Master of Science (M.S.) program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The Master of Science (M.S.) program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
The five-semester program consists of one academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer) followed by two terms (Fall, Spring) of full-time externship practicum. Outreach programs are offered during the first year to provide a variety of experiences. These include visiting the on-campus daycare facility to work with young children, interdisciplinary shadowing and experiential learning opportunities (simulated learning), as well as tele-practice experiences. During the externship terms, students also complete one or two online courses. Most years, students have the option of fulfilling one of these online courses through a study abroad program held during winter intersession.
Research Opportunities
The MS Communication Sciences and Disorders degree is primarily a clinical degree. However, as a practicing clinician, it is important to be able to critically read and integrate research information from professional journals and apply the information using evidence-based practice. To promote this, all graduate students are required to complete the CSDO 5301 Research Methods course. This course provides an introduction to the design and conduct of research and evidence-based clinical practice in the field.
Students also have the option of completing a thesis under the direction of a member of the faculty. CSDO faculty engage in a wide range of research. Please see the faculty profiles for information on research interests of current faculty.
Clinical Opportunities
The CSDO department houses an on-campus clinic that serves students, faculty, and members of the Kingsville community.
First Year: Graduate students begin seeing clients during their first semester as part of their clinical practicum. All students will receive clinical experience with adult and child clients. In addition to seeing clients in the on-campus clinic, first year graduate students also have the opportunity to complete clinical practicum hours off campus at local independent school districts, long-term care hospitals, and an on-campus Children and Youth Center (CYC). By the end of the first year, students will have accrued an average of 50 to 75 hours of clinical experience.
Second Year: Second year graduate courses are all offered online, providing students the opportunity to complete a clinical externship outside of the CSDO clinic at a variety of sites with established contracts. By the end of the second year, graduate students will have accrued the 400 hours required to begin the CFY year after graduation.
The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD, 20850; Phone: (800) 498-2071 or (301) 296-5700.