Communication Disorders (M.A./M.S.C.D.)
MA/MSCD Communication Disorders
Program Overview
The nationally accredited program provides students opportunities to work closely with faculty members who are distinguished scholars, mentors and master clinicians in various aspects of the field of communication disorders. Faculty-student ratios provide individualized attention, effective clinical mentoring and academic excellence. Graduates are highly competitive nationally in today’s workforce.
Course Work
The department offers two master’s degrees. The master of science in communication disorders (M.S.C.D.) requires 36 semester credit hours, with hours in both the major and a concentration as well as a clinical practicum each semester. The master of arts (M.A.) degree requires 39 semester credit hours, including a concentration and thesis, as well as a clinical practicum each semester. Concentration choices include neurogenics, voice and swallowing (NVS), bilingual, fluency, autism spectrum disorders, hearing and related disorders, and versatility in practice. The program takes two years to complete, including a very full summer semester. Students who opt for study abroad will spend two weeks overseas during the summer.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Hours 39 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option Concentration – Communication Disorders required |
Degree M.S.C.D | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Concentration required |
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 39 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option Concentration – Communication Disorders required |
Degree M.S.C.D | Concentration Autism | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.C.D | Concentration Bilingual | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.C.D | Concentration Fluency | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.C.D | Concentration Hearing and Related Disorders | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.C.D | Concentration Neurogenic, Voice, and Swallowing | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.C.D | Concentration Versatility in Practice | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Program Details
Nationally recognized for diversity and leadership, the program has an exceptional pass rate on the required Praxis exam and very strong employment outcomes. Curricular offerings include an overseas study abroad.
Program Mission
The Department of Communication Disorders is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and clinical practice in speech-language pathology and audiology. With a commitment to innovative instruction, expansion of knowledge and community-based collaboration, the department creates a vibrant and supportive learning community that engages and inspires students, faculty, staff and clients. Advanced clinical and educational training, grounded in evidence-based practice (EBP) and practice-based evidence (PBE), prepares students to serve individuals with communication disorders and their families in an ethical and culturally competent manner.
Career Options
Graduates are comprehensively prepared to enter today’s workforce or competitive Ph.D. programs. The concentration specialty programs provide student clinicians with highly sought-after clinical, interpersonal, and culturally competent skill sets essential in the field of communication disorders. Entry-level speech-language pathologists are highly prepared to succeed in medically-based or school-based settings, providing services to individuals across the lifespan.
Program Faculty
Academic faculty conduct research in bilingualism, speech motor control, mild cognitive impairment, fluency, and child language development and disorders among other areas. They have won national awards and have been funded with external and internal grants. They publish in well-known national and international journals and frequently present at national and state conferences, providing strong mentoring for graduate students who wish to present and publish as well.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Amy Louise Schwarz
als217@txstate.edu
Willow Hall (WILW), Room 264
Advisor Support
Janessa Chavez
llg120@txstate.edu
512.716.2624
Willow Hall (WILW), Room 253
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall | U.S. Citizen January 15* | International January 15* |
*The deadline for fall 2024 has been extended to January 31.
This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.
|
|
Funding Information For scholarship, fellowship or assistantship consideration, applications must be completed by the deadline above. |
|
|
Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a firm basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
-
Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
-
Application Fee
- $55 Nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 Nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
-
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree in communication disorders from a regionally accredited university. A competitive leveling program is available if you do not have the required degree. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted. If you have not yet graduated with your bachelor's degree, you must submit a transcript with fall grades.
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate communication disorders courses
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
-
Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
-
Documents
- prerequisite course form
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose addressing the following questions:
- What areas of speech pathology practice or research interest you most and why?
- Why are you applying to the Communication Disorders graduate program at Texas State University?
- Briefly describe any life experiences, situations, and/or research interests that distinguish you as an applicant.
- three forms of recommendation
Review important information about documents.