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 professional in our field.  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 program. Research opportunities are available irrespective of thesis option. Prospective students can reference the most recent Graduate Student Handbook for expectations and information (current students should reference the handbook they received during orientation). We currently do not accept part-time students.

Our program requirements meet the academic and clinical education standards for Clinical Certification in Speech-Language Pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). As a matter of policy, we require those admitted to our program to meet those certification standards.

Clinical practicum experiences are provided in the Department’s Madelyn E. and Albert D. Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center, which offers on-campus and outreach services to a broad range of individuals with language, speech, and hearing problems. Outreach 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. Current and prospective students can reference the Clinical Practicum Handbook for expectations and information. 

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 will prepare 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 (residential) in speech-language pathology 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.

Contact our Graduate Coordinator:

Jessica Salley Riccardi, PhD CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor at jessica.riccardi@maine.edu