M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
UCA's MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders is an entry-level professional program that provides the comprehensive academic and clinical preparation required for certification and licensure as a speech-language pathologist. The program spans a minimum of five academic semesters, including continuous enrollment in the summer session between the first and second years, totaling a minimum of 54 credit hours. It integrates rigorous coursework with extensive clinical practicum opportunities, ensuring graduates are well-versed in both theory and practical application. The department also operates an on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Center and maintains affiliations with numerous external agencies for diverse clinical experiences.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a comprehensive 54-55 credit hour program, with both thesis and non-thesis options available. Required coursework covers a broad spectrum of topics essential for speech-language pathology practice, including neurogenic language disorders, child language disorders, spoken sound disorders, neurogenic speech disorders, social communication disorders, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), literacy disorders, fluency disorders, auditory-based intervention, cognitive communication disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, and ethics and professional issues. Students also complete significant graduate-level clinical practicum hours (a minimum of 375 supervised clock hours, plus 25 observation hours), gaining hands-on experience in evaluating and treating communication disorders under the supervision of certified clinicians. A dedicated course in "Research Methodology in Communication Disorders" is also a core component.
Research Focus: The program emphasizes the importance of research in evidence-based practice within communication sciences and disorders. The "Research Methodology in Communication Disorders" course provides students with an understanding of research methods and the use of bibliographic tools, focusing on the purposes and problems of various forms of CSD research. Students pursuing the thesis option engage in original research with a faculty mentor, culminating in a scholarly paper suitable for presentation or publication. This commitment to research ensures graduates can critically evaluate existing literature and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field, fostering a foundation for lifelong learning and professional development.
Industry Engagement: UCA's MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders has strong ties to the profession through its extensive clinical practicum requirements. Students gain invaluable real-world experience in a variety of settings, including the university's own Speech-Language-Hearing Center, public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, and home health agencies. These affiliations provide diverse clinical experiences across different age groups and communication disorders, preparing graduates for the multifaceted demands of the profession. Faculty members often have extensive clinical backgrounds and maintain strong connections with professionals in the field, further enhancing industry engagement.
Global Perspective: While the core curriculum is designed to meet the certification and licensure requirements within the United States (specifically ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence), the program inherently fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on culturally responsive practice and the universal nature of communication. Courses like "Culturally Responsive Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders" address the importance of understanding diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in assessment and intervention. The principles of speech-language pathology are applicable across different cultures, and the program prepares graduates to serve diverse populations, recognizing the impact of cultural and linguistic variables on communication. The fundamental goal of improving communication abilities is a globally relevant pursuit, equipping graduates to work with individuals from various backgrounds in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
An M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a highly specialized and impactful degree that prepares graduates for a fulfilling career as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). This profession focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan, offering diverse work environments and consistent demand for qualified professionals.
School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: A significant portion of SLPs work in public and private schools. They assess students with speech, language, voice, fluency, and social communication disorders, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and provide therapy to help students succeed academically and socially.
Hospital Speech-Language Pathologist: In hospital settings (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics), SLPs work with patients of all ages who have acquired communication or swallowing disorders due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions, cancer, or other medical issues. This often involves dysphagia (swallowing) management, cognitive-communication therapy, and aphasia treatment.
Rehabilitation Center Speech-Language Pathologist: Similar to hospitals, rehabilitation centers focus on intensive therapy to help individuals regain lost communication and swallowing functions. SLPs play a crucial role in interdisciplinary teams alongside physical and occupational therapists.
Private Practice Speech-Language Pathologist: Many SLPs choose to open their own private practices or work for established private clinics. This offers flexibility in terms of specialization (e.g., pediatric, adult, specific disorders) and work schedule, providing direct client services.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Speech-Language Pathologist: SLPs in nursing homes or long-term care facilities address communication and swallowing needs of the elderly population, often related to dementia, stroke, or age-related decline, aiming to improve quality of life and safety.
Early Intervention Specialist: Working with infants and toddlers (birth to three years old), these SLPs address early language delays, feeding difficulties, and other developmental communication challenges, often providing services in homes or daycare settings.
Home Health Speech-Language Pathologist: Providing therapy services to patients in their homes, this role offers a more flexible schedule and the opportunity to see clients in their natural environment, often serving individuals who are homebound or prefer in-home care.
University Clinical Supervisor/Instructor: With an MS degree, and often after gaining clinical experience, graduates can supervise graduate student clinicians in university speech-language-hearing clinics or teach foundational coursework in CSD programs. Further doctoral study would be required for full professorial roles.
Researcher (with further education): While the MS degree provides a strong foundation in research methodology, those passionate about advancing the field can pursue doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Clinical Doctorate in SLP) to conduct original research on communication and swallowing disorders, contributing to evidence-based practice and new treatment methods.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist: This specialized role focuses on helping individuals with severe communication impairments utilize assistive technology (e.g., speech-generating devices, communication boards) to communicate. It involves assessment, programming, and training for both clients and their communication partners.
