The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology provides academic and practicum experiences for students preparing for professional careers as speech-language pathologists in settings such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs. The master’s degree program also provides the basis for further study for students who wish to pursue more advanced degrees. The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology has been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The master’s degree program is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).
Numerous clinical off-campus facilities provide opportunities for students to gain extensive and varied practicum experiences in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
Admission to regular status in the Master of Arts program is contingent upon a bachelor's degree from an approved college or university, an academic grade–point average of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study, and approval by the department. Three letters of reference (submitted on forms supplied by the department) attesting to the student's potential for graduate study are required. As part of the admission process, students must also submit a statement of purpose clearly specifying why they wish to earn a master's degree.
Students who hold undergraduate degrees in fields other than communicative sciences and disorders may be accepted in the program and may be required to complete course work in communicative sciences and disorders or other areas to meet American Speech-Language Hearing Association standards required for certification. This may require an additional one or two semesters of course work.
The deadline for the receipt of all application material is January 15th. Students are admitted only in fall semester.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
At least 51 credits are required for the master's degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders under either Plan A or Plan B.
| Speech-Language Pathology (51 credits) |
|
| Requirements for both Plan A and Plan B (45 credits): |
|
| 1. |
All of the following courses (45 credits): |
|
|
CSD |
803 |
Research Methods in Communicative Sciences and Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
813 |
Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language, and Hearing |
3 |
|
CSD |
815 |
Acquired Language Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
824 |
Developmental Language Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
825 |
Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
830 |
Fluency Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
840 |
Voice Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
855 |
Assessment and Treatment of Dysphagia |
3 |
|
CSD |
860 |
Articulation and Phonological Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
865 |
Motor Speech Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
880 |
Clinical Proseminar in Communicative Sciences and Disorders |
3 |
|
CSD |
883 |
Clinical Practicum in Speech—Language Pathology |
12 |
| 2. |
In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the department chairperson, a program of study may be designed with reduced emphasis on clinical education and increased emphasis on other academic areas, which would be reflected in the content of the master's degree final examination or thesis requirements. |
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| Additional Requirements for Plan A (6 credits): |
|
| 1. |
The following courses: |
|
|
CSD |
890 |
Independent Study |
|
|
|
2 |
|
CSD |
899 |
Master's Thesis Research |
|
|
|
4 |
| 2. |
Successful completion of an oral thesis defense. |
|
| Additional Requirements for Plan B (6 credits): |
|
| 1. |
Six additional credits in courses approved by the student's academic advisor. |
|
| 2. |
Successful completion of a departmental final examination. |
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