Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.

Program Overview

This Master's program offers two pathways: Speech-Language Pathology and Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing. The Speech-Language Pathology pathway prepares students for clinical practice in speech-language pathology, while the Normal Aspects pathway focuses on research and non-clinical aspects of communication sciences and disorders. The program includes coursework in language disorders, speech disorders, swallowing disorders, and medical speech pathology. Students in the Speech-Language Pathology pathway complete clinical practica and must pass the Praxis II Exam to graduate.

Program Outline

Outline:

Speech-Language Pathology Pathway

Year 1, Fall Semester

• CS&D 503: Neural Mechanisms of Speech, Hearing and Language (3 credits)
• CS&D 703: Language and Learning Disorders of Children (3 credits)
• CS&D 706: Management and Assessment of Voice Disorders (3 credits)
• CS&D 790: Practicum in Communicative Disorders (2 credits)

Year 1, Spring Semester

• CS&D 704: Acquired Language and Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Adults (3 credits)
• CS&D 705: Motor Speech Disorders/Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
• CS&D 707: Swallowing Disorders (3 credits)
• CS&D 709: Language Development and Disorders in School Age Populations: School Methods and Procedures (3 credits)
• CS&D 713: Introduction to Medical Speech Pathology (1 credit)
• CS&D 790: Practicum in Communicative Disorders (2 credits)

Summer Semester

• CS&D 424: Sign Language I (optional elective)
• CS&D 790: Practicum in Communicative Disorders (2 credits)

Year 2, Fall Semester

• CS&D 424: Sign Language I (optional elective)
• CS&D 708: Fluency and Phonological Disorders (3 credits)
• CURRIC 720: School Practicum in Communication Sciences & Disorders (5 credits)
• CS&D 790: Practicum in Communicative Disorders (2 credits)

Year 2, Spring Semester

• CS&D 752: Capstone in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Integration of Clinical and Research Methods (3 credits)
• CURRIC 720: School Practicum in Communication Sciences & Disorders (Medical Site) (5 credits)
• CS&D 790: Practicum in Communicative Disorders (2 credits)

Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing (non-clinical) Pathway

• A minimum of 33 credits and a thesis is required.
• While the curriculum is individually designed for the specific student, it includes many of the same academic courses as in the Speech-Language Pathology Pathway curriculum above.
• Students take CS&D 990 or CS&D 999 credits while completing the thesis.
• Because an emphasis on Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing does not include clinical practice, CURRIC 720, CS&D 790, and CS&D 713 are not part of the curriculum.

Assessment:

• Speech-Language Pathology Pathway: During the semester before you intend to finish your degree course work, take the Praxis II Exam (ASHA NESPA) and obtain a passing score (162 or better).
Taking the Praxis is a graduation requirement (clinical MS students only).
• Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing Pathway: A thesis is required.

Teaching: