Communication is fundamental to the human experience. Learn to help people overcome issues impairing and preventing effective communication with an M.S. in communicative disorders.
Why Earn a Master's in Communicative Disorders?
A master's degree in communicative disorders is the professional entry-level requirement for employment as a speech-language pathologist.
Speech-language pathologists assist both children and adults with a wide range of communication disorders. Excellent career opportunities in this field are expected to continue well into the next decade as the expanding older population ages and medical advances improve survival rates for premature infants and victims of stroke and trauma – all of whom typically require professional speech assessment and, possibly, treatment.
Why Study Communicative Disorders at CSUN?
A Solid Foundation
You'll develop a strong understanding of the complex science of human communication, incorporating lessons in psychology, cognitive science, biology and language science. In addition, you'll hone your critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills.
Community Engagement
You'll have the chance to make a huge impact with service learning, research and community engagement opportunities.
Preparation for Your Career
Completion of the baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in communicative disorders enables you to satisfy the academic requirements for:
- Licensure in all states to practice in medical, rehabilitative or private practice settings
- Education credentials in all states for employment in public schools
- Professional certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the field's leading professional, credentialing and scientific organization in the U.S.
Accreditation
CSUN's M.S. in Communicative Disorders program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
What You'll Learn
You'll study the natural development of speech from infancy to adulthood, the development of communicative delays and the different methods available for increasing a person’s ability to speak.
You'll learn through classroom instruction and experiential learning, including intensive participation in the clinical programs of the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center. Advanced graduate students obtain additional clinical experience through placement in the department’s affiliated medical centers, professional practices and public schools.
Careers & Outcomes
Our graduates are successful in their professions and make a true difference in the lives of their clients. Below are examples of job titles and recent locations where our graduates work.
Job Titles
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech Teacher
- Research Scientist
- Education Specialist
- Speech Therapist
Language, Speech and Hearing Center
The LSHC offers comprehensive diagnosis and therapeutic services to children and adults with communication disorders. Services are provided by upper-division and graduate students in training-under the supervision of licensed and certified professionals.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Communicative Disorders.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.
Discover Our Online M.S.
This master’s degree in communicative disorders, offered in collaboration with CSUN's Tseng College, is taught fully online by distinguished CSUN faculty with field experience in all aspects of the profession. The degree features practicum options at sites within each student’s community. The program received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA).
Learn more about our online option