Master of Science

CDIS graduate studentThe Master of Science degree program prepares students for professional practice in the field of speech-language pathology and requires a minimum of five academic semesters to complete, including continuous enrollment in one summer during the sequence of studies. If undergraduate deficiencies are assessed at the time of admission, additional time may be required to finish the M.S. degree.

The graduate course sequence (PDF) or Program of Study can be used as a checklist. To learn more about the courses offered, please view the Catalog of Studies course descriptions and degree overview.

Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students completing a thesis option forgo the required 9 hours of electives and instead enroll in Master's Thesis coursework. Students choosing the thesis option are allowed to enroll in elective courses if desired, however, elective coursework is completed in addition to the requirements of the thesis option. All candidates for the M.S. degree are required to pass a written comprehensive examination. To practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist, students must also pass the Praxis exam.

The Graduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders does not discriminate in the delivery of academic services or the conduct of research and scholarly activities on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

More about the application process can be found in the Graduate Catalog and the application process page.

Mission and Goals

Our mission is to advance knowledge of speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders through basic and applied research, graduate clinician training, and community service. To accomplish this mission, faculty and students participate in scholarly research activities, provide clinical services in a state-of-the-art facility, and promote community outreach projects.

Our primary goals are to produce innovative scholarly work and train competent speech-language pathologists to provide services to individuals and their families across the life span.

Vision Statement

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the University of Arkansas aspires to become a leader in the field of speech-language pathology in the areas of teaching, research, and service. Our program aims to disseminate quality interdisciplinary basic and applied research relevant to speech and hearing sciences and related fields. We strive to promote evidence-based practices by educating students through the integration of academic coursework, diverse clinical practicum experiences, research opportunities, and service in the community. We expect our graduate alumni to be well known in the community for providing clients with outstanding clinical services.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Arkansas is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our research, teaching, and clinical practice, as well as in our recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff. We embrace the strength that can be derived from an environment in which diverse identities and experiences work in tandem toward a common goal of improving communication outcomes for all, including those with marginalized identities. We understand that the world will fully reflect diversity, equity and inclusion only when every person has an effective means to communicate. Therefore, we work to complete rigorous research that enhances the knowledge needed to create such a world and prepare speech-language pathologists with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the creation of that world.

Program Accreditation

Logo of the Council on Academic Acreditation - Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at the University of Arkansas is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd., #310, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.