Learn how to assist persons with communication disorders, and qualify, upon graduating, for a career as a speech-language pathologist.
Why study Communicative Disorders?
A master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) is the professional entry-level requirement for employment as a speech-language pathologist. Completion of CSUN's Master of Science in Communicative Disorders program satisfies the academic requirements for:
- Licensure in all states to practice in medical, rehabilitative or private practice settings
- Education credentials in all states for employment in public schools
- Professional certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the field's leading professional, credentialing and scientific organization in the U.S.
Why study Communicative Disorders at CSUN?
Fully Online Courses
As you hone your clinical abilities, this program helps you master essential concepts in class – all on a convenient online platform. The program’s online courses feature live class sessions, on-demand access to learning materials and daily networking opportunities.
Close, Personal Support
Throughout the program, you’ll receive the one-on-one support of a team dedicated to your personal and professional success. Whether it’s enrollment, grading or financial aid, a team of experts will help you stay on track and graduate on time.
Hands-On Learning
At sites in your community, you'll engage in hands-on clinical practice, gaining field experience in all aspects of the profession.
Cohort-Based Learning
In this program, you’ll join a learning community of students and faculty. With this group of professionals and industry experts, you’ll move toward graduation, building a network along the way and setting the stage for advancement in your field.
This program is offered through self-support. Visit Tseng College for more information.
What You'll Learn
The online Master of Science in Communicative Disorders program is a 3-year, 10-semester program. The curriculum consists of 36 units of coursework plus the culminating experience (comprehensive examination). In addition, students need to complete 27 additional units of coursework and clinical practicum experiences to meet the requirements for ASHA certification, state licensure and credentialing. As part of the program’s in-class, didactic component, you’ll learn, study and discuss the following topics (as well as many more):
- Interviewing and Counseling in Communicative Disorders
- Research in Communication Disorders
- Language Disorders
- Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language and Hearing
- Neurogenic Disorders of Cognition and Language
- Structural and Neurogenic Speech Disorders
- Voice and Disorders of Voice
- Advanced Diagnostics in Speech and Language Pathology
- Pediatric Audiology
Careers & Outcomes
Excellent career opportunities in this field are expected to continue well into the next decade as the expanding older population ages and medical advances improve survival rates for premature infants and victims of stroke and trauma, all of whom typically require professional speech assessment and, possibly, treatment. Roles in the field include:
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech Therapist
- Audiologist
- Travel Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech-Language Educator
- Special Education Instructor
Additional Information
This program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA of the ASHA) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).