The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides students graduate-level coursework in speech-language pathology. Upon completion of this degree, students are eligible to pursue state licensure and national certification in speech-language pathology as well as the California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential.
The MS is used to complete requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. Information on current examination requirements can be found on the Praxis website.
Advising Requirement
Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.
Licensure and Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states' educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 §CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
Requirements for the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Completion of all requirements as established by the program, graduate advisory committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and Graduate Studies, to include:
In order to participate in clinical practicum and internships, the following are required:
professional liability insurance,
tuberculosis test,
CPR certification,
a Certificate of Clearance, and
up-to-date vaccinations.
Completion of an approved program consisting of 56-59 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:
At least 56 units in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. All Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) graduate courses require admission to the CMSD master's program.
At least three-quarters of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.
Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P); not more than 6 units of Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P).
Completion of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology.
A maximum of 18 units of credit/no credit may be applied to the degree.
Completion of one of the following plans:
Comprehensive Plan: All required courses in addition to completion of a proctored seven-hour written comprehensive examination over two days. Failure of one or more questions will result in re-writing portions or all of the comprehensive examinations.
Thesis Plan: All required courses in addition to completion of a thesis. This plan is encouraged for students who are planning to continue their educations to the doctoral level or who are interested in a career in speech and hearing sciences or research. A public presentation of the thesis will be conducted. Students completing a thesis enroll in three units of CMSD 699T.
Development and maintenance of a portfolio to demonstrate the following:
competence in research, writing, and oral skills,
clinical competence in speech-language pathology and in audiology screening, including completion of a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology.
Participation in annual performance reviews.
Substitutions from outside the program or deviation from the curriculum outlined below will only be considered upon advice and consent of the Graduate Coordinator.
Approval by the faculty, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Graduate Council on behalf of the faculty of the University.
In most cases, the MS is used to complete requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. CBEST must be passed prior to completion of the master's degree.
Clinical Internship in Speech-Language Pathology 3
8
Total Units
56
1
Must be taken twice.
2
Must be taken three times.
3
CMSD 689 must be taken for a total of eight units.
Graduate Grading Requirements
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Comprehensive Examination - 696, Independent Study - 697, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at Chico State subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program. Failure to maintain a 3.0 average in any category will result in academic notice in the master's program. Failure to remedy the deficiency within one semester with appropriate courses approved by the program coordinator may result in disqualification from the master's program. See Graduate Education Policies for more information.
Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.
Graduate Time Limit
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency
All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Communication Sciences and Disorders students will demonstrate their writing competence through successful completion of CMSD 682.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status
