Communication Sciences and Disorders

The MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders (thesis or non-thesis) provides students with the competencies associated with the delivery of high-quality clinical services in speech-language pathology.

• The objective of the program is to prepare beginning clinicians for independent professional employment.
• The graduate program extends over a two-year period for regular, full-time students (September entry only).

Experienced clinicians and a faculty-student ratio with considerable individual attention ensures high-quality supervision of practicum.

• In addition to weekly observations of the student’s practicum, the supervisor and student have one-hour meetings each week to discuss the various aspects of the student’s clinical work.
• Practicum experiences are provided under the auspices of the University’s Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center, which offers on-campus and outreach services to a variety of individuals with language, speech and hearing disorders.
• Additional clinical placements are in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public and private schools, and community speech and hearing centers.

The MA program meets the current academic and clinical requirements for clinical certification in Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). As a matter of policy, we require those students admitted to the program to meet these certification standards.

Graduates with an MA degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders find positions as speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, and other service agencies, as well as in private practice.

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.