Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Program Description

Graduate studies in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology will prepare students to be effective speech-language pathologists and/or competitive candidates for advanced study in speech-language pathology through a comprehensive program of study, internal and external practicum experiences, and guided research. This graduate program is designed to prepare students to meet the standards of the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

The mission of the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at The University of Montana is to mentor students of strong personal character and to establish in them a commitment to lifelong learning and interest in the process of communication. The program is committed to the use of state of the art technology in bringing academic and clinical education to the entire state. It is to develop within each student, compassion toward their clients and a research posture in their service delivery. Through the program's emphasis on typical and atypical speech, language, and hearing, students gain knowledge, skills, and values that foster their individual growth as well as a passion for contributing to society and improving the lives of others.

In addition to this website, please check the program website at http://www.soe.umt.edu/csd/ for more information.

Degrees Offered

M.S. - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Requirements for M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Non-Thesis Option: 48 total credits; 33 program course credits, 12 practicum credits and 3 research paper credits.

Admissions

1. Application Deadline

• Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets received by February 1st. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.

Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.

2.  Program Requirements for Admission

• A bachelor's degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology OR bachelor's degree in a related field and completion or planned completion of all 10 designated leveling classes.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for all college work. Applicants with less than a 3.0 may be considered on a probationary basis.
• GRE scores with a test date that is within the past five years OR verifiable GRE scores if the test date is older than five years old.
• All applicants will file a criminal background check with the Montana Department of Justice upon admission to the CSD Speech-Language Pathology program and/or upon practicum placement. More information and instructions on how to complete the criminal background check will be sent to the applicant at the time of admission.
• Immunization records are required for all CSD students upon admission.

 
3. Application Materials for Admission -

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders also requires:

• Three letters of recommendation and recommendation forms completed and submitted by persons who have direct knowledge of the applicant's character and abilities. We recommend at least one letter should address academic qualities of the applicant. Applicants may request letters from:
  • current or former professors
  • current or former employers
  • someone who knows the applicant professionally who can address the applicant's qualifications, experience, and drive to become a speech-language pathologist
  • someone who can address the applicant's personal character qualities necessary for professional practice in speech-language pathology
• A current resume that includes: education, paid experience, volunteer experience and community involvement, and activities.
• A summary sheet of CSD and/or relevant courses taken in related areas (download summary sheet).
• Select two topics from the following essay questions and formulate a response for the questions you selected. Your response for each essay should be no more than two typed, double-spaced pages (12 pt font):

1. The mission of the CSD Department is posted above. How are your career goals consistent with the mission of the CSD Department?
2.  Describe your interest in the study and practice of speech-language pathology as well as the reason for your interest in enrolling in the Communicative Sciences and Disorders program at The University of Montana.
3.  Describe a communication problem that is of interest to you and describe the contribution you plan to make toward the resolution of the problem.
4.  Describe an accomplishment, achievement, activity, initiative, or event and its relationship to the development of one or more of your personal qualities (for example, passion for service, writing and speaking skills, care and concern for others, initiative and sustained effort, commitment to moral principles).

4. International Students

• See information in the International Admission section on this web site.

Financial Assistance

For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.

Scholarship opportunities will be posted through the CSD department and on the CSD webpage.

 
Department website

Campus Location
Curry Health Center, Lower Level 061

Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
634 Eddy Avenue
Missoula, MT 59812-6695

(406) 243-2363
Fax: (406) 243-2362

Department Chair
Lucy Hart Paulson
lucy.hartpaulson@mso.umt.edu
406-243-2376