Communication Disorders, MS

Program Overview

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Arizona State University's Communication Disorders MS program equips students to become certified speech-language pathologists. This 20-month residential program combines coursework with clinical experience, preparing graduates to assess and treat communication disorders across the lifespan in diverse settings. Accredited by ASHA, the program offers research opportunities, elective specializations, and potential for partial online completion. Graduates have excellent job prospects due to the high demand for speech-language pathologists.

Program Outline

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Communication Disorders, MS (Master of Science) at Arizona State University

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

This full-time, 20-month residential program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified speech-language pathologists. It combines rigorous coursework with practical clinical experience in on-campus clinics and diverse external placements. Graduates are prepared to make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired neurogenic disorders, hearing loss, and feeding/swallowing difficulties.

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Objectives:

• Prepare graduates for certification as a speech-language pathologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Develop expertise in assessing and treating communication disorders across the lifespan.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally competent services in various settings.
• Foster a passion for lifelong learning and research in the field of speech-language pathology.

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Description:

The program consists of:

• Year 1: Focuses on foundational knowledge and skills through core courses like assessment methods, intervention approaches, communication disorders in diverse populations, and clinical simulations.
Students gain hands-on experience working with real clients in on-campus clinics under faculty guidance.
• Year 2: Allows students to further specialize by choosing elective courses and completing supervised clinical internships in the community.
This internship offers opportunities in diverse settings such as early intervention programs, schools, hospitals, private practices, and more.

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Highlights:

• Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of ASHA.
• Offers research and clinical opportunities in various settings.
• Provides optional thesis writing or comprehensive exam pathway.

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Outline:

• Required Core Courses (34 credit hours): This includes topics like clinical methods, professional issues, neural bases of communication disorders, multicultural services, augmentative communication, language assessment and intervention across various age groups, feeding & swallowing disorders, neurogenic language disorders, fluency disorders, voice & resonance disorders, traumatic brain injury, differential diagnosis, articulation & phonology, and more.
• Electives (0-6 credit hours): Students can choose electives to specialize in specific areas of interest.
• Other Requirements (20 credit hours): This includes research methods, clinical practicum, clinical internship, passing the ASHA Praxis exam, culminating experience (thesis or comprehensive exam).

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary by course but may include:

• Exams and quizzes
• Clinical assignments and case studies
• Research papers and presentations
• Participation in class and group discussions
• Final comprehensive exam (optional)
• Thesis (optional)
• Clinical skills and performance evaluation during practicum and internship

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods: The program employs diverse teaching methods like lectures, discussions, case studies, simulations, hands-on clinical practice, guest lectures from professionals, and research opportunities.
• Faculty: The program boasts experienced faculty with expertise in diverse areas of speech-language pathology.
They are dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment and guiding students toward their career goals.
• Unique approaches: The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural competency.
It provides opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for success in the field.

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Careers:

• Career opportunities: Graduates have numerous career options in diverse settings like schools (all levels), early intervention programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, private practice, and more.
• High demand: The demand for speech-language pathologists is high, leading to excellent job prospects for graduates.

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Other:

• The program may offer a part-time employment opportunity for speech-language pathology assistants in public schools.
• Students interested in research can collaborate with faculty and complete a master's thesis.
• This program is open to students with a bachelor's degree in speech and hearing science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution and completed prerequisite coursework in speech and hearing.
• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.