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Wondering whether a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-5871
Email: cmsd@csuchico.edu
Chico State’s Master of Science in Communication and Sciences Disorders (CMSD) prepares students for certification and licensure as speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Through a comprehensive curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and hands-on clinical training in communication sciences, graduates are equipped to diagnose and effectively treat communication disorders across all age groups, making a meaningful impact in pediatric and adult care.
Graduates are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, licensure in speech-language pathology by the California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, and the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Guided by dedicated faculty who infuse experiential learning into the curriculum, you will be well equipped and able to use clinical skills and research opportunities to demonstrate compassion and expertise to people experiencing communication needs.
When it comes to speech-language pathology, a familiar image that comes to mind is that of a speech therapist working in a school with young children. While schools are, of course, a major employer of SLPs, it’s important to recognize that speech-language pathologists can work in many different settings. These include:
• Hospitals
• Nonresidential health care facilities
• Residential healthcare facilities
• Private practice
Ranked Program
Median Pay Per Year
Job Placement
The Clinic for Communication Disorders (CCD) is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences for our graduates. Students work with faculty to provide free diagnostic and treatment sessions to community members in need of SLP services. The CCD is an indispensable part of our program, serving as a training clinic for students.
As a graduate student, you will make a measurable difference in local communities through your research, build strong relationships with faculty, become published authors or co-authors, and present at conferences and meetings. Some of our students’ recent research includes:
Faculty-mentored graduate students worked with members of the Chico Brain Injury Coalition’s support group on a research project to create a series of personalized radio segments that aired on community radio.
Graduate students started an Out and About program for users of augmentative communication.
Graduate students lead large group activities and small group speech and language interventions with a range of older adults at a local day health care center.
Our field of work is incredibly wide. Chico State’s CMSD program allows you to explore multiple career paths based on one degree.
After being accepted into the graduate program, you will engage in diagnostic and clinical practice, along with academic seminars designed to enhance your scientific inquiry and clinical expertise in speech and hearing disorders. Our diverse practicum placements include hospitals, medical facilities, private practices, and public schools. Our students gain applied clinical experience, resulting in high-quality, evidence-based speech, language, and hearing services, both on and off campus. This comprehensive training prepares you for a successful career in a variety of professional settings.
A special feature of Chico State’s program is the rapport between faculty members and students. Because of the residential character of the campus, faculty are accessible. The professional, yet relaxed, atmosphere and opportunities for one-on-one interaction with faculty members enhance student opportunities for learning within the curriculum.
CMSD graduate students typically take the PRAXIS examination in the final semester of their program. Pass rates have been consistently at or above the national average over the past 15 years. PRAXIS pass rates for first attempt for the last three years have been approximately 90%.
CMSD is one of the five largest graduate programs at Chico State. It enjoys a reputation for academic excellence on campus and throughout the state.
Join a pre-professional student organization, such as the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association Chico Chapter, to make friends and expand your network.
Founded in 1948, the CMSD program has a long history of providing the North State with high quality professionals and critical speech, language and hearing services.
Founded in 1948, the CMSD program has a long history of providing the North State with high quality professionals and critical speech, language and hearing services.
Haley Willis, CEO and founder of Advantage Therapy Services in Chico, is helping advance the field of speech-language pathology. She is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Communications and Education.
Ready to earn your master in CMSD at Chico State and pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist? Please review the most common questions for applicants.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: January-15
Spring: No spring admission
Supplemental Materials
View the graduate application process page for more information about applying.
Susan Steffani, Program Coordinator
530-898-6838
ssteffani@csuchico.edu
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
Most students have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders. You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field, but it requires a postbaccalaureate prerequisite program with sufficient coursework to bring you up to speed. Talk to the program coordinator for details.
The MS in communication sciences and disorders is a 56-unit program which can be completed in two years. Over 95 percent of our students complete the program within this time frame. On occasion, we have a student complete the program in three years.
Wondering whether a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-5871
Email: cmsd@csuchico.edu
We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.