Speech and Hearing Sciences Graduate Program

Welcome!

The primary goal of the master's degree program is to develop competent, professional practitioners who are prepared to work with other disciplines, make contributions to the field of speech-language pathology, and who are well-grounded in diagnostic and therapeutic skills. Knowledge of and participation in research is strongly encouraged.

The length of the program may vary depending on the undergraduate background of the student, but the master's degree in speech and hearing sciences is available with a thesis or non-thesis option. In addition, enrollment in clinical practicum each semester is required in order to achieve a total of 400 clinical clock hours. Our traditional, campus-based program is located in downtown Amarillo at the Harrington Academic Hall. On average, a graduate cohort ranges between 18 - 27 full-time students.

Guides

Leveling Student Curriculum Guide - outlines the required coursework for students who plan to pursue a career in speech and hearing sciences but who already hold a degree in another field. The leveling program consists of two semesters over a full-time acadmic year.  

Graduate Student Curriculum Guide - outlines the required coursework for students who plan to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. The graduate program consists of five semesters over two years.

For information about the profession of speech-language pathology, please visit https://hearingandspeechcareers.org

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree

Fall Admission Requirements

Prospective students will apply to the graduate school and master's program via the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS). A complete application for consideration requires the following:

• 3 letters of professional recommendation uploaded in the CSDCAS application
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions uploaded in the CSDCAS application
• Texas residency and related questions answered in the CSDCAS application
• $135 CSDCAS application fee; $55 application fee paid to the WTAMU Graduate School.

The application deadline is April 1st (must have completed application and all materials uploaded). Please allow for mailing time. An applicant must have a 3.2 minimum GPA. Note: GPA is calculated from the last 60 hours of Communication Disorder and Related coursework completed (to include, but not limited to sign language, chemistry/physics and statistics). If you are currently leveling, your last 60 hours will be considered. Official transcripts are required, and your GPA will be calculated upon receipt of all transcripts. Interviews may be used for the admission process; however, not all applicants will be interviewed. Interviews will be determined based on the admissions rubric.

In addition to CSDCAS application, interested applicants applying to any WTAMU graduate program must submit additional documentation and requirements to the WTAMU Graduate School through the university’s applicant portal. This includes the 55 dollar fee mentioned above.

To apply for WTAMU’s Speech and Hearing Sciences graduate program, students must:

1. Complete and submit the CSDCAS application and associated fee;
2. Add WTAMU to your list of institutions in CSDCAS;
3. Wait to receive further instructions and requirements from WTAMU Graduate School via email.
   ( DO NOT submit an application through the WT system);
4. Pay the WTAMU Graduate School’s application fee as instructed via email.

Applications will not be considered until all requirements are met. 

The Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences' admissions policy is that we do not refuse admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran's status, or against qualified disabled persons except as provided by law. 

View the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences' Grievance Procedures

Ongoing Program Requirements

• Documentation required within the first two weeks of classes:
  • Documented copy of liability insurance.
  • Evidence of a current CPR card.
• Immunizations:
  • Required—tuberculosis.
  • Strongly recommended—rubella (women only) and hepatitis B.
  • Regarding COVID-19 vaccine: at this time, WTAMU is not requiring this vaccination for acceptance to the program. Lack of vaccination, however, can impact possibilities for clinical practicum.
• Certified Background Check

Courses with grades of "C," "D," "F," "I" (incomplete), "IP" or "X" (drop or withdrawal) cannot be used to satisfy requirements for the graduate degree.

Completion/Graduation Requirements 

• Take the Praxis specialty area exam. (ASHA examination; 162 or better is passing.)
• Students must demonstrate mastery of all learning outcomes that are part of the Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA). The KASA learning outcomes are incorporated into and listed on the syllabi of each graduate course in communication disorders. This requirement helps meet standards of the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Pass comprehensive exams  (Click on this link to see the Graduate Academic Handbook)

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Graduate Course Descriptions

The Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders includes two options.

Thesis Option *

• CD 6305, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6330, 6335, 6340, 6370, 6375, 6380, 6410, 6450
• CD 6301, 6302 (thesis).
• CD 6398, 6399, 6699 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours).

Non-Thesis Option *

• CD 6305, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6330, 6335, 6340, 6370, 6375, 6380, 6410, 6450
• CD 6398, 6399, 6699 (to satisfy 400 clinical clock hours).

*Additional hours may be required to meet ASHA requirements.