Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Georgia State University

Program Overview

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Georgia State University prepares students for professional careers as speech-language pathologists through advanced academic coursework and extensive supervised clinical training. The programme is suitable for students interested in helping children and adults with speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, combining scientific knowledge, clinical assessment, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires a minimum of 63 semester credit hours for students with a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders and 90 semester credit hours for students without the required undergraduate prerequisites. Students complete specialised coursework, clinical practicum, and internships in school and medical settings. The programme generally takes two years for students with the necessary prerequisites and three years for students who need additional foundational coursework.

Year 1: Students develop a strong foundation in the neurological, linguistic, and clinical aspects of communication disorders. Courses such as Neuroscience for Communication (CSD 7510), Language Disorders in Young Children (CSD 7450), Acquired Aphasia (CSD 7550), and Research Methods in Communication Disorders (CSD 7840) introduce students to communication development, neurological conditions, research techniques, and clinical assessment. Students also begin Foundations of Clinical Practice in CSD (CSD 7630) and progress into supervised clinical practicum, gaining experience in observing and treating individuals with communication difficulties.

Year 2: Students advance their clinical expertise through specialised courses covering speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, and neurological communication disorders. Subjects such as Speech Sound Disorders (CSD 7520), Voice Science and Disorders (CSD 7530), Fluency Disorders (CSD 7540), Diagnostic Methods of Speech and Language Disorders (CSD 7560), and Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (CSD 7600) develop their ability to evaluate and manage diverse clinical conditions. Students complete three semesters of on-campus clinical practicum and two full-time off-campus internships, including Communication Disorders Medical Internship (CSD 7950) and Communication Disorders School Internship (CSD 7951).

Additional Year for students without prerequisites: Students who enter without the required undergraduate background complete additional foundational subjects, including Phonetics, Speech Science, Anatomy and Physiology for Communication, Hearing Science and Disorders, Audiologic Rehabilitation, and Development of Communication and Language Across the Lifespan. These courses prepare them for the advanced graduate curriculum and clinical training.

Note: The university individualises students' study plans according to their previous coursework and prerequisite requirements. The course sequence above is based on the official programme curriculum.

Focus Areas

Speech-language pathology, communication disorders, speech and language development, child language disorders, adult neurogenic communication disorders, neuroscience of communication, speech sound disorders, voice and fluency disorders, swallowing and dysphagia, audiology, hearing sciences, clinical assessment and diagnosis, rehabilitation, evidence-based therapeutic intervention, paediatric and adult clinical practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders affecting individuals across different age groups. They gain expertise in identifying speech and language difficulties, evaluating neurological and cognitive communication disorders, managing voice and fluency conditions, and providing interventions for swallowing difficulties. Students also develop clinical assessment skills, evidence-based treatment planning, professional communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ability to work effectively with clients and their families. Through supervised clinical placements, they acquire practical experience in school-based and medical speech-language pathology settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accreditation: The Master of Science programme in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Professional certification: The programme provides the academic and clinical preparation required for graduates to pursue ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), subject to additional certification requirements.
Clinical hours: Students must complete 400 supervised clinical clock hours in accordance with ASHA's Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) requirements.
Clinical training: Students undertake three semesters of on-campus clinical practicum and two full-time off-campus internships in school and medical settings.
Professional licensing: Graduates can pursue state licensure as speech-language pathologists, subject to the licensing requirements of the state where they intend to practise.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Career ranking: In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Speech-Language Pathologist as the 10th best job overall and the 3rd best healthcare job in the United States.
Clinical employment opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, skilled nursing facilities, and private speech-language pathology practices.
Clinical industry exposure: The university provides internship opportunities through established partnerships with hospitals, medical centres, rehabilitation facilities, private practices, and schools across metropolitan Atlanta.
Professional preparation: The programme's combination of academic coursework, clinical practicum, and medical and school-based internships prepares graduates for professional speech-language pathology practice.
Further academic progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral studies and advanced research opportunities in communication sciences and disorders.

Employability ranking: The university does not publish a specific programme-level QS or Guardian employability ranking. However, the 2024 U.S. News career ranking provides an indication of the professional demand and career prospects associated with speech-language pathology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Georgia State University, the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program is designed to provide students with hands-on, practical experiences that are essential for developing the skills needed in the field. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools that enhance their learning and prepare them for real-world challenges. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various opportunities, including internships, collaborative projects, and specialized labs.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the program:

- Clinical Practicum: Students engage in supervised clinical experiences at the Georgia State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, where they work directly with clients under the guidance of licensed professionals.

- Research Laboratories: The program features dedicated research labs equipped with advanced technology for studying speech, language, and hearing disorders. This allows students to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

- Internships: Students have the opportunity to complete internships in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, providing valuable real-world experience.

- Collaborative Projects: The curriculum includes group projects that encourage teamwork and collaboration, simulating the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

- Digital Tools: Students utilize specialized software for speech analysis and therapy, enhancing their technical skills and understanding of modern practices in communication sciences.

- Field Trips: The program often organizes field trips to local clinics and research institutions, giving students insight into various professional environments and practices.

- Access to Libraries and Resources: Students benefit from the extensive resources available at the Georgia State University library system, including access to academic journals, databases, and specialized texts in communication sciences.

- Institute for Biomedical Sciences: The program collaborates with the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, providing students with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and learning.

These experiential learning components are integral to the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and competence.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Georgia State University are well-prepared for a variety of rewarding careers in the field. With a strong emphasis on clinical practice and research, students can expect to find themselves in roles such as Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, or Communication Disorders Researcher. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals with communication challenges.

Here’s what you can expect from the program and the support available to you:

- University Services: Georgia State offers robust career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events specifically tailored for communication sciences students. The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic provides hands-on experience and opportunities to work with clients under supervision.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was approximately $80,000 in 2022, with job growth projected to be much faster than average over the next decade.

- University–Industry Partnerships: Georgia State has established partnerships with local healthcare providers and schools, allowing students to gain valuable internship experiences and job placements upon graduation.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), ensuring that your degree meets the highest standards and is recognized nationally.

- Graduation Outcomes: Over 90% of graduates from the program find employment within six months of graduation, reflecting the strong demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, you may choose to pursue a Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP.D.) or a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. These advanced degrees can open doors to leadership roles in academia, research, or specialized clinical practice, allowing you to further enhance your expertise and impact in the field.

Choosing Georgia State University for your graduate studies means investing in a future filled with opportunities to make a difference. I encourage you to take the next step and apply!