Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is ideal for individuals dedicated to helping others improve their speech, language, and hearing abilities, preparing for careers as speech-language pathologists or audiologists. This program is also valuable for those pursuing expertise in diagnosing and treating communication disorders, with opportunities to work in healthcare settings, schools, or private practice to enhance quality of life for diverse populations.
Program Overview
The Master’s Degree Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky is designed so that students will be able to practice professionally as entry level speech-language pathologists upon completion of the program. Graduating students will be eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association if all certification requirements are fulfilled satisfactorily. Students may also be eligible for Licensure in speech-language pathology in Kentucky and elsewhere in Speech Language Pathology.
Our mission is to serve the citizens of Kentucky and beyond by preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to become pre-professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology.
We strive to:
- Prepare students to become outstanding pre-professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology and successful applicants to clinical graduate programs
- Educate students in the diagnosis, evaluation, and care of individuals across the lifespan who have disorders related to speech sound production, voice, stuttering, comprehension and production of language, communication modalities, hearing, balance, feeding, and swallowing
Our Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students who complete the program will typically meet the academic and clinical training requirements for the American Speech Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and for licensure in Kentucky and in most states with licensure requirements.
Related Careers
- Speech-Language Pathologist (Speech therapist)
- Audiologist (requires a clinical doctoral degree)
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Students with an undergraduate degree in communication disorders complete the 2-Year Master’s program in two academic years of full-time study (six semesters). The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-communication disorders field can still apply to the graduate program as a 3-Year Master's Program. The department accepts a limited number of 3-Year Master's program applicants each year.
View more about admission criteria on the CSD webpage.
Application Deadlines
Domestic & International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/18/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
