Communication Disorders M.S.

Major in Communication Disorders

M.S. Degree Requirements

(See requirements in the “Graduate Catalog”.)

The WTAMU Communication Disorders Program is nationally accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).

The primary goal of the master’s degree program in communication disorders is to develop competent professional practitioners who are prepared to work with other disciplines and make contributions to the field of speech-language pathology and who are well grounded in diagnostic and therapeutic skills. Knowledge of and participation in research is strongly encouraged.

Length of the program may vary depending on the undergraduate background of the student; the master’s degree in communication disorders is available with a thesis or non-thesis option. In addition, enrollment in clinical practicum each semester is required in order to achieve a total of 400 clinic clock hours.

Admission Requirements

In addition to University and Graduate School admission requirements, the program requires:

A 1000 word technical paper describing evidence based practice and how it has shaped the profession of speech-language pathology;
Three letters of professional recommendation (eg. professor, supervisor, or employer) on professional letterhead recommended;
Graduate committee to perform interviews as needed;
Transcript of all current course work completed;
A grade point average of 3.2 or higher.

Application deadline is January 15.

The technical paper and letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to:

Dr. Brenda Fields Cross

Department of Communication Disorders
West Texas A&M University
WTAMU Box 60757
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001

Ongoing Program Requirements

Documentation required within the first two weeks of classes:

Documented copy of liability insurance.
Evidence of a current CPR card.
Immunizations: Required—tuberculosis; Strongly recommended—rubella (women only) and hepatitis B.
Courses with grades of “C,” “D,” “F,” “I” (incomplete), “IP” or “X” (drop or withdrawal) can not be used to satisfy requirements for graduate degree.
Certified background check.

Completion/Graduation Requirements

Take the Praxis NESPA specialty area exam. (ASHA examination; 600 or better is passing.)
Students must demonstrate mastery of all learning outcomes that are part of the Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA). The KASA learning outcomes are incorporated into and listed on the syllabi of each graduate course in communication disorders. This requirement helps meet standards of the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Students are required to pass a comprehensive final exam.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

The master of science degree in communication disorders includes two options.

Thesis Option (57 hours)*

CD 6305 - Neuromotor Speech Disorders 3
CD 6315 - Research in Communication Disorders 3
CD 6320 - Language Disorders in Children: Birth to 5 3
CD 6325 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3
CD 6330 - Aphasia and Right Brain Disorders 3
CD 6335 - Fluency Disorders 3
CD 6340 - Communication Disorders Related to Dementia and Head Injury 3
CD 6370 - Articulation and Phonological Disorders 3
CD 6375 - Language Disorders in School-Age Children 3
CD 6380 - Advanced Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders 3
CD 6398 - Application of Clinical Principles 3 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours)
CD 6399 - Advanced Application of Clinical Principles 3 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours)
CD 6410 - Voice Disorders 4
CD 6450 - Swallowing Disorders 4
CD 6301 - Thesis 3
CD 6302 - Thesis 3

Non-Thesis Option (54 hours)*

CD 6305 - Neuromotor Speech Disorders 3
CD 6315 - Research in Communication Disorders 3
CD 6320 - Language Disorders in Children: Birth to 5 3
CD 6325 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3
CD 6330 - Aphasia and Right Brain Disorders 3
CD 6335 - Fluency Disorders 3
CD 6370 - Articulation and Phonological Disorders 3
CD 6375 - Language Disorders in School-Age Children 3
CD 6380 - Advanced Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders 3
CD 6392 - Special Topics 3
CD 6398 - Application of Clinical Principles 3 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours)
CD 6399 - Advanced Application of Clinical Principles 3 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours)
CD 6410 - Voice Disorders 4
CD 6450 - Swallowing Disorders 4

Note:

*Additional hours may be required to meet ASHA requirements.