Communication Disorders, MS

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Prepare to become a speech-language pathologist.

The Master of Science (MS) in communication disorders degree program at ASU is based on a research-to-practice philosophy and is designed to prepare speech-language pathologists for autonomous clinical practice. The training model at ASU stresses the integration of academic classroom learning and practicum experience across a broad spectrum of clinical specialties and practice environments. We believe that our graduate curriculum provides a strong foundation in the scientific knowledge base and a wide range of clinical field experiences that will prepare our graduates with essential tools for evidence-based clinical practice. The successful graduate will have the diagnostic and rehabilitative skills that fulfill the current Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology specified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The ASU graduate curriculum also is designed to enable MS degree students to meet current standards required for ASHA certification in Speech-Language Pathology. Our program has multiple and varied opportunities for students who are admitted to our program. Students have the option to tailor their training to increase their competencies in early intervention practice, school service delivery, medical settings, and working in a multicultural/multilingual setting.

The communication disorders master's program is one of ASU's degree programs in speech and hearing science.

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Program Options

The following programs are available in addition to the full-time program:

  • Part-time Employment Program Track
    The PEP track is a way to complete ASU's Master of Science in communication disorders degree program while working part-time in public schools. Once admitted to the master's program in communication disorders, students can work part-time as speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) or speech-language technicians (SLTs) in an Arizona public school while they complete their master's degree.
  • Multilingual/Multicultural Program
    The multilingual/multicultural program provides specialized coursework and community-based clinical training in assessment and intervention for children with communication disorders who are from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Students accepted into the program will receive the communication disorders in multilingual/multicultural populations graduate certificate upon program completion.
  • East Carolina University/Arizona State University Joint Program
    Students enrolled in East Carolina University's master's program in communication sciences and disorders can take a minimum of 42 credits through online/Distance Education at East Carolina Universit and a minimum of 12 credits of clinical courses through the ASU's Part-time Employment Program.

Program Goals

The goals of the Master of Science in communication disorders are to:

  1. Prepare students for employment in multiple settings to address the needs of people with communication, speech, language, literacy, and swallowing difficulties.
  2. Educate students in scientific foundations of communication, swallowing and related fields.
  3. Provide students with training in evidence-based, person-centered clinical practice, interprofessional collaboration, community service and life-long learning.

Accreditation

The Masters of Science in Communication Disorders education program in speech-language pathology at Arizona State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Certification and licensure

The College of Health Solutions prepares graduates for excellence upon entering the workplace. Since certification and licensure requirements vary by profession and from state-to-state, we recommend that you visit the ASU licensure website to determine if your program meets the requirements of individual state licensures or national certifications, as applicable. If you have specific questions, please contact your program director or degree coordinator.