Communication Sciences

Hunter College > Schools of the Health Professions > The School of Health Sciences > Communication Sciences

Communication Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology (MS)
Audiology (AuD)

faculty

admissions process

how to apply
transferring credit

curriculum & courses

required courses

clinical practicum externships

faqs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For FAQ's relating to the Clinical Doctoral Program in Audiology (CUNY Au.D. program), please go to the Graduate Center, CUNY website.

Is the graduate program accredited?
The Health Sciences curriculum meets the educational standards of the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. All faculty hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology awarded by ASHA. Faculty members engaged in clinical supervision are also licensed by New York State in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology.

What are the COMSC program’s statistics?
We report to the CAA the following information each year about our program:

Praxis Score Pass Rates per Academic Year

’05 – 100%

’06 – 100%

’07 – 100

Retention of students per Academic Year

’05 – 2 individuals who entered the program did not graduate (class of 34 students)

’06 – 1 individual who entered the program did not graduate (class of 24 students)

’07 – 3 individuals who entered the program did not graduate (class of 25 students)

Employment Rates per Academic Year

’05 – 96% (surveyed August following June ’05 graduation)

’06 – 92% (surveyed August following June ’06 graduation)

’07 – 90% (surveyed August following June ‘07 graduation)

What is the philosophy of your M.S. program?
The long-range academic and clinical goals of the Program are to be evaluated as a program of national reputation in: (a) the quality of graduate and continuing education offered in communication sciences and disorders; (b) the quality of research produced in contributing to the body of knowledge of the disciplines of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; (c) the quality of public service offered to individuals with communication disorders; and (d) the quality of professional involvement contributing to advancing the goals of the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

What are the admission requirements?
Those inquiring about the program generally fit one of the three following categories:

Those individuals who have completed all the required background coursework in communication sciences and disorders are ready to apply for admission to matriculate into the COMSC program.

Those individuals who do not have the required background course work in communication sciences and disorders required of applicants for matriculated status, but who have exceptional application credentials for matriculation.

Those individuals who fulfill either of the following two descriptions
* may be eligible to enroll in the COMSC program’s courses as non-matric graduate students: *Individuals whose applications for matriculation have been rejected by the program will not be given approval to take courses as a non-matric student.

What courses will I take?
The candidate for matriculation must have satisfactorily completed the following at the undergraduate or graduate level:

3 credits of study in a biological science – examples are botany, biology, genetics, nutrition, oceanography, physiology, zoology

3 credits of study in physical sciences – examples are chemistry, physics, earth science, ecology, geology, astronomy, weather

3 credits of study in mathematics or statistics – examples are algebra, calculus, trigonometry, statistics; (remedial, historical, or methods courses do not fulfill this requirement)

6 credits of study in behavioral and/or social sciences (including study that pertains to understanding normal/abnormal human behavior, development across the life span, social interaction, and issues of culturally diverse populations) – examples include anthropology, criminology, sociology, psychology, human behavior, cultural diversity, gender issues

6 credits of English

3 credits in U.S. History or U.S. Political Science

3 credits in the arts (e.g., pottery, painting, sketching, drawing, theater performance, dance, weaving, musical instrument performance)

3 credits in non-English language (e.g., American Sign Language, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Portuguese, Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, etc.)

In addition, the COMSC Health Science Masters Degreeincludes the following requisite credits towards graduation:

47 credits of required courses

4 credits of clinical practica

9 credits of elective courses

How long will it take to complete the program?
For students entering the program with a background in communication sciences and disorders, completion of the academic and clinical placements require a 2 – 3 day commitment during daytime hours.

Can I work and study at the same time?
Matriculated students can begin as part-time students, but will eventually have to complete the program in full-time status.

What can I do with an MS in Communication Sciences from Hunter?
Our Arts & Sciences curriculum prepares students for professional practice in hospitals, college or university clinics, health agencies, and specialized clinical settings or, after further post-graduate preparation, private practice.

What are the opportunities for clinical experience?
All matriculated COMSC students are required to undergo closely supervised practicum in the Program’s on-campus clinical practicum-training site, the Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders. Upon recommendation of the clinical faculty, advanced clinical training is offered in a variety of affiliated medical, developmental and rehabilitation centers, community agencies, and public and private schools. Among these outstanding externship facilities are: Beth Israel Medical Center, Rusk Institute, The Shield Institute, Sunshine School, the Manhattan Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center, ICD, Montefiore Medical Center, United Cerebral Palsy, District 75 City Wide Services, NY Institute for Special Education, West End Day School, and YAI early intervention centers. All students are provided with broad clinical training with a wide array of communication and swallowing disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse preschool, school age and adult populations to meet the ASHA certification requirements of a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum experience, including 25 hours of clinical observation.

What are the special interests of the faculty?
Both full-time and adjunct faculty comprises the graduate faculty of the COMSC Program. Seven full-time faculty, all of whom hold the doctoral degree, and fourteen part-time faculty are involved in the academic and clinical preparation necessary for the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and audiology through the interrelated structure of course content and supervision of clinical practicum. This faculty is also actively engaged in clinical and experimental research in communication sciences and disorders, as well as supervising student research activities. Visit our Faculty website

Who are the faculty advisors?
The COMSC Program offers one informational open advisement session each semester for prospective matriculant and nonmatriculant students. These session are the only times that prospective students can learn more about the Program and have their individual questions answered by a faculty member as advisement is not generally available for prospective students. Open advisement sessions are generally available on the day of non-matriculated student course registration. Contact the Program Office for the exact dates of these meetings, which are usually held late in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

How can I find out more or apply?
To request a catalog or application, please contact the Welcome Center at (212) 772-4490. If you would like brief information sent to you, please email us at comsc@hunter.cuny.edu

What kinds of living accommodations are available?
The Brookdale Health Sciences Center houses the College’s Residence Hall in the same building as the Communication Sciences Program. Residence Hall space is limited and allotted on a first come-first served basis. Apply early if you are interested. Only matriculated students are eligible to live in the Residence Hall. Residence Hall charges vary according to the type of accommodation. Kitchen facilities are available in the Residence Hall. For further information and an application, contact Pamela Burthwright, Residence Hall Office, Hunter College of CUNY, 425 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010 (212) 481-4310. A limited on-campus food service is available. The College provides a free-of-charge shuttle bus service that runs hourly between Brookdale and the Main Campus of Hunter College at the corner of 68th Street and Lexington Ave.

How much will it cost?
The City University System is committed to offering education to students at an affordable rate. The most current fees are posted on the Hunter College website (click here)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For FAQ's relating to the Clinical Doctoral Program in Audiology (CUNY Au.D. program), please go to the Graduate Center, CUNY website.

Is the graduate program accredited?
The Health Sciences curriculum meets the educational standards of the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. All faculty hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology awarded by ASHA. Faculty members engaged in clinical supervision are also licensed by New York State in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology.

What are the COMSC program’s statistics?
We report to the CAA the following information each year about our program:

Praxis Score Pass Rates per Academic Year

’05 – 100%

’06 – 100%

’07 – 100

Retention of students per Academic Year

’05 – 2 individuals who entered the program did not graduate (class of 34 students)

’06 – 1 individual who entered the program did not graduate (class of 24 students)

’07 – 3 individuals who entered the program did not graduate (class of 25 students)

Employment Rates per Academic Year

’05 – 96% (surveyed August following June ’05 graduation)

’06 – 92% (surveyed August following June ’06 graduation)

’07 – 90% (surveyed August following June ‘07 graduation)

What is the philosophy of your M.S. program?
The long-range academic and clinical goals of the Program are to be evaluated as a program of national reputation in: (a) the quality of graduate and continuing education offered in communication sciences and disorders; (b) the quality of research produced in contributing to the body of knowledge of the disciplines of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; (c) the quality of public service offered to individuals with communication disorders; and (d) the quality of professional involvement contributing to advancing the goals of the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

What are the admission requirements?
Those inquiring about the program generally fit one of the three following categories:

Those individuals who have completed all the required background coursework in communication sciences and disorders are ready to apply for admission to matriculate into the COMSC program.

Those individuals who do not have the required background course work in communication sciences and disorders required of applicants for matriculated status, but who have exceptional application credentials for matriculation.

Those individuals who fulfill either of the following two descriptions
* may be eligible to enroll in the COMSC program’s courses as non-matric graduate students: *Individuals whose applications for matriculation have been rejected by the program will not be given approval to take courses as a non-matric student.

What courses will I take?
The candidate for matriculation must have satisfactorily completed the following at the undergraduate or graduate level:

3 credits of study in a biological science – examples are botany, biology, genetics, nutrition, oceanography, physiology, zoology

3 credits of study in physical sciences – examples are chemistry, physics, earth science, ecology, geology, astronomy, weather

3 credits of study in mathematics or statistics – examples are algebra, calculus, trigonometry, statistics; (remedial, historical, or methods courses do not fulfill this requirement)

6 credits of study in behavioral and/or social sciences (including study that pertains to understanding normal/abnormal human behavior, development across the life span, social interaction, and issues of culturally diverse populations) – examples include anthropology, criminology, sociology, psychology, human behavior, cultural diversity, gender issues

6 credits of English

3 credits in U.S. History or U.S. Political Science

3 credits in the arts (e.g., pottery, painting, sketching, drawing, theater performance, dance, weaving, musical instrument performance)

3 credits in non-English language (e.g., American Sign Language, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Portuguese, Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, etc.)

In addition, the COMSC Health Science Masters Degreeincludes the following requisite credits towards graduation:

47 credits of required courses

4 credits of clinical practica

9 credits of elective courses

How long will it take to complete the program?
For students entering the program with a background in communication sciences and disorders, completion of the academic and clinical placements require a 2 – 3 day commitment during daytime hours.

Can I work and study at the same time?
Matriculated students can begin as part-time students, but will eventually have to complete the program in full-time status.

What can I do with an MS in Communication Sciences from Hunter?
Our Arts & Sciences curriculum prepares students for professional practice in hospitals, college or university clinics, health agencies, and specialized clinical settings or, after further post-graduate preparation, private practice.

What are the opportunities for clinical experience?
All matriculated COMSC students are required to undergo closely supervised practicum in the Program’s on-campus clinical practicum-training site, the Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders. Upon recommendation of the clinical faculty, advanced clinical training is offered in a variety of affiliated medical, developmental and rehabilitation centers, community agencies, and public and private schools. Among these outstanding externship facilities are: Beth Israel Medical Center, Rusk Institute, The Shield Institute, Sunshine School, the Manhattan Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center, ICD, Montefiore Medical Center, United Cerebral Palsy, District 75 City Wide Services, NY Institute for Special Education, West End Day School, and YAI early intervention centers. All students are provided with broad clinical training with a wide array of communication and swallowing disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse preschool, school age and adult populations to meet the ASHA certification requirements of a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum experience, including 25 hours of clinical observation.

What are the special interests of the faculty?
Both full-time and adjunct faculty comprises the graduate faculty of the COMSC Program. Seven full-time faculty, all of whom hold the doctoral degree, and fourteen part-time faculty are involved in the academic and clinical preparation necessary for the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and audiology through the interrelated structure of course content and supervision of clinical practicum. This faculty is also actively engaged in clinical and experimental research in communication sciences and disorders, as well as supervising student research activities. Visit our Faculty website

Who are the faculty advisors?
The COMSC Program offers one informational open advisement session each semester for prospective matriculant and nonmatriculant students. These session are the only times that prospective students can learn more about the Program and have their individual questions answered by a faculty member as advisement is not generally available for prospective students. Open advisement sessions are generally available on the day of non-matriculated student course registration. Contact the Program Office for the exact dates of these meetings, which are usually held late in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

How can I find out more or apply?
To request a catalog or application, please contact the Welcome Center at (212) 772-4490. If you would like brief information sent to you, please email us at comsc@hunter.cuny.edu

What kinds of living accommodations are available?
The Brookdale Health Sciences Center houses the College’s Residence Hall in the same building as the Communication Sciences Program. Residence Hall space is limited and allotted on a first come-first served basis. Apply early if you are interested. Only matriculated students are eligible to live in the Residence Hall. Residence Hall charges vary according to the type of accommodation. Kitchen facilities are available in the Residence Hall. For further information and an application, contact Pamela Burthwright, Residence Hall Office, Hunter College of CUNY, 425 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010 (212) 481-4310. A limited on-campus food service is available. The College provides a free-of-charge shuttle bus service that runs hourly between Brookdale and the Main Campus of Hunter College at the corner of 68th Street and Lexington Ave.

How much will it cost?
The City University System is committed to offering education to students at an affordable rate. The most current fees are posted on the Hunter College website (click here)