Introduction

The mission of the Communication Disorders (CD) Program is to offer students pursuing the master’s degree in speech-language pathology an educational opportunity that is unique in the state of Georgia. The Program is distinctive in its relatively small size and its commitment to excellence. A limited number of master's degree applicants (12-18) are admitted 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 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. The CD Program educates professionals who have the flexibility to adapt to the changing role of the speech-language pathologist, the changing patterns regarding how speech-language pathology services are delivered, and the changing social and economic context in which individuals with communication disorders will live. 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 Program's mission to ensure 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 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.

Certification Areas: ASHA certification in speech-language pathology, licensure by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and licensure by the Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

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, 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 12 to 18 students enter the master’s degree program in Communication Disorders. From Fall 1997 to Fall 2001, 74 individuals enrolled in the program. Of those individuals 8 did not complete the degree (3 changed majors, 1 moved out of state, and 4 dropped out for personal reasons). The remainder of those enrolled in the program successfully completed it and earned the master’s degree.
PRAXIS II Examination Results
The PRAXIS II Exam in Speech-Language Pathology is required for certification by 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. Georgia State students who have taken the exam during the past 5 academic years (1998-99 to 2002-03) have a 100% pass rate (passing score = 600). The average score for each year is shown below:

Employment Rate

A total of 76 individuals have completed the master’s degree program in Communication Disorders during the past 5 academic years (1998-99 to 2002-03). Immediately upon graduation, 57 of those individuals (75%) were employed in schools, 13 (17%) were employed in hospital or rehabilitation facilities, and 6 (8%) took jobs in other settings (e.g., private practice) or went on for additional education.

Undergraduate Degree

The Communication Disorders Program in the College of Education does not offer an undergraduate degree. 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. The 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 should also contact the Department of Communication regarding admission as a post-baccalaureate student to complete prerequisite courses.

Ed.S. Degree

Speech-language pathologists can pursue the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree through Special Education. The degree is designed as a terminal, post-master’s degree program to develop special educators for school leadership roles. The purpose of this degree is to extend the academic preparation and educational skills of experienced classroom teachers and instructional leaders. Special educators who complete the Ed.S. degree will be better prepared for leadership roles in teaching, curriculum, technology, behavior intervention, supervision, program evaluation and administration. Students in the Ed.S. program have three options from which to select: Research-based Instruction; Applied Behavior Analysis; and Assistive Technology. Most speech-language pathologists select the Assistive Technology option.

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 two 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.