Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of Georgia offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in communication health and disorders. This program provides a solid foundation in the scientific principles underlying human communication and related disorders, equipping students with essential knowledge in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields. Throughout the curriculum, students engage with coursework in areas such as phonetics, linguistics, anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, developmental and acquired communication disorders, and clinical methods. Emphasizing experiential learning, the program includes opportunities for internships, observations, and practical application in clinical settings, allowing students to develop hands-on skills under professional supervision. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees or certification in speech-language pathology or audiology, with the potential to work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasizes research literacy, ensuring students are informed about current findings and best practices in the field. With a dedicated faculty comprised of leading researchers and clinicians, students receive mentorship and guidance tailored to their career goals. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and compassionate patient care skills essential for future success. By completing this program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to make meaningful contributions to improving communication health and quality of life for individuals with speech, language, and hearing impairments.

Our program trains you to be an evidence-based, client-centered, outcomes-focused speech-language pathologist. The program integrates coursework, on-campus clinical practicum, and off-campus "mini-internship" options. Your experience culminates with two full-time internship placements: one in a medical setting and one in a public school.

The MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders includes coursework across the lifespan in:

• Diagnostics, clinical methods, and research design in speech-language pathology
• Speech sound disorders, fluency, voice, and resonance
• Language and literacy assessment and intervention
• Dysphagia
• Acquired speech, language, and cognitive disorders
• Multicultural issues
• Augmentative and alternative communication

Your clinical practicum will require a minimum of 403 hours total, including 25 hours of observation plus 378 hours of supervised clinical practicum, for graduation. This exceeds the ASHA requirement of 400 clock hours. You may be required to take college-level courses in addition to the required graduate courses to satisfy state and ASHA standards. We strongly encourage you to complete these courses prior to beginning graduate school.

The program begins in July during the "Short Session II." You will complete prerequisite courses by the end of the fall semester and continue in class-based instruction curriculum through the spring. You typically graduate in May of your second year in the program.

If you are considering pursuing a doctorate, this program allows you to choose a master of arts degree pathway.

1. Submit an online application to the Graduate School
2. Transcripts. Documents must be submitted in both Russian and English. Russian documents must bear the original institution stamp. The English translations must bear the original institution stamp or the original stamp/signature of the certified translator.
3. 4-5 year Diplom from a recognized institution.. An official copy of the Diplom, which bears the original stamp of the issuing institution. The English translation is required and must bear the original stamp of the issuing institution or the original stamp/signature of the certified translator.
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Curriculum vita (CV) or resume
6. Statement of purpose (short essay)
7. Certification of finances forms (international applicants)
8. Minimum TOEFL score requirement: overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing
9. Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall band-width of 6.5, with no single band (score) below 6.0.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Georgia offers various financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. These financial assistance opportunities include scholarships, grants, and work-study programs aimed at reducing the financial burden of higher education. University of Georgia provides several merit-based scholarships specifically for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the university community. Additionally, need-based financial aid is available through federal and state programs, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds can access quality education. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loans. The university also offers departmental scholarships tailored to students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program, often based on academic performance and active engagement in community service or research. Graduate students may have opportunities for assistantships, which provide a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. Furthermore, external scholarships from professional organizations, foundations, and healthcare entities may be accessible to students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. Students are advised to consult the university’s Office of Student Financial Aid and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for comprehensive information on available funding, application procedures, and scholarship deadlines. Overall, the University of Georgia is committed to supporting its students financially through a variety of programs designed to promote access, affordability, and academic success in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Georgia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational courses in communication sciences, linguistics, anatomy, physiology, and psychology, with practical experience through clinical observations and supervised practicum.

Students engage in coursework that covers speech and language development, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, audiology, and clinical methods. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating psychology, biology, and education to provide a well-rounded understanding of communication disorders. In addition to classroom instruction, students are encouraged to participate in research activities and community outreach programs, providing real-world exposure and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse populations with communication challenges.

The program is designed to meet the prerequisites for graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology, offering students a strong foundation to pursue advanced degrees. Special emphasis is placed on developing high-level communication skills, ethical practices, and cultural competency to prepare graduates for diverse clinical settings.

Students benefit from faculty expertise, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and opportunities for internships and fieldwork across various clinical settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. This experiential learning complements academic coursework, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for certification and licensure in their chosen fields.

The University of Georgia also provides career development resources, including job placement assistance, graduate school advising, and professional networking opportunities. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to contribute to the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, making meaningful differences in the lives of individuals with communication impairments.

Overall, the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Georgia offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and experience-based education designed to prepare students for immediate entry into graduate programs or clinical careers, emphasizing excellence in communication, research, and clinical practice.