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Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Program Information

The faculty in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science offers a program leading to the Master of Science in communication disorders (with an emphasis in speech-language pathology). The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Clinical Facilities and Internship Sites

Master's degree candidates obtain clinical experience at the Arizona State University Speech and Hearing Clinic, the Infant Child Research Programs and at internship sites throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. A limited number of out-of-state internship sites are available each year at leading clinics and research facilities. The ASU Speech and Hearing Clinic offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for children, adolescents and adults. The self-supporting, fee-based clinic serves approximately 3,000 clients annually. Speech, language and hearing services are provided by graduate students under the close supervision of ASHA-certified professionals who have appointments as clinical faculty in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science. Students can expect to spend two to three semesters doing clinical work on campus. 

The ASU Infant Child Research Programs (ICRP) offer individual and classroom-based services for families and their infants, toddlers and preschool children. Special summer clinics for children in the pre-K through first grade emphasize key language and literacy skills. Children enrolled in the ICRP include those with typical communication and language development, those who are at-risk, and those who demonstrate atypical speech and/or language development. The classroom-based programs promote speech and language development and other age-appropriate developmental skills within a family-centered format. Practicum experiences are provided for graduate students in speech-language pathology, child development and early childhood education. The programs are staffed by ASHA-certified professionals with substantial experience in early childhood. Affiliated interdisciplinary faculty are also available on a consultative basis. The professional staff serve as key members of the programming teams—providing students with numerous opportunities to observe their mentors in action. 

Students will gain additional "on-the-job" experiences through their internship placements. Options for students in speech-language pathology include:

  • Public and private schools, in which experiences may include itinerant or co-teaching models.
  • Clinical settings with developmentally disabled children or with adults and children with neurological disorders.
  • Various hospital in the Phoenix area, including acute care as well as extended care facilities.
  • Center- or home-based early intervention programs.
  • Head Start programs, including Early Head Start.
  • Work with private practitioners who have contracts with various hospitals, extended care facilities and outpatient offices.

In addition, the Department of Speech and Hearing Science sponsors the application of candidates for internships at the Baylor College of Medicine Neurosensory Center, Houston; the Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Neb.; the Kresge Hearing Research Center of the South, New Orleans; and several Veterans Administration Medical Centers.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in communication disorders provides academic and clinical course work needed to meet the ASHA clinical certification requirements in speech-language pathology. A student is required to complete 39 credit hours, approved by the supervisory committee, excluding practicum and internships. Students may pursue this degree with either a thesis or nonthesis option. The typical length of the program is 24 months.

Clinical Requirements
A student in the master's program must complete at least 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum experience, plus 25 observation hours.

Thesis Option
For students pursuing the thesis option, six of the required credit hours must be thesis credit. The thesis must meet requirements established by the Graduate College.

Two final examinations are required:

  1. The National Praxis Examination in speech pathology, administered by Educational Testing Service and available at ASU through the University Testing Service.
  2. An oral defense of the thesis.

Non-Thesis Option
Students choosing the nonthesis option will complete 39 semester hours of course work. In addition, two final examinations are required:

  1. The National Praxis Examination in speech pathology, administered by Educational Testing Service and available at ASU through the University Testing Service.
  2. A comprehensive examination, administered by the department.