Communication Sciences and Disorders

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Residential M.A.

Our M.A. Program in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year, postbaccalaureate program consisting of coursework and on-site clinical practica, followed by two semesters of full-time, external internship placements.

Clinical experiences at the USD Scottish Rite Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, the Sioux Falls Scottish Rite Children's Clinic, and our affiliates include comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative speech and language services with individuals aged infant through elderly.

We provide students with the scientific and clinical knowledge and skills needed for the practice of speech-language pathology in an environment that values teaching and clinical excellence and mentorship. 

Applications Due:
  • October 15 for admission into the following spring semester
  • January 15 for admission into the following fall semester.
Undergraduate Prerequisites for Students with Undergraduate Degrees in a Discipline other than Communication Sciences and Disorders:
DCOM 131  Introduction to Communication Sciences & Disorders 
DCOM 211  Phonetics 
DCOM 212  Language Development 
DCOM 221  Audiology 
DCOM 224  Speech Science 
DCOM 421  Hearing Science 
  Biological Science and Physical Science  

Required Courses for the Master's Degree in SLP:
DCOM 423/523* Aural Rehabilitation

3
DCOM 432/532* Disorders of Phonology/Articulation

3
DCOM 433/533* Voice Disorders

3
DCOM 434/534* Augmentative and Alternative Communication

3
DCOM 435/535* Language Disorders in Children  

3
DCOM 437/537* Advanced Language Disorders

3
DCOM 710 Professional Issues I

1
DCOM 711 Professional Issues II  

1
DCOM 724 Advanced Communication Science

3
DCOM 730 Central Auditory Processing Disorders

3
DCOM 731 Fluency Disorders

3
DCOM 732 Craniofacial Anomalies

3
DCOM 733 Neuromotor Speech Disorders

3
DCOM 734 Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition

3

DCOM 736

 Diagnosis in Speech and Language Disorders

3
DCOM 737 Dysphagia

3
DCOM 787 Theories and Methods of Grad Study  

3
DCOM 595 Clinical Practicum  

2-6
DCOM 794 Internship (two semesters)

8-12 each


*unless completed at the undergraduate level

Sample SLP M.A. Sequence
(students entering fall semester 2011)

Fall 2011: 11 credits

DCOM 710 Professional Issues I
DCOM 734 Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition
DCOM 736 Diagnostics
*DCOM 787 Research Methods
DCOM 595 Clinic/Fieldwork 1 credit

Spring 2012: 13 credits

DCOM 711 Professional Issues II
DCOM 731 Fluency
DCOM 732 Craniofacial Anomalies
*DCOM 733 Neuromotor
DCOM 534 Augmentative Alternative Communication
Clinic Diagnostics and Screenings

Summer 2012: 12 credits

DCOM 737 Dysphagia - May
*DCOM 730 Central Auditory Processing Disorders - June
*DCOM 537 Advanced Language Disorders - July
DCOM 595 Clinic/Fieldwork 3 credits

Fall 2012: 8 credits 

DCOM 724 Advanced Communication Science
*DCOM 533 Voice
DCOM 595 Clinic/Fieldwork 2 credits

Spring 2013: 12 credits

Internship I

Summer 2013: 12 credits

Internship II


Sample SLP M.A. Sequence
(students entering spring semester 2012)

Spring 2012: 11 credits

DCOM 710 Professional Issues I
DCOM 731 Fluency Disorders
*DCOM 534 Augmentative Alternative Communication
DCOM 733 Neuromotor
Clinic/Fieldwork – 1 credit 

Summer 2012: 12 credits

DCOM 737 Dysphagia – May
*DCOM 730 Central Auditory Processing Disorders - June
*DCOM 724 Advance Communication Sci - July
DCOM 595 Clinic/Fieldwork 3 credits

Fall 2012: 12 credits

*DCOM 533 Voice
DCOM 734 Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition
DCOM 736 Diagnostics
DCOM 787 Research Methods Clinic Diagnostics and Screenings

Spring 2013: 9 credits

DCOM 537 Advanced Language Disorders
DCOM 711 Professional Issues II
DCOM 732 Craniofacial Anomalies
DCOM 595 Clinic/Fieldwork 2 credits

Summer 2013: 12 credits

Internship I

Fall 2013: 12 credits

Internship II


Notes: LEND trainees must take FAMP 540 sometime in their LEND year.  These sequences assume that the following courses were completed at the undergraduate level pursuant to USD BA/BS requirements in DCOM: DCOM 423 Aural Rehabilitation; DCOM 432 Disorders of Phonology/Articulation; and DCOM 435 Language Disorders in Children. Students who did not complete one or more of these courses (or their equivalent) at the undergraduate level will be required to take them at the graduate level, which may extend their programs of study. Overloads will be approved ONLY if necessary due to significant extenuating circumstances, and must be approved by the Department Chair. Summer offerings alternate over a three-year cycle, depending on the distance rotation. Therefore, although number of courses taken per semester and sequencing of foundation courses remain the same from year to year, specific semester schedules will change for students entering in subsequent years.  

Additional Notes:  Final semester for all students totals 8 credits; some students may need to sign up for an additional credit (e.g., of clinic) so as to meet the 9 required for GA and some medical insurances, etc.

Courses with an asterisk (*) will be offered via distance at the same time.