Meet Makenzie Kuntz, MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders Student…
Makenzie Kuntz (MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders) is forging a path toward becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in the voice—and what better place to make that dream come true than in New York City, the home of Broadway.
A New Jersey native, Kuntz completed her undergraduate degree in speech-language-hearing sciences close to home at Kean University. With a passion for musical theater, she grew up visiting New York City frequently to see performances and plays, which led her to think about pursuing her graduate degree at a large university in a dynamic city.
“I had no doubt that I wanted to study speech-language pathology, and I wanted to experience the fast-paced energy of a big city that would push me beyond my comfort zone,” says Kuntz, a first-generation college student who is in her first year of her graduate degree at NYU Steinhardt. “I was familiar enough with New York City to know I would like living here, but also that it would be a good challenge for me.”
Exploring a Passion for Voice Therapy
Through NYU Steinhardt’s program in this metropolitan hub for performers, Kuntz sees countless opportunities to explore her niche in SLP: voice therapy, which addresses vocal health, injury, and performance for professional and occupational voice users such as vocalists, broadcasters, lawyers, politicians, and more.
Makenzie Kuntz after her 2025 performance of "They Promised Her the Moon"
“I’ve always admired musical theater performers and how much they rely on their voices for their careers,” says Kuntz. “While the master’s program prepares us to treat a wide range of communication needs as SLPs, being in New York City gives me the chance to explore voice therapy in a way that I simply couldn’t anywhere else.”
Cross-Program Collaboration
Beyond the opportunity to work with her target client population, Kuntz was also drawn to the school’s interdisciplinary culture.“NYU Steinhardt was once described to me as a ‘catch-all’ school that brings together lots of disciplines all in the same place, especially at the graduate level,” says Kuntz. “For me, the chance to interact with people in drama and music therapy, sociology, and the performing arts professions is a huge benefit. I strongly believe that learning from each other can greatly benefit our individualized practices.”
Kuntz says she has crossed paths with many peers in different programs through events hosted by NYU Steinhardt’s Graduate Student Organization (GSO). The GSO sponsors many professional, creative, educational, and informational clubs that are open to all graduate and post-graduate students, hosts a number of networking events, and co-sponsors the annual Research and Scholarship Showcase.
Hands-On Learning in Real Clinical Settings
Another element of Kuntz’s graduate education that she appreciates is the hands-on learning. Students in the MS degree complete five clinical field placements over their course of study that provide the supervised hours required for professional certification and licensure.
Undertaken during her first semester, Kuntz’s first clinical placement at a skilled nursing facility near Central Park called Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center working with patients with Huntington’s disease has left a lasting impression.
“Terence Cardinal Cooke is one of the more established long-term residential care programs for Huntington’s disease in the country, which is remarkable,” she says. “Having my first clinical experience with this population of adults who have an impactful neurodegenerative condition feels incredibly special. Seeing how the clinical skills we learn in class translate into real care has been really meaningful."
A Transformative Path Forward
For Kuntz, graduate study at NYU Steinhardt is more than professional preparation—it is an immersive journey shaped by collaboration, real-world learning, and the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City.
“I chose Steinhardt knowing that I would receive a transformative education and hands-on experience that would challenge, prepare, and shape me to serve diverse communities upon graduation,” says Kuntz.
As she continues developing her clinical skills and exploring her passions, she is building the foundation for a career dedicated to helping others find, protect, and use their voices to thrive in their professions and day-to-day life.
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Master of Science
Communicative Sciences and Disorders
On-Campus Degree
This degree prepares you for eligibility to become a professionally licensed speech-language pathologist.
Master of Science
Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Online Degree
The online speech-language pathology (SLP) master’s program prepares students to address speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Complete in as few as two years.
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