M.A. in Music
The MA in Music at Truman State University is a selective program that prepares graduat...
M.A. in Communication Disorders
Kirksville, Missouri
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
Truman's MA in Communication Disorders is a residential program that typically spans 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. It focuses on integrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making throughout the curriculum. Students gain practical experience in the Truman State University Speech and Hearing Clinic, which features individual and group therapy rooms, observation facilities, and video recording capabilities. The program also includes full-time, off-campus internships in diverse clinical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and public schools. The mission is to produce graduates who are well-qualified to serve all people with communication disorders, aligning with excellence in the field.
CAA Accredited: A cornerstone of Truman State University's MA in Communication Disorders program is its accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This is the gold standard for speech-language pathology and audiology programs in the United States. CAA accreditation ensures that Truman's program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty, clinical education, and resources, preparing graduates for professional certification by ASHA and for state licensure across the U.S. Truman's program has held this accreditation since 1967, reflecting a long-standing commitment to quality.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Communication Disorders at Truman State University is comprehensive, covering the assessment and treatment of various speech, language, and hearing disorders. Key coursework includes advanced studies in areas such as neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of speech, language, and swallowing, diagnosis of communication disorders, advanced speech sound disorders, voice disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The program integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive practical application through clinical practicum courses, including Advanced Clinical Practice and full-time internships in both hospital/clinic and public school settings. A sequence of major projects, known as Clinical Process Commentaries (CPC), reinforces the connection between academic and clinical learning, allowing students to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and expertise.
Research Focus: Research and evidence-based practice are integral components of Truman State University's MA in Communication Disorders. The program aims to provide students with advanced academic and research opportunities, fostering their ability to integrate critical thinking and problem-solving. Students are exposed to various research methodologies relevant to the field. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, exploring topics such as emergent literacy in at-risk children, the use of new technologies in communication disorders, and the role of speech-language pathologists in rural health and education settings. Students are encouraged to explore topics of individual interest through research projects and clinical experiences, contributing to the professional knowledge base.
Industry Engagement: Truman State University's Communication Disorders Department maintains strong ties with the healthcare and educational industries. The program's core includes extensive clinical practicum experiences at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic, where students work with diverse client populations. Beyond the campus clinic, students undertake full-time, off-campus internships in a variety of real-world clinical environments, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and public schools. This direct engagement with practitioners and diverse clinical settings ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession. The department also highlights its success in job placement, indicating strong connections with employers in the field.
Global Perspective: Truman State University's MA in Communication Disorders program incorporates a global perspective by preparing students to serve diverse populations and understand the cultural and linguistic factors influencing communication disorders. The program's mission explicitly states its aim to "serve all people with communication disorders," implying an inclusive approach to various cultural and individual variations. A unique opportunity for students is the option to participate in faculty-led study abroad programs, such as a Communication Disorders Experience in Mexico. These programs provide invaluable service-learning opportunities, immersing students in cross-cultural environments where they can apply their clinical skills and develop cultural competence by working with Spanish-speaking populations in orphanages, schools, and daycares for children with disabilities. This directly enhances their ability to address communication needs in an interconnected world.
Location
Kirksville, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26112
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $179
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Truman State University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and special talents.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process. These awards are primarily based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and other scholastic credentials. Scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
Presidential Scholarships: The university offers prestigious Presidential Scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic records and leadership potential. These scholarships provide generous tuition discounts and additional funding for academic enrichment.
Foundation and Departmental Scholarships: Beyond merit scholarships, Truman State University provides access to various foundation-funded and department-specific scholarships. Many of these awards are targeted toward students in particular fields of study or those who demonstrate community involvement and leadership skills.
Graduates of Truman State University's Master of Arts (MA) in Communication Disorders program are highly sought-after professionals, equipped with the specialized knowledge and extensive clinical experience necessary to become effective speech-language pathologists. The program's longstanding accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA ensures that alumni meet the highest national standards for professional certification and state licensure, making them highly competitive across various healthcare and educational settings.
School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): This is a very common career path. SLPs work in public or private schools, assessing and treating speech, language, voice, fluency, and social communication disorders in children from preschool through high school, often as part of a special education team.
Hospital-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: In acute care, rehabilitation hospitals, or specialized medical centers, SLPs assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions, or head and neck cancer across all age groups.
Outpatient Clinic Speech-Language Pathologist: Working in private practices or hospital-affiliated clinics, SLPs provide diagnostic and therapeutic services for a wide range of communication disorders to individuals of all ages.
Rehabilitation Center Speech-Language Pathologist: In inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation facilities, SLPs help patients recover communication and swallowing abilities following a variety of medical events, focusing on functional goals and reintegration into daily life.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Speech-Language Pathologist: SLPs in SNFs work with elderly residents or short-term rehabilitation patients to address dysphagia (swallowing disorders), cognitive-communication deficits, and speech/language impairments, improving their quality of life.
Home Health Speech-Language Pathologist: Providing services in patients' homes, these SLPs offer therapy to individuals who are homebound or prefer in-home treatment, developing personalized care plans within their natural environment.
Early Intervention Specialist: Working with infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years old) and their families, these SLPs provide services aimed at addressing developmental delays in speech, language, and feeding, often in the child's home or a community setting.
University Clinical Educator/Supervisor: With experience, some MA graduates pursue roles supervising and mentoring graduate students in university speech and hearing clinics, contributing to the education of the next generation of SLPs.
Private Practice Owner: Many experienced SLPs establish their own private practices, offering specialized communication and swallowing services to clients, allowing for greater autonomy and the ability to tailor services to specific populations.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist: These SLPs specialize in evaluating, recommending, and implementing high-tech and low-tech AAC systems for individuals with severe communication impairments, helping them to communicate effectively using alternative methods.
