Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Admission Requirements
For admission to the M.S. degree program in Speech-Language Pathology the applicant must:
- Have an earned Baccalaureate degree with a major in communication sciences and disorders, or a Baccalaureate degree in any major with equivalent Post-Baccalaureate coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
- Possess a 3.0 or higher GPA . The method of calculating an Admission GPA is based on the last 60± semester undergraduate cred its (90± quarter credits) for coursework taken during the last two years of undergraduate training. Post-Baccalaureate coursework in communication sciences and disorders will be considered in computing GPA.
- Apply through Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service at https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Submit personal essay.
- Submit resume.
- Apply to, and meet all criteria for, admission to Graduate School https://www.isu.edu/apply/graduate/.
Speech-Language Pathology Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program will:
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret, integrate, and synthesize core concepts and knowledge in evidence-based assessment and treatment for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.
- Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred model of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client/patient, family, caregivers, and relevant others.
- Apply and integrate professional standards, practices, and ethics in clinical practice and research.
- Incorporate critical thinking and decision-making skills while engaged in identification, evaluation, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and/or intervention.
- Have demonstrated knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases as well as demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the lifespan.
International Students
Applicants, whose first language is not English, need to meet the following TOEFL requirements for Classified admission:
- Internet -based test (iBT): a total score of 80 with a score of at least 20 on each Section (graduate assistants who teach courses must score 23 or above on the Speaking Section) on the iBT; or
- Computer-based test: a total score of 213 with a score of at least 21 on Section 1 (Listening Comprehension) on the computer test; or
- Paper-based test: a total score of 550 with a score of at least 55 on Section l (Listening Comprehension) on the paper test or a score of 84 on the MTELP, or a score of 6 on the IELTS. Once admitted, non-native English-speaking students must also receive a passing score on a test of spoken English to participate in clinic.
*We do not accept IEI nor ELS in lieu of TOEFL/IELTS.
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CSD 6600 | Principles of Research in Communication Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 6602 & CSD 6604 | Clinical Practicum Speech-Language and Off Campus Practicum | 2-8 |
| CSD 6606 | Externship in Speech Language Pathology | 8 |
| CSD 6614 | School Age Language Development and Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 6616 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 3 |
| CSD 6620 | Early Language Development and Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 6622 | Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 6624 | Disorders of Swallowing | 3 |
| CSD 6625 | Advanced Issues in Language Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 6629 | Neuropathologies of Speech | 3 |
| CSD 6630 | Fluency Disorders in Children and Adults | 3 |
| CSD 6632 | Craniofacial Anomalies | 2 |
| CSD 6634 | Voice Disorders | 2 |
| CSD 6639 | Neurogenic Disorders of Language and Cognition | 3 |
| CSD 6648 | Professional Issues in Speech Language Pathology | 3 |
| Select either the thesis or non-thesis option: | 3 | |
| CSD 6650 | Thesis (thesis track only) | 6 |
| Or Approved Electives | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 60-63 | |
An adequate undergraduate background is assumed for entry to the graduate curriculum in Speech-Language Pathology. If deficiencies are found, such as lack of a basic course, the student may be required to make up the course. Note also that undergraduate or graduate courses in 1) statistics 2) psychology, sociology, or anthropology 3) physics or chemistry and 4) biology are required if not previously taken in an undergraduate program, as is Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team.
Students in the Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology must have the following ISU courses or their equivalents from another institution, or provide evidence from course syllabi that the basic information was covered in their undergraduate program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSD 3310 | Speech Science: The Acoustical Nature of Sound and Speech | 3 |
| CSD 3315 | Clinical Processes Pediatric | 2 |
| CSD 3321 | Clinical Phonetics and Phonology | 3 |
| CSD 3325 | Speech Sound Development and Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 3325L | Speech Sound Development and Disorders Lab | 1 |
| CSD 3330 | Language Science | 3 |
| CSD 3335 | Language Development and Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 3341 | Audiometry and Hearing Science | 3 |
| CSD 3350 & 3350L | Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Swallowing Mechanisms and Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Swallowing Mechanisms Lab | 4 |
| CSD 4405 | Neuroscience for Communication Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 4417 | Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team | 1 |
| CSD 4420 | Clinical Processes Adult | 2 |
| CSD 4445 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
| CSD 4460 | Educational Audiology | 3 |
General Requirements
Students must pass written and oral comprehensive examinations. For the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, the written exam may be fulfilled by a portfolio and either a capstone or a thesis option. Examinations for students choosing the portfolio and capstone track are conducted internally through the department, while students choosing to do a portfolio and a thesis will require a Graduate Faculty Representative and will follow ISU Graduate School policies for thesis and dissertation.
According to the university regulations, no student may be granted a graduate degree who does not have a 3.0 grade point average for courses listed on the program of study upon completion of all academic work. In addition, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders will terminate the graduate program of any student who has received grades of C+ or lower, in two or more departmental courses (including clinical practicum), or if the cumulative GPA falls below 2.7 in the first year of study and 3.0 by the completion of graduate studies. If a student’s graduate education is terminated for reasons of poor academic performance, he/she may reapply for admission no sooner than one full semester following the semester of dismissal.
Students with inadequate backgrounds in speech-pathology and audiology may be required to take up to one year of undergraduate course work in addition to the above courses. Our department offers Individual courses or a certificate program for students who need to take additional preparation courses; see here for more information about our Pre-Professional Program. In addition to the required graduate courses, students may have to take other courses in the department and related areas such as psychology and statistics. In addition to taking clinical practicum (CSD 6602, CSD 6603, or CSD 6604) in the department, all graduate students must complete a minimum of an eight-week, full-time externship in some professional program or agency. Exceptions may be made depending on the student’s background. Graduate students deemed by the faculty not to have made satisfactory progress in the acquisition of clinical skills may be required to enroll for further credits in clinical practicum in addition to the minimum required of all students. Students may be dismissed for failure to make satisfactory progress in clinical practicum.