Program Overview

Program Overview

The Dyslexia Therapy Master's program at the University of Southern Mississippi is a 2-year online program designed for working professionals. The program is accredited by IMSLEC and IDA and teaches the scientifically based DuBard Association Method.

Program Format

• The program is fully online, with all courses, practicum, and supervisions provided virtually.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
• The program can be completed in a minimum of six semesters.
• Students can begin the program in the summer semester.

Admission Criteria

• Applications are accepted from January to March 1.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• A maximum of 16 graduate students are accepted each year.
• The GRE or Praxis is required for admission.
• If using Praxis scores, both Praxis I and Praxis II scores are required.
• Each application is evaluated in its entirety, and a point system is used to evaluate the components of the applications.

Practicum and Supervision

• Graduate students may earn practicum hours on the job, volunteering in a school, or providing private services at an agreed-upon location.
• Students must work with clients who have documentation of a diagnosis of dyslexia or poor grades in reading.
• Practicum hours can begin after completing SHS 532 in the first semester.
• A principal or school administrator must approve the earning of practicum hours on the job.
• Practicum hours are supervised by approved supervisors with qualifications.

Licensure

• Graduates are eligible for the Mississippi Department of Education Educator Licensure endorsement #203 for dyslexia therapy.
• Graduates are also eligible to sit for the ALTA Competency Exam for MSLE, which leads to eligibility for the Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) national credential and membership in the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).

Tuition

• Out-of-state tuition is waived for fully online programs.

Program Completion

• Practicum hours are an essential part of the degree program and are required to receive a degree.
• Continuous enrollment in the university is required, and tuition must be paid while the graduate student continues acquiring the skills and supervision required for practicum.
• If a student has not completed their practicum requirements by the end of the sixth semester, enrollment in another practicum course will be required, and tuition must be paid.