Total Credit Hours: 60          Degree Format: Traditional

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Special Education is designed to allow students to apply knowledge from the pre-professional degree while continuing to gain information regarding effective diagnosis of, and intervention for, clients with a variety of communication disorders and diverse needs. Students also concentrate on self-reflection regarding intervention, effectiveness, course content knowledge, and implementation of research to guide practice.

The program includes the study of research methods and findings so that students become knowledgeable consumers of data and are prepared to engage in research activities. The program reflects the mission of the College of Education and Human Services by developing skills in intervention and evidence-based practices. The combination of academic coursework and practica prepares the successful candidate to meet the challenges of a career in speech-language pathology across a wide variety of medical and school-based settings. The degree in communication disorders is designed to meet current standards required for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), certification for public school service personnel, and state licensure.

The Master's of Education (M.Ed.) education program in speech-language pathology at Valdosta State University is accredited 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. 

The program is also approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC). Graduates of the program are eligible for a service certificate (S-5) and the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) awarded by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Program graduates are well-prepared for employment in hospital- and clinical-settings, rehabilitation agencies, and in private practice.

Program Director: Dr. Connie Porcaro, Email: cporcaro@valdosta.edu, Phone: (229) 219-1327

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders 

ADMISSION DEADLINES

  • Fall Semester: March 1
  • Spring Semester: July 1
  • Summer Semester: October 1

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Below are the requirements for admission consideration. For full admission, you must meet state regulations before beginning classes. If you meet admission requirements, but not state requirements, your application may be admitted for a later semester if your materials are competitive.

  • Online Graduate Application
    • Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
    • Apply Online
  • Official transcript from your bachelor’s degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework.
    • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
    • Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, or Audiology/Hearing Disorders OR
      Meet requirements for American Speech-Language Hearing Association including:
      • 25 hours of observation.
      • The equivalent of a 3-semester-hour course in each of the following:
        • Biological sciences
        • Physical science, physics or chemistry
        • Statistics
        • Behavioral/social sciences
        • Mathematics AND
        • Hearing disorders/hearing evaluation (audiology) AND
      • Provide proof of successfully completing the equivalent of a 3-semester-hour course in each of the following: 
        • Anatomy and physiology of speech, language, and hearing
        • Normal language acquisition
        • Speech sound disorders
        • Clinical phonetics 
        • Speech science
    • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale. GPA will be calculated on all attempted undergraduate coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
    • Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
  • GRE Scores are Optional, not Required.
  •  Resume'
    • The resume should include verifiable, field related life, service hours, and/or research experiences. 
  • Personal Statement 
    • Below are some general suggestions for preparing your personal statement for VSU M.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders:
    • The Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Admissions Committee will read and evaluate your Person Statement for attention to the requirements, persuasive arguments, and professional writing skills.  It is an important component of your application "package", so do plan to spend time planning, developing, writing, and revising your statement.  There is no specific "formula" for what should be included or how it should be organized, but there are features of statements that we feel make a stronger case for your admission to Graduate Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology which are summarized below.
    • Length: Maximum of 1 page 
    • Content: Strong goal statements tend to reflect on you as an individual, so the committee can get to know you better through your writing.  We want to read your ideas written in your words, not those of soomeone else.  If you had 5 minutes to "sell yourself" to the program, this is information you should include.  Highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and experiences, including those that may be unique or distinguishing.  Provide specific examples or evidence to illustrate key points.  Help the admissions committee identify what knowledge, skills, and attitudes you will contribute to the program and your future career as a speech-language pathologist.  Describe your preparation and readiness for graduate-level study, including work or volunteer experiences that may relate in some way to being a speech-language pathologist or working with diverse groups of people.
  • VSU Medical Form
    • The VSU Medical Form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
    • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
    • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form
  • Verification of Lawful Presence (For applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
    • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
    • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
    • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
    • Check out a complete list of accepted documents and residency information here.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • Meeting program minimums does not guarantee admission to the program.
  • Students with the highest GPAs are considered for admission first.  Even though a student may meet the minimum requirements, admission is competitive and not guaranteed.
  • No letters of recommendation are required.

Students may be accepted provisionally in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Provisional admission is at the complete discretion of the Department of Communication Science & Disorders' Graduate Admissions Committee.  Meeting or exceeding the minimal standards for provisional admission does not guarantee admission. In order to be considered for this admissions status, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution
  • Meet the minimum GPA requirement 
  • Submit all supplemental application materials prior to the admissions deadline.
  • Completion of pre-requisite communication sciences and disorders courses required if bachelor's degree is not in communication disorders or speech-language pathology speech science. 
    • Anatomy and physiology of speech, language, and hearing
    • Normal language acquisition
    • Speech sound disorders
    • Clinical phonetics 
    • Speech science.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), English Language Centers 109, or completion of level 6 at VSU's English Language Institute – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit one of the above. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the language proficiency requirement.

  • Certificate of Finances- The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.

  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 
  • Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
  • Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100

For additional program details contact the Program Director: Dr. Connie Porcaro, Email: cporcaro@valdosta.edu, Phone: (229) 219-1327

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Students must complete an application for graduation two  semesters prior to their expected graduation date.
  2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Students earning a final grade of "C" in a course must successfully complete a remediation plan with the instructor or retake the course.
  4. Students are required to successfully complete a summative assessment during both semesters of their off-campus practicum. 
  5. Students must take the Praxis II Speech Language Pathology Exam prior to graduation and must submit scores through Educational Testing Services (ETS) to VSU AND email a copy of their exam score to csd@valdosta.edu (whether they passed or not).

RETENTION, DISMISSAL, & READMISSION POLICIES

  1. Students must successfully complete EDUC 5999 CSD (Entry to Education) prior to or during the first semester of their enrollment. A student will be restricted from continuing her or his course of study until the 5999 course is successfully completed.  This will delay her or his progression in the program and graduation date. 
  2. Students should have successfully completed one 3 credit undergraduate course in each of the following fields: physical science (either chemistry or physics), biology, socio-behavioral science, math, and statistics. Students who have not met these requirements at the undergraduate level must do so prior to graduation from this program.
  3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
  4.  A maximum of  6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
  5. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance in the program will be considered.

Total Credit Hours: 60          Degree Format: Traditional

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Special Education is designed to allow students to apply knowledge from the pre-professional degree while continuing to gain information regarding effective diagnosis of, and intervention for, clients with a variety of communication disorders and diverse needs. Students also concentrate on self-reflection regarding intervention, effectiveness, course content knowledge, and implementation of research to guide practice.

The program includes the study of research methods and findings so that students become knowledgeable consumers of data and are prepared to engage in research activities. The program reflects the mission of the College of Education and Human Services by developing skills in intervention and evidence-based practices. The combination of academic coursework and practica prepares the successful candidate to meet the challenges of a career in speech-language pathology across a wide variety of medical and school-based settings. The degree in communication disorders is designed to meet current standards required for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), certification for public school service personnel, and state licensure.

The Master's of Education (M.Ed.) education program in speech-language pathology at Valdosta State University is accredited 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. 

The program is also approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC). Graduates of the program are eligible for a service certificate (S-5) and the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) awarded by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Program graduates are well-prepared for employment in hospital- and clinical-settings, rehabilitation agencies, and in private practice.

Program Director: Dr. Connie Porcaro, Email: cporcaro@valdosta.edu, Phone: (229) 219-1327

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders 

ADMISSION DEADLINES

  • Fall Semester: March 1
  • Spring Semester: July 1
  • Summer Semester: October 1

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Below are the requirements for admission consideration. For full admission, you must meet state regulations before beginning classes. If you meet admission requirements, but not state requirements, your application may be admitted for a later semester if your materials are competitive.

  • Online Graduate Application
    • Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
    • Apply Online
  • Official transcript from your bachelor’s degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework.
    • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
    • Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, or Audiology/Hearing Disorders OR
      Meet requirements for American Speech-Language Hearing Association including:
      • 25 hours of observation.
      • The equivalent of a 3-semester-hour course in each of the following:
        • Biological sciences
        • Physical science, physics or chemistry
        • Statistics
        • Behavioral/social sciences
        • Mathematics AND
        • Hearing disorders/hearing evaluation (audiology) AND
      • Provide proof of successfully completing the equivalent of a 3-semester-hour course in each of the following: 
        • Anatomy and physiology of speech, language, and hearing
        • Normal language acquisition
        • Speech sound disorders
        • Clinical phonetics 
        • Speech science
    • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale. GPA will be calculated on all attempted undergraduate coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
    • Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
  • GRE Scores are Optional, not Required.
  •  Resume'
    • The resume should include verifiable, field related life, service hours, and/or research experiences. 
  • Personal Statement 
    • Below are some general suggestions for preparing your personal statement for VSU M.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders:
    • The Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Admissions Committee will read and evaluate your Person Statement for attention to the requirements, persuasive arguments, and professional writing skills.  It is an important component of your application "package", so do plan to spend time planning, developing, writing, and revising your statement.  There is no specific "formula" for what should be included or how it should be organized, but there are features of statements that we feel make a stronger case for your admission to Graduate Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology which are summarized below.
    • Length: Maximum of 1 page 
    • Content: Strong goal statements tend to reflect on you as an individual, so the committee can get to know you better through your writing.  We want to read your ideas written in your words, not those of soomeone else.  If you had 5 minutes to "sell yourself" to the program, this is information you should include.  Highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and experiences, including those that may be unique or distinguishing.  Provide specific examples or evidence to illustrate key points.  Help the admissions committee identify what knowledge, skills, and attitudes you will contribute to the program and your future career as a speech-language pathologist.  Describe your preparation and readiness for graduate-level study, including work or volunteer experiences that may relate in some way to being a speech-language pathologist or working with diverse groups of people.
  • VSU Medical Form
    • The VSU Medical Form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
    • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
    • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form
  • Verification of Lawful Presence (For applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
    • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
    • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
    • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
    • Check out a complete list of accepted documents and residency information here.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • Meeting program minimums does not guarantee admission to the program.
  • Students with the highest GPAs are considered for admission first.  Even though a student may meet the minimum requirements, admission is competitive and not guaranteed.
  • No letters of recommendation are required.

Students may be accepted provisionally in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Provisional admission is at the complete discretion of the Department of Communication Science & Disorders' Graduate Admissions Committee.  Meeting or exceeding the minimal standards for provisional admission does not guarantee admission. In order to be considered for this admissions status, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution
  • Meet the minimum GPA requirement 
  • Submit all supplemental application materials prior to the admissions deadline.
  • Completion of pre-requisite communication sciences and disorders courses required if bachelor's degree is not in communication disorders or speech-language pathology speech science. 
    • Anatomy and physiology of speech, language, and hearing
    • Normal language acquisition
    • Speech sound disorders
    • Clinical phonetics 
    • Speech science.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), English Language Centers 109, or completion of level 6 at VSU's English Language Institute – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit one of the above. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the language proficiency requirement.

  • Certificate of Finances- The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.

  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 
  • Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
  • Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100

For additional program details contact the Program Director: Dr. Connie Porcaro, Email: cporcaro@valdosta.edu, Phone: (229) 219-1327

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Students must complete an application for graduation two  semesters prior to their expected graduation date.
  2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Students earning a final grade of "C" in a course must successfully complete a remediation plan with the instructor or retake the course.
  4. Students are required to successfully complete a summative assessment during both semesters of their off-campus practicum. 
  5. Students must take the Praxis II Speech Language Pathology Exam prior to graduation and must submit scores through Educational Testing Services (ETS) to VSU AND email a copy of their exam score to csd@valdosta.edu (whether they passed or not).

RETENTION, DISMISSAL, & READMISSION POLICIES

  1. Students must successfully complete EDUC 5999 CSD (Entry to Education) prior to or during the first semester of their enrollment. A student will be restricted from continuing her or his course of study until the 5999 course is successfully completed.  This will delay her or his progression in the program and graduation date. 
  2. Students should have successfully completed one 3 credit undergraduate course in each of the following fields: physical science (either chemistry or physics), biology, socio-behavioral science, math, and statistics. Students who have not met these requirements at the undergraduate level must do so prior to graduation from this program.
  3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
  4.  A maximum of  6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
  5. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance in the program will be considered.