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 graduate curriculum guide.  

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 and 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 500 word Statement of Purpose describing the decision to pursue the degree in communication disorders
• Three 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
• GPA of 3.2 or higher
• The acceptance letter from WTAMU Graduate Program
• Deadline for application is January 15th

Note: GPA is calculated from the last 30 hours of coursework completed in communication disorders.  If you are currenlty 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.  The following rubric is used to evaluate each candidate.  Graduate Admission Rubric

The written assignment 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

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.