Professional speech-language pathologists make a difference in lives of individuals
living with disorders of communication that impact their every day lives. The field
of Communication Sciences and Disorders is making advances that are helping reduce
or eliminate these activity limitations and particiaption restrictions. As a speech
pathologist, you will have the chance to help people overcome disorders impacting
communication.
The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides students with
a combination of traditional classroom learning and hands-on experience. The 63-semester
hour curriculum gives students at least 400 hours of supervised clinical internship
experience and enables graduates to earn North Carolina professional licensure. The
program adheres to the academic and clinical education requirements set by the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech
and Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and the North Carolina State Department
of Public Instruction.
Where You'll Go
Speech-language pathologists can be found working with people of all ages and with
a range of disorders affecting communication and swallowing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
states the median annual salary for speech-language pathologists is approximately
$95,000 and predicts the job field to grow by 15% by 2034.
Students completing the program will graduate with a Master's of Science in Communication
Sciences and Disorders. We value the unique qualities of faculty, staff, and students
in our program, and we strive to create a culture that embraces belonging for everyone.
In that line, we serve a unique population in rural Appalachia, improving the communication
and quality of life of our neighbors. Our program offers students a variety of clinical
sites (e.g., skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, private practice, schools), and
students may even have the opportunity to acquire unique placements nationally. (International
service experiences are also returning to the table for discussion and planning.)
We offer several internal scholarships, graduate assistantships, and tuition remissions
for exceptional applicants. We believe strongly in the community we have created,
and we hope you will consider WCU to earn your master's degree.
WCU’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program values
diversity, equity, and service, focusing on lifting up rural Appalachian communities
and supporting students from all backgrounds.
Acceptance to the CSD program is competitive, with two distinct academic tracks to
serve students with different backgrounds and experiences.
Apply directly through WCU’s Graduate School system, submit official transcripts,
and provide names for three recommendations. International applicants must submit
evaluated transcripts and English proficiency scores.
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