M.A. in Communication Science & Disorders

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees: US$75

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Student should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. This degree should be relevant to the postgraduate program Student intend to pursue.

2. Academic Achievement: Student should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, which translates to approximately 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.5 with no individual band score less than 7.0 is often required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 100 is accepted.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115 or higher is required.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum score of 73 or higher.

Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community. 

1. International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.

2. International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in their respective departments. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition waiver, helping graduate students finance their education.

4. Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.

5. Graduate Research Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer research assistantships that provide financial support to students in exchange for their research contributions. These positions may also include a tuition waiver.

6. Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.

8. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.

9. Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.

It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.

Wichita State University offers an esteemed Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Science and Disorders program that prepares students for rewarding careers in speech-language pathology and related fields. Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.  

1. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): One of the primary career paths for program graduates is becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist. SLPs work in various settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices, to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages.

2. School-Based SLP: Graduates can choose to work as speech-language pathologists in educational settings, helping children and adolescents with speech and language difficulties, articulation disorders, and language delays. They collaborate with educators and families to support students' academic success.

3. Healthcare SLP: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities employ SLPs to assess and treat patients with communication disorders resulting from medical conditions, such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and neurological disorders.

4. Private Practice: Some graduates opt to establish their own speech-language pathology private practices, providing specialized services to clients seeking speech and language therapy.

5. Research and Academia: For those interested in research and education, a path in academia or research is viable. Graduates can pursue doctoral degrees and work as professors or engage in research to advance the field of communication science and disorders.

6. Specialized Areas: Graduates may choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric speech therapy, adult neurogenic communication disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, or dysphagia (swallowing disorders), expanding their expertise in specific niches within the field.

7. Telepractice: With the increasing use of telepractice in speech-language pathology, graduates can offer remote services to clients, providing therapy and consultations via online platforms, thereby expanding their reach and opportunities.

8. Early Intervention Services: Graduates can work with infants and toddlers as part of early intervention programs, helping children with communication delays or disorders achieve critical milestones in their development.

9. Rehabilitation Facilities: Some graduates find fulfillment in rehabilitation settings, assisting individuals who have experienced accidents or injuries in regaining their communication and swallowing abilities.

10. Multidisciplinary Teams: In healthcare settings, SLPs often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physicians, to provide comprehensive care to patients with complex conditions.

11. Assistive Technology: Graduates with a passion for technology may explore careers related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, helping individuals with severe communication impairments access and use communication devices effectively.

12. Corporate and Educational Training: Some graduates leverage their communication expertise to offer corporate training and workshops on effective communication skills or provide specialized training for educators and professionals working with individuals with communication needs.

13. Public Schools and Educational Agencies: Graduates can work for public schools, educational agencies, or state departments of education, serving as SLPs and contributing to the development of educational programs and policies.

14. Research and Development: Opportunities exist in research and development roles with organizations that create and innovate communication technologies, software, and therapeutic tools for individuals with communication disorders.

15. Clinical Supervisors: Experienced SLPs often transition into clinical supervisory roles, guiding and mentoring new speech-language pathologists as they begin their careers.