Degree Programs

Undergraduate | Graduate

Graduates of the Undergraduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders are equipped to pursue graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, various education specialties, business, and health care as well as such fields as developmental and cognitive psychology. 

Both speech-language pathology and audiology require graduate-level degrees for professional practice. Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree and prefer not to enter a graduate program often pursue careers in fields that include human services, education, and business. Learn more about Career Opportunities in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

More information for students is available from the UMaine Student Handbook and the University Online Catalog.

Undergraduate Program

Please follow the links below to obtain details about our Undergraduate Program:

• Entrance Requirements for Undergraduate Students

• General Education Requirements for Current Students

• Requirements for Departmental Majors

• Sample Course Rotation

Opportunities are available for students to study at other institutions while obtaining a degree at the University of Maine. Students are able to attend other American institutions through the National Student Exchange as well as universities in other countries through Study Abroad. For detailed information about both domestic and international study away, contact the Office of International Programs.

Graduate Program

Admission
The application process is competitive, and the final selection of new students is determined by the CSD Graduate Admissions Committee. The Committee selects students whose academic record, communication skills, and overall potential show the most promise for success in our field.

Applicants should apply through the University of Maine Graduate School at 2 Winslow Hall, 207-581-3219, or online at http://www2.umaine.edu/graduate/article.php?id=63. This process requires applicants to submit official scores from the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), three letters of recommendation, an essay, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The deadline for students to have all materials submitted is January (Contact the Graduate School for the exact date, which varies slightly from year to year). Students are notified of the CSD Graduate Admissions Committee’s decision in March. All accepted students begin coursework the following fall. In rare cases, it may be possible to defer an applicant’s admission for one year, but an agreement for deferment between the applicant and the CSD Graduate Coordinator must be made by April 15th of the original year of acceptance.

Program Objectives
The primary objective of the Graduate Program is to prepare students for their first career opportunity as an independent professional. The program extends over a two-year period for regular, full-time students, September entry only. Students have the option of a thesis or non-thesis program. Student research opportunities are available irrespective of thesis option.

Our basic program requirements meet the academic and clinical education standards for Clinical Certification in Speech-Language Pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). As a matter of policy, we require those admitted to our program to meet those certification standards. 

Clinical practicum experiences are provided under the auspices of the Department's Madelyn E. and Albert D. Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center, which offers on-campus and outreach services to a broad spectrum of individuals with language, speech, and hearing problems. Outreach placements consist of regular and special schools, hospitals, and other settings. Supervision of practicum is provided by experienced faculty and on-site professionals who maintain a faculty-student ratio that permits considerable individual attention.

Graduates with a Masters of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders find positions as speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, and other service areas as well as in private practice. Positions are readily available in Maine, most other states, and the Canadian provinces, especially the Maritimes.