Online Master of Arts
Communication Sciences and Disorders
- 100% Online Coursework
- One Residency
- Clinical Placement Support
EARN YOUR CSD DEGREE ONLINE
CHAMPION COMMUNICATION. LEAD WITH INTEGRITY.
Prepare for a career as a professional Speech-Language Pathologist through Cleveland State University's online M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program. This online program is centered around providing you with a high-quality, career-ready education through hands-on learning opportunities, dedicated student support and a teacher licensure option.
Become an empowered, confident leader as you are equipped with the clinical expertise to enact change and pave the way for the future of speech-language pathology, all while making a difference in countless lives along the way.
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. The pathway includes additional courses that reflect knowledge in cultural differences and federal laws.
#1 Public University in Ohio for Social Mobility
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Under review for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)*
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The online M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed for students looking to gain the necessary academic and clinical experience to begin pursuing certification as a speech-language pathologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
The program prepares students for licensure in the State of Ohio, while providing the opportunity to gain essential hands-on experience as you complete your 400 clinical practicum hours.
- 100% online coursework
- One residency
- 400 total hours: 375 practicum hours near your community PLUS 25 observation hours (can be completed prior to admission)
- Clinical placement support services are provided as part of the program
- Optional opportunity to specialize for the classroom with the Teacher Licensure pathway
- Strong community-focused program
- Gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to take the next step in your career as you prepare for licensure
- Under review for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)*
The online M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Cleveland State University is situated within the College of Health.
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The online M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed for students looking to gain the necessary academic and clinical experience to begin pursuing certification as a speech-language pathologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
The program prepares students for licensure in the State of Ohio, while providing the opportunity to gain essential hands-on experience as you complete your 400 clinical practicum hours.
- 100% online coursework
- One residency
- 400 total hours: 375 practicum hours near your community PLUS 25 observation hours (can be completed prior to admission)
- Clinical placement support services are provided as part of the program
- Optional opportunity to specialize for the classroom with the Teacher Licensure pathway
- Strong community-focused program
- Gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to take the next step in your career as you prepare for licensure
- Under review for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)*
The online M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Cleveland State University is situated within the College of Health.
A study of the principles and practices in the differential diagnosis of speech and language disorders across the lifespan. Includes test selection, administration, interpretation of formal and informal measures, and issues related to professional practice. (3 credits)
The course examines the etiologies, characteristics, assessment, and clinical management of dysarthria, apraxia, and other motor speech disorders in children and adults. (2 credits)
Introduces the field of behavioral neurology, including the basics of neurophysiology and functional neuroanatomy. Provides descriptions of the major neurological disorders affecting the motor and cognitive processes that are at the foundation of human communication. (3 credits)
This course provides supervised clinical practicum experiences in a variety of settings. Strategies and methodologies for assessment, treatment, intervention, counseling, professional practices and ethics are discussed. Maximum of six credits allowable for certification. (1-6 credit(s))
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We’re here for you and ready to help you with enrollment and answer your questions about the program, including:
- tuition
- admission requirements
- curriculum details
- and more
01
What is involved with clinical experiences?
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.
02
How does the clinical placement process work?
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.
03
How far will I need to travel for clinical placements?
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.
04
How do I prepare for speech-language pathology clinicals?
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.
This program can be completed full-time in five semesters.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Speech-Language Pathology by the Numbers
Predicted job growth by 2032
Job openings per year
Median salary
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - SLP 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook
