This program can be completed full-time in five semesters.

Students will participate in an immersive residency. Students will gain valuable clinical skills through immersion experiences that include training on state-of-the-art dysphagia equipment (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of the Swallow), high-tech equipment used in the evaluation of voice disorders, and use of augmentative and alternative communication devices. 

Additionally, students participate in two practicum courses and other experiential learning opportunities, allowing them to practice their skills in live and virtual settings. 

Students who are looking to work in a public school as a speech-language pathologist have the optional opportunity to specialize through the Teacher Licensure pathway.  

Students gain specialized knowledge as they study the principles of cultural diversity and professional practices, while participating in a school-based speech hearing focused practicum. 

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a skill set and scope of practice that goes beyond addressing difficulties with speaking. They work in a variety of environments with clients across the lifespan who are experiencing communication and/or swallowing disorders.

Practice settings include:

• Education
• Colleges and Universities
• Healthcare
• Private Practice
• Corporate Speech Language Pathology
• Local State and Federal Government Agencies
• Consultants

Our placement team works one-on-one with students to navigate the clinical placement process and strives to place students in placements close to their preferred locations. 

In geographic regions with limited placement options, students may need to travel 100 miles each way to meet clinical training requirements across the breadth and depth of clinical practice.

You’ll work with and remain in close communication with your placement team throughout your program. This team will advise you to ensure you complete all requirements, meet deadlines and have completed all requirements on your clinicals checklist.

Your CSU placement team will collaborate with you to secure quality practicum sites. Our staff ensures all experiences meet accreditation standards, and that your sites and clinical educators are approved prior to the start of your practicum work. 

The clinical experiences are designed to provide you with real-world, hands-on experience to complement your classroom learning.  

These off-campus experiences in practice settings near your home enrich your graduate experience by preparing you for action in the field in a variety of settings. 

Courses are instructed using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous distance education learning activities. Synchronous meetings occur for each course and include a variety of application-based learning activities including:

• Case study discussions
• Collaborative projects
• Review and discussion of current research
• Guest speakers
• Q&A sessions
• Simulated experiences

With Teaching License:

• In State: $661.90 per credit, $40,375.90* total + fees
• Out-of-State: $662.90 per credit, $40,436.90* total + fees

Without Teaching License:

• In State: $661.90 per credit, $38,390.20* total + fees
• Out-of-State: $662.90 per credit, $38,448.20* total + fees

*Tuition as of 02/13/2025. Tuition rates and fees are subject to change. Visit csuohio.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fees for current rates. 

The Distance Education Component of the Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Communication Sciences and Disorders, at Cleveland State University is under review by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. 

CAA Complaint Information and Contact Information Link: Complaints

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program consists of 100% online coursework, while also featuring a residency built into the curriculum. 400 practicum hours are also required.

You can find more information on our application page.

There are two intakes per year for this program (Fall and Spring).