M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Graduate Mission Statement:
The mission of the Master of Science program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
is to train students to be knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical speech-language pathologists;
to conduct and evaluate evidence-based research; and to appreciate life-long learning
in the areas of normal, different and disordered communication across the life-span
and among cultures.
Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the academic course work and clinical
practica experiences to meet both state licensure and the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association's requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language
pathology (ASHA CCC-SLP). Students pursuing State of Louisiana Ancillary Certification
as a Speech Therapist should consult with a faculty advisor for specific requirements.
To receive the Master of Science (M.S.) degree the student must:
Complete thirty-six (36) hours in CSD course work including CSD 602, 604, 606, 607,
613, 614, 615, 617, 622, 624, 629, and 687. Clinical practica courses may not be used
to satisfy degree requirements; however, practica courses are required for students
seeking licensure and/or certification as speech-language pathologists.
Complete six (6) hours of CSD electives with no thesis or six (6) hours of thesis
credit with thesis option. THESIS OPTION: Students will be allowed to enter the thesis
option only with the consent of the graduate faculty. The thesis is a major work of
independent research of primary topics and will be supervised by the student's major
professor and thesis committee.
Have no more than two (6 hours) of Cs in core classes. A student who has earned a
grade of C or lower in a core course may not repeat the course in order to earn a
higher grade. A student is in good standing and is considered to be making satisfactory
progress if a 3.0 semester and 3.0 cumulative GPA are earned in all graduate courses.
In addition, good standing is a prerequisite for enrollment in clinical practicum
courses.
Complete one semester as a full-time student excluding summer.
Satisfactorily complete a comprehensive examination or complete at least six (6) hours
of CSD 770 with a grade of P. The department considers the thesis as an appropriate
substitute for the comprehensive examination.
THESIS OPTION: Students will be allowed to enter the thesis option only with the consent
of the Graduate Studies Committee. The thesis is a major work of independent research
of primary topics and will be supervised by the student's major professor and thesis
committee.
