Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.
Admissions Requirements
Due to the large number of applications received each year, admission to the master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology is highly competitive. The mean four-year undergraduate GPA for those admitted during the previous year was 3.75 (on a 4.0-point scale). Admission is holistic, and submission of GRE scores is not required, but optional.
Degree Requirements (Post-Baccalaureate 84-86; Advanced Standing 71-86 Hours)
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology through two options: a full-time face-to-face/residential format (MS-Res), as well as in a part-time distance education format (MS-DE). Both options include the academic coursework and clinical experiences necessary to meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards for the Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
Information for the advanced standing status and application process can be found on the COMD program website. Applicants who have been admitted to the COMD MS program, and who have successfully completed coursework (i.e., course grade of B or better) in Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms (COMD 501), Language Theory and Phonetics (COMD 507), Disorders of Articulation: Evaluation and Therapy (COMD 526), Observation of Speech Language Pathology (COMD 560) or Introduction to Language Development (COMD 570), or their equivalent as determined by the program director, may be eligible to apply for advanced standing status to bypass up to 15-credit hours of the COMD MS program coursework. Additionally, the program director can award advanced standing status for Observation of Speech Language Pathology (COMD 560) if review of observation hours obtained outside of academic coursework meet eligibility criterion. Advanced standing status applications will be reviewed for each qualifying student on a course-by-course basis. If the program director determines advanced standing status can be awarded, for up to the 15-credit hours as listed above, all other COMD MS program requirements will remain the same as described in the tables below, regardless of residential (MS-Res) or distance education (MS-DE) pathway.
Courses comprising the master’s degree curriculum fall within four general content areas: Basic Communication Sciences Coursework, Professional Coursework, Related Area Coursework and Clinical Practicum Coursework.
Requirements (Post-Baccalaureate 84-86 hours/Advanced Standing 71-86 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Communication Sciences Coursework (13-15 hours) | ||
| COMD 745 | Introduction to Speech Science and Acoustic Measurement | 3 |
| COMD 501 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms 1 | 3 |
| COMD 507 | Language Theory and Phonetics 1 | 3 |
| COMD 560 | Observation of Speech Language Pathology 1 | 1-3 |
| COMD 570 | Introduction to Language Development 1 | 3 |
| Professional Coursework | ||
| COMD 526 | Disorders of Articulation: Evaluation and Therapy 1 | 3 |
| COMD 700 | Advanced Seminars in Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| COMD 701 | Stuttering: Evaluation and Therapy | 2 |
| COMD 704 | Disorders of Voice: Evaluation and Therapy | 2 |
| COMD 705 | Adult Speech and Language Disorders | 3 |
| COMD 706 | Preschool Language Development and Disorders | 3 |
| COMD 707 | Clinical Evaluation in Communicative Disorders | 1 |
| COMD 715 | Augmentative Communication: Assessment and Intervention | 2 |
| COMD 720 | School-Age Language & Literacy Development and Disorders | 3 |
| COMD 721 | Cognitive Disorders and Reorganization | 2 |
| COMD 722 | Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: Evaluation and Therapy | 3 |
| COMD 727 | Advanced Study of Literacy for Speech-Language Pathologists | 2 |
| COMD 750 | Introduction to Audiology and Aural Habilitation | 3 |
| COMD 772 | Practicum in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology | 6 |
| Related Area Coursework | ||
| PUBH 678 | Transforming Health Care for the Future | 1 |
| PUBH 700 | Perspectives in Public Health | 3 |
| COMD 717 | Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology | 1 |
| COMD 790 | Research and Evidence Based Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 |
| Select 7 hours from the following: | 7 | |
| Laryngectomy Clinical Management | ||
| Neurophysiology and Motor Speech Disorders | ||
| Gerontology and Communicative Disorders | ||
| Introduction to Medical Speech-Language Pathology | ||
| Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: Evaluation and Therapy | ||
| Cultural Responsiveness in Clinical Practice | ||
| Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology | ||
| Introduction to Autism for the Speech-Language Pathologist | ||
| Speech Pathology Management of Patients with Tracheostomy & Ventilator Dependency | ||
| Cochlear Implants | ||
| Habilitation of Individuals with Cochlear Implants | ||
| Thesis Preparation | ||
| Clinical Practicum Coursework | ||
| COMD 772 | Practicum in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology 2 | 6 |
| COMD 774 | Internship in Speech Pathology | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours | 84-86 | |
- 1
Advanced standing status could forgo COMD 501, COMD 507, COMD 524, COMD 560 and/or COMD 570 depending on program director’s determination of eligibility for each qualifying student on a course-by-course basis.
- 2
Students take COMD 772 multiple times throughout their program. The six credit hours listed as clinical practicum coursework here are completed independently of the six credit hours listed for COMD 772 in the professional coursework requirement section above.