Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

If you’re looking to become a leader in the field of speech-language pathology, look no further than the Master of Science in communication sciences and disorders program at Rockhurst University. Here, you’ll develop the skills necessary to provide speech-language services to children and adults. Through community based clinical practicum experiences, service learning opportunities, and a curriculum emphasizing ethics, you’ll become a well-rounded clinician with a true passion for helping others.

By mixing work in and out of the classroom, our program will prepare you to offer speech-language services in a variety of facilities and settings. Full time students complete the program in two years, while part-time students complete in approximately three years.

The CSD Program

The core curriculum consists of at least 48 credit hours, including:

• Required core coursework, 37 credit hours
• Electives, a minimum of 4 credit hours
• Clinical practicum, 7 credit hours

Pre-Admission

Incoming freshmen and current Rockhurst CSD students are eligible to apply for pre-admission to the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders should they meet eligibility requirements.

Core Curriculum

Click here for the course catalog page.

Core coursework includes classes such as:

• Articulation and phonological disorders
• Fluency disorders
• Voice and resonance disorders
• Motor speech disorders
• Cognitive communication disorders in adults
• Language disorders in children birth to age five
• Language disorders in school age children
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Autism
• Linguistic and cultural issues in communication sciences and disorders
• Concepts and practices of research
• Swallowing disorders
• Aphasia

Electives 

Students select a minimum of four elective credits during their CSD master’s program. RU offers electives in areas such as counseling, hearing loss, advanced research, and a variety of other related topics.

Mission 

The department of communication sciences and disorders at Rockhurst University is a program of excellence that develops ethical, compassionate professionals through academic and clinical education that embraces community-based service learning.

Accreditation 

The Master of Science program in speech-language pathology at Rockhurst University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Clinical Experience

Clinical hours offer you valuable experience working in area facilities with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. With more than 125 participating clinical sites, you’ll expand your professional network and make lasting connections. Some of the site options include:

• Urban, suburban and rural school districts
• Preschools
• Children’s hospitals
• Home-based services for families
• Private practices
• Outpatient facilities
• Nonprofit agencies
• Acute care hospitals
• Rehabilitation hospitals
• Long-term care facilities

Capstone Project

The graduate CSD program culminates with a capstone project, giving you the opportunity to work with your faculty mentor and choose from several topics for student research. You’ll present your research and findings during your final semester in the program.