Academic Coursework

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 must complete 45 semester hours and pass the required final comprehensive examination to earn the MS 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, three of which are earned by the completion of a thesis. Students considering the thesis track should contact the department’s graduate program director to discuss the advantages of pursuing this option.

Graduate Leveling

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 25 hours (two semesters) of leveling courses in Baylor's CSD Department, to meet requirements for state licensure and professional certification. After completing the required 25 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.

National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

Graduate students must take the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology prior to graduation and submit their scores to Baylor University. 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.

Required Coursework

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. These courses are:

• CSD 5319 EBP Evaluations and Interprofessional Practice
• CSD 5325 Speech Sound Disorders
• CSD 5341 Birth to Five Language Disorders
• CSD 5318 Methods in Graduate Study in CSD
• CSD 5312 Fluency Disorders
• CSD 5313 Augmentative Communication and Severe Populations
• CSD 5314 Voice Pathology
• CSD 5311 Aphasiology
• CSD 5316 Motor Speech Disorders
• CSD 5328 Dysphagia
• CSD 5330 Cognitive Linguistic Communication Disorders
• CSD 5149 Clinical Practicum Speech Pathology
• CSD 5649 Speech Pathology Internship
• CSD Elective

For course descriptions, please see the Graduate Catalog.