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Nov 24, 2024
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2008-2009 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]
Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders
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 Return to: College of Health and Human Sciences
Specialization in Audiology
Specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling
Specialization in Speech-Language Pathology
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Admission
Admission to the specialization in speech-language pathology is limited to the fall term with an application deadline of January 15. However, admitted students can petition to begin taking classes the summer before their first fall in the program. Rehabilitation Counseling admits students each term. The application deadline is February 1 for the fall and summer terms and September 1 for the spring term. To be assured consideration for admission in either of the master’s degree programs in communicative disorders, prospective students must submit completed application materials (application forms, official transcripts, GRE general test scores, and letters of recommendation) to the graduate school by the stated application deadline.
Admission to the master’s degree program is typically for full-time study. An applicant for admission to a departmental program is generally expected to meet or exceed the following requirements.
A minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate work.
Competitive scores on the GRE General Test.
Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or supervisors providing supportive evidence of an applicant’s professional qualifications.
A typewritten statement describing the applicant’s qualifications, goals, and career aspirations as they relate to the communicative disorders program at NIU.
Prospective students who fail to meet the GPA requirement for admission may request special consideration of their applications. Such requests must be in writing, must include compensatory evidence related to the deficiency, and should accompany the application for admission to the Graduate School. Final decisions regarding admissions are made by the program’s admissions committee on the basis of a total profile of an applicant’s qualifications.
A maximum of 12 semester hours of student-at-large credit may be applied to degree requirements. In addition, the maximum combined total of student-at-large hours plus transfer credit may not exceed 12 semester hours. Requirements
The student must choose a specialization in audiology, rehabilitation counseling, or speech-language pathology. With the advice and consent of the adviser, a student elects to earn a degree with or without a thesis. Student participation in practicum and internship courses requires both good academic standing and consent of the school. Other Requirements
To be engaged in any clinical practicum experience, evidence of professional liability insurance, child and adult CPR certification, completion of the Hepatitis B immunization series, absence of active tuberculosis, completion of two MMR immunizations, and a negative criminal background check are required. Graduate students must be in compliance with all of the above requirements prior to initiating clinical assignments. Students will be responsible for the costs involved in the aforementioned requirements and will also be responsible for providing their own transportation for clinical course assignments.
Completion of the minimum academic and clinical requirements for the appropriate professional certification issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification prior to graduation
Fulfillment of an experience assignment during each semester of full-time registration. Such assignments will be of a research, clinical, or teaching nature, depending on the needs of the student and the availability of the assignment. One of the following specializations
Specialization in Audiology
Specialization in Speech-Language Pathology
The master’s degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours, at least 30 of which must be earned in nonpracticum courses. Additional semester hours are normally earned in clinical practicum to fulfill the requirements of the appropriate clinical certification. Thesis Option
The student must earn a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. A thesis must be submitted and approved. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be allotted to thesis research and writing.
The student is normally required to pass a comprehensive oral examination which assesses knowledge and ability in the specialization in graduate study, but this may be waived at the discretion of the thesis committee. Non-thesis Option
The student must earn a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit and pass an examination which will assess knowledge and ability in the specialization of graduate study. The examination typically consists of both written and oral components; however, the oral component may be waived at the discretion of the written-examination committee. Specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling
Because this program is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education, a student who successfully completes the required curriculum, including a 600-hour internship under the supervision of a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, is eligible to sit for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Examination. Students who wish to add a focus on deafness to augment the rehabilitation counseling specialization may complete AHRS 430, American Sign Language I, AHRS 431, American Sign Language II, and a basic course in audiometric methods.
If the student in this specialization has already completed AHRS 492 with a grade of B or better as an undergraduate at NIU, AHRC 592 will not be required in the student’s M.A. program.
Students are required to complete a total of 200 approved professional development hours, including direct involvement supervised counseling, professional meetings, and disability community involvement. Thesis Option
A thesis must be submitted and approved. Students selecting this option must also pass a comprehensive examination which includes a defense of the thesis. Non-Thesis Option
Students selecting this option must pass an oral and written examination which will assess knowledge and ability in the specialization. Grading Policies for Clinical Courses
Students must make satisfactory progress in clinical practicum and internship courses. Students who earn two grades of C in clinical practicum courses (i.e., AUD 685, AHRC 686, COMD 687, AHRC 690, or AHRC 694) will be dismissed from the graduate program. |
Return to: College of Health and Human Sciences
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