Student Research in Communication Sciences & Disorders

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Many opportunities are available for both the undergraduate and graduate level student who wish to be involved in faculty research or pursue a project of their own. The department awards four master’s students part-time (10 hours/week) graduate assistant positions during the first year of their program. Students interested in applying should contact the Graduate Admissions Office.

Undergraduate Student Research

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Students interested in pursuing research at the undergraduate level may enroll in an honors research project and are encouraged to contact a faculty member with the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department for guidance.

Why pursue an undergraduate research project?

• Increase your understanding about a topic of interest
• Improve your preparedness for graduate school
• Gain the opportunity to present your work at regional and national conferences

Graduate Student Research

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Students seeking a master’s degree in CSD have the opportunity to complete a master’s thesis in addition to their required coursework. The master’s thesis is a research project conducted by the student under the supervision of an advisory committee. The thesis replaces the required comprehensive exam.

The process is as follows:

• The project includes a comprehensive review of literature on a selected topic and an empirical study.
• The advisory committee consists of three faculty members, with at least one of those faculty members from the CSD Department and one faculty member from outside the program (e.g. neuropsychology).
• A written proposal describing in detail the master’s project must be submitted to and approved by all members of the advisory committee before the work is begun.
• The student will work with the chair of the thesis advisory committee to develop a proposal.
• When approved the student will carry out the study and defend it in a final oral presentation with a written document.

Why pursue a master thesis?

• Strengthen your knowledge of a clinical population
• Strengthen your understanding of research and its importance for clinical practice
• Provide an opportunity to present your work at regional and national conferences
• Prepare for a doctorate program