The Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a course of study that focuses on the biological, physiological, linguistic, and neurological bases of communication disorders, and a variety of communication disorders that might be present in an individual. You will have the option to pursue teaching certification with a Speech and Language Impairment (SB) endorsement. You will select a teachable minor if you are pursuing Secondary Certification.
What You Will Learn
You will gain an understanding of the theory of learning, from a neurological perspective, and engage in strong field experiences connecting theory to reality.
Opportunities
As a graduate of this program, your potential career paths include:
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech-Language Educator
- Clinical Supervisor
- Special Education Instructor
- Private Practitioner
- Speech Therapist
Featured Courses
- CSD 543 Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology
- CSD 694 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology
Admissions
Application Information Application Deadlines
- Fall: January 15
- Winter: June 30
To enroll as a graduate student at EMU, visit the Admissions section of the Graduate School website.
NOTE: The Communication Sciences and Disorders program is listed under College of Education. For additional Communication Sciences and Disorders Master's Program requirements, please visit the Graduate Catalog.
NOTE: The program no longer requires GRE scores as part of its admissions process.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (completed on letterhead). It is recommended that at least one letter is provided by an instructor.
- Personal Essay. The personal essay must address the following:
- Describe how you deal with stress and your support system. (Word limit: 250)
- If accepted into the EMU CSD program, what do you anticipate will be the biggest challenge for you? (Word limit: 250)
- Describe a time you were critiqued and how you handled it. (Word limit: 250)
- What should we know about your background, identity, or learner experiences that are not evident from your transcript? (Word limit: 250)
- CV/Resume (1-2 pages). Your graduate school CV/resume should offer insight into your life and illustrate how your academic and professional experiences make you a good fit for the program. Be sure to highlight any work experiences, research, publications/presentations, academic projects/presentations, internships, awards, and leadership roles as well as multilanguage proficiency, tutoring/mentoring, study abroad experience, professional/academic affiliations/clubs, volunteer work (only include longer-term commitments — not one-time events).
Admission Process - Your application will be submitted using CSDCAS, a Centralized Application Service (CAS) hosted by Liaison. After reviewing the admission requirements, please review the application instructions and select the appropriate application. The application may be accessed for fall starting on the second Thursday in July and winter on December 1.
Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Application - Application materials are released to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Admissions Committee from the Graduate School once all materials are received (i.e., transcripts, letters, scores, etc.).
- Applications are initially screened to determine that they meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria will not be considered eligible.
- Applications are then reviewed and rated by two members of the admissions committee.
- Applicants are recommended for admission based upon rankings determined by the admissions committee. There are generally 25 applicants recommended for Fall admission and 15 for Winter admission. Students who are denied admission but meet the eligibility criteria may request to have their application "rolled-over" for reconsideration by contacting the Graduate Admissions Office. If you have rolled-over your application, you are not required to update any materials; however, if you would like to update your personal statement or other materials, you may add/swap out application materials.
- Your application will be submitted using CSDCAS, a Centralized Application Service (CAS) hosted by Liaison. After reviewing the admission requirements, please review the application instructions and select the appropriate application. The application may be accessed for fall starting on the second Thursday in July and winter on December 1.
FAQ
Can I apply to to the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) without an undergraduate degree in SLP? Yes. You don't need to take any undergraduate courses in SLP before applying. If you meet the admission criteria, you may apply. The undergraduate deficiency courses will be incorporated into your graduate program if you are admitted.
We welcome learners with a diverse array of educational and professional backgrounds.
Is it easier to be admitted for the Winter term than for the Fall term? Although many more individuals apply for Fall admission (which means it may be more competitive), there are more slots available at that time. Fewer applicants request admission for the winter (January) start, but there are also fewer slots. There are generally 25 applicants recommended for Fall admission but only 15 for the Winter term. How long will it take to complete the master's degree? Without an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology (SLP), it typically takes approximately three (3) years attending full-time and longer if part-time.
With an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, it typically requires two (2) years full-time (12 months per year).
If I have a teaching certificate (general or special education), may I transfer courses into the Graduate Program? Only courses that can be transferred into the graduate program are specific Speech-Language Pathology courses if they were taken at another university.
If you have a teaching certificate, SPGN 251 will be waived from the undergraduate deficiency courses.
Do you have any classes in the evenings or online? We do not offer online, distance learning courses. A majority, but not all, undergraduate courses are offered during the day on campus. Many but not all of the later graduate courses are offered in the evening.
Can I complete the graduate program part-time? Yes, but since many classes are offered only during the day, flexibility with your work schedule is helpful.
Additional Resources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Delores Soderquist Brehm Center for Special Education Scholarship and Research
- EMU Chapter National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA)
- National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
Accreditation
The Master of Arts (M.A.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Eastern Michigan University is accredited by:
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850
800.498.2071
301.296.5700
