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: 56-59 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 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:
Note: all courses must be taken for a letter grade unless is specified in the program as a CR/NC grading.
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.

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 56-59 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:

(a) At least 56 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 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) A maximum of 18 units of credit/no credit may be applied to the degree.

(h) Course work must be selected as follows:

12 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
CMSD 543	Autism Spectrum Disorders and Behavioral Interventions	3.0	FA
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)
CMSD 620	Acquired Cognitive and Language Disorders	4.0	FA
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)
CMSD 630	Disorders of Articulation and Phonology	3.0	FA
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)
CMSD 631	Fluency Disorders and Counseling in CMSD	2.0	FA
This course provides students with the opportunity for advanced study of the etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of fluency disorders. Students learn to apply counseling principles and techniques to clinical practice that can be useful for expanding their clinical effectiveness. Measurement of primary and secondary stuttering behaviors and related client feelings and attitudes are discussed. Course includes a comprehensive examination of intervention strategies for use with children and adults who stutter, along with counseling techniques also applicable to the broader community with communication disorders. 2 hours seminar. (002176)
CMSD 633	Professional Aspects of Communication Sciences and Disorders	3.0	SP
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)
CMSD 635	Voice and Resonance Disorders	3.0	SP
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)
CMSD 640	Assessment and Management of Auditory Disorders	3.0	FA
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)
CMSD 642	Motor Speech and Swallowing Disorders	4.0	SP
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)
CMSD 645	Augmentative and Alternative Communication	3.0	SP
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)
CMSD 652	Seminar in Language Disorders in Children	3.0	FA
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)
CMSD 674	Methods in Speech Language Pathology in Schools	1.0	FS
Prerequisite: Admission to the CMSD Graduate Program. This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of speech-language pathology in public school education programs. 1 hour seminar. (021569)
CMSD 682	Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology Diagnosis	1.0	FS
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)

3 courses required:

Each course must be taken 2 times each. CMSD 689 must be taken for a total of 8 units.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
CMSD 632	Evidence-Based Practice and Experimental Design in CMSD	2.0	FS
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)
CMSD 675	Methods in Speech-Language Pathology	1.0	FS
Shared discussion and learning regarding the work of speech-language pathologists in a variety of settings including public schools, medical, private practices, etc. Course content and topics are also related to the students' internship placements. All students in off-campus, internship placements must be enrolled in this course. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002194)
CMSD 689	Clinical Internship in Speech-Language Pathology	2.0 -8.0	FS
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)

2 courses required:

Each course must be taken 3 times each.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
CMSD 680	Community and Service Learn Activities	1.0	FS
Students gain competence in planning and implementing speech and hearing screenings, fairs, and related activities for the campus and North State community. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002195)
CMSD 684	Clinical Practicum	2.0	FS
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)

Note: all courses must be taken for a letter grade unless the course is specified in the program as CR/NC grading.

In order to participate on clinical practicum and internships, the following are required: professional liability insurance, tuberculosis test, CPR certification, a Certificate of Clearance, and up to date vaccinations.

2. Completion of one of the following plans:

(a) Comprehensive Plan: All required courses in addition to 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 examinations.

(b) 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 3 units of Master's Thesis, CMSD 699T.

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. 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.