Program Overview
The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program prepares students for careers in the profession of speech-language pathology. It provides a basis for graduate study and research at a more advanced level, and encourages growth in independence. The courses are designed to:
- Increase understanding in the basic sciences of communication and swallowing
- Develop competence in the practice of prevention, evaluation, and intervention of communication and swallowing disorders
- Increase competence in research; and,
- Promote a sense of ethics and responsibility toward the speech, language, and hearing handicapped and toward the community.
The clinical services of the department, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and affiliated practicum sites provide the opportunity for supervised clinical experiences. These experiences represent the breadth and depth of the profession in a variety of settings.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services credential (California public schools). They are also eligible for the Temporary License in Speech-Language Pathology (California Department of Consumer Affairs). They are also prepared to seek employment as a Clinical Fellow. This is while working toward the Certificate of Clinical Competence through American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Council for Clinical Certification.
Full-time students who enter the program with an undergraduate degree in communicative disorders will complete the program in seven quarters of coursework. Students go through the program as a cohort, entering in fall quarter. Initially, graduate courses are taught in late afternoon/early evening and one Friday morning per month. This is in the first and second years, including the summer following the first year. All students are required to take clinical practicum (usually one morning or afternoon per week) each quarter. In the winter and spring quarters of the second year. students complete their full-time public-school placement and medical placement.
Please note: Students who are admitted to the program may be required to go out of state for one or both of the last two quarters. This advance notice is given so that students will be prepared financially.
All students are eligible for graduate assistantship, which permits students to work on campus or in local programs. Otherwise, students may be able to hold part-time jobs a few mornings per week. This is provided they do not interfere with clinical assignments, classes, or preparation/assignments. Students are not permitted to work on waivers or as a speech-language pathologist in the public schools as long as they are in the program. Violation of this policy may be considered grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
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