Graduate Programs in CSD

Penn State's graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the master of science (M.S.) degree with emphasis in speech-language pathology and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with emphasis in speech-language pathology or audiology.

The program helps prepare students to work with people who have speech, language, and/or hearing disabilities. 100 percent of our graduates are currently employed and working with children and/or adults in hospital and rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice. The job outlook for speech-language pathologists continues to be excellent. Opportunities should be particularly favorable for those with an ability to speak a second language, such as Spanish. The median annual earnings for speech-language pathologists was $73,410 in May of 2015 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Graduate Program Details

Graduate students are admitted fall semester. Once students complete our two-year master's degree program, they must pass a national test and complete a clinical fellowship year to receive certification and/or state licensure. Our students are very successful according to several criteria. 94 percent of our master's students have completed the program within the published time frame, 100 percent have passed the Praxis exam, and 99 percent have obtained employment in the profession or pursued further education in the profession within one year of graduation.

The graduate program of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the National Council on Accreditation in Teaching and Education. The current accreditation cycle is August 21, 2017 through July 31, 2025. The faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their academic and research accomplishments. Any concerns specific to the program's accreditation status should first be addressed to the program and Pennsylvania State University and then to the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310. Rockville, MD 20850 or accreditation@asha.org