Communication Sciences, MA < Case Western Reserve University

Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
Field of Study: Communication Sciences

Program Overview

The principal goal of the Master of Arts program is to develop clinical scientists who are skilled in the management of individuals with speech and language disorders. Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts degree, students will also meet the academic and clinical practicum requirements for certification by ASHA and licensure in the State of Ohio.

Clinical Opportunities in Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders

The program is affiliated with, and located in, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC), a nonprofit agency that serves children and adults with communication disorders. CHSC serves as the primary training site for graduate students enrolled in clinical practice. Its personnel and facilities provide exceptional clinical experiences for students seeking clinical certification in speech-language pathology.

The program also draws on clinical resources in University Circle and the Greater Cleveland area. In addition to clinical practicum experiences at CHSC, graduate students complete at least two externships at sites including University Hospitals of Cleveland, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Legacy Health Services, and Western Reserve Speech and Language Partners.

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Degree requirements include completion of a minimum of 44 credit hours of course work and a clinical practicum in communication disorders. In addition, students must satisfactorily complete a clinical research project or write a master’s thesis.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
COSI 405	Neuroscience of Communication and Communication Disorders ^a	3
COSI 455	Fluency Disorders	3
COSI 453	Articulation and Phonology Disorders	3
COSI 457	Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders	3
COSI 452A	Graduate Clinical Practicum I: Case Management	2
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
COSI 444	Evidence Based Practice in Communication Disorders	2
COSI 444L	Evidence Based Practice in Communication Disorders Lab	1
COSI 557	Acquired Adult Language Disorders	3
COSI 562	Medical Aspects of Speech Pathology III: Dysphagia	3
COSI 456	Child Language Disorders	3
COSI 452B	Graduate Clinical Practicum II: Professional Issues	2
	Credit Hours	14
Summer
COSI 452S	Graduate Clinical Practicum III: Special Populations	1
	Credit Hours	1
Second Year
Fall
COSI 443	Meta-Analysis of Communication Disorders Research Workshop	1
COSI 556	Language Disorders II: Language and Literacy	3
COSI 600	Special Problems and Topics	2
COSI 452C	Graduate Clinical Practicum III: Special Populations	1
COSI 560	Medical Aspects of Speech Pathology I: Voice Disorders	3
	Credit Hours	10
Spring
COSI 563	Medical Aspects of Speech Pathology IV: Pediatric Dysphagia	3
COSI 561	Med Aspects of Speech Path II: Neuromotor and Craniofacial Anomalies	4
COSI 452E	Graduate Clinical Practicum V: Medical Speech Pathology	1
	Credit Hours	8
	Total Credit Hours	47

a: For students who did not take COSI 305 as a CWRU undergraduate student.

2024-25 General Bulletin

Communication Sciences, MA

Program Overview

Clinical Opportunities in Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders

Graduate Policies

Program Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

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