Master of Science
The Master of Science degree program prepares students for professional practice in
the field of speech-language pathology and requires a minimum of five academic semesters
to complete, including one required summer term during the program. If undergraduate requirement deficiencies are assessed at the time of admission, additional time may be required
to finish the M.S. degree.
For comprehensive information on our courses, including descriptions and degree overviews, please refer to the Catalog of Studies course descriptions and degree overview.
Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students completing a thesis option forgo the required 9 hours of electives and instead enroll in Master's Thesis coursework. Students choosing the thesis option may enroll in elective courses if desired; however, elective coursework is completed in addition to the requirements of the thesis option. All candidates for the M.S. degree are required to pass a written comprehensive examination. To practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist, students must also pass the professional Praxis exam.
The CSDI program aligns with the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and standards of the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in the delivery of clinical and academic services as well as the conduct of research, along with heeding federal and state requirements.
More about the application process can be found in the Graduate Catalog and the application process page. Students interested in the CSDI master’s program should submit and track their application through the CSDCAS portal.
Mission and Goals
Our mission is to advance knowledge of speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders through basic and applied research, graduate clinician training, and community service. To accomplish this mission, faculty and students participate in scholarly research activities, provide clinical services in a state-of-the-art facility, and promote community outreach projects.
Our primary goals are to produce innovative scholarly work and train competent speech-language pathologists to provide services to individuals and their families across the life span.
Vision Statement
The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the University of Arkansas aspires to become a leader in the field of speech-language pathology in the areas of teaching, research, and service. Our program aims to disseminate quality interdisciplinary basic and applied research relevant to speech and hearing sciences and related fields. We strive to promote evidence-based practices by educating students through the integration of academic coursework, diverse clinical practicum experiences, research opportunities, and service in the community. We expect our graduate alumni to be well known in the community for providing clients with outstanding clinical services.
Exciting Training Opportunity for Our Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students
Are you passionate about working in public schools and eager to support children with significant needs, including those with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)? The University of Arkansas, in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University, was awarded a training grant from the Office of Special Education Programs to help cultivate new school-based speech-language pathologists who are highly effective in providing AAC services to students with developmental disabilities who have significant support needs and require AAC to communicate.
Students funded on the training grant will receive specialized coursework, clinical experiences, and will be provided with funding for their tuition as well as a small annual stipend. If this opportunity aligns with your learning and career goals, make sure to indicate your interest in this funding opportunity when you apply to our program. Applications from interested applicants will be reviewed, and multiple incoming graduate students will be selected for the traineeship each year. We look forward to supporting the next generation of speech-language pathologists committed to making a difference in the lives of children with significant support needs.
For more information about the grant opportunity, contact the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at csdi@uark.edu.
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.