Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.

The department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. in communication sciences and disorders. The purpose of the graduate program is to prepare clinicians, researchers, and teachers who possess a solid foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline of communication sciences and disorders.The M.S. program is a two-year professional program designed to prepare students for clinical work. It is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association. At the master's level, supervised diagnostic and therapy experiences with children and adults are provided in a variety of on- and off-campus clinical settings. This program meets the academic and clinical-practicum requirements for clinical certification set by the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA). Opportunities are also available for pursing a nonclinical program at the master's level.Foundations of PracticeStudents will possess foundational knowledge about basic human communication and swallowing processes.Students will identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in communication sciences and disorders.Students will articulate and critique the theories, research methods, and approaches in speech-language pathology.Students will integrate research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.Students will apply research findings in the provision of patient care.Students will communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.Prevention, Identification and AssessmentStudents will conduct screening and prevention procedures.Students will perform chart review and collect case history from patient interviews andor relevant others.Students will select appropriate evaluation instrumentsprocedures.Students will administer and score diagnostic tests correctly.Students will adapt evaluation procedures to meet patient needs.Students will possess knowledge of etiologies and characteristics for each communication and swallowing disorder.Students will interpret and formulate diagnosis from test results, history, and other behavioral observationsStudents will make appropriate recommendations for intervention.Students will complete administrative functions and documentation necessary to support evaluation.Students will make appropriate recommendations for patient referrals.InterventionStudents will develop appropriate treatment plans with measurable and achievable goals.Students will collaborate with clientspatients and relevant others in the planning process.Students will implement treatment plans.Students will select and use appropriate materialsinstrumentation.Students will sequence tasks to meet objectives.Students will provide appropriate introductionexplanation of tasks.Students will measure and evaluate patients' performance and progress.Students will use appropriate models, prompts, or cues.Students will adapt treatment session to meet individual patient needs.Students will complete administrative functions and documentation necessary to support treatment.Students will identify and refer patients for services as appropriate.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution is required. International applicants must have a degree comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree. You must have completed your undergraduate degree, or similar, before starting graduate school. A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on the equivalent of the last 60 credit hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required. The Graduate School will take into consideration different grade scales from institutions that do not have 4.00 scales (e.g., institutions outside the United States of America).