GENERAL INFORMATION

The Communication Disorders (CD) Program offers students pursuing the master’s degree in speech-language pathology an educational opportunity that is unique in the state of Georgia. The CD Program is distinctive in its relatively small size and its commitment to excellence. A limited number of master's degree students (18-20) are enrolled each year as a cohort group. This allows the faculty to plan and implement individualized academic and clinical experiences to meet the unique needs of each student.
The CD Program provides an intensive field-based education that prepares graduate students in speech-language pathology to implement the best practices in the profession, to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients, to work collaboratively with other professionals who serve individuals with communication disorders and their families, and to pursue opportunities for advanced degrees. Our faculty understands the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience that is needed by Program graduates to succeed in their career. We are committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and supervision to ensure our graduates meet or exceed the expectations of their employers.
It is the CD Program's goal that every student successfully completes the course work and practicum required for the Master's of Education degree, ASHA certification in speech-language pathology, licensure by the Professional Standards Commission (certification to work in Georgia's schools), and licensure by the Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (certification to work in all settings in Georgia other than schools). This commitment to preparing fully-certified speech-language pathologists has meant that graduates of the CD Program are sought and valued by schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs throughout the state and region. As correlates to educating students in speech-language pathology, the CD Program aims to a) provide a wide range of clinical services to individuals with communicative disabilities and their families in the metropolitan Atlanta area; b) engage in research into the nature and management of communication disorders and disseminate those research findings to the national, state, and local professional communities; and c) foster professional service and community involvement.

The CD Program offers an extensive curriculum, both academically and clinically, that prepares each student for the profession of speech-language pathology. In the classroom, students are engaged in learning through lectures, discussion, small group activities, hands-on experiences, readings, individual assignments, and group projects (Complete List of Courses). Clinical practicum consists of three semesters of on-campus experience in the Georgia State Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and two semesters of off-campus practicum. In the third semester of on-campus practicum, the student also participates in a “mini-internship” at an off-campus facility one day of the week throughout the semester. During the two semesters of off-campus internships, students are placed at a facility (one semester at a school and one semester in a hospital/rehabilitation environment) and work full-time Monday through Friday throughout the entire semester.     

ACCREDITATION:

The Communication Disorders Program is accredited in the area of speech-language pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). National accreditation ensures that the program meets specified standards in the areas of administrative structure and governance, faculty and instructional staff, curriculum, students, assessment, and program resources.

By graduating from an accredited program, students will be eligible to apply for ASHA certification in speech-language pathology. The course work and practicum requirements also conform to those of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for teacher certification, and the Georgia Board of Examiners for state licensure.
For questions regarding the program's accreditation status, contact the Council on Academic Accreditation at the link above or at 301-897-5700.

GRADUATION / PROGRAM COMPLETION RATE

Each year 18 to 20 students enter the master’s degree program in Communication Disorders. The CD Program has a 95% completion rate since 1997. The small number of students who decide to discontinue in the program typically do so for one of three reasons: to change majors, for personal reasons, or for academic reasons.

PRAXIS II EXAMINATION RESULTS

The PRAXIS II Exam in Speech-Language Pathology is required for certification by the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) of ASHA, for certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and for the state license from the Georgia Board of Examiners in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Since 1998, Georgia State graduates have a 98% pass rate on the first try (passing score = 600). Three individuals did not pass the exam on their first attempt; however, they earned passing scores on their second attempt. The average scores for the past five years are shown below:

EMPLOYMENT RATE

All students (100%) who have completed the master’s degree program in Communication Disorders at Georgia State University were able to gain employment directly after graduation or go on for an advanced degree. Georgia State graduates find employment in diverse settings including public and private schools, hospital facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.  

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE

The Communication Disorders Program in the College of Education does not offer an undergraduate degree in CD. Individuals seeking the undergraduate degree should contact the Department of Communication in the College of Arts & Sciences at 404-651-3200 or http://communication.gsu.edu. A major in Speech with a Concentration in Communication Across the Lifespan prepares undergraduates to pursue the graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology. Individuals who have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated area can also contact the Department of Communication regarding admission as a post-baccalaureate student to complete prerequisite courses. Applicants are NOT required to complete prerequisite courses prior to admission to the graduate program in CD at Georgia State.

Ph.D. DEGREE

The doctoral degree is designed for individuals interested in research and teaching careers in higher education. The Communication Disorders Program does not offer the doctoral degree, however several options are available at Georgia State for speech-language pathologists seeking the Ph.D. The doctoral degree in Educational Psychology allows individuals to focus on the psychological principles of development and learning. The Developmental Psychology Doctoral Program in the Department of Psychology offers the Ph.D. with a concentration in typical and atypical development of communication and language and issues surrounding school achievement and policy.

MASTER’S DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 

PREREQUISITES: It is expected that students will have completed course work in the following areas during their undergraduate program in CD. If students have not completed these courses, they are required to take them after admission to the program in addition to the required Master's degree classes and practicum. (Complete List of Georgia State University classes that meet these requirements)
• Characteristics & Instruction of Students with Disabilities
• Phonetics
• Development of Communication and Language
• Introduction to Communication Disorders
• Introduction to Language Disorders
• Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Hearing
• Hearing Science and Disorders
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Augmentative Communication
• Sign Language
• Teaching Reading / Literacy
• Student Teaching in Communication Disorders
• Biological Science
• Physical Science (Chemistry or Physics)
• Mathematics
• Behavioral and Social Sciences

Select one:

Required:

MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students must take all of the following courses.

ELECTIVES
Students must select one elective with prior approval of advisor from the classes listed below or from other approved classes in special education or related areas.

PRACTICUM
Observation - All students must provide the Clinic Director with verification of 25 hours of observation. Practicum - Students participate in 3 semesters of on-campus practicum. By the end of the master's program a student must accrue a minimum of 400 clock hours. Off-Campus Practicum - Off campus practicum assignments are made by the Clinic Director in consultation with the other faculty members. Students who have not completed a practicum in a public school setting as part of their undergraduate training in Communication Disorders will enroll in EXC 7951. During this one semester practicum experience, students will be placed in a school setting on a full-time basis. All students complete a one-semester, full-time practicum in a medical setting. For this practicum they enroll in EXC 7950.