Graduate Studies in CSD

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The primary objective of the graduate program is to prepare students for their first career opportunity as an independent speech-language pathologist. The program learning outcomes were created to provide graduate students with an academic, clinical, and research education consistent with the 2020 ASHA Standards for Clinical Certification in Speech-Language Pathology.

The full-time program extends over a two-year period (five semesters) for traditional students and six to seven semesters for students needing to complete significant prerequisite coursework. Students have the option of a thesis or non-thesis track. Research opportunities are available irrespective of thesis option. We currently do not accept part-time students. Prospective students can reference the most recent CSD Graduate Student Handbook and Clinical Practicum Handbook, and the current UMaine Graduate Catalog for program expectations and detailed information about the program of study (current students should reference the handbook they received during orientation).

Students are provided with a variety of clinical practicum experiences both on and off campus. Clinical placements on campus through the Madelyn E. and Albert D. Conley Speech, Language, and Hearing Center include on-campus, telepractice, and outreach services to a diverse range of individuals across the lifespan with speech, language, and hearing challenges. Off-campus placements consist of regular and special schools, hospitals, and other settings. Supervision of practicum is provided by experienced faculty and on-site professionals who maintain a faculty-student ratio that permits considerable individual attention. Students are provided with a Clinical Practicum Handbook when they begin the program that explains expectations and comprehensive information about clinical experiences. 

Graduates with a Masters of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders find positions as speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, and other service areas as well as in private practice. Positions are readily available in Maine, most other states, and the Canadian provinces, especially the Maritimes.

This program prepares students to be eligible for licensure within the state of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.

Graduate Program Accreditation

The Master of Arts (M.A.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at the University of Maine is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.