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The Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Note: The MA pattern is used to complete requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. Refer to the website www.ets.org/praxis.asha for information on current examination requirements.

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 52-60 units

Continuous enrollment is required. A maximum of 9 semester units of transfer and/or CSU Chico Open University coursework may be applied toward the degree.

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 in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

3. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies.

4. Completion of the Graduate Record Exam.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

Successful completion of CMSD 488 Research Methods or equivalent, as determined by the faculty.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Development of an approved program plan in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

2. Classified graduate standing.

3. Completion of two semesters of full-time coursework and clinic with at least a 3.0 grade point average.

Requirements for the MA Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders:

Completion of all requirements as established by the program, graduate advisory committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 52-60 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:

(a) 52-60 units in the discipline of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

(b) At least three-quarters of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.

(c) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension credit (correspondence courses and U.C. extension course work are not acceptable).

(d) Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.

(e) 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).

(f) Completion of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology.

(g) Course work must be selected each semester according to the following sequence of offerings:

First Fall Semester Courses

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course provides a basic and clinical knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of neurological systems involved in speech, swallowing, and language. 3 hours seminar. (002174)
This course provides students with the opportunity for advanced study of the etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of fluency disorders. A thorough exploration of theories of causation are covered, and measurement of primary and secondary stuttering behaviors are discussed in detail. Lectures and reading also include a comprehensive examination of intervention strategies for use with children and adults who stutter. 3 hours seminar. (002176)
Studies of current issues, trends, and problems in speech-language pathology. Seminar content varies. Required fall and spring semesters for first-year students. 2 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002177)
Advanced level course dealing with the assessment and management of persons with hearing impairment and auditory processing disorders. Practical experience obtained in audiologic screening and in development and implementation of community-based educational programs. 3 hours lecture. (002183)
Students gain competence in audiologic screening, rehabilitation, and referral in a variety of settings. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002195)
Supervised management (selection, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention) of speech, language, and/or auditorily impaired individuals. 6 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002197)

First Spring Semester

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Studies of current issues, trends, and problems in speech-language pathology. Seminar content varies. Required fall and spring semesters for first-year students. 2 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002177)
This course provides advanced study of the etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of voice and resonance disorders. A thorough exploration of laryngeal and velar anatomy and biomechanics are covered, and measurement of objective and subjective vocal parameters are discussed in detail. Lectures and readings include a comprehensive examination of methodologies specific to children, adults, and the geriatric population. 3 hours seminar. (002180)
Prerequisites: CMSD 620.
This course will provide an understanding of the neurological disorders of language and cognition. 3 hours seminar. (002181)
Prerequisites: CMSD 620.
This course will provide an understanding of dysphagia, apraxia, and dysarthria. 3 hours lecture. (002185)
Students gain competence in audiologic screening, rehabilitation, and referral in a variety of settings. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002195)
This course provides students with in depth analysis of observed diagnostic evaluation sessions, including test selection, scoring procedures, and interpretation. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are developed for accurate differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 2 hours seminar. Credit/no credit grading. (020686)
Supervised practice in the evaluation of speech, voice, and language disorders. Synthesis of clinical test data, client counseling, preparation of evaluation reports, referral procedures, etc. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002196)
Supervised management (selection, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention) of speech, language, and/or auditorily impaired individuals. 6 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002197)

Second Fall Semester

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course enables students to describe the characteristics, classifications, causes and manifestations of articulation/phonological disorders; describe the principles of assessment and assessment procedures; describe concepts, principles, and approaches to remediation, including both "traditional" and phonologic approaches; explain the scientific underpinnings of the study of speech sound disorders and the ability to integrate theories and research to clinical practice; and demonstrate clinical problem solving skills in assessment, analysis, and development of intervention plans for persons with speech sound disorders. 3 hours seminar. (002175)
This course utilizes lecture, discussion, and activities to explore the principals and procedures in assessment and treatment of language disorders in children from infancy to adolescence. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002187)
All students in off-campus placements must be enrolled in this class. Discussion of methods and materials used in assessment and intervention in off-campus placements are addressed. Shared learning regarding public schools, hospitals, private practices, etc., are also addressed. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. (002194)
Supervised practice in the evaluation of speech, voice, and language disorders. Synthesis of clinical test data, client counseling, preparation of evaluation reports, referral procedures, etc. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002196)
This course is an internship offered for 2.0 to 8.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Designed to be taken during the second year of master's study. Supervised practicum in the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Internship settings may include public schools, hospitals, private practice, and rehabilitation facilities. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 20.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002198)
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002202)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002200)

Second Spring Semester

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course covers professional issues that affect speech-language pathology as a profession. Issues include professional practice, academic accreditation standards, national and state practice policies and guidelines, state and national certification, specialty recognition and other relevant professional credentials, and reimbursement issues. In addition, students demonstrate their knowledge of ASHA Code of Ethics and an ability to effectively solve clinical dilemmas. 3 hours lecture. (002178)
This course provides students with the opportunity for study of the roles and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist in the provision of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service delivery. The information presented includes AAC intervention across the lifespan and across cultures. 3 hours seminar. (002162)
All students in off-campus placements must be enrolled in this class. Discussion of methods and materials used in assessment and intervention in off-campus placements are addressed. Shared learning regarding public schools, hospitals, private practices, etc., are also addressed. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. (002194)
Supervised practice in the evaluation of speech, voice, and language disorders. Synthesis of clinical test data, client counseling, preparation of evaluation reports, referral procedures, etc. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002196)
This course is an internship offered for 2.0 to 8.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Designed to be taken during the second year of master's study. Supervised practicum in the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Internship settings may include public schools, hospitals, private practice, and rehabilitation facilities. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 20.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002198)
The written comprehensive examination is designed to be taken during the last semester of master's study. An oral comprehensive examination will follow if the written examination is not satisfactory. 1 hour seminar. Credit/no credit grading. (015893)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002202)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002200)

Professional liability insurance is required for participation in clinical practice. Hepatitis B inoculations and tuberculosis tests are required prior to working in off-campus settings. CPR certification is required prior to internships.

2. Completion of one of the following plans:

(a) Thesis Plan: This plan requires a thesis (including appropriate enrollment in CMSD 699T) plus at least 30 units of letter-graded graduate-level course work (Completion of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology). A public presentation of the thesis will be conducted. 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 are encouraged to choose the thesis plan.

(b) Comprehensive Plan: This plan requires at least 35 units of letter-graded graduate-level course work including 6 graded, clinical practicum units, from 7-14 units of CR/NC clinical practicum units (400 clinical clock hours) and enrollment in CMSD 696 during the last semester of graduate study. CMSD 696 includes a proctored 7-hour written comprehensive examination over 2 days. Failure of one or more questions will result in re-writing comprehensive exams the following year.

3. Development and maintenance of a portfolio to demonstrate the following:

(a) competence in research, writing, and oral skills,

(b) 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.

4. Participation in annual Performance Reviews.

5. Deviation from the curriculum outlined above will only be considered upon advice and consent of the Graduate Coordinator.

6. Substitutions may be selected from outside the program by the student with the advice and consent of Graduate Coordinator.

7. Approval by the faculty, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

8. In most cases, the MA pattern is used to complete requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. CBEST must be passed prior to completion of the master's degree.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

Communication Sciences and Disorders students will demonstrate their writing competence through successful completion of CMSD 682, Diagnostic Practicum.

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, 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. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). 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 course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory each semester for Communication Sciences and Disorders majors. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for specifics.

Note: All CMSD graduate courses require admission to the CMSD Master's program.

Catalog Cycle:12