Communication Disorders, M.S. - Speech Language Pathology

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For further information: CommunicationDisordersGrad@southernct.edu
Or visit the Department website: southernct.edu/cmd

APPLICATION DEADLINE

February 1 for fall semester

Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

The Department of Communication Disorders offers a program leading to the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Special Service Endorsement from the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Speech-language pathologists evaluate, treat and conduct research into human communication and its disorders. The practice and work of these individuals may take place in many types of settings: hospitals, schools, universities, private practice, research laboratories and industry. These individuals may collaborate with medical specialists, educators, engineers, scientists and other allied health professionals and technicians.

Speech-Language Pathologists:

The graduate program of the Department of Communication Disorders is accredited in speech-language pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical services offered by the departmental Center for Communication Disorders rigorously adhere to quality standards recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Departmental Admission Requirements

Department Application: February 1.

Students may be admitted to graduate study from a variety of undergraduate majors. For students without an undergraduate degree in communication disorders, programs are developed to include prerequisites courses.

Candidates must meet the Graduate School requirement of a cumulative undergraduate quality point ratio of 3.0 or higher, as well as professional promise and scholastic ability.

For specific application requirements, please visit the Communication Disorders website. 

PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR DOCUMENT SUBMISSION OUTLINED ON THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES WEBSITE AND CSDCAS. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH APPLICANT TO VERIFY THAT ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS ARE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 1.

Program Sequence- 69-72 credits

Individuals who enter the graduate program with all prerequisite coursework can complete the program in six semesters, full-time (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer). Individual programs for all students are designed to meet the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Connecticut licensure, and special endorsement in speech-language pathology for Connecticut public schools. Students who are missing prerequisite coursework will require up to three additional semesters to complete the program. The Graduate Program Coordinator will review students’ prior coursework to determine which prerequisite courses are needed to fulfill all requirements.  

Students must maintain an overall and departmental GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program. A “C+” or higher must be achieved in all academic courses, and a “B-” or higher is required in all clinical practica.

As sequencing changes, it is highly recommended that students meet with their program advisor to finalize a list of requirements for graduation.

ASHA Prerequisite Courses

School Certification Courses
Speech-language pathologists who work in Connecticut public schools must have school certification (Special Endorsement in Speech-Language Pathology)

Required Pre-professional coursework- minimum of 21 credits

25 hours of observation documented by a practitioner with ASHA certification

Program Requirements 69-72 Credits

All students enroll for 27 credits of required core courses; 30 credits of practicum; 6 credits of electives in speech-language pathology; 3 credits of electives in audiology; and either CMD 605-Special Projects for 3 credits, or CMD 590 and CMD 591-Thesis Seminar I and II for 6 credits, depending on the track selected. The program can be completed in six semesters, full-time (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer). Individual programs for all students are designed to meet the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Connecticut licensure and special service for Connecticut public schools.

Please note, registration for all departmental courses requires departmental permission.

Required coursework
CMD 503 – Research Methods in Communication Disorders – 3 credits
CMD 527 – Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders – 3 credits
CMD 531 – Disorders in Psychology – 3 credits
CMD 537 – Cognitively Based Communication Disorders in Adults – 3 credits
CMD 545 – Disorders in fluency – 3 credits
CMD 550 – Language Acquisition Disorders: Birth to Five – 3 credits
CMD 551 – Language Disorders: School-Age – 3 credits
CMD 583 – Voice & Velopharyngeal Disorders – 3 credits
CMD 627 – Dysphagia – 3 credits

Speech Language-Pathology Electives (choose two)
CMD 586 – Advanced Instrumentation Techniques for Medical Speech Pathology – 1 credit
CMD 602 – Augmentative & Alternative communication – 3 credits
CMD 608 – Topics in Medical Speech-Language Pathology – 3 credits
CMD 610 – Developmental Disabilities – 3 credits
CMD 656 – Literacy for the SLP – 3 credits
CMD 652 – Autism Spectrum Disorders – 3 credits
CMD 665 – Counseling & Guidance Procedure in Speech & Hearing – 3 credits

Audiology Electives (choose one)
CMD 559 – Educational Audiology – 3 credits
CMD 575 – Central Audiology Processing Disorders in Children – 3 credits

Program Practicum Courses
A total of 375 hours of supervised clinical experience and 25 hours of observation are required for graduation with a minimum of 325 hours obtained at the graduate level.
CMD 560 – Speech & Language Practicum-A – 5 credits
CMD 561 – Speech & Language Practicum-B – 5 credits
CMD 562 – School Practicum – 6 credits
CMD 564 – Speech & Language Practicum-C – 5 credits
CMD 568 – Audiology Practicum – 3 credits
CMD 569 – Advanced Clinical Practicum – 6 credits

Capstone Experience Courses-Choose Thesis (6 credits) OR Special Project (3 credits)
CMD 590 – Thesis Seminar I – 3 credits
CMD 591 – Thesis Seminar II – 3 credits
CMD 605 – Special Project – 3 credits