GR
CSCD 5760: Aphasia and Adult Language Disorders
3 credits
Study of the fundamentals of neurolinguistics; clinical problems of aphasia and traumatic brain injury; other clinical applications and neurolinguistics.
Graduate
Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.
Become a speech-language pathologist and help patients overcome their communication and swallowing difficulties.
About the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The University of Mississippi Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is #1 in Mississippi. We have unique hands-on clinical and research opportunities, with an excellent Speech and Hearing Clinic located on site.
The UM first year students are partnered individually with one or more clients for an entire semester and gain experience with assessment, therapy, support, lesson planning, parent and teacher communication, and family education.
Once students graduate from the M.S. in C.S.D., they can complete their clinical fellowship year, sit for the national exams, and earn their national certification.
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Program Information
Degree
M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Emphases
Communication disorders ;
Swallowing disorders
Required Credit Hours
61
Program Type
Master's Program
Program Location
School
Duration
2 years
Program Information, Requirements, and Application Process
Students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (including a course in Speech Science) with a GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply for our graduate program. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in a different field should see “What if I don’t have a CSD major?” below.
Before entering the program, all students must have completed a course in each of the following areas. These are usually taken as part of the undergraduate general education requirements. On a case-by-case basis, it may be possible to take one of these courses while enrolled in the graduate program.
- Statistics
- Biological Sciences (e.g., biology, anatomy, genetics)
- A CSD-specific anatomy and physiology course will not count towards this requirement.
- Physical Sciences
- physics or chemistry
- Social/Behavioral Sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology)
For more information about ASHA certification standards for these content areas, see Standard IV-A.
Non-CSD Majors
Exceptional students who aren't CSD majors can still apply for the MS in CSD. In order to be considered for admission, students can choose to enroll as a non-degree seeking undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi or elsewhere and apply for the graduate program while completing the required core courses or their equivalents.
Non-CSD majors must complete the following required core courses:
- CSCD 2050: Anatomy and Physiology
- CSCD 2110: Phonetics
- CSCD 2160: Normal Language Development
- CSCD 3510: Audiology
- CSCD 4520: Speech Science
- CSCD 495: Clinical Science
As well as 6 additional credits focusing on disordered speech or language:
- CSCD 3010: Speech Sound Disorders
- CSCD 3160: Atypical Language Development
- CSCD 3560: Aural Rehab
- CSCD 4050: Voice and Fluency
Prospective students must also take a course in each of the following areas, if they did not already do so as part of their Bachelor’s degree.
- Statistics
- Social Science
- Biological Science
- Physical Science (e.g., physics or chemistry)
Non-degree Seeking Undergraduate Students
Any student can enroll at the University of Mississippi as a non-degree-seeking undergraduate student and apply for the graduate program while completing the required core courses. Students enrolled as a non-degree-seeking undergraduate cannot take prerequisite courses as co-requisites. It may therefore take up to two years, including summer and winter courses, to complete the required core courses. Note the following prerequisite requirements:
- CSCD 2050 is a prerequisite for CSCD 4520 and 3510
- CSCD 2110 is a prerequisite for CSCD 3010
- CSCD 2160 is a prerequisite for CSCD 3160
- CSCD 3010, 3160, and 3510 are prerequisites for CSCD 4950
Students may also choose to complete the required core courses at another university. Equivalency between courses offered elsewhere and our required core courses will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Keep in mind that we will not accepted coursework from massive open online courses (MOOCs). Examples of MOOCs include, but are not limited to:
- Educause
- MOOC.org
- edX
- Coursera
- Khan Academy
Learn more about Prerequisite Course Content Areas Related to SLP Certification Standards.
Typically, more than 50% of the academic course credits are taught in a Face2Face (F2F) format. Some courses are taught online to allow students the flexibility in mastering the required knowledge while completing their clinical practicum at various sites.
However, under special circumstances (e.g., pandemic), more than 50% of the courses may be offered online for specific reasons (e.g., allow on-time graduation while keeping the students safe).
Information about the estimated cost of attendance and financial aid opportunities, including those listed below, can be found on the Graduate School’s Financial Aid website.
Graduate Assistantship Positions
The department offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships (GAs) to the top-ranked applicants who submit a GA application by December 15 due date.
- GAs receive a 75% tuition scholarship, a full nonresident fee scholarship, and a stipend each semester.
- In return, GAs work for ten hours a week, usually with a staff or faculty member in the department. GA responsibilities can include administrative work, teaching assistance, and working on faculty research projects.
GA applications are integrated into the application process on CSDCAS. After indicating that you would like to apply for a position, you will be asked two brief essay questions that will be used to complete your GA application.
Summer Graduate Research Assistantship Program
The Graduate School offers a limited number of summer stipends ($3,500) for students who are completing a master’s thesis.
The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (M.S. in CSD) at the University of Mississippi provides aspiring professionals with the academic and clinical preparation to diagnose and treat communication, swallowing, and cognitive disorders across the lifespan. The M.S. in CSD is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Our program of study begins in the second summer session (typically the last week of June) and commences with graduation in May of the second year.
The Application
All applications for the M.S. in CSD must be submitted through the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). To learn more about the application process, please review their FAQs.
Graduate Assistantship applications are now embedded within the CSDCAS application.
All official transcripts MUST be sent to CSDCAS at the address below:
- CSDCAS Verification Department
P.O. Box 9113
Watertown, MA 02471
If you have any questions, visit the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center, call CSDCAS Customer Service at (617) 612-2030, or send an email to csdcasinfo@csdcas.org.
Application Deadline
To be considered for admission, your application should be submitted by December 15 and verified no later than January 15. All documents (transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and videos) must be submitted and verified by the deadline.
Offers will only be made to those with verified applications.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree or leveling courses from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
- Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders; or have taken the following prerequisite (leveling) courses or their equivalents:
- Anatomy/Physiology (CSCD 2050),
- Phonetics (CSCD 2110),
- Normal Language Development (CSCD 2160),
- Audiology (CSCD 3510),
- Speech Science (CSCD 5420)
- Speech Sound Disorders (CSCD 3010),
- Language Disorders (CSCD 3160)
- An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
- Applicants are also required to complete the general education coursework detailed below:
- Statistics (a stand alone statistics course)
- Biological Sciences (e.g., biology, anatomy, genetics)
- A CSCD-specific anatomy and physiology course will not count towards this requirement
- Physical Sciences (e.g., physics or chemistry)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology)
Information Days
If you are interested in gaining more information about our program, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Burklow (eburklow@olemiss.edu) to sign up for one of the following virtual or in-person information session.
- October 16, 2026: in person
- November 13, 2026: virtual (https://olemiss.zoom.us/j/2053535937)
- January 29, 2027: virtual (https://olemiss.zom.us/j/2053535937)
- March 19, 2027: in person
Personal Essay
Why have you selected the University of Mississippi for your graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology? How have your professional and personal experiences prepared you for this advanced level of study, and what are your strengths and areas for growth that will support your success in graduate school? Essay must be limited to 300 words.
Video Submission
Create a video tutorial teaching a task of your choice. Demonstrate step-by-step instructions, provide helpful tips, and engage viewers to successfully complete the task. Share your expertise and passion!
- The video must be 3 minutes or less.
- Introduce yourself and state your undergraduate major and university.
- Note that the task does not have to be related to the field of speech-language pathology (i.e. how to change a tire, how to make muffins, how to bait a hook, or anything that you do well!)
- Your video link will be uploaded as an answer to a question in CSDCAS during the application process (instructions for upload will be included with the question)
Additional Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Official transcripts submitted to and verified by CSDCAS
- Three (3) letters of recommendation that reflect your academic and clinical abilities
- 2 Letters of Recommendation must be written by academic faculty or clinical supervisors
For International or Non-Native English-Speaking Students
English language proficiency is required and can be demonstrated through a variety of assessments. Find the University's requirements here.
- For more information about the M.S. in CSD program at the University of Mississippi, please contact Elizabeth Burklow, eburklow@olemiss.edu
Anti-Discrimination Policy
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Mississippi does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, nation or ethnic origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran.
- The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons.
The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
To become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), you must earn a Master’s Degree, complete a Clinical Fellowship Year, and pass the Praxis II.
Our fulltime, six semester, master’s program is designed to fulfill the academic and practicum requirements for clinical certification established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as for licensure in most states.
Graduate Degree Requirements for a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
To fulfill the MS in CSD graduate degree requirements, students must successfully complete:
- A minimum of 61 credit hours, including 46 hours of academic course work and 15 hours of graduate practicum.
- 400 clinical clock hours
A minimum of 325 hours must be earned under the direction of the University of Mississippi CSD faculty and/or approved offsite supervisors.
Under special arrangements, portions of practicum can be completed elsewhere.
Graduate students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average in the department to continue enrollment, qualify for graduation, and be eligible for department financial aid consideration.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850
800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Explore our Student Achievement Data.
| College | School of Applied Sciences |
| Program | Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders |
| Program Licensure Outcomes | The Masters of Science program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CAA of ASHA). Upon graduation, students are eligible to complete their clinical fellowship year and sit for the national exams, thereby completing standards for national certification. Individuals must meet state regulations, determined by occupational settings, for the state in which they wish to practice. Compliance with state regulatory requirements is mandatory, and the only avenue towards legal practice. |
| Program Regulated by every state licensure / certification board | This program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Mississippi. |
| College Program Contact | csd@olemiss.edu |
What courses will you take to earn a Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
Check out some of the key classes you’ll encounter as a CSD graduate student. Curious about what else is offered? Browse the full catalog of courses.
GR
CSCD 6210: Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing
2 credits
GR
CSCD 6280: Cognitive Neurorehabilitation
2 credits
What does a Master in Science of CSD look like in the job market?
100%
Employment rate for alumni within their fields.
95K
Median income for Speech Language Pathologists in 2024.
15%
Job growth from 2024 to 2034 (much faster than average).
What can you do with a masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
- Communication Disorder Research Specialist
- Audiologist
- Clinical Supervisor
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
National Student Speech Language Association
Students pursuing a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders can join the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). NSSLHA's mission is to support CSD students by providing tools to navigate their academic and professional careers.
With over fifty years of experience, NSSLHA supports 350+ college chapters worldwide.
NSSLHA offers members:
- Honors to recognize member accomplishments
- Graduate-level scholarships through the ASHFoundation
- National student leadership opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Find our FAQ below to answer all of your questions!
Students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (including the courses or equivalent courses listed below), with a GPA of 3.0, are eligible to apply for our graduate program.
Non-CSD majors are encouraged to apply and should review their transcripts and final semester courses to ensure they meet all requirements.
Students that are non-CSD majors are required to take following or equivalent courses:
- CSCD 2050: Anatomy and Physiology
- CSCD 2110: Phonetics
- CSCD 2160: Normal Development of Communication
- CSCD 3510: Audiology
- CSCD 4520: Fundamental Speech & Hearing Science
- CSCD 4950: Clinical Science
Plus 6 additional credits focusing on disordered speech or language, e.g.
- CSCD 3010: Speech Sound Disorders
- CSCD 3160: Language and Learning Disorders
- CSCD 3560: Aural Rehab
- CSCD 4050: Voice and Fluency
In addition to the courses listed above, students must take a course in each of the following areas, if they have not already:
- Statistics
- Social Science
- Biological Science
- Physics or Chemistry
Most speech pathology or communication science degrees are acceptable. In the case that they are not, or if you need to take prerequisite courses, you can:
- Enroll as a non-degree-seeking undergraduate student, complete the required core courses, and apply for the graduate program.
Remember to consider the duration of prerequisite courses in your planning. - Complete required courses elsewhere.
Equivalency for the courses offered elsewhere will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
No, the GRE is not required for application or admission.
There are no minimum GRE score requirements.
Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Competitive applicants typically present a higher GPA. Mean scores for the Class of 2026 cohort are listed below.
| Overall GPA | 3.64 |
| CSD GPA | 3.7 |
Tuition for the MS in CSD can change over time.
Students interested in the cost of attendance can use our tuition estimator to understand the possible cost of the graduate program.
Yes, we do offer a limited number of graduate assistantships to the top ranked applicants who submit a GA application by the due date, January 1st.
- These graduate assistantships are typically offered on a semester by semester basis and are limited to the first fall and spring semesters of the program.
- The assistantships cover 75% of the tuition during the period of the graduate assistantship for up to 13 credits.
For more information please visit the Graduate School's page for Graduate Assistantships.
The graduate program consists of 6 semesters over the course of two years, including the summers: Summer-II, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring.
The program begins in the second summer session.
Yes. The University of Mississippi is committed to access and inclusion. Accommodation information is available on the UM SDS website.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
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