M.S. in Communication Disorders

The Master of Science in Communication Disorders Program (MSCD) at Stockton University has a curriculum designed to prepare program graduates for certification as speech language pathologists by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and for certification as Speech-Language Specialists in the New Jersey Public Schools.

About the Program

Speech & Hearing Clinic Website
Program Faculty

The mission of the Master of Science in Communication Disorders Program is to prepare students for New Jersey Licensure and for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in speech-language pathology, as well as for certification as Speech-Language Specialists by the New Jersey Department of Education; to demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice; to provide opportunities for continuing education; and to provide direct clinical services to the surrounding community.

The program requires completion of 60 graduate credits. Opportunities are available for faculty-student collaboration in research.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Communication Disorders education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Stockton University 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.

You can directly contact the CAA with any complaints or concerns related to Stockton University's Communication Disorders program's compliance with accreditation standards. To contact the CAA, you can:

  • write to them at Accreditation Office at ASHA, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850
  • call ASHA's Action Center at 800-498-2071
  • send an e-mail to accreditation@asha.org

Clinical Hours

All Master's degree candidates must complete 400 clinical hours of supervised clinical experience. Of these 400 hours, 25 must be in supervised observation. Per ASHA certification requirements, at least 325 of the 400 clinical hours must be completed at the graduate level. Students will receive clinical experience both on campus in Stockton's Speech and Hearing Clinic and off campus in various clinical placements. Students will be able to graduate having had a variety of clinical experiences. Students must enroll full-time in the MSCD Program. The requirements are demanding but the outcome is rewarding. 

Additional Program Resources

Program Requirements

  • 60 credits
  • Minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours
  • Comprehensive examination
  • Students must provide their preceptor with a timeframe for registering for the PRAXIS prior to graduation.

Curriculum

MSCD Curriculum - 60 credits

Required Courses- 54 credits

CMDS 5110 Neurological Bases of Communication Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 5120 Language Disorders in Young Children (3 credits)

CMDS 5125 Advanced Clinical Methods (3 credits)

CMDS 5220 Language Disorders in School Aged Children (3 credits)

CMDS 5230 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)

CMDS 5310 Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 5410 Diagnostic Methods (3 credits)

CMDS 5411 Diagnostic Methods Application (2 credits)

CMDS 5420 Clinical Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists (3 credits)

CMDS 5455 Disorders of Voice and Fluency (3 credits)

CMDS 5900 Clinical Methods Application (1 credit)

CMDS 5901 Clinical Practicum I (3 credits)

CMDS 5902 Clinical Practicum II (3 credits)

CMDS 5903 Clinical Practicum III (3 credits)

CMDS 6110 Research in Communication Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 6210 Acquired Adult Language Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 6430 Dysphagia (3 credits)

CMDS 6440 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 6460 Communication Disorders in Special Populations (3 credits)
Electives- 6 credits

CMDS 5421 Educational Audiology Management (3 credits)

CMDS 5470 Speech-Language Pathology in the School (3 credits)

CMDS 6630 Research Seminar (May be repeated for credit) (3 credits)

CMDS 6420 Advanced Topics in Medical Speech Pathology (3 credits)

CMDS 6450 Advanced Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Issues in Communication Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 6470 Advanced Counseling in Communication Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 5904 Specialty Clinic (Beyond required semester) (3 credits)
In addition, students may, with permission, enroll in electives offered by related disciplines.
 

For course descriptions, click here or visit The University's Course Catalog.

Admissions Criteria

Application Deadline

Fall 2020: Verified by February 1, 2020

Prerequisite Requirements

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree
  • Cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade "C" or better

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must successfully complete the prerequisite coursework with a grade of "C" or better by the end of the summer semester of the academic year in which the applicant applies for admission. Some of this coursework can be completed through Stockton University's undergraduate course offerings. The coursework should cover the concepts of:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
  • Phonetics
  • Speech and Hearing Science
  • Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • Speech and Language Development

While not required, a course in linguistics is recommended.

In addition, the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) 2020 certification requirements in speech-language pathology include a course in each of the following (grade of C or higher):

  • Biological Science
  • Physical Science (coursework in chemistry or physics)
  • Social Science (such as psychology or sociology)
  • Statistics

For additional information on course content requirements go to the CFCC Certification Standards.

Application Process

The application process into Stockton's MSCD program is two-fold. You must submit an application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS) as well as through Stockton's Online Supplemental CAS Application prior to February 1.  Stockton University is a green school which means that applicants must have their applications verified (GPA calculated) by the deadline date.  Applications must be completed (e-submitted, payment received, and transcripts received) at least four weeks in advance of the deadline to ensure the application is verified on time. Program specific admissions information including prerequisite course requirements can be reviewed on the CSDCAS Stockton Profile page.

I. CSDCAS Application

Your Application to the CSDCAS application should include:

  1. Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton)
  2. Three letters of recommendation
  3. Essay, resume, and any other additional information asked in CSDCAS.
  4. MSCD-HES applicants must upload the MSCD-HES Supplemental Questions Form
  5. Official GRE Test Scores sent directly to CSDCAS (school code: 3872)
  6. For details please visit https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com

II. Stockton Online Supplemental CAS Application 

  1. Discover Stockton Online Supplemental CAS Application (you must create a Discover Stockton Account)
  2. Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application (this is an addition to the CSDCAS fee)
  3. For more details about the application process, please visit the Application Process page.

MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization

Mission

The MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization (HES) is an option for students enrolled in Stockton University’s Master of Science in Communication Disorders Program (MSCD). The purpose of MSCD-HES is to enhance the preparation of future bilingual speech-language pathologists with a special interest in working with Spanish-English bilingual individuals diagnosed with communication and/or swallowing disorders.

MSCD-HES Faculty

Dr. Phillip A Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Amy J. Hadley, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
 

MSCD-HES Steering Committee

Dr. Phillip A Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP (Chair)
Assistant Professor of Communication Disorders

Dr. Amy J. Hadley, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Communication Disorders

Dr. Arnaldo Cordero-Román, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish

Dr. Merydawilda Colón, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Stockton Center for Community Engagement
Tenured Professor of Social Work

Eligibility  

Prospective students interested in the MSCD-HES at Stockton University must complete the following:

    • Respond to MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization questions on the Supplementary Application of the MSCD graduate program application on CDCAS.

    • In Spanish, please write a brief essay (500 words or less) on the reason for wanting to participate in the MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization.

    • Prerequisite Course:  Applicants must demonstrate completion of a course in Second Language Acquisition with a B+ or higher:
      • prior to starting the MSCD program  -OR-
      • prior to the end of year 1 of the MSCD program.

The prerequisite course is offered at Stockton online (EDUC 5203: Second Language Acquisition) and at any other college/university that offers an English as a Second Language (ESOL or TESOL) certification program.

    • Earn acceptance to the MSCD graduate program (minimum GPA: 3.2)

    • Demonstrate Spanish language proficiency with a Spanish phone interview with native Spanish-speaking Stockton faculty member(s).

Students admitted to the MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization would be eligible for one of two Graduate Assistant (GA) positions (1-2 credits per semester) available for the top 2 HES candidates.

Curriculum

MSCD-HES Course Requirements: 61 Credits

MSCD Required Courses- 48 credits

Successfully complete all required MSCD Courses.

*MSCD-HES assignments infused throughout the MSCD curriculum
MSCD-HES Required Elective- 6 credits

CMDS 6450: Advanced Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Issues in Communication Disorders (Fall Year 2)

CMDS 6630: Research Seminar or one Other MSCD Elective
MSCD-HES Required Clinical Experiences- 1 credit

CMDS 5904: Bilingual Specialty Clinic (Spring or Summer semesters during Year 1)

MSCD-HES Required Clinical Externship Experiences- 6 credits (3 minimim)

Minimum of one school-based clinical practicum (CMDS 5902: Practicum 2 and/or 5903: Practicum 3) will be completed in a setting with bilingual clients in consultation with the MSCD Clinical Externship Coordinator (MaryAnn Schiattarella, MA, CCC-SLP).

MSCD-HES Outcome

Prior to graduation, students in the MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization will demonstrate competencies needed to provide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic services to monolingual (Spanish) and bilingual (English and Spanish) Hispanic clients through satisfactory completion of the following requirements:

  • MSCD-HES infused course assignments,
  • Required Elective (CMDS 6450-Advanced Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Issues in Communication),
  • Bilingual Specialty Clinical Experience (CMDS 5904: Bilingual Specialty Clinic),
  • Externship Clinical Experiences (CMDS 5902 and/or CMDS 5903: Practicum II and/or III),
  • Completion of an approved Capstone Project OR CMDS 6630- Research Seminar, and
  • Completion and documentation of Community Engagement Activities in the Hispanic Community (minimum 10 hours).

Upon successful completion of all MSCD-HES requirements, the MSCD-HES graduate will receive a certificate of completion documenting completion of MSCD-HES as part of the MSCD graduate program.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Dr. Phillip A. Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP/L, Advisor of the MSCD-Hispanic Emphasis Specialization, at phillip.hernandez@stockton.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application deadline is February 1 for Fall admission only. Application must be verified through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS).  Transcripts, letters of recommendation, volunteer/observation hours, essay, and any additional application materials must be submitted through CSDCAS. In addition to the CSDCAS application, applicants must fill out the Stockton Online Supplemental CAS Application. The Stockton Online Supplemental CAS Application must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies by the application deadline without exceptions. 

  • Completion of the MSCD application through https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com 
  • Completion of Stockton's Online Supplemental CAS Application.
  • Completion of the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" by the end of the summer semester of the academic year in which the applicant applies for admission.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher is considered competitive.
  • Official transcripts for all course work at regionally accredited colleges or universities attended must be submitted to CSDCAS.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score. Official GRE scores must be requested from the testing agency and sent directly to CSDCAS (school code 3872). Scores at or above the 50th percentile in the Verbal and Quantitative sections will be considered competitive.
      • The Graduate Record Examination: GRE Official test scores must be requested from the appropriate testing agency and reported directly to CSDCAS.org. The GRE exam must be completed by the applicant within the last ten calendar years. For information on testing locations and times visit www.ets.org.
  • Students must meet the "Technical Standards and Essential Functions" requirements for participation in Stockton's MSCD Program. These functions can be reviewed online by clicking here.

No. However, you will need prerequisite coursework. Applicants must successfully complete the prerequisite coursework with a grade of "C" or better by the end of the summer semester of the academic year in which the applicant applies for admission.

The coursework should cover the concepts of:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
  • Phonetics
  • Speech and Hearing Science
  • Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • Speech and Language Development

While not required, a course in linguistics is recommended.

In addition, the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) 2020 certification requirements in speech-language pathology include a course in each of the following (grade of C or higher):

  • Biological Science
  • Physical Science (coursework in chemistry or physics)
  • Social Science (such as psychology or sociology)
  • Statistics

While a background in the human services field or a related major is helpful, clinical experience is not required prior to the beginning of the program. In order to receive ASHA certification, graduate students will need to complete and document 25 hours of directed observation. Approval of hours obtained prior to matriculation into the graduate program will be on an individual basis.

Yes, the MSCD program accepts observation of sessions from the Master Clinician online network or from observing other recorded sessions as long as the hours are verified by a certified SLP.

Students are admitted for the fall semester only.
No. The MSCD program is a full-time program.
The MSCD program coursework will take five semesters to complete: two academic years and one summer. The MSCD is a 60 credit program which includes a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience.
No, students will be required to attend classes and clinical practica during the instructional day. 
No. Only students accepted full-time into the MSCD program may enroll in MCDS courses.
Decision about transfer credit will be made on an individual basis. No more than 9 graduate transfer credits will be accepted.  Please fill out the Graduate Transfer Equivalency Form and provide it to the Program Director at the time of application.

The Master of Science in Communication Disorders education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Stockton University 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.

Please visit the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) website at: www.asha.org

*Information contained on this page is subject to change.

Apply today. If you have further questions you can Request More Information or call the Office of Graduate Studies at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.

Amy J. Hadley, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Communication Disorders
Director, M.S. in Communication Disorders Program