Communication Sciences and Disorders (M.S.)

The graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for professional practice with individuals who face communication challenges across the life span in any practice setting. Students complete a combination of required and elective courses and clinical practicum to apply theory to practice. Students complete a variety of practicum experiences in the university clinic as well as educational, rehabilitative, and private practice settings to enhance applied learning.  The Graduate Program of Study includes two full years of study, including two summers and J-term.  

All graduate students will complete a combination of required and elective courses and clinical practicum to earn a minimum of 59 credits total.  Clinical practicum meets the requirements of the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, including a minimum of 400 clinical experience hours.  

Clinical Practicum

All students are required to complete a minimum of four practicum rotations and two externships during their graduate studies. UNH requires students to have 15 documented observation hours prior to the start of clinical work. Since the UNH CSD Graduate Program is a full-­time program, we expect students to be available for clinical assignments when not in class.

In year 1, practicum assignments take place at the UNH Speech-­Language­-Hearing Center and the Clinic for Neurogenic Communication Disorders during the fall, spring, and summer sessions.  In year 2, students complete one semester of diagnostic clinic at the UNH SLHC along with two externships at two different settings. Externships are available at a broad range of department-­approved settings, including early intervention programs, education, rehabilitation, health care settings, and private practices. 

Students are responsible for transportation to externship locations and other community learning experiences. Externship sites may require a physical, including a tuberculin test; proof of immunizations such as poliomyelitis, rubella and hepatitis; health insurance; and drug/urine testing. In addition, students are responsible for meeting the criminal record clearances established by the practicum site. Failure to pass required medical and other clearance checks could render a student ineligible for a practicum assignment and thus unable to complete program requirements.

Capstone Experience

All graduate students are required to complete a capstone experience - either the Comprehensive Examination or a Master's Thesis. 

Comprehensive Examination (Non-thesis)

All students (except those writing a thesis) must pass a Comprehensive Examination designed to assess their mastery of and ability to integrate information from the two­-year curriculum. Students will be provided one case study and participate in an oral exam related to the case.  To participate in the comprehensive examination students must be in their final semester of graduate studies, have no incompletes or unremediated course failures, be in their final semester for externship experiences, and have no unfilled clinical improvement plans.  Students must pass oral exam to pass the comprehensive examination and be eligible to receive the master's degree. 

Thesis

Students may conduct research and write a thesis in lieu of the Comprehensive Examination. Upon completion of an original research project, students must defend the thesis in an oral examination and must gain approval of the thesis committee. In addition to required coursework, students must register for 6 credits of COMM 899 Master's Thesis.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the academic and clinical requirements, the UNH Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders requires students to demonstrate certain essential skills needed to practice as a speech-language pathology.  These Essential Functions, as distinguished from academic standards, include communication, motor, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral-social abilities that are necessary for satisfactory completion of the curriculum and for professional practice. Some of these abilities should be in place when students begin the program, while others will be developed throughout the program.

Students accepting an offer of admission as well as students in the program are expected to demonstrate these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations to successfully complete degree requirements. Early each fall, the Essential Functions Policy will be reviewed with new students beginning our program. Students are expected to sign that they have reviewed and understand the policy and will follow the stated guidelines.

All graduate students will complete a combination of required and elective courses and clinical practicum to earn a minimum of 59credits.  Clinical practicum meets the requirements of the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, including a minimum of 400 clinical experience hours.

Program Eligibility*

• Current UNH student in good standing
• Overall GPA of 3.5+ at the time of application (i.e., including grades from fall semester junior year), GPA must be based on a minimum of 3 semesters at UNH
• Completed a minimum of 86 credits earned/completed (i.e., not including credits in progress). Ideally, 89 credits is preferred.
  • The Graduate School requires that students complete 90 credits before enrolling in 800 level courses. 
• Complete all CSD-required courses for Years 1 and 2 (see curriculum)
• Completed KIN 706 Neurology, COMM 504 Basic Audiology Intro to Audiology, and COMM 741 Speech-Language Pathology I.
• Enrolled in COMM 742 Speech-Language Pathology II (and all its prerequisite coursework) and COMM 705 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation for spring semester junior year

* Important: Eligibility does not ensure acceptance to the AM program.

The AM program is designed for and best suited to students who begin the CSD program as Freshmen (in Year 1). Students who transfer into the major may be eligible for the AM program but will need to meet all the above criteria.

Timeline for AM program:

• Prior to registering for Spring Year 2 courses: Discuss interest in AM program with UG advisor to begin accelerating program (i.e., enroll in 20 credits in Spring, Year 2)
• By the first day of classes in Fall of Year 3: Declare eligibility (submit Intent to Apply to csd.department@unh.edu )
• During Fall of Year 3: Enroll in COMM 741 Speech-Language Pathology I(and COMM 723 Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology)
• By the end of Fall of Year 3: Meet 3.5+ GPA requirement
• By the application due date: Submit application to AM program
• During Spring of Year 3: Enroll in COMM 705 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation and COMM 742 Speech-Language Pathology II
• By April 15 of Year 3, if offered admission to the AM program:
  • Accept or reject offer of admission to AM program by emailing csd.department@unh.edu
  • Complete and return documentation of intent to accept to the Graduate School
• During Summer between Years 3 and 4: Enroll in 2 800-level courses
  • COMM 801 Principles of Assessment
  • COMM 802 Principles of Intervention
• During Fall of Year 4: Enroll in 3 800-level courses + COMM 724 Senior Capstone (and COMM 723 Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology if not already taken):
  • COMM 803 Ethical and Professional Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders I
  • COMM 811 Brain and Behavior
  • COMM 821 Speech Sound Disorders

By the end of the Fall Semester of Year 4:  Complete 128 credits and graduate with a BS degree

Recommended Course Sequence Bachelors/Accelerated Master's Program

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• Demonstrate Appropriate Knowledge of Professional Practice
• Demonstrate Knowledge of Foundations of Speech-Lang Pathology Practice
• Demonstrate Knowledge of Identification and Prevention of Speech-Language and Swallowing Disorders and Differences
• Demonstrate Knowledge of Evaluation of Speech-Language Disorders and Differences
• Demonstrate Knowledge of Intervention of Speech-Language and Swallowing Mechanisms
• Demonstrate General Knowledge and Skills Applicable to Professional Practice