Communication DisordersMS

Communication disorders are deeply human. No matter what challenges people face, they have a basic need to communicate with those around them. Emerson’s Communication Disorders MS program combines thorough academic study with extensive clinical training, preparing you to work with children and adults with speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, and private practices among other settings.

In this program, you’ll explore developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and medical approaches to the assessment and treatment of swallowing and communication disorders. The 54-credit program is designed to meet the requirements of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology.  If you have an academic background in Communication Sciences and Disorders, you’ll dive right into clinical and applied academic coursework. If you’re new to the field, you can complete foundational courses at Emerson’s online graduate modality during the summer. These foundational courses will prepare you for the applied graduate coursework..

Classes are offered during the day and evening to fit your clinical schedule. Faculty and staff in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are scholars, practitioners, and educators who have devoted their lives to innovating the way we communicate.

Gain hands-on experience with clients ranging from infants to older adults through the on-campus Robbins Center and the more than 100 external clinical placements across the Boston area. You can also collaborate with faculty in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Suite, contributing to groundbreaking research that advances the field. Upon graduation, you’ll leave with extensive clinical experience, meaningful mentorship, and the skills and professional connections to begin or continue your career with confidence.

• Gain real-world clinical experience working with clients at Emerson’s Robbins Center.
• Work in Boston’s thriving speech-language pathology industry, with over 100 external placements.
• Participate in faculty research at our state-of-the-art Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Suite.

Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty are experts in the field and have a wealth of clinical experience directly helping those who have communication challenges.

To be considered for admission to the residential modality of the graduate program, you’ll need to complete and submit your application through the  Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Once we have received your application, you’ll be notified and prompted to create your account on the Emerson College Application Portal.

Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.

The Praxis examination is a national examination administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is taken by our graduates in order to qualify for ASHA certification, as well as licensure in many states.

Over the past three years, close to 100% of our students passed the examination on their first attempt.

Residential Modality

Distance Education Modality