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 2016-2017 graduate curriculum guide.   

The Council on 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 on 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 on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.  If you need to contact the CAA to file a complaint, please refer to the following CAA Procedure.

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 for Fall 2017

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 and send in ONE packet to the address listed below:

• A two to three page paper addressing the following topic:
  • What makes an effective speech-language pathology clinician and what characteristics do you possess that will support your stance?
  • 12 point font using Times New Roman or Ariel
  • Double spaced
  • APA 6th ed. format is required
• 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 30 hours of CD coursework

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 Communication Disorder Program coursework completed (to include, but not limited to sign language and statistics).  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 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 paper and letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to:

Graduate School- Attn: Karen McKaskle
Killgore Research Center
2501 4th Ave., Unit 60215
Canyon, TX 79016-0001
phone: 806-651-2739
fax: 806-651-2733
kmckaskle@wtamu.edu

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.