?
A: Certified Speech Correctionists

Q: What if I already have a Master's degree in speech pathology, but do not have a speech-language specialist certificate?
A: There is no retraining requirement. Contact your county office of education to obtain an application to upgrade your certificate.

Q: What will happen if I do not complete the retraining requirements?
A: You will no longer be employable in a school system after August 31, 2015.

Q: Where will the courses be offered?
A: The main studio will be at Kean University, but there will also be three distance learning classrooms in other areas of New Jersey to which the courses will be simultaneously broadcast. More information will come on the location of these sites each semester. Some courses are on-line.

Q: Do I have to complete the program within a certain amount of time from when I begin?
A: While we prefer that requirements are completed within four years, it is mandatory that you complete the program be August 31, 2005.

Q: Are there any other universities offering an “upgrade” program?
A: No. Kean is the only university that will offer this type of program.

Q: For those individuals who need to obtain supervised clinical hours, who will supervise and where?
A: If you are currently working, Kean will send faculty out to your place of work to supervise on a periodic basis. If you are not working, you can register for a practicum at the Kean University Speech and Hearing Clinic. Kean University will hire appropriately credentialled individuals to serve as supervisors.

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No. The application fee is waived.

Q: When I submit my application, do I have to start at any specific time?
A: No, but it is recommended that you begin as soon as possible.

Q: If I have applied to Kean’s graduate program before, do I have to resubmit my transcripts?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I obtain an application?
A: Call the office of the Speech Upgrade Project at (908) 737-5812 to request an application

Q: Will I get a Master's degree when I complete the Speech Upgrade requirements?
A: No. The Speech Upgrade Project is designed to meet equivalency requirements of the Speech-Language Specialist certification. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible for continued employment and will earn the Speech-Language Specialist Equivalent certificate.

Q: May I use the graduate credits I’ve taken in the Speech Upgrade Project toward a Master's of Arts degree?
A: Because the graduate courses are taken through Kean University, they may be used toward a Masters degree in Speech Pathology at Kean University. However, you would need to formally apply (submitting GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.) and be formally admitted to the Speech Pathology Master's of Arts degree program.