Communication Sciences and Disorders
Virginia University’s Master’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a comprehensive 2.5-year, full-time education tailored for individuals committed to improving communication and swallowing outcomes across the lifespan. The program blends academic rigor with clinical training, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders. Through evidence-based instruction, practical workshops, and supervised clinical experiences, students develop the confidence and competence to work with diverse populations in various healthcare and educational settings.
Students benefit from Virginia University’s strong academic resources, expert faculty, and partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical clinical practice. Learners engage in coursework covering neuroscience, speech sound disorders, language development, and audiology, while also participating in hands-on therapy sessions. By graduation, students will have completed extensive clinical practicum hours and are fully prepared for national certification and state licensure, making them highly competitive in the speech-language pathology field.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Degree Type: S. Master
- Duration: 2,5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: University of Virginia, United States
- Field of Study: Communication Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Speech and Language Sciences
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
- Language Development Across the Lifespan
- Clinical Phonetics and Transcription
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
Semester 2 – Assessment and Intervention Principles
- Speech Sound Disorders in Children
- Language Disorders in Pediatric Populations
- Clinical Methods and Professional Ethics
- Clinical Practicum I
Semester 3 – Advanced Disorders and Clinical Experience
- Neurological Bases of Communication
- Voice and Resonance Disorders
- Adult Language and Cognitive Disorders
- Clinical Practicum II
Semester 4 – Audiology and Special Populations
- Principles of Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation
- Fluency Disorders
- Communication Modalities in Special Needs Populations
- Clinical Practicum III
Semester 5 – Integration and Professional Preparation
- Dysphagia: Evaluation and Management
- Research Methods in Communication Sciences
- Clinical Externship
- Comprehensive Exam and Portfolio Review
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Communication Sciences and Disorders program are well-prepared to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practices as licensed speech-language pathologists. They can assess and treat a wide range of conditions including language delays, voice disorders, aphasia, dysphagia, and articulation difficulties. Professionals in this field often collaborate with educators, audiologists, and healthcare providers to deliver coordinated care. Some graduates may also pursue roles in research institutions, public health agencies, or continue into doctoral studies to focus on academic or clinical research. With rising demand for skilled communication specialists across the globe, this program offers access to rewarding, high-impact careers that improve lives through language and voice.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for those passionate about helping individuals overcome communication barriers through scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and compassionate care. Virginia University’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, with early clinical placements and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The faculty includes seasoned practitioners and researchers who guide students through both academic and professional growth. By fostering a learning environment rooted in collaboration and integrity, the program prepares graduates to thrive in dynamic healthcare and educational landscapes. For those seeking a deeply purposeful and professionally respected career in communication sciences, this program provides an exceptional pathway to success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 434 924 0311
Email: gradadmissions@virginia.edu
Address: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, United States
