Master of Science in Communicative Disorders
Advisors: Epstein, Gray, Raggio, Robinson, Soto, Sundarrajan, Yu
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework in Communicative Disorders. In addition, coursework in biological sciences, physical sciences (either physics or chemistry), statistics, and social sciences is required before admission to the graduate program. These courses may have been completed for an undergraduate degree to fulfill general education requirements and would be acceptable, in addition to an undergraduate major in Communicative Disorders, or an equivalent at the post-baccalaureate level. See department and program websites for academic and faculty information at comdis.sfsu.edu
Admission to Program
Admission to the graduate program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is a two-step process that should be completed simultaneously. Annual admissions are for fall semesters only.
- Apply to San Francisco State University: Complete the on-line CSU Mentor application. Follow all other requirements for admission to the University by accessing grad.sfsu.edu.
- Apply to the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The application deadline is December 15. More information about how to apply can be found at https://gcoe.sfsu.edu/current-students/how-apply. More information about the department and application process can be found at https://comdis.sfsu.edu/home.
Selection is based on the following:
- Completion of the SF State Level I Written English Proficiency (WEP) requirement must be met before admission.
- A completed program application form, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation from former professors or individuals conversant with work with speech, language, and/or hearing impaired individuals must be submitted.
- Evidence of satisfactory completion of prerequisites, and an undergraduate degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, or completion of equivalent courses, which are prerequisites to the graduate courses in the program. Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences will be required to complete equivalent coursework before admission as a graduate student.
When accepted into the program, attend the program orientation to receive advising.
Communicative Disorders (M.S.) — 59–77 units
Required Academic Courses (33 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SLHS 657 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
| SLHS 701 | Language Differences and Disorders in Children | 3 |
| SLHS 706 | Counseling in Communicative Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 707 | Advanced Seminar in Language Disorders in Children | 3 |
| SLHS 708 | Neurogenic Disorders of Language | 3 |
| SLHS 709 | Seminar in Motor Speech Disorder | 3 |
| SLHS 710 | Seminar in Dysphagia | 3 |
| SLHS 756 | Right Hemisphere Syndrome, TBI, Dementia in Communicative Disabilities | 3 |
| SLHS 768 | Advanced Clinical Skills | 3 |
| ISED 797 | Seminar in Educational Research | 3 |
| SPED 788 | Law, Ethics, and Instructional Planning | 3 |
Clinical Practicum (9 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SLHS 711 | Seminar in Therapy for Functional Communicative Disorders | 1 |
| SLHS 713 | Seminar in Therapy for Organic Communicative Disorders | 1 |
| SLHS 880 | Advanced Communication Therapy | 2 |
Internships (14 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SLHS 712 | Medical Internship Seminar: Communicative Disabilities | 1 |
| SLHS 725 | School Internship Seminar: Communication Disabilities | 1 |
| SLHS 715 | Advanced School Internship | 6 |
| SLHS 882 | Advanced Medical Internship | 6 |
Optional Specializations, including AAC or Autism (15 units maximum)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 743 | Issues in Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 3 |
| SPED 746 | Teaching Individuals with Physical and Other Health Impairments | 3 |
| SPED 791 | Nature of the Autism Spectrum | 3 |
| SPED 794 | Socialization and Imagination: Autism | 3 |
| SPED 825 | Communication, Behavior and Instructional Supports: Autism | 3 |
Culminating Experience (3–6 units)
One of the following plans:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | 3 | |
| SLHS 884 | Advanced Diagnosis in Communicative Disorders | 3 |
(see department for limitations on repeat of failed examination or portions thereof) | ||
| Plan B | 6 | |
| SLHS 898 | Master's Thesis in Communicative Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 884 | Advanced Diagnosis in Communicative Disorders | 3 |
| Plan C | 6 | |
| Field Study: Special Education | ||
| SLHS 884 | Advanced Diagnosis in Communicative Disorders | 3 |
Note: Plans B & C are recommended to individuals planning to pursue predoctoral education. In addition, completion of Plan B, thesis and oral defense, or Plan C, field study, are accepted in lieu of the master’s written comprehensive examination.
