Master of Science in Communicative Disorders (CDS) - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

To help students become familiar with the online process, there is a mandatory two-week online Distance Learning (DL) orientation in early-to-mid January. New cohorts begin their regular curriculum coursework at the start of the Spring semester.

Yes.

No, but qualifying prerequisite coursework in Communication Disorders must be completed before you are eligible to apply to the Master's Degree Program.

Yes. Please note the Hardware and Software requirements.

If your undergraduate degree is not in Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders and Sciences, there are 10 prerequisite courses (30 units) in CD that must be completed. Please refer to the Program Requirements Section > Admission Requirements for the list of prerequisite courses.

In addition, students must have complete the required ASHA coursework in the following areas: Biological Science, Physical Science, Social/Behavioral Science, Statistics.

Yes. Please visit Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) Prerequisite Program.

Yes, students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology. 25 hours must be spent in clinical observation and 375 hours must be spent in direct client/patient contact.

No.

Yes.

41 months.

For additional information, fill out an Information Request Form or call (818) 677-2803.

Yes.

No, the CDS Distance Learning Master’s Degree Program does not accept international students at this time. Students must reside in the United States throughout the program.

Yes.

Yes. You will earn a Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from CSUN.

• Students must satisfy university graduate school admission requirements.
• Students must have 30 hours as a post-baccalaureate student or a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders (with 30 hours of specified pre-requisite coursework).
• Students must be able to meet practica requirements at a clinical site.
• Students must satisfy admissions requirements, including review of transcripts, letters of reference and a statement of intent.
• Students must have a late-model PC and Internet connection (click here for computer requirements), a television, VCR and fax capability.

Additional Requirements:

• Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.
• Have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
• Have at least a 2.5 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted.
• Complete 30 units of approved undergraduate courses in Communicative Disorders.
• Earn a passing score on the CSU Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. If this examination has not been taken, it may be taken the first semester of matriculation in graduate school.
• Make arrangements with a pediatric clinical site after admission to the program. The site may be an employment or volunteer site. The site must sign a contract with the university. The contract states that a supervisor who is qualified will be provided by the work site. The supervisor will be offered a stipend, optional continuing education courses, and adjunct professor status at the university.
• Meet the computer hardware and software requirements.

No. All course work for the graduate degree must be completed as a member of the "DL COHORT" (DL stands for Distance Learning).

Yes. The first 75 clock hours of your practica may be transferred from prior work at Cal State Northridge or another CAA approved university under the supervision of a CCC/SLP.

No. Students are admitted either to the residential or to the Distance Learning program and may not enroll in coursework outside the program of admission in the department.

Yes. However, you will need to complete two separate application forms since these programs are administered separately and have differing dates for applications, enrollment, fee payment, and course calendars.

Yes. Students must pay a separate application fee for each program as the application processes are different.

You should have at least 2 academic references. The remaining recommendation should come from a professional source, i.e. someone who can attest to your clinical work (your employer or a clinic supervisor). Avoid friends and family and parents of children who you have worked with.

No. This is a lockstep program. You begin together, take all the courses together and end together.

Past experience has told us that this program requires a student to be HIGHLY motivated and HIGHLY organized.

Yes, if you meet the criteria. You will be a matriculated student. See the CSUN financial aid page for information.