Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers two concentrations in the Master of Science program. One is the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This is a clinical concentration designed to prepare individuals to practice as speech-language pathologists. The second is the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. It is a non-clinical concentration designed for individuals who seek concentrated study in one or more areas of human communication sciences and/or communication disorders without clinical preparation as audiologists or speech-language pathologists.

Because this concentration provides the opportunity for more in-depth study in selected concentrations and involves students in active participation in research, it is one avenue to lay a solid foundation in communication sciences and disorders research, particularly for those individuals wanting to pursue further study at the Ph.D. level but not interested in the clinical credentials.

M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Research)

The master’s degree program in communication sciences and disorders is a non-clinical program that combines concentrated study in selected areas of human communication sciences and/or communication disorders and active research participation and research training. For individuals who wish to pursue further study at the Ph.D. level, the program offers a solid foundation in communication sciences and disorders research. Students select one area (Category C course work) from among four possible areas and complete the course work in that area in addition to the course work in the three other categories (A, B and D), as indicated below, for a total of a minimum of 36 credit hours. Completion of a thesis and participation in directed research experiences are essential parts of the program.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.25 grade point average in major course work.
• General GRE scores (verbal, quantitative and writing).
• Three letters of recommendation on letterhead stationery.
• Personal written statement regarding career goals, reasons for pursuing a research degree and areas of research interest.