Communication Science and Disorders - Audiology Concentration, MA/MS

Program Requirements

Clinical Practicum

Clinical practicum requirements are met through the SLP Network, Outplacements and Practicum in the Schools.  These community-based sites consist of more than 100 facilities in Western Pennsylvania with which the program is affiliated. These include varied settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home based services, specialty clinics, not-for-profit clinics, early intervention, private practices, and schools. 

Summative Project for Master of Arts (MA) degree

All students in the Master of Arts program are required to successfully complete a summative project. This project assesses students’ ability to think critically, communicate their thoughts in written and oral form, and demonstrate their grasp of the major academic and clinical content provided in their graduate program.

Students pursuing the Master of Arts (MA) degree in communication disorders with a concentration in speech-language pathology must satisfactorily complete a one-credit course, typically taken in the fall or spring term of their last year in the graduate program. The course includes a final oral examination which consists of a brief presentation by the student followed by an extended question and answer session by selected members of the faculty. Requirements for passing the summative assessment course are provided in the course syllabus.

Proseminar

All students must complete the proseminar requirement, which consists of attending a specified number of scientific and professional presentations that have relevance to communication science and disorders.

Comprehensive Exam for MA

All students in the Master of Arts program are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination in the spring of their second year.  The comprehensive examination assesses students’ ability to think critically, to communicate their thoughts in oral form, and to demonstrate their grasp of the major academic and clinical content provided in their graduate program.

Students seeking the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree must complete a second comprehensive examination which includes a written and oral component.  Details about that comprehensive examination can be found in the section on the AuD degree.

Thesis Option for Master of Science (MS) degrees

Students pursuing the Master of Science degree in audiology must successfully complete a thesis project.  Thesis students will have an examining committee of at least three University of Pittsburgh faculty members (including the research director, who serves as chair).

Additional requirements are outlined in the academic handbook, which is distributed to students at the beginning of their academic programs.

Concentration

This program is designed for those students who do not plan to provide clinical services, but would like to pursue a research track in audiology.  Students pursuing the AuD degree (Clinical Doctorate) also may pursue a research track. The audiology concentration for the master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credits of coursework.  All credits must be passed with a B grade or better in order to count towards graduation.