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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. 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 the Center for Regional and Continuing Education.

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) 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 the Center for Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer).

(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 is designed to provide students with an overview of the nature and characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the impact ASD has on communication. Included are evidence-based assessments and interventions for communication and behavioral aspects of ASD. Current issues related to cultural and linguistic diversity are discussed. 3 hours seminar. (021334)
This course examines the neuroanatomy and physiology of normal and disordered speech, cognition and language. Specifically, this course focuses on communicated disorders associated with acquired neurogenic impairments. Key disorders that are addressed are aphasia, right hemisphere disorder, traumatic brain injury/closed head injury, and dementia. We apply this information to assessment and intervention of neurogenic communication disorders. Interdisciplinary collaboration with other rehabilitation professionals is discussed and students learn how to generate functional communication programs. Family counseling strategies are also introduced. 4 hours seminar. (002174)
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)
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
This course provides students with the skills to become active diagnosticians and clinicians in the field of speech-language pathology. Students learn how to generate single subject experimental designs that apply baseline and treatment segments to collect data to assess the variables of interest. Students locate and critically evaluate evidence-based, peer reviewed literature. 2 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. (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.
The medical continuum of care in speech language pathology extends from acute care to rehabilitation to more chronic settings and even to hospice. This growth suggests that the field has discovered that it can contribute to the health and quality of life in patients at virtually every point in their health care delivery system. This course is designed to address the breadth of medical speech-language pathology while giving in-depth attention to motor speech and swallowing disorders. 4 hours lecture. (002185)
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. Credit/no credit grading. (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. (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. Credit/no credit grading. (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. (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)

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 completion of a proctored 7-hour written comprehensive examination over 2 days. Failure of one or more questions will result in re-writing portions or all of the comprehensive exams.

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, 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, 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 coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework 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:16