Department of Communication Disorders

Master of Science (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 2014-2015 graduate curriculum guide.

The Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

The WTAMU Communication Disorders Master's Program in speech-language pathology at WTAMU is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. For more information on accreditation refer to the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

The primary goal of the master’s degree program in communication disorders 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 communication disorders 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 clinic clock hours.

Admission Requirements

In addition to University and Graduate School admission requirements, the program requires you to complete the following steps and send in ONE packet to the address listed below:

A 1000-word technical paper describing evidence based practice and how it has shaped the profession of speech-language pathology
Three letters of professional recommendation (eg. professor, supervisor, or employer on professional letterhead) in a sealed and signed envelope

Application deadline is January 15th (must have completed application for the WTAMU graduate school and all materials must be received in the communication disorders department). 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 30 hours of coursework completed (to include, but not limited to communication disorder specific courses). If you are currently leveling, your last 30 hours will be considered. The Department of Communication Disorders does not require the GRE for admission consideration. For letters of recommendation, you may choose to use the form for a professor or supervisor to complete and have sent directly to the program. We still recommend a letter of recommendation. The following rubric is used to evaluate each candidate. Graduate Admission Rubric

The technical paper and letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to:

Dr. Brenda Fields Cross
Department of Communication Disorders
West Texas A&M University
WTAMU Box 60757
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001

For a step by step application guide please follow this link Graduate Application Guide

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 NESPA specialty area exam. (ASHA examination; 600 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. For further information regarding KASA please click on the following links: Knowledge Acquisition Summary , Skills Acquisition Summary
Pass comprehensive final exam

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Course Descriptions

Steps Toward Graduation for Graduate Students

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

Thesis Option *

CD 6305, 6310, 6415, 6320, 6325, 6330, 6335, 6350, 6370, 6375.
CD 6301, 6302 (thesis).
CD 6398, 6399 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours).

Non-Thesis Option *

CD 6305, 6310, 6415, 6320, 6325, 6330, 6335, 6350, 6370, 6375, 6388, 6392.
CD 6398, 6399 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours).

*Additional hours may be required to meet ASHA requirements.