Candidates for the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders must present a minimum of 30 undergraduate credit hours in the area of study. The Master of Science degree track in Audiology is no longer accepting students and has closed effective December 31, 2006. Background preparation should include basic courses in speech-language pathology, clinical methodology, audiology, testing of hearing, habilitation and rehabilitation of hearing, speech and hearing science, clinical practicum, and a minimum of 15 credit hours relating to normal development of speech, hearing and language. If a course in statistics is not part of the undergraduate record, one must be completed as part of the graduate program.

Application Checklist

Applying for Admission: A successful application for admission depends on knowing what to submit and to whom. A Checklist for Application Materials has been created to assist most students, and includes the process for applying for Admission to our Graduate program. DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION !!!!! For more detailed information, see the Application Instructions for graduate admission:

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Types of Admission

Regular Admission Status: For admission as a REGULAR CLASSIFIED GRADUATE STUDENT, applicants must present: (a) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, (b) a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major and/or in all courses taken during the final four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate preparation, (c) adequate, appropriate undergraduate preparation, and (d) satisfactory performance on Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Admission by Exception Status: If undergraduate deficiencies are present, students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 may be considered for admission by exception. Should admission occur and prior to the student's last semester in the program, students must have their admission changed to Regular status [NOTE: This status can be changed to Regular status when all deficiencies are removed with at least a B average in all courses taken.] However, students with the best academic records and with limited or no undergraduate deficiencies will be considered for admission first.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission Status: Students who do not meet the general admission requirements or who have extensive undergraduate deficiencies may also choose to enroll as a POST-BACCALAUREATE UNCLASSIFIED STUDENT until admission standards are met. Foreign students are not eligible for post-baccalaureate unclassified status. If an unclassified student completes the first 12 credit hours in CSD with a GPA of less than 3.0, no further registration will be permitted. Credits from institutions other than University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM) or taken as a post-baccalaureate unclassified student at the UHM can be considered for transfer, where Policies Governing Transfer of Credits from other institutions established by the UHM Graduate school may apply.

Academic Plan of Study

Both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) are available for graduate study. The plan to be followed is determined by the student and his or her advisor. The decision is based upon the specific interests of the individual student and future educational and occupational objectives.

Under PLAN A, 38 credit hours in course work, a thesis (SPA 700--6 credit hours), and a final oral examination on the thesis subject are required. PLAN B requires satisfactory completion of 44 credit hours of course work, including SPA 695 in which a research study is completed. Most students in the program select Plan B (non-thesis). For both Plan A and Plan B, a final written comprehensive examination in which the student will be examined on his or her course of study is required. Each classified and unclassified graduate student is personally responsible for knowing any additional information and regulations contained in the University Catalog, the MyUH Portal provided by the University of Hawaii, and information available through the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. If questions arise, the student's advisor should be consulted first.

Students who have an undergraduate degree in the field and are admitted into the program during the Fall semester will follow a Speech Language Pathology plan of study. No students are currently being accepted for Audiology. Students granted Post- Baccalaureate/Unclassified Status to the program will require modifications to this plan. If questions arise, contact the department ([808] 956-8279) and schedule an appointment to speak with an academic advisor.

The median time required for completion of this program by an individual admitted with no undergraduate deficiencies is two years, which usually includes coursework during the summer semesters. Our program is designed for Fall admission. For more information, please contact the Interim Department Chair (Dorothy D. Craven at [808] 956-8279) or Dr. Lois Weiss, graduate advisor (at [808] 956-5836).

Learning outcomes
All speech pathology students at the University of Hawaii Manoa must demonstrate the abilities to

1. Develop a multicultural focus towards issues of intervention and diagnostics.
2. Focus attention on the needs of individuals with communication disorders, particularly in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin
3. Integrate academic, clinical and research experiences.
4. Become knowledgeable about disorders and differences across a variety of severity level, age groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
5. Adopt ethical behavior in academic, clinical, and research activities.
6. Use critical thinking in classroom activities and in assignements outside of class.
7. Acquire knowledge about the necessity for continuing education and opportunities for such education.
8. Acquire information about opportunities for participation in professional and community volunteer activities including participation in NSSLHA and HSHA.
9. Be able to communicate effectively with clients, client's families and caregivers, and other professionals.
10. Maintain personal health and well being in order to serve their clients well.