All programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (Master of Communication Disorders; Master of Speech Pathology, Doctorate of Philosophy) are accredited by the Educational Standards Board and Professional Services Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Therefore, its graduates are eligible for national certification, state licensure, and certification by the public schools of South Carolina.

For admission to The Graduate School, a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency is normally required. Applicants should submit a complete application packet including official transcripts of college academic work, letters of recommendation, and official score reports.  Applicants may apply using the online Admission Application.  To find specific admission information for Master of Communication Disorders online, click here.  The Graduate Bulletin and Admission Application are available on-line.

It is expected that applicants to the Master of Communication Disorders have a broad educational background including physical, social, and behavioral science courses. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires that applicants have, as a part of their undergraduate preparation, a minimum of three semester credit hours of course work in each of the following areas: biological science, physical science, and mathematics. An additional six semester hours are required in behavioral and/or social sciences. Intellectual and academic maturity, emotional stability, and capacity to work with people are essential personal qualifications.

Applicants must furnish three letters of recommendation (preferably from three former professors) regarding the applicant’s academic and intellectual abilities, character, and potential for success in the field of speech-language pathology. Official transcripts from all schools attended must be submitted and GRE scores are required for admission to the MCD program. MCD applicants should submit their credentials no later than February 1 of the year in which they wish to enroll.

The MCD is a part-time degree program that follows a fairly rigid curriculum.  For those with undergraduate majors in speech pathology, the MCD requires a minimum of three years of course work and clinical practicum. Students enroll in courses (as specified by the curriculum) each fall and spring semester, and participate in clinical practicum during the summer. Students with majors in other disciplines require additional time to complete prerequisite course work and practicum experiences. The curriculum consists of five principle areas of study: courses related to the normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; courses that provide information and training in speech-language pathology; courses that provide information and training in audiology; clinical practice; and research.

All courses in the MCD must be taken in their proper sequence. Students receive both academic and clinical advisement each semester. Core courses are offered through the office of Distance Education at USC (See the Registrar's Web site for a listing of available courses). Course material is presented in a variety of multimedia formats, including DVD, interactive video, and Web-based instruction (including on-line chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc.).  Students are required to attend a limited number of classroom sessions on Saturdays in Columbia.

Extended Campus (EC) staff are available to assist you in your area of South Carolina.  You can also contact a student services coordinator in the University Instructional Services (UIS) office.