Academic Coursework

Prerequisite Coursework

In order to begin the Baylor University Communication Sciences and Disorders Residential Master’s Program, there are certain prerequisite courses required from basic sciences (D or better with 3 credit hours minimum in each area) and undergraduate coursework, in addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. For more information on these prerequisites, please use the button below to visit the American Speech Language Association (ASHA) website and review the prerequisite course content areas related to SLP certification standards.

ASHA Required Prerequisites

In addition to these ASHA required prerequisites, Baylor University Communication Sciences and Disorders requires 6 hours of coursework in Clinical Audiology (3 credit hours) and Aural Rehabilitation (3 credit hours).

Thesis and Non-Thesis Tracks

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Master of Science (MS) degree with two tracks: a non-thesis track and a thesis track. Most students seek the non-thesis track, which prepares them to become certified professional speech-language pathologists. Students on the non-thesis track are required to complete 45 semester hours, take the Praxis Exam, and pass the required final comprehensive examination to earn the Masters of Science degree. This is equal to four semesters (i.e., terms).

The thesis-track is designed for those students interested in participating in graduate research culminating in a thesis with the ultimate goal of pursuing doctoral study. The thesis track requires the completion of 45 semester hours of the required coursework with an additional 3 semester hours added for the completion of the thesis. Students considering the thesis track should contact the department’s graduate program director to discuss the advantages of pursuing this option.

Required Examinations

NATIONAL EXAMINATION

Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Graduate students (CSD Master’s thesis OR non-thesis tracks) are required to take the National Examination - Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) prior to graduation and submit their scores to Baylor University. 

PROGRAM EXAMINATION

Comprehensive Exam

Graduate students (CSD Master’s thesis OR non-thesis tracks) are required to take and pass the Program Examination – Comprehensive Exam in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) prior to graduation.

Required Coursework for Residential Master's Program - Standard Track

Certain graduate courses are required of all students to ensure that students are exposed to a variety of areas in speech-language pathology and audiology. Students completing the master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders will meet the coursework and practicum requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for licensure by the state of Texas or student’s state of residence, if applicable. See below for our current plan of study for Residential Master’s Program – Standard Track:

1ST SEMESTER

13 Total Hours

2ND SEMESTER

13 Total Hours

3RD SEMESTER

13 Total Hours

4TH SEMESTER

6 Total Hours

NOTE: Baylor University Communication Sciences and Disorders Residential Master’s Program requires Aural Rehabilitation (during undergraduate coursework) OR Advanced Aural Rehabilitation (during graduate coursework) in addition to the required 45 hours of program coursework listed above.

For course descriptions, please see the Graduate Catalog.

Graduate Leveling Track

A student who has been accepted into the Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate program, but who does not have an undergraduate degree in CSD is considered a Graduate Student with Leveling Status. These students are required to complete 24 hours (two semesters) of leveling courses in Baylor's CSD Department, to meet requirements for state licensure and professional certification. After completing the required 24 hours, the student will begin the Standard Graduate Track. As a Graduate Student with Leveling Status the student enrolls in 6 semesters (i.e., terms) to complete their graduate program. Please see the Graduate Leveling page for additional information.