Communication Sciences and Disorders (MA Degree)
Why Communication Science and Disorders?
For those with communication difficulties, everyday tasks can become a challenge. Through a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) degree, you will learn how to support those with communicative disorders through diagnosis and treatment across all age groups in various clinical settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, special treatment centers, and private practice.
Why Study Communication Sciences and Disorders at Iona?
Take the Next Step in Your Career
A master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is the professional degree required for a career as a speech pathologist, audiologist or related clinical roles. This graduate program also prepares you for application for professional credentialing in the field of speech-language pathology. Iona's program is designed for aspiring professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree with the appropriate prerequisite coursework.
Complete Your Degree in Two Years
Students in this 58-credit program can complete their degree in as little as two years of full-time study, including summer sessions. Speak with your admissions counselor today to discuss a timeline that works best for your schedule and goals.
Advanced Certificate Options
Completion of one additional course can lead to an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Communication. After graduation, students may also apply for their Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) initial certificate through the ASHA pathway.
Gain Hands-On Experience in Clinical Settings
Our fully accredited CSD graduate program provides robust hands-on experiences starting in your first semester. You'll get to work with clients in our Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, which provides a broad and deep range of services including language delay evaluation, treatment of oral motor disorders, stuttering assistance, swallowing therapy and more.
Work Alongside Practicing Therapists
You will work alongside faculty who are practicing therapists in a program that is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences
As part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, communication sciences and disorders students will develop the skills and experience needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
Iona students may have the opportunity to do clinicals and rotations at the NewYork-Presbyterian network, ranked one of the top hospitals systems in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2022-23.
Align your education with your career goals at the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences and earn a degree of tremendous value for your future.
Quick Facts
Tuition & Financial Aid
- $1,415 per credit (58 credits)
- $350 program fee (4 semesters + 1 intersession)
- Estimated Cost: $83,820
- Applying for Aid
- Graduate Tuition
What to Expect
- Gain clinical experiences in your first semester
- Treat patients in Iona's own Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic
- Receive advising and mentorship from engaged faculty
- Opportunity to do clinicals and rotations within the NewYork-Presbyterian network
Degree Outcomes
Titles held by Iona graduates include:
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Audiologist
- Speech Therapist
- Hearing Specialist
What You'll Learn
Competencies to Diagnose and Treat Communicative Disorders
As a CSD master’s student at Iona, you will gain a firm understanding of the normal processes of speech, language and hearing as well as the competence to diagnose and treat the full range of communicative disorders in all age groups.
A Program Grounded in Ethics and Inclusivity
Our curriculum offers the knowledge and skills required to practice speech-language pathology in an effective, ethical and inclusive manner.
Take Part in Research and Internships
As part of your master’s program, you will participate in hands-on clinical practicums and intern in professional settings in addition to engaging with faculty research and the more academic side of the communication sciences field.
The guidance and expertise of Iona’s esteemed professors not only enriched academic pursuits but also cultivated critical thinking and professional growth among myself and my peers.
-Bridget Graham '24MA, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Read more about Bridget
Communication Sciences Careers & Outcomes
After graduating with a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, our students move toward speech language pathology licensure to help others improve their communication disorders. A career in the communication sciences field allows clinicians to be the reason someone's life is changed for the better—a very rewarding professional path. With our program's 100% job placement rate, you will be working in the field within a year of graduation. You can also count on caring alumni to provide mentorship and job opportunities.
Communication Sciences Job Titles
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Audiologist
- Clinical Fellow
- Speech Therapist
- Hearing Specialist
Iona Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduates Have Built Careers At:
Program Highlights
Clinical Experience
In our full-service Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, you will gain hands-on experience starting in your first semester, assessing and serving clients from the greater New Rochelle, New York community. You will help provide services for child language delays, communicative disorders from brain injury or stroke, articulation issues, and hearing screenings, under the guidance of licensed Speech-Language Pathologists, certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). In your second year, you will experience two externship placements in different clinical settings.
Professional Credentialing
As a graduate of our program, you will have completed the necessary coursework and clinical experiences to satisfy the academic and professional requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, and you will be eligible to apply for licensure through the New York State Department of Education's Office of the Professions.
Successful Iona Alumni
Our master’s degree will successfully lead you to a career as a speech pathologist or audiologist. With our program's 100% job placement rate, you will be working in your field within a year after graduation. You can also count on caring alumni to help with mentorship and job opportunities.
I was able to complete a rigorous full-time graduate program with two children. There will be days when you question your career choice and your clinical skills, but Iona's team of dedicated educators are there to help you through it.
Jaridy Fabre '17
Learn more about Iona’s CSD master’s degree program!
Iona’s Communication Sciences and Disorders master’s degree equips you for a career as a speech pathologist or audiologist. Request information to learn more about Iona’s well-respected graduate program or apply now.
Application Requirements & Information
General Application Information
Application Processes
If you are a current Iona student or an alumni member, please see the application instructions on this page. All other applicants can use the CSDCAS application.
Deadlines
Our Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate program admits for the fall semester only. The deadlines for Fall 2025 are as follows:
- Early Decision Priority Deadline – January 15, 2025
- General Application Deadline – February 17, 2025
Requirements
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 and a prerequisite GPA of a 3.3 with no prerequisite courses below a C. Successful completion of prerequisite courses is required by the end of the summer prior to enrollment in the CSD graduate program. If all prerequisites are not complete at time of admission, applicants will receive a conditional admittance until all prerequisite courses are complete.
Application Process
Applicants complete an application through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science and Disorders Program (CSDCAS) before the application deadline. The Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders has created a central CSDCAS application for applicants. The CSDCAS application includes:
CSDCAS application includes:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (academic or professional references are accepted)
- Brief essay and video components
- 25 observation hours
Application Requirements for Iona Students and Alumni
Current Iona students and alumni do not complete an application through CSDCAS. Instead, please follow these steps when applying:
- Apply through Iona’s graduate application portal.
- Provide a letter of Recommendation: This should come from a professional or academic reference not affiliated with the Speech-Language Pathology department. The letter should highlight your strengths and suitability for the program.
- Provide a Resume: Your resume should outline your educational background, relevant experiences, and any pertinent skills that will contribute to your success in the program.
- Video Submission: Provide a link to a brief, two-minute YouTube video in which you address the following question: "What unique contributions can you bring to Iona's graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders?" This is an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and vision for your future in the field.
- Iona Transcript: By submitting this application, you agree to allow the Graduate Admissions office to request your Iona transcript from the Registrar.
Accreditation Information
The Master of Arts (MA) education program in Speech-Language Pathology residential at Iona University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, (800) 498-2071 or (301) 296-5700.
Any questions or complaints regarding the program's accreditation status or compliance with accreditation standards may be directed to the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
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