MS in Communicative Disorders
The Master of Science in Communicative Disorders is offered by the University of Louisville Medical School. As a division within the Department of Surgery, the program is uniquely positioned to offer ties with the Louisville medical community. From observations of surgeries and lectures by visiting physicians, to opportunities for interaction with colleagues in the Department of Surgery's Otolaryngology Division, students benefit from the knowledge of noted experts in related fields. For more information about this program, including program options, course offerings, admission requirements, and more, please go to Speech-Language Pathology.
Teacher Certification Option
In addition to obtaining the MS in Communicative Disorders, students may choose to complete the coursework necessary to obtain teacher certification. Teacher certification is not currently required to work in the Kentucky Public School System for those graduates who have ASHA certification. However, the courses and experiences required for teacher certification are valuable to students who plan to work in the schools, and will help them to be more competitive candidates for employment in Kentucky as well as other states which may require teacher certification for employment. The education classes necessary to obtain certification are listed below:
EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children (3.0)
A survey course designed to acquaint students with all types of exceptional children - physically and mentally handicapped, socially and emotionally disturbed, and the gifted; methods of adapting education to meet the needs of these children.
EDSP 637 Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Inclusion (3.0)
Designed for teaching children with disabilities in the inclusive general education classroom. The course provides strategies for curriculum development, instructional modifications and student accommodations focusing on teachers working as members of a team within the framework of general curricula and classrooms.
If you believe you have completed an equivalent course(s) through another accredited institution, please contact Betty Hampton, Director of Initial Teacher Certification Student Services at (502) 852-0411 or betty.hampton @ louisville.edu. You will be asked to submit a course description for faculty review.
Students should contact their faculty advisor in the MS program to discuss appropriate school field placements as well.
Admission Requirements
Teacher education candidates must be enrolled in the University of Louisville Master of Science program in Communicative Disorders or hold a graduate degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Louisville or another accredited institution. The teacher education admission portfolio is a combination of forms, transcripts, test scores, and other requirements that applicants will submit to the College of Education and Human Development.
Certification
To apply for Kentucky state certification through the University of Louisville, candidates must first be admitted to the teacher education program. The certification requirements are listed below:
- Successfully complete EDSP 540, Introduction to Exceptional Children (or equivalent course)
- Successfully complete EDSP 637, Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Inclusion (or equivalent course)
- Successfully complete the initial certification portfolio requirement in LiveText
- Earn passing scores on required PRAXIS II examinations:
Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge
Speech-Language Pathology - Complete Master of Science in Communicative Disorders.
- Submit final official transcripts from all college or universities attended to Jody Morkin along with TC-1 form. Ms. Morkin is located in the Education Building, Room 140 (on Belknap Campus). Please note that candidates who have earned 60 credit hours at the graduate level are eligible to apply for Rank I status with certification! This can make a large difference in pay – especially for those working in Jefferson County Public Schools. Indicate Rank I status as follows on the TC-1 form:
Page 1, B: Enter "Speech and Communication Disorders – Rank I"
