M.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders Program (MCSD) 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.

Click here to register our MCSD Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

About the Program

Highlight Reel

Check out some of the highlights from MCSD community!

Speech & Hearing Clinic Website
Program Faculty
Communication Disorders Minor

 

The mission of the Master of Science in Communication Sciences & 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 MCSD program features a dedicated space in the Parkway Building (located at 10 W. Jimmie Leeds Rd.) where students connect academic learning with clinical practice. It serves as a collaborative hub for preparation, reflection, and peer engagement--supporting success in both classroom and clinic.

The program requires completion of 60 graduate credits beginning Fall 2026. Opportunities are available for faculty-student collaboration in research.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences & Disorders residential 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 Sciences & Disorders program's compliance with accreditation standards. Information on reporting a complaint to the CAA is found at: https://caa.asha.org/programs/complaints/  

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

Student Learning Outcomes

Stockton's Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders (MCSD) student learning outcomes are aligned with the current Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology of the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC), a semi-autonomous credentialing body of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Successful graduates of the MCSD Program will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes and be able to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences including the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for persons with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
  3. Practice in accordance with the standards of ethical conduct.
  4. Integrate research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.
  5. Communicate orally and in written form as required for professional practice.
  6. Be able to evaluate and treat individuals with communication and swallowing disorders, across the lifespan, in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner.

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 the simulation suite as well as 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 MCSD Program. The requirements are demanding but the outcome is rewarding. 

Additional Program Resources

Program Requirements

Curriculum

MCSD Curriculum - 60 credits

Required Courses- 56 credits

CMDS 5110 Neurological Bases of Communication Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 5120 Language Disorders in Young Children (2 credits)

CMDS 5125 Advanced Clinical Methods (3 credits)

CMDS 5220 Language Disorders in School-Aged Children (2 credits)

CMDS 5230 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)

CMDS 5310 Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 5410 Diagnostic Methods (3 credits)

CMDS 5420 Clinical Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists (2 credits)

CMDS 5455 Fluency and Counseling (2 credits)

CMDS 6610 Research Methods in Communication Disorders Application (1 credit)

CMDS 5620 Language Disorders in Young Children Application (1 credit)

CMDS 5621 Language Disorders in School-Aged Children Application (1 credit)

CMDS 5900 Clinical Methods Application (2 credits)

CMDS 5901 Clinical Practicum I (2 credits)

CMDS 5902 Clinical Practicum II (3 credits)

CMDS 5903 Clinical Practicum III (3 credits)

CMDS 6110 Research in Communication Disorders (2 credits)

CMDS 6210 Acquired Adult Language Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 6430 Dysphagia (3 credits)

CMDS 6440 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)

CMDS 6450 Advanced Culturally Responsive Practices in Speech Language Pathology (2 credits)

CMDS 6460 Communication Disorders in Special Populations (3 credits)

CMDS 6600 Communication Disorders Capstone Course (1 Credit) 

CMDS 6470 Voice Disorders (3 credits)
Electives- 4 credits

CMDS 5421 Educational Audiology Management (2 credits)

CMDS 5470 Speech-Language Pathology in the School (2 credits)

CMDS 5904 Specialty Clinic (1-3 credits)

CMDS 6630 Research Seminar (May be repeated for credit) (1-3 credits)

CMDS 6420 Advanced Topics in Medical Speech Pathology (2 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 2026: Verification in CSDCAS by November 20, 2025
Each application will be reviewed once verified in CSDCAS and admission decisions will occur on a rolling basis.

Prerequisite Requirements

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree
  • Cumulative 3.0 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, coursework in audiology as well as 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

Only verified applications through the centralized application system (CSDCAS) move to the selection committee. 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 as well as community colleges if applicable). Step-by-step instructions found here.
  2. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s academic potential; no personal letters accepted.
  3. Resume, and any other additional information asked in CSDCAS.
  4. For details please visit https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com

  5. The admissions process also includes an interview with program faculty. Information will be sent to your email.

The MCSD program does not require GRE scores. 

Welcome to Stockton University’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders external Clinical Practicum. As part of the communication sciences and disorders curriculum, students receive numerous opportunities to connect knowledge and theory to application through experiential learning. In the first semester of the program, students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills through problem-based learning and the opportunity to co-treat in the campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. During the second semester, students will broaden their clinical skills by independently treating clients in the campus clinic with the support of our experienced clinical faculty. Students also can engage in clinical opportunities in the community according to their preferences such as aphasia communication groups and augmentative communication camps. Our students will have completed a minimum of 25 hours of supervised, clinical activity as a foundation for the first of 2 off-campus practicums. These experiences prepare students academically, clinically, and professionally to be compassionate and knowledgeable student clinicians eager to serve an increasingly diverse community in an external site. 

The 2 full-time, 14-week externship practicums are for the master’s student to develop the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Certification Standard V-B: to complete supervised clinical experiences sufficient in breadth and depth to achieve the skills outcomes of 1) evaluation, 2) intervention, 3) interaction, and personal qualities. These experiences, in the second year of the program, afford the student clinician a broader view and appreciation of the professional community, and give students a chance to assimilate concepts by actions, recognize strengths and interests, and collaborate interprofessionally. Affiliated sites and possible related intervention areas may include but are not limited to:

  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Special Services Schools
  • Adult Care Programs
  • Private Practices
  • Early Intervention
  • Large Healthcare Network Hospitals
  • Specialty Hospitals
  • Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers
  • Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Aphasia
  • Apraxia of Speech
  • Auditory Processing Disorders
  • Augmentative/Alternative Communication 
  • Cognitive-Linguistic 
  • Dysarthria
  • Executive Function Deficits
  • Fluency/Stuttering
  • Feeding/Swallowing Disorders
  • Literacy
  • Social Communication
  • Speech Sound Disorders
  • Voice / Alaryngeal Speech

The expectation of the trained field clinical educator at affiliated sites will be to provide supervision (direct observation) at least 25% of the time for each session; however, be on site 100% of the time, according to ASHA’s requirements.  We encourage the clinical educators to allow the student to start with some observation, and then employ a gradual release of responsibility, based on the student clinician’s needs and experience.  The student clinician is expected to attend the externship practicum five days per week to best prepare for their future career as a certified speech-language pathologist. The field clinical educator is expected to have met the ASHA standards for supervision.

Field Clinical Educator Information

Interest in Supervising Form

Online Supervision Education 

MCSD-Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization (MCSD-BESS)

 

Speech-Language Pathology Resources (English/Spanish)

Mission

The Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization (BESS) is an option for students enrolled in Stockton University’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders Program (MCSD). The purpose of BESS is to enhance the preparation of future bilingual speech-language pathologists with a special interest in working with Spanish-English bilingual individuals within the scope of practice of speech-language pathology.  

MCSD-BESS Faculty

Dr. Phillip Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders

Dr. Stacy Cassel, Ph.D., M.Phil., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders

Nicolette Massino, MS, CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Adjunct

 

MCSD-BESS Steering Committee

Dr. Phillip Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL (Chair)
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders

Dr. Stacy Cassel, Ph.D., M.Phil., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders

Dr. Merydawilda Colón, Ph.D., LSW
Associate Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Tenured Professor of Social Work

Nicolette Massino, MS, CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Adjunct

Oliana Collado, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Egg Harbor Twp. Public Schools 

Diana Puerta, M.S., CCC-SLP
MCSD-HES Alumnus
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Egg Harbor Twp. Public Schools 

Eligibility  

Prospective students interested in the MCSD-BESS at Stockton University must complete the following:

*Two Pathways Available.

Pathway 1:

  1. Respond to MCSD Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization (BESS) questions on the Supplementary Application of the MCSD graduate program application on CDCAS. 
  2. In Spanish, write a brief essay (500 words or less) on the reason for wanting to participate in the MCSD Hispanic Emphasis Specialization. 
  3. Earn acceptance to the MCSD graduate program. 
  4. Demonstrate Spanish language proficiency during a phone/Zoom interview with Spanish-speaking Stockton faculty member(s).  
  5. Pre-requisite Course: Demonstrate completion of a course in Second Language Acquisition with a B+ or higher, before starting the MCSD program (preferred), OR before the end of semester 2 during year 1 of the MCSD program. Please consult with Dr. Phillip Hernández, BESS advisor, at phillip.hernandez@stockton.edu.

Pathway 2:

Once admitted into the MCSD program, Year 1 students may decide to participate in the BESS program if they did not do so via Pathway 1 as described above. Qualified students must contact Dr. Phillip Hernández, BESS advisor, by the end of the second week of the fall semester in Year 1. All eligibility requirements described above (#2, 4) in Pathway 1 must be completed before being officially accepted into the BESS program. Students entering the BESS program via Pathway 2, will not be eligible for GA credits until the spring semester.

Curriculum

MCSD-BESS Course Requirements: 61 Credits (effective 9-1-2026)

MCSD Required Courses - 61 credits

MCSD-BESS assignments infused throughout the MCSD curriculum:

  • Successfully complete all required MCSD course-infused assignments
Required Electives - 5 credits

MCSD Electives: 

  • CMDS 6630: Research Seminar or two MCSD electives

BESS Required Elective:

  • CMDS 5904: Bilingual Specialty Clinic (1 credit)- Spring Year 1
BESS Required Clinical Experiences - minimum 6 credits

CMDS 5900: Clinical Methods Application (2 credits) - Fall Year 1
CMDS 5901: Clinical Practicum I (2 credits) - Spring or Summer Year 1
CMDS 5902/5903: Clinical Practicum II and/or III (minimum of 3 credits) - Year 2

*Minimum of one clinical externship in an educational setting with bilingual students. The placement will be arranged in consultation with the MCSD Clinical Externship Coordinator.

MCSD-BESS Outcomes

Before graduation, students in the MCSD Bilingual English Spanish Specialization (BESS) will demonstrate competencies needed to provide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic services to monolingual (Spanish) and bilingual (English and Spanish) clients through satisfactory completion of the following requirements:

  1. MCSD-BESS-infused course assignments,
  2. Required electives:  CMDS 5904: Bilingual Diagnostics Application,
  3. On-campus Clinical Experiences with bilingual clients: CMDS 5900 & CMDS 5901, 
  4. Externship Clinical Experiences (at least one clinical placement with bilingual clients): CMDS 5902 Practicum II and/or CMDS 5903: Practicum III, 
  5. Completion of an approved Capstone Project or Research Project and 
  6. Completion and documentation of Community Engagement Activities in the Hispanic Community (minimum of 10 hours by the end of the summer, Year 1).

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Dr. Phillip A. Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, Advisor of the MCSD-Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization, at phillip.hernandez@stockton.edu.

International Education Opportunity in Bogota, Colombia

During Stockton’s Spring break, students in the School of Health Sciences programs are offered international educational experiences in Bogota, Colombia. The trip involves three components- cultural, clinical, and educational. Students will collaborate with students and faculty at clinical medical and educational sites at the Universidad del Rosario and Escuela Colombiana de Rehabilitacíon. Additionally, students will learn about professional education and practice in Colombia, collaborate across disciplines, explore Colombian culture, learn and practice Spanish, enjoy Colombian hospitality and cuisine, and visit tourist sites. Details regarding cost and dates will be provided during the new MCSD student orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

MCSD uses a rolling admissions process. Application must be verified through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS).  Transcripts, letters of recommendation, volunteer/observation hours, and any additional application materials must be submitted through CSDCAS.

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, course work in audiology as well as 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

To obtain the prerequisites necessary to apply to the MCSD Program, a Stockton student (regardless of their major) may enroll in the Communication Disorders Minor.  The Communication Disorders Minor consists of six courses which emphasize both the understanding of typical communication processes and the study of various communication disorders.  Click here to find out more about the CD Minor.

If you are not a Stockton student, please reach out to Graduate Admissions to discuss options to complete these requirements.

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.

The following language is cited from Standard V-C of the 2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology:

(https://www.asha.org/Certification/2020-SLP-Certification-Standards/#5)

 

Standard V-C

The applicant must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology. Twenty-five hours must be spent in guided clinical observation, and 375 hours must be spent in direct client/patient contact.

Implementation: Guided clinical observation hours generally precede direct contact with clients/patients. Examples of guided observations may include but are not limited to the following activities: debriefing of a video recording with a clinical educator who holds the CCC-SLP, discussion of therapy or evaluation procedures that had been observed, debriefings of observations that meet course requirements, or written records of the observations. It is important to confirm that there was communication between the clinical educator and observer, rather than passive experiences where the student views sessions and/or videos. It is encouraged that the student observes live and recorded sessions across settings with individuals receiving services with a variety of disorders and completes debriefing activities as described above. Evidence of guided observations may include documentation of hours, dates, activities observed, and signatures from the clinical educator.

The guided observation and direct client/patient contact hours must be within the ASHA Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology and must be under the supervision of a clinician who holds current ASHA certification in the appropriate profession and who, after earning the CCC-SLP, has completed (1) a minimum of 9 months of post-certification, full-time experience and (2) a minimum of 2 hours of professional development in the area of clinical instruction/supervision. Guided clinical supervision may occur simultaneously during the student’s observation or afterwards through review and approval of the student’s written reports or summaries. Students may use video recordings of client services for observation purposes.

While it is beneficial for students to be able to document the 25 guided observation hours when they matriculate into the program, we realize that not all students will have had this opportunity. It is possible to complete the observation hours during the first semester of Stockton’s MCSD Program.

 

If you have the opportunity to complete some or all of the 25 hours of guided observation before matriculating into the MCSD the Clinical Observation Log will help you provide documentation of the guided clinical observation hours.

Students are admitted for the fall semester only.
No. The MCSD program is a full-time program.

The MCSD program coursework will take five semesters to complete: two academic years and one summer.

No, students will be required to attend classes and clinical practica during the instructional day. 

Pending availability of seats, faculty may consider allowing non-matriculated graduate students to enroll in elective courses. Please contact the course instructor to discuss this option.

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders residential 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 Admissions at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.

Stacy Cassel, Ph.D., M.Phil, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders
MCSD Program Co-Chair

Phillip Hernández, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders
MCSD Program Co-Chair