About the Program
The Program
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a unique educational model that combines the academic and clinical resources of a major medical sciences campus located in the Little Rock metro of central Arkansas. It is a full-time two-year program with one cohort of 24 students beginning each fall semester, and it consists of a total of five (5) semesters including one (1) summer. The program’s mission, goals, and objectives can be found on the program website.
Students must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. If the bachelor’s degree is not in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the applicant will be required to take additional prerequisite coursework. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years (including one summer with a common entry point in the fall). Exceptions to these timelines may occur on an individual basis. All work must be completed within 8 calendar years of initial admission. A minimum of 54 semester credit hours are required for completion of the program.
Successful completion of all program requirements qualifies the student to be eligible for licensure and/or certification. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to the Arkansas of Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology for a license to practice speech-language pathology in the state. Graduates will also be eligible to apply for national certification. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with state licensure and national certification requirements.
Admission Factors
The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, as part of the UAMS College of Health Professions, is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. The University, College, and the Department do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, political beliefs or affiliations. We comply with all federal and state non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations, including remaining compliant and consistent with the Civil Rights Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. See the UAMS Non-Discrimination Policy 2.1.3 and the Department’s Statement of Solidarity.
Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following criteria:
- GPA (GPA for CSD Courses, Cumulative UG GPA, etc.)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Quality of Writing
- Ability to be flexible, respond to criticism, and manage time
- Experience (Clinical, Research, Work with Diverse Populations, Multilingualism, etc).
