Program Overview

Communication Disorders (M.S.C.D.)

The Graduate College offers a Master of Science in Communication Disorders (M.S.C.D.) degree.

Program Overview

The nationally accredited program provides students with opportunities to work closely with faculty members who are distinguished scholars, mentors, and master clinicians in various aspects of the field of communication disorders. Faculty-student ratios provide individualized attention, effective clinical mentoring, and academic excellence. Graduates are highly competitive nationally in today's workforce.

Course Work

The department offers two master's degrees. The Master of Science in Communication Disorders (M.S.C.D.) requires 36 semester credit hours, with hours in both the major and a concentration as well as a clinical practicum each semester. The thesis option requires 39 semester credit hours, including a concentration, as well as a clinical practicum each semester. Concentration choices include:

• Neurogenics
• Voice and swallowing (NVS)
• Bilingual
• Fluency
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Hearing and related disorders
• Versatility in practice The program takes two years to complete, including a very full summer semester. Students who opt for study abroad will spend two weeks overseas during the summer.

Program Details

The program has an exceptional pass rate on the required Praxis exam and very strong employment outcomes. Curricular offerings include an overseas study abroad.

Program Mission

The Department of Communication Disorders is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and clinical practice in speech-language pathology and audiology. With a commitment to innovative instruction, expansion of knowledge, and community-based collaboration, the department creates a vibrant and supportive learning community that engages and inspires students, faculty, staff, and clients. Advanced clinical and educational training, grounded in evidence-based practice (EBP) and practice-based evidence (PBE), prepares students to serve individuals with communication disorders and their families in an ethical and culturally competent manner.

Career Options

Graduates are comprehensively prepared to enter today's workforce or competitive doctoral programs. The concentration specialty programs provide student clinicians with highly sought-after clinical, interpersonal, and culturally competent skill sets essential in the field of communication disorders. Entry-level speech-language pathologists are highly prepared to succeed in medically-based or school-based settings, providing services to individuals across the lifespan.

Program Faculty

Academic faculty conduct research in:

• Bilingualism
• Speech motor control
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Fluency
• Child language development and disorders They have won national awards and have been funded with external and internal grants. They publish in well-known national and international journals and frequently present at national and state conferences, providing strong mentoring for graduate students who wish to present and publish as well.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.

• Completed online application
• $55 nonrefundable application fee, or $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Baccalaureate degree in communication disorders from a regionally accredited university. A competitive leveling program is available if you do not have the required degree.
• A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
• A 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate communication disorders courses.
• Official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall, or official PTE scores required with a 52 overall, or official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0, or official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall, or official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
• Prerequisite course form
• Resume/CV
• Statement of purpose addressing the following questions:
  • What areas of speech pathology practice or research interest you most and why?
  • Why are you applying to the Communication Disorders graduate program at Texas State University?
  • Briefly describe any life experiences, situations, and/or research interests that distinguish you as an applicant.
• Three forms of recommendation

Application Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: February 1 for U.S. citizens and February 1 for international students. This ensures full consideration for admission and eligibility for certain funding opportunities.
• Standard Deadline: August 1 for U.S. citizens and June 1 for international students. This represents the last day a complete application can be submitted, but does not guarantee admission consideration.