Communication disorders are caused by differences in biologic structure and function, as well as social, and psychological factors. For this reason, the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum emphasizes the scientific bases of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders, as well as the medical, social and psychological context of these disorders and their treatment. The program integrates evidence-based practice principles and strives to develop sound clinical reasoning in students with the ultimate aim of preparing speech-language pathologists who are knowledgeable and ethical interdisciplinary team members and competent, independent practitioners in culturally diverse medical, rehabilitation, and school environments. Prerequisite Requirements Application Deadlines Application Check List Accreditation
The Communcation Sciences and Disorders graduate program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Standards of the program are consistent with the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Those who graduate from the program with a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders track are eligible to take Praxis II - Speech-Language Pathology (administered by the Educational Testing Service, ETS), and to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). For more information, see ASHA's website: http://www.asha.org The Profession
Speech-language pathology is dedicated to serving children and adults of all ages who are unable to communicate effectively due to developmental disabilities, medical conditions, surgery, trauma, or other causes. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat disorders of speech, fluency, voice, language, and swallowing. They also remediate disorders of learning and cognition that affect the ability to communicate, and develop augmentative and alternative communication systems for persons who cannot communicate orally. Speech -language pathologists integrate knowledge of normal and abnormal hearing (audiology) and provide aural rehabilitation to individuals who are hearing-impaired in collaboration with audiologists and other hearing specialists. Career Options - Clinical work, research, teaching, consultation
- Hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, schools (K-12), community speech & hearing clinics, residential and custodial care centers, early intervention programs, home health programs, dental practices, university speech and hearing clinics, private practice
Prerequisite Attributes and Abilities - Caring attitude towards others;
- Independence, dependability, and other professional attributes;
- Good manual, cognitive, and observational skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- See "Minimum Requirements: Eligibility, Essential Functions, and Professional Development" below.
Curriculum - Two-year (six-semesters) full-time graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders track, awarded upon successful completion of all required courses, professional development aptitudes, and a comprehensive examination.
- Curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) awarded by the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC), affiliated with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Clinical Education
Supervised Clinical practice is an integral part of the communication sciences and disorders curriculum. The development of competent clinical skills is fostered through guided observation and supervised clinical experiences, both of which emphasize critical thinking (evaluation, synthesis, and evaluation of evidence). Students begin their clinical education with supervised observation experiences in a variety of clinical venues. This is followed by four semesters of supervised practice in the MUSC hospital, public schools, and other community clinical sites. Students then complete two full-time clinical externships. Clinical experiences are designed to allow students to integrate the didactic information from their courses under the supervision of certified speech-language pathologists. Clinical experiences are designed to allow students to integrate the didactic information from their courses into their clinical practice. The program has established over 350 clinical affiliation contracts throughout the United States. With rare exceptions, students are required to relocate outside Charleston during the 6th semester. Course Groupings and semester hours follow: Rehabilitation Sciences...................... 12 Communication Sciences & Disorders.....50 Clinical Education...............................26 Minimum Requirements: Eligibility, Essential Functions, and Professional Development
Admissions
Susan Johnson
Student Services Coordinator
Dept. of Rehabilitation Sciences
Phone: (843) 792-2961
Fax. (843) 792-0710
E-mail: rehabadmissions@musc.edu Ashley Stuckey
Health Professions Admissions
MUSC Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-8712 (843) 792-5396
Fax. (843) 792-3764
E-mail: stuckey@musc.edu Dr. Peter Bowman, Director
Rehabilitation Sciences Recruitment
Phone: (843) 792-3942
Fax: (843) 792-0710
E-mail: bowmanpj@musc.edu Application Deadlines
Early: October 15
Regular: January 15
Regular deadline may be extended based on space availability. Acceptances Offered
Early: December
Regular: February
Late: on a space available basis *Upon availability and completion of processing Application checklist - Complete university application
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- References (3 total: 2 from past professors; 1 past employer)
- Observation Hours Form
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results
- Completed prerequisite courses taken form
- Completed plans for remaining year form
NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made. |
