Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Certificate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

  • ​The certificate is available to students that have completed a bachelor's degree in another area and are wanting to apply to a graduate program in speech-language pathology and audiology or begin the pathway to become a speech-language pathology assistant. Students can enroll in the certificate program while pursuing their undergraduate degree but they are expected to complete their degree prior to the completion of the certification program. 
  • The minor program is offered for students who are interested to know more about the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The minor is also intended to benefit students who are receiving training in early childhood education, special education, or trainee teachers to know more about speech and language development and disorders. 
  • The undergraduate program focuses on the scientific study of normal and disordered communication processes. Emphasis is placed on developing background knowledge in phonetics, speech and language development, hearing and its disorders, anatomy and physiology, speech science, and the neurogenic bases of communication. During the senior year, students are introduced to a variety of communication disorders providing a pre-professional background for students interested in pursuing a Master of Science degree. All students participate in 25 hours of applied clinical observation.
  • The graduate (M.S.) program in Speech-Language Pathology is the entry-level degree in the profession. The primary goal of our graduate program is to train students to be excellent clinicians who are capable of assessing and treating a range of communication disorders.

CDIS 1013 Brain Works (N)

Description: This course will teach students how to tap into their brain power to be a successful student. Basic neural anatomy and physiology, techniques to assist in test taking, socialization, critical thinking, memory, stress relief, and daily problem solving.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

General Education and other Course Attributes: Natural Sciences

CDIS 2013 Facts and Fiction About Communication Disorders

Description: Overview and examination of communication disorders as portrayed in media (movies, books, etc.), dispelling myths and misconceptions. Discussion and practice with ways to be a respectful, successful communicator with people of different backgrounds, life experiences, and communication challenges.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 2033 Deaf Communication and Education (D)

Description: Issues in communication and education for children with hearing loss (communication options, schooling options, assistive technology, cochlear implants, language development, literacy, socializing) and introduction to Deaf culture and American Sign Language. Awareness of the breadth of challenges and options facing parents and educators of children with hearing loss. Previously offered as CDIS 4033, CDIS 4132, and SPTH 4132.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

General Education and other Course Attributes: Diversity

CDIS 2223 Speech and Language Development

Description: Discussion of current theories and research on typical language development over the lifespan. Normal acquisition of language (e.g. phonology); speech and language milestones; biological, cognitive, and social bases; description of dialect variations, second language acquisition; atypical language development; and relationship between spoken and written language. Previously offered as CDIS 3223.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 2313 Introduction to Communication Disorders

Description: Introduction of communication impairments across the lifespan (speech, language and hearing disorders). Including their neuromuscular bases; assessment and treatment; and professions related to assessment and treatment. Open to all university students. Previously offered as CDIS 3213.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 2890 Honors Add-on

Prerequisites: Honors College participation and concurrent enrollment in a designated course.

Description: A supplemental introductory honors experience to partner concurrently with designated course(s). This course adds a different intellectual dimension to the designated course(s).

Credit hours: 1

Contact hours: Lecture: 1 Contact: 1

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

General Education and other Course Attributes: Honors Credit

CDIS 3113 Communication Disorders in Children

Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or higher in CDIS 2313 and (CDIS 2223 or CDIS 3223).

Description: Assessment and treatment of childhood communication disorders including autism, cerebral palsy, articulation and phonological disorders (speech sounds and their normal acquisition, common phonological errors), language disorders, fluency disorders, nonverbal and minimally verbal children, children using AAC, voice disorders and communication disorders in school-age children. Same course as CDIS 4113.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 3123 Audiology Diagnosis

Prerequisites: CDIS 3203 with a grade of "C" or higher.

Description: Introduction to the profession of audiology, anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, types of hearing loss, hearing disorders, and clinical tests used in the diagnosis of children and adults with hearing loss. Previously offered as SPTH 3123.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 3203 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism

Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or higher in BIOL 1114 or (BIOL 1113 and BIOL 1111).

Description: Overview of the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, auditory, and nervous system involved in the speech communication processes. Previously offered as CDIS 4213.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 3313 Phonetics

Description: The analysis and description of speech at the segmental and suprasegmental levels. Development of students' perceptual and analytical skills in speech sound production. Practice using the International Phonetic Alphabet for broad and narrow transcription. Overview of the speech production mechanism and process. Previously offered as CDIS 2213 and SPTH 2213.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 3413 Introduction to Research

Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or higher in STAT 2013, STAT 2053 or STAT 4053.

Description: Introduction to research process and evidence based practice in communication disorders, including how to locate and evaluate research articles, how to find possible research topics, issues related to conduction of experiment, and how to determine treatment effectiveness.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4010 Clinic Practicum

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Description: Supervised clinical practicum in speech-language pathology and audiology. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 3 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4013 Diagnostics

Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or higher in CDIS 3213 and CDIS 3223.

Description: This course addresses principles and methods of assessment and diagnostics for people with communication disorders. The course includes test construction and design, reliability, validity, and other issues related to criterion and norm-referenced testing. Issues regarding diagnostic criteria and classification systems of communication disorders are also addressed.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4023 Clinical Methods and Issues

Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in CDIS 2213, CDIS 2223 and CDIS 3313.

Description: Fundamental process and procedures of clinical practicum, report writing, goal selection; production, assessment and recording of speech and language behaviors; development of interpersonal skills with clients, families, and other professionals; problem solving skills; professional organization and credentialing requirements and includes clinical observation. Previously offered as CDIS 4022.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4133 Audiology Treatment

Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in CDIS 3123.

Description: Review of hearing aids, implantable hearing devices, medical management of hearing loss, aural rehabilitation, and other clinical treatments for children and adults with hearing loss. Previously offered as SPTH 4133.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4313 Speech Science

Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in CDIS 3313, CDIS 3203 and any PHYS course.

Description: Scientific bases of the acoustic parameters, the perceptual and productive processes of speech, and the interrelationships of those factors during speech communication. Previously offered as SPTH 4313. May not be used for degree credit with CDIS 5313.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4423 Neural Bases of Speech and Language (N)

Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in CDIS 3203.

Description: Neuroanatomy and neuro-physiological processes related to speech and language. Including basic anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems and the physiological processes involved in neuromotor control and neuronal function related specifically to speech and language. Previously offered as CDIS 4412.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

General Education and other Course Attributes: Natural Sciences

CDIS 4433 Communication Disorders in Adults

Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in CDIS 3203 and CDIS 4423.

Description: A review of language disorders and changes occurring with both normal aging and common neurological diseases and traumas, with focus on cerebral vascular accidents. Neurophysiological bases and etiology are presented as well as evaluation and treatment of aphasia and right hemisphere disorders, dementia and traumatic brain injury.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4900 Undergraduate Research

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Description: Research in speech, language, and hearing sciences and disorders. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 9 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4970 Special Topics in CSD

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Description: Individual and group investigations of topics in communication sciences and disorders. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 9 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Lecture: 1-3 Contact: 1-3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4980 Independent Study in CDIS

Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

Description: Directed readings or research in communication sciences and disorders. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 9 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 4993 Senior Honors Thesis

Prerequisites: Departmental invitation, senior standing, Honors Program participation.

Description: A guided reading and research program ending with an honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Required for graduation with departmental honors in communication sciences and disorders.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Contact: 3 Other: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

General Education and other Course Attributes: Honors Credit

CDIS 5000 Masters Research & Thesis

Prerequisites: Consent of graduate faculty.

Description: Research in speech, language and hearing sciences and disorders. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5013 Evidence-Based Practice

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders or consent of instructor.

Description: Principles and procedures of evidence-based practice in communication sciences and disorders; experience finding and evaluating systematic research.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5113 Developmental Language Disorders

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Assessment and treatment of developmental language disorders from birth to the early school years. Coverage of the continuum of naturalness from play-based therapy to clinician-directed therapy. The course includes current standards of practice as well as attention to changes derived from evidence-based practice.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5143 Speech Sound Disorders

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders, including phonological disorders, articulation disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech. Affected individuals include toddlers, children, and young adults. The course includes current standards of practice as well as attention to changes derived from evidence-based practice.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5153 Neurological Communication Disorders

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Communication changes occurring with aging and common neurological diseases and trauma. Neurophysiological bases and etiology. Evaluation and treatment of aphasia and right hemisphere disorders. Previously offered as CDIS 5152.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5163 Dysphagia

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Anatomy and neurophysiology of the swallowing mechanism in relation to pediatric and adult dysphagia. Evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of swallowing problems in children and adults including videofluoroscopic training with case studies. The first two-thirds of the course focus on adult dysphagia and the latter one third on pediatric dysphagia. Previously offered as CDIS 5160.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5183 Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Nature, evaluation and treatment of acquired cognitive communication disorders secondary to traumatic injury or dementia.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5193 Motor Speech Disorders

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Nature, evaluation and treatment of neurologically-based motor speech disorders such as dysarthria and apraxia. Previously offered as CDIS 5172.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5210 Advanced Practicum

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and consent of instructor.

Description: Practical experience for the advanced student on or off campus. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 15 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5243 Disorders of Literacy and Complex Language

Prerequisites: A grade of “B” or higher in CDIS 5113 and graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Assessment and treatment of literacy disorders and disorders of complex oral language. Clients include school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults. Students will make connections between literacy conventions and the structure of spoken language including complex phrases and sentences. The course includes current standards of practice as well as attention to changes derived from evidence-based practice. Previously offered as CDIS 5242.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5313 Speech Science

Description: Scientific bases of the acoustic parameters, the perceptual and productive processes of speech, and the interrelationships of those factors during speech communication. Previously offered as SPTH 4313. May not be used for degree credit with CDIS 4313.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5330 Voice and Resonance Disorders

Credit hours: 1-4

Contact hours: Lecture: 1-4 Contact: 1-4

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5340 Counseling for Speech-Language Pathologists

Description: This course is designed specifically for speech-language pathologists and presents the concepts of counseling as they relate to the assessment and treatment of individuals with communicative disorders, their families, and others in their environment. The goal is to make the connection between the theories of communication disorders and their application for individuals with communication disorders. Topics include the importance of a client-clinician relationship, efficacy beyond traditional measures, practice-based evidence, making change, diversity, and ethics. Offered for variable credit, 1-4 credit hours, maximum of 4 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-4

Contact hours: Lecture: 1-4 Contact: 1-4

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5420 Augmentative/Alternative Communication

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Evaluation and management of communication disorders in individuals requiring specially adapted educational intervention programs. Adaptive communication technologies. Previously offered as CDIS 5423.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Lecture: 1-3 Contact: 1-3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5433 Cleft Palate

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Recent research in the etiology, assessment and management of communicative disorders in individuals with cleft palate.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5533 Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment & Intervention of Communication Deficits

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

Description: Assessment and treatment of communication deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder. Etiologies and recent trends in autism spectrum disorder will also be discussed.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5710 Special Topics in Communication Disorders

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Description: Individual and group investigations of problems in communication sciences and disorders. Offered for variable credit, 1-4 credit hours, maximum of 9 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-4

Contact hours: Contact: 1-4 Other: 1-4

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5713 Fluency Disorders

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consent of instructor.

Description: Current research regarding the nature of etiologies, evaluation and treatment of dysfluent speech in both children and adults. Previously offered as CDIS 4443 and SPTH 4443.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5720 Seminar in Communication Disorders

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Description: Topics relevant to the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders presented on a rotating basis. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 3 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5730 Independent Study in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Description: Directed readings or research in communication sciences and disorders. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 3 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5732 Professional Issues

Credit hours: 2

Contact hours: Lecture: 2 Contact: 2

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

CDIS 5760 Portfolio

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Nature and preparation of professional portfolio with faculty guidance. Offered for variable credit, 1-2 credit hours, maximum of 2 credit hours.

Credit hours: 1-2

Contact hours: Contact: 1-2 Other: 1-2

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Communications Sci & D

The Master of Science degree program is designed to provide students with intensive coursework in the various communication disorders and with a wide variety of challenging clinical rotations both on and off campus. Research opportunities are available under the direction of the graduate faculty. Graduates are prepared to take positions in hospitals, community speech and hearing centers, private practices, schools and other related settings, and to pursue additional graduate education at the doctoral level. All graduates meet the academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Oklahoma license in Speech-Language Pathology. Additionally, many students elect to earn the state teaching certificate required to practice speech-language pathology in the Oklahoma school system. The program holds national accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Prerequisites

Admission to the graduate program requires a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, or an out-of-field bachelor’s degree plus 24 hours of prerequisite coursework.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission are recommended to have a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 in the major, strong letters of recommendation from those familiar with the student's previous academic background, a minimum combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 296, a minimum verbal GRE score of 153, and a minimum analytical writing score of 3.5. Students not meeting the above requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis. Admission is competitive, and all application materials must be received by January 15 of each calendar year for summer or fall admission. Completed applications must include:  an online application, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, transcripts from all undergraduate institutions, and a personal statement indicating why the applicant desires to be a speech-language pathologist. In addition, all applicants must have completed an acoustics course and a neural anatomy and physiology course having earned a grade of “B” or better. Additional national certification requirements must be completed before enrollment in graduate coursework. Those requirements include the following:  physics, biology, psychology and statistics. 

International students follow the same application procedure as U.S. students with one addition. If English is not the student's native language he or she is required to score a minimum of 79 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a minimum of 26 (internet-based) on the speaking portion of the TOEFL (IBT). It is especially important that students have readily intelligible spoken English, as they will be conducting therapy sessions in English. Additional Graduate College Requirements: Students who score a minimum of 42 on the combined Reading and Listening portions of the TOEFL (internet based) with a minimum score of 20 in each section are not required to enroll in remedial coursework. Remedial coursework includes enrollment in ENGL 0003 Academic English for Graduate Students during the first semester. The course carries a grade of S/U and may not be used toward minimum degree requirements. Students must enroll in ENGL 0003 Academic English for Graduate Students each semester until a grade of S is earned. Students who score less than 22 on the TOEFL Writing portion must enroll in ENGL 4893 during their first semester. ENGL 4893 carries graduate credit and may be used toward minimum degree requirements. A minimum grade of C is required.  Both ENGL 0003 Academic English for Graduate Students and ENGL 4893 as applicable, must be listed on the student’s Plan of Study.

Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required for admission to the graduate program. However, a minimum IELTS speaking score of 8.5 is required for clinical assignments. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years. Students who have completed the IELTS-or the paper-based TOEFL have different requirements as stated by the OSU Graduate College. To ensure that graduate students are sufficiently skilled at written English, the Test of English Language Proficiency (TELP) is required for all graduate students who took the IELTS or paper-based (PBT) TOEFL test. The TELP must be taken before the student’s first semester enrollment. The International Student Services Office is available on campus to assist international students.

Financial Aid

All admitted students will be considered for graduate teaching assistantships and fee waiver scholarships. Graduate teaching assistants qualify for tuition waiver.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the master of science degree include 36 credit hours of academic courses and 15 credit hours of clinical practicum. The program typically can be completed in two academic years including one summer semester.

Examinations

Students enrolled in a thesis option complete a master's thesis under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Students enrolled in a non-thesis option complete a comprehensive examination.

The Minor program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is offered for students who are interested to know more about the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The minor is also intended to benefit students who are receiving training in early childhood education, special education, or trainee teachers to know more about speech and language development and disorders. This will help them to identify kids with speech and language deficits in their classes and make appropriate referrals to speech-language pathologists and audiologists. 

Curriculum:
  • CDIS 2033- Deaf Communication & Education
  • CDIS 2313 – Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • CDIS 2223 – Speech and Language Development
  • CDIS 3113 – Communication Disorders in Children*
  • CDIS 3123 – Audiology Diagnosis

*CDIS 2313 and CDIS 2223 are pre-requisites for CDIS 3113

Minimum grade and/or GPA for minor courses: 2.75 GPA and a grade of “C” or higher

Ramesh Kaipa, Ph.D.—Associate Professor and Department Head
Professor: John Tetnowski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor: Cheryl Giddens, Ph.D. (emeritus); Sabiha Parveen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP; Peter Richtsmeier, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Assistant Professors: Valerie Freeman, Ph.D.; Roha Kaipa, Ph.D.; Yu Zhang, Ph.D.
Clinical Faculty: Lisa Ashley, M.Ed., CCC-SLP; Caitlin Bruder Ed.D., CCC-SLP; Kristi Carpenter, M.S., CCC-SLP; Trevor Courouleau, Au.D., CCC-A; Tricia Graham, M.S., CCC-SLP; Sherri Norton, M.A., CCC-SLP