Program Description
The Masters program in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers two areas of concentration; education of the deaf and hard of hearing and speech-language pathology. The program is designed to prepare students to make intelligent decisions and take appropriate, thoughtful action. The program is organized to encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving to identify and meet the communication needs of individuals and families.
Completion of course work for speech-language pathology requires two academic years (fall, spring) and one summer; enrollment in two summer sessions is encouraged. Students eligible for student teaching (CSD 796) will be placed in approved sites and in locations to be determined by the CSD faculty.
Non-Thesis Option
A minimum of 58 semester hours in Speech-Language Pathology shall be completed, including the following:
- Graduate course work to meet academic requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC).
- Clinical practicum requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC).
- Completion of a Master's project.
- Comprehensive Examinations
Thesis Option
Requirements included in items 1 and 2 above shall pertain. Completion of the Master's Thesis and oral defense shall replace items 3 and 4 listed above.
Program Accreditation
The masters program emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Additional Program Requirements
Students must pay for and pass both a background/crime records check and drug test prior to their first clinical placement. The CSD Background Check and Drug Testing Policy and Procedure document is available in the CSD Department Office (Professional Building, room 237).
Students will be required to provide their Praxis examination scores to the department prior to graduation.
Retention Requirements
1. To remain in the program, a student must maintain a GPA of 3.00.
2. No course with a grade below a “C” may be applied to a graduate degree.
3. Any grade below a “C” in any given course, didactic or clinical, is not acceptable and may be grounds for dismissal from the CSD program.
4. The accumulation of more than 9 hours of “C” or below in academic and/or practicum courses will result in dismissal from the program.
5. Students must progress satisfactorily through the levels of practicum as defined in the Clinic Handbook (http://clinic.missouristate.edu/handbook.htm).
6. Hours from practicum classes where a grade of “C” or less was earned will not be counted toward required clinical experiences.
7. While grades are important, the student’s continuation in the CSD Program is based on the composite picture of the ability of the student to perform satisfactorily in the practicum phase of training as well as the academic components.
The CSD Department reserves the right to refuse enrollment or program continuation to any student. This refusal will be determined by the judgment of the CSD Graduate Faculty and CSD Department Head based upon the student’s ability to successfully complete clinical practicum assignments or to assume patient care responsibilities and/or function as a clinician/teacher. Additionally, if a student has failed to demonstrate an attitude of professionalism as judged by the CSD Graduate Faculty and CSD Department Head, a student may be dismissed from the program.
According to the Missouri State University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities http://www.missouristate.edu/StudentConduct/12331.htm, The Codes of Ethics of American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and requirements of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, academic integrity and honesty are the foundation of the University community. Students are expected to practice academic and clinical integrity in all assigned work. Students are also expected to be honest in all interactions with other students, faculty, and staff, and be professional in attitude, actions and attire.
The University, and the CSD department, has the inherent right to promulgate appropriate rules and regulations for the orderly conduct of University business and the protection of the health and safety of the University community. Students are expected to comply with all published and stated rules and regulations. If a student is accused of violating any code (theft, academic dishonestly, possession of drugs, etc.) they will be subject to warnings, loss of privileges, probation, suspension, and/or dismissal.
The Essential Functions of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and/or educators of the deaf and/or hard of hearing establishes the expectations and requisite abilities considered necessary for these professionals (refer to the CSD website). It is recognized that degrees of ability vary widely among individuals. Admission candidates who feel they may not be able to acquire the essential functions set forth are encouraged to contact the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Any admission candidate who may require academic accommodations to fulfill the essential functions due to a disability are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Support Services, Office of Student Life and Development, at 417-836-4192 (voice) or 417-836-6792 (TTY). The CSD Department at Missouri State University seeks to ensure that qualified persons with disabilities are not denied admission or subject to discrimination in admissions.
The Department is committed to enabling students by any reasonable means or accommodations to complete the course of study leading to the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders or an AuD degree.