Department of Communication Disorders

Master of Speech-language Pathology (M.S.) Degree

Major in Communication Disorders

M.S. Degree Requirements

See requirements in the “Graduate School” section of the catalog. Click the link to view the 2018-2019 graduate curriculum guide.  

The primary goal of the master's degree program in speech-language pathology is to develop competent, professional practitioners who are prepared to work with other disciplines, make contributions to the field of speech-language pathology, and who are well grounded in diagnostic and therapeutic skills.  Knowledge of and participation in research is strongly encouraged.

The length of the program may vary depending on the undergraduate background of the student, but the master's degree in speech-language pathology is available with a thesis or non-thesis option.  In addition, enrollment in clinical practicum each semester is required in order to achieve a total of 400 clinical clock hours. 

Admission Requirements for Fall 2019

In addition to University and Graduate School admission requirements (you must apply to the graduate school using Apply Texas or see link on the graduate page), the program requires you to complete the following steps:

• Official GRE Scores
  • Official GRE Scores must be sent directly to WTAMU from ETS.  The GRE School Code for WTAMU is 6938
    • WTAMU will utilize the writing score (1-6 for the scoring rubric)
• 3 letters of professional recommendation (eg. professor, supervisor, or employer) on professional letterhead (recommended)
• Graduate committee to perform interviews as needed
• Transcript of all current course work completed
• Grade point average of 3.2 or higher on last 60 hours of CD and related coursework

Application deadline is January 15th (must have completed application for the WTAMU graduate school and all materials must be received).  Late materials will not be reviewed, so allow for mailing time.  An applicant must have a 3.2 minimum GPA.  Transcripts are required in the graduate office, where your GPA is calculated (see note below).  Interviews may be used for the admission process; however, not all applicants will be interviewed.  Interviews will be determined based on the admissions rubric.    

Note: GPA is calculated from the last 60 hours of Communication Disorder and Related coursework completed (to include, but not limited to sign language, chemistry/physics and statistics).  If you are currently leveling, your last 60 hours will be considered.  For letters of recommendation, you may choose to use this form for a professor or supervisor to complete and have sent directly to the graduate school.  We still recommend a letter of recommendation.  The following rubric is used to evaluate each candidate.  Graduate Admission Rubric

The letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to:

Graduate School
Killgore Research Center
2403 Russell Long Blvd., Unit 60215
Canyon, TX 79016-0001
phone: 806-651-2739
fax: 806-651-2733

The Department of Communication Disorders admissions policy is that we do not refuse admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran's status, or against qualified disabled persons except as provided by law. 

Ongoing Program Requirements

• Documentation required within the first two weeks of classes:
  • Documented copy of liability insurance.
  • Evidence of a current CPR card.
• Immunizations:
  • Required—tuberculosis.
  • Strongly recommended—rubella (women only) and hepatitis B.
• Courses with grades of “C,” “D,” “F,” “I” (incomplete), “IP” or “X” (drop or withdrawal) can not be used to satisfy requirements for graduate degree.
• Certified background check
• Grievance Procedures

Completion/Graduation Requirements    

• Take the Praxis specialty area exam. (ASHA examination; 162 or better is passing.)
• Students must demonstrate mastery of all learning outcomes that are part of the Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA). The KASA learning outcomes are incorporated into and listed on the syllabi of each graduate course in communication disorders. This requirement helps meet standards of the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Pass comprehensive exams  (please see Graduate Academic Handbook) 

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Course Descriptions

The master of science degree in communication disorders includes two options.

Thesis Option *

• CD 6305, 6410, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6330, 6335,6340, 6380, 6370, 6375, 6450
• CD 6301, 6302 (thesis).
• CD 6398, 6399, 6699 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours).

Non-Thesis Option *

• CD 6305, 6410, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6330, 6335,6340, 6450, 6370, 6375, 6380
• CD 6398, 6399, 6699 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours).

*Additional hours may be required to meet ASHA requirements.