Program Overview
The Master of Science in Auditory and Language Neuroscience program equips students with research skills in auditory and language processing, preparing them for doctoral studies or careers in science, healthcare, and industry. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, research opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of careers, including research scientist, speech analyst, and product developer.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Description:
The Master of Science (MS) program in Auditory and Language Neuroscience trains scholars in basic and applied research, preparing them for doctoral-level graduate studies and careers in science, healthcare, and industry. This program provides a strong foundation in neuroscience research related to auditory and language processing and human communication.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the tools necessary to conduct cutting-edge neuroscience research related to auditory and language processing.
- Deepen understanding of the science behind auditory and language processing.
- Prepare graduates for doctoral-level studies and careers in research, healthcare, and industry.
Outline
Content:
- Auditory neuroscience
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Communication disorders
- Language
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropsychology
- Science
- Speech-language pathology
Structure:
- 31 credit hours including a thesis, or 31 credit hours including the required applied project course (SHS 593)
Modules:
- Required Core (6 credit hours):
- EXW 501 Research Statistics (3)
- PSY 530 Intermed Statistics (4) or STP 530 Applied Regression Analysis (3)
- SHS 542 Applied Research Methods in Auditory and Language Neuroscience (3)
- Restricted Electives (12 credit hours)
- Research (6 credit hours):
- SHS 592 Research (6)
- Other Requirement (1 credit hour):
- SHS 590 Topic: Research Integrity and Conduct in ALN (1)
- Culminating Experience (6 credit hours):
- SHS 593 Applied Project (6) or
- SHS 599 Thesis (6)
Assessment
Assessment methods:
- Coursework
- Research projects
- Thesis or applied project
- Comprehensive exams
Assessment criteria:
- Mastery of course material
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
Teaching
Teaching methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Research labs
- Hands-on training
Faculty:
- Experienced researchers in auditory and language neuroscience
- Experts in neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and clinical research applications
Unique approaches:
- Emphasis on hands-on learning
- Research opportunities in collaboration with faculty members
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
Careers
Career opportunities:
- Data analyst
- Educator
- Laboratory technician or manager
- Product developer
- Public relations specialist or spokesperson for a research institute or device manufacturer
- Research scientist
- Speech analyst for a tech company
Career paths:
- Clinical research centers
- Hospitals
- Hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers
- EEG systems and augmentative and alternative communication applications manufacturers
- The program is offered in-person on the Tempe campus.
- The application deadline for the fall session is February 15th (priority) and the deadline for the spring session is October 15th (priority).
- The program may be eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, which offers a reduced nonresident tuition rate.
