Note for All Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Majors

The requirements governing the selection of courses and clinical practicum experiences must be individualized based upon the date when a student begins the program and the courses that he or she takes. Therefore, all students must consult with their advisor within the department for guidance in fulfilling the new American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s 2020 standards.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the general admission requirements for graduate study and must have demonstrated in their undergraduate and any postgraduate courses a scholarly and professional interest considerably above the average. There are two types of applicants that may apply for the CSD Ph.D.  First, most applicants will have a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, or Speech and Hearing Science. Students with Master’s degrees from other professions will be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis for admission.  Second, students with a Bachelor’s degree and exceptional academic records and backgrounds may pursue a Ph.D. in CSD. These types of students who are admitted into CSD Ph.D. program will be required to take additional prerequisite CSD core courses, which will be determined by the primary mentor and the CSD Ph.D. admission committee. A personal statement from the applicant as well as three letters of reference are required. A current TOEFL/IELTS is required for all international applicants. Prior research experience at the undergraduate or master’s level is valued highly.

Admission to this program is made in the Fall semester only. Applicants should submit their application no later than Jan 15th prior to the proposed Fall entry. Full-time study is preferred and part-time study permissible. Applicants who are admitted at full-time status will be offered four years of funding, contingent on successful progress each year. To determine “successful progress,” annual reviews will be completed by the student and reviewed by the student’s mentor, the Ph.D. Director, and the Department Chair, with financial support offered only as available and necessary. Admission will require the concurrence of the chairperson of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the applicant’s faculty mentor, and the Graduate School. Students must apply to this doctoral program even though another graduate degree may have been earned at Baylor University.

Students planning a career in audiology and speech pathology are encouraged to pursue a master’s degree. Upon completion of the master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, students are eligible to seek certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and to seek licensure as speech pathologists.

The Masters (MS) education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Baylor University is accredited by:

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Blvd.
Rockville MD, 20850
(301) 296-5700.

Practical experience is offered through the Baylor University Speech, Hearing, and Language Center, which provides diagnostic services and treatment for patients who have communication disorders. Services are provided to the community for a small fee. Appointments may be made at the clinic by calling 254-710-2568.

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)