Graduate Programs

The School of Communication Disorders offers graduate programs leading to the master of science (MS), advanced master (AM) and the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees. All graduate-degree curricula provide advanced study in speech-language pathology for students preparing for professional careers in clinical, research, and teaching environments. Graduate degrees are required to gain clinical certification and professional licenses as speech-language pathologists.

A master’s degree is the minimum educational level for entrance into the profession, and graduate-level training is required for professional specialization and fulfillment of requirements for national certification, state licensure, and state teacher certification.

Professionals in the field work in many settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, industry, government health facilities, research laboratories, and private practice. Although regulations differ, most states require licensure for all employment settings except in the public schools or federal agencies.In addition to practicing directly with persons having disorders, professionals may pursue research, teach, or enter into administration of programs and agencies in the field.

To read more about our graduate programs, please see the Recruitment Packet (pdf 6.66 MB).

For a list of specific courses, please see the Master's Program of Studies (pdf 39.62 kB).

Application to our graduate programs is a two-step process. Prospective students must apply to the the Florida State University and pay the university application fee before the School of Communication Science & Disorders admissions committee will review an applicant’s file. For details and instructions on completing your application to the university and providing all information and documents required by the School, please see our Admissions page or click on the following link:

Admission to Communication Science & Disorders graduate programs

Graduate Advising

Advising is normally held during Fall orientation for new graduate students. Each semester, group advising sessions are scheduled and conducted by the Graduate Advising Team. Students in the program are provided additional information through the Blackboard Web site for Comm Disorders Graduate Students and are encouraged to schedule individual advising sessions with a member of the Graduate Advising Team or their faculty mentor.