Master of Science
What Can You Do with a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
A Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students to become speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Graduates gain the academic coursework, supervised clinical experiences, and Praxis exam preparation required for licensure in most states. University of Arkansas alumni work in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, private practices, and other healthcare and educational settings.
Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, swallowing and cognitive communication disorders across the lifespan. Speech-language pathologists work with infants, children, adults and older adults in educational and healthcare settings.
What Are the Career Opportunities for Graduates?
Graduates of the M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program may pursue careers as speech-language pathologists serving children and adults with communication, language, speech, swallowing and cognitive communication disorders.
Common Career Opportunities
- Speech-language pathologist
- Pediatric speech-language pathologist
- School-based speech-language pathologist
- Medical speech-language pathologist
- Early intervention specialist
- Feeding and swallowing specialist
- Rehabilitation speech therapist
- Clinical supervisor
- Researcher
- University instructor — with additional education
Common Employment Settings
- Public and private schools — serving students from preschool through high school and collaborating with teachers, families and other education professionals
- Early intervention programs — supporting infants and young children and their families
- Hospitals and medical centers — providing assessment and treatment across a range of medical and rehabilitation needs
- Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings — supporting communication, cognition and swallowing following illness, injury or other medical conditions
- Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities — providing services related to communication, cognition and swallowing
- Outpatient and pediatric clinics — providing evaluation and treatment for children and adults
- Private practices — providing speech-language services in independent or group practices
- Universities and research settings — conducting research, teaching and supervising future speech-language pathologists
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree |
Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders |
| Career preparation | Speech-language pathologist |
| Length | Minimum 5 semesters |
| Summer term | Required |
| Supervised clinical experiences | Required |
| Thesis option | Available |
| Non-thesis option | Available |
| Praxis exam prep | Yes |
| Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology | Required for licensure |
| Comprehensive exam | Required |
| Preparation for state licensure requirements | Yes |
| Prep for certification requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) | Available |
| Funding opportunities | Available for selected students |
| On-campus clinic | U of A Speech and Hearing Clinic |
Who Should Apply?
This program may be a good fit for students who:
- Want to become a speech-language pathologist and pursue a career supporting people with communication and swallowing needs
- Enjoy working with children, adolescents and/or adults across a variety of settings
- Are interested in understanding and addressing speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, fluency, feeding and swallowing disorders
- Want to collaborate with individuals, families, educators, healthcare professionals and other members of an interdisciplinary team
- Are interested in careers in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, clinics, private practice, early intervention or other professional settings
- May wish to pursue research, doctoral study or academic careers in communication sciences and disorders
If you’d like to tour campus and learn more about the graduate program, schedule a campus visit. We can arrange for you to meet and talk with our faculty, staff and students.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Communication Sciences and Disorders M.S.
Can I become a speech-language pathologist with this degree?
Yes. The M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides the academic and clinical preparation required to pursue licensure as a speech-language pathologist. Graduates must also meet state licensing requirements and pass the Praxis examination.
How long does the program take?
The program requires a minimum of five academic semesters, including one required summer term. Students who need additional prerequisite coursework may take longer to complete the degree.
Does the program offer thesis and non-thesis options?
Yes. Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis pathway based on their academic and career goals.
What sorts of health issues does an SLP address?
Speech-language pathologists work with individuals who experience communication challenges related to developmental disabilities, neurological conditions, hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions.
Does the program provide clinical experience?
Yes. Students complete gain clinical experience through coursework, the University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic and a wide range of community partners including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, early intervention programs, and other healthcare and community organizations.
The Speech and Hearing Clinic, which has served individuals and families since 1960, provides additional opportunities for students to develop clinical skills under faculty supervision.
Is ASHA certification available?
Graduates may pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) after completing applicable certification requirements.
Is funding available?
The University of Arkansas offers a variety of graduate assistantship opportunities, which are posted through Handshake, the U of A student jobs board. The Communication Sciences and Disorders program currently supports two graduate assistant positions. Interest in these positions is collected as part of the application process. General information on assistantships is available from the Graduate School as well as the campus Office of Career Connections.
Program Accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at the University of Arkansas is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd., #310, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Student Outcome Data
The on-time Speech-Language Pathology graduate program completion rate (seven semesters) has stood at 100 percent for years including the most recent term available, 2025-2026. The Praxis Exam pass rate has been 100 percent for years including the 2025-2026 term, the most recent available. Strategic Plan and Student Outcome Data has further details.