Program Overview

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Introduction to the Communication Disorders Program

The Department of Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University offers a program leading to the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice as speech-language pathologists.

Program Overview

The Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology requires a minimum of 69-72 credits. The program includes 27 credits of required core courses, 30 credits of practicum, 6 credits or more of electives, and either a special project or a thesis. Courses in professional and special education are required for public school certification.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the Graduate School requirement of a cumulative undergraduate quality point ratio of 3.0 or higher, as well as demonstrate professional promise and scholastic ability. The following documentation must be submitted:

• The Graduate school application and fee
• Official undergraduate and graduate degree transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended
• Recent scores obtained on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections
• Praxis Core Academic Skills examination, formerly Praxis I, in mathematics, reading, and writing, or a Praxis Core waiver letter
• All students for whom English is not their first language must submit recent scores of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A resume, no more than 2 pages, highlighting personal strengths with a specific focus on leadership, volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities, and work experiences
• A 250-300 word well-written essay on a personal challenge and how it was handled or a project initiated and maintained independently that demonstrated skills in interpersonal communications, initiative, problem-solving, and/or organization
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to professional promise and academic ability

Prerequisite Courses

The following courses are not required for admission but will be included in the student's planned graduate program:

• CMD 200 Introduction to Developmental Communication Disorders - 3 credits
• CMD 201 Introduction to Communication Disorders in Medical Settings - 3 credits
• CMD 203 Phonetics and Phonological Systems - 3 credits
• CMD 317 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism - 3 credits
• CMD 319 Language Development: Ages Birth to Five - 3 credits
• CMD 320 Introduction to Hearing Science - 3 credits
• CMD 321 Introduction to Audiology - 3 credits
• CMD 418 Neurological Bases of Communication - 3 credits
• CMD 419 Language Acquisition: School-Age Adolescence - 3 credits
• CMD 420 Speech Science - 3 credits
• CMD 461 Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology - 3 credits

Additional Requirements for Certification

Additional requirements for certification required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) include:

• One course in statistics
• One course in chemistry or physics
• One course in a human or animal biological science
• Two undergraduate courses in behavioral/social sciences in the areas of psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health

Program Sequence

The program sequence includes:

• 27 credits of required core courses
• 30 credits of practicum
• 6 credits or more of electives
• Either CMD 605 Special Project for 3 credits or CMD 590 and CMD 591 Thesis Seminar I and II for 6 credits

Required Courses

The 27 credits of required courses are:

• CMD 503 Research Methods in Communication Disorders - 3 credits
• CMD 527 Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders - 3 credits
• CMD 531 Disorders of Phonology - 3 credits
• CMD 537 Cognitively Based Communication Disorders in Adults - 3 credits
• CMD 545 Disorders of Fluency - 3 credits
• CMD 550 Language Acquisition Disorders: Birth to Five - 3 credits
• CMD 551 Language Disorders: School-Age - 3 credits
• CMD 583 Voice and Velopharyngeal Disorders - 3 credits
• CMD 627 Dysphagia - 3 credits

Speech-Language Pathology Electives

Students must choose two courses from the following:

• CMD 602 Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• CMD 610 Communication and Developmental Disabilities
• CMD 652 Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Clinical and Educational Approaches
• CMD 656 Literacy in the practice of Speech-Language Pathology
• CMD 665 Counseling and Guidance Procedures in Speech and Hearing

Audiology Electives

Students must choose one course from the following:

• CMD 559 Educational Audiology
• CMD 575 Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Children

Practicum Courses

The 30 credits of practicum are:

• CMD 560 Speech and Language Practicum A - 5 credits
• CMD 561 Speech and Language Practicum B - 5 credits
• CMD 562 School Practicum - 6 credits
• CMD 564 Speech and Language Practicum C - 5 credits
• CMD 568 Audiology Practicum - 3 credits
• CMD 569 Neuropathologies Practicum - 6 credits

Capstone Experience

Students must choose one of the following capstone experiences:

• CMD 590 and CMD 591 Master's Thesis - 6 credits
• CMD 605 Special Project - 3 credits

ASHA National Examination

A passing score on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Examination (Praxis II) is required for graduation.