Curriculum

The requirements of the MA degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders are provided below. This program is designed to provide graduate students with the academic, clinical, and research education consistent with the 2014 ASHA/CAA Standards for Clinical Certification in Speech-Language Pathology. The curriculum consists of a core 47 credits, with an additional 6 credits in either a thesis or non-thesis option, for a program total of 53 credits.

Speech-Language Pathology (35)

  • CSD 581: Articulation and Phonology Disorders (3)
  • CSD 582: Voice Disorders (3)
  • CSD 583: Fluency Disorders (3)
  • CSD 584: Language Disorders in Children: Preschool (3)
  • CSD 585: Language Disorders in Children: School-Age (3)
  • CSD 680: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3)
  • CSD 682: Current Issues in Aphasia, Dementia and Right Hemisphere Damage (3)
  • CSD 683: Seminar in Clinical Procedures I (1)
  • CSD 684: Seminar in Clinical Procedures II (1)
  • CSD 685: Diagnostic Process in Speech-Language Pathology (3)
  • CSD 687: Swallowing Disorders (3)
  • CSD 688: Neurocognitive Disorders in Adults (3)
  • CSD 689: Motor Speech Disorders (3)

Audiology (3)

  • CSD 588: Audiologic Rehabilitation (3)

Clinical Practicum (6)

  • CSD 686: Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology (5) and Audiology (optional, up to 1 credit)
    If students opt out of Audiology Practicum, they must register for an additional credit of Speech-Language Pathology practicum.

Research (3)

  • CSD 601: Seminar in Research Methods (3)

In addition to the core 47 credit hours, the student must choose either the 6 credit Thesis Option or the 6 credit Non-Thesis Option.

Thesis Option (6)

The student registers for CSD 699: Graduate Thesis and, with the assistance of a faculty advisor, conducts an approved research project with an oral defense.

Non-Thesis Option (6)

The student completes 6 elective credits in related coursework at the graduate level. These elective courses can be within CSD or related disciplines. Undergraduate CSD courses required as background coursework cannot be used as electives. All non-thesis electives must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. Additionally, each non-thesis student must successfully complete a comprehensive exam.