Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Illinois State University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Graduation Option

Every student will be required to select one of the following three degree options. The selection of the graduation degree option must be done by the beginning of finals week of your second term.

Comprehensive Exam Option

The comprehensive exam option requires 33 hours of approved graduate-level work and a passing performance on an eight-hour written comprehensive examination at the end of graduate study. Download the Comprehensive Exam Policy.

Thesis Option

The thesis option requires 33 hours of approved graduate-level course work and the completion of a master’s thesis (CSD 499).

35-Hour Independent Study Option

The 35-hour option requires 35 hours of approved graduate course work, including a two hour Independent Study (CSD 400). Students in the 35-hour option are required to complete an independent research project under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. The independent project possibilities include: a Case History, Data-Based Research, an In-Service Presentation, a Literature Review, a Materials Project, a Media Project, a Resource Manual, or an evidenced-based practice option. See right side of this page for all independent study forms.

Refer to the Graduate Catalog for detailed program requirements and course descriptions.