Occasionally, students may encounter an issue related to an academic course or practicum assignment which they wish to petition or grieve. For MS-Res students, the first step is to discuss the situation with the course instructor or supervisor. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved in the student’s view, the next step is to discuss the issue with the student’s academic advisor (academic issue) or clinical advisor (clinical issue). If the issue continues to be of concern, the student should submit in writing the petition/grievance to the Graduate Program Director (academic issue) or the Clinic Director (clinical issue). If the issue continues to be of concern, the student may submit in writing the petition/grievance to the Department Chair. The Chair will take the issue to the COMD faculty and respond with the faculty’s decision to the student in writing. For MS-DE students, the first step is to discuss the situation with the course instructor or supervisor. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved in the student’s view, the next step is to discuss the issue with the student’s academic advisor (Director of Distance Education) or clinical advisor (Director of Distance Education for Speech Camp OR Director of External Clinical Practicum for all other practicum placements). If the issue continues to be of concern, the student should submit in writing the petition/grievance to the Graduate Program Director. If the issue continues to be of concern, the student may submit in writing the petition/grievance to the Department Chair. The Chair will take the issue to the COMD faculty and respond with the faculty’s decision to the student in writing.

 

If the concern is with an external, off-site clinical supervisor at a clinical placement off-campus, the first step regarding a clinical issue is to discuss the situation with the on-site clinical supervisor. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved in the student’s view, MS-Res students should next approach the Director of External Clinical Practicum. MS-DE students should next approach the Director of Distance Education (first summer) or Director of External Clinical Practicum (optional, second summer, final spring, internship). If the issue is not resolved, then the student may submit in writing the petition/grievance to the Department Chair, who will take the issue to the COMD faculty and then respond with the faculty’s decision.

 

Should the issue remain a concern after receiving the decision by the Department Chair, the student then should follow the guidelines set forth by the Arnold School of Public Health: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/internal/current_students/student_grievances/index.php.  Additionally, a student can review University policies and procedures or get assistance navigating an issue by contacting the Student Advocacy Center: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/our_initiatives/academic_success/ombuds_services/our_services/index.php

 

If the decision at the School level is not to the student’s expectations, the student may complete the Grievances, Appeals and Petitions Form on the Graduate School website (http://gradschool.sc.edu/forms/G-GAP.pdf), following the directions and procedures outlined on the form and the site.

Follow the link for information on Financial Aid and Scholarships.

View the Fall 2024 Textbook List [pdf]

View the Summer 2024 Textbook List [pdf]

View the Spring 2024 Textbook List [pdf]

Student records are maintained for a period of at least seven years.

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is a pre-professional membership association that exists to benefit its members by continually improving the support, promotion, and advocacy of the highest quality preparation in audiology, speech-language pathology, and speech and hearing science. Many communication science programs form local chapters:

• To encourage professional interest among college and university students in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior.

• To assist college and university departments and local organizations interested in speech, hearing, and language behavior and disorders.

• To provide professional information.

• To provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern.

• To develop leadership skills for students. Many NSSLHA chapter presidents go on to assume leadership roles on the NSSLHA executive council and in ASHA or the state associations.

The USC Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is dedicated to supporting the clients served by our profession, the department, and the students enrolled. The organization participates in several endeavors focusing on outreach, research and education, and also provides events for socialization and networking among students, faculty and alumni. The department’s NSSLHA chapter has raised money for a variety of worthy causes, including:

• National Down Syndrome Society

• Operation Smile

• Harvest Hope Food Bank

• USC Angel Fund

• Christmas gifts for needy families

• Multiple Sclerosis

• American Heart Association

• American Stroke Association

Other chapter pursuits include:

• Co-sponsoring educational opportunities

• Providing funds for student research

• Defraying costs associated with support groups

• Purchasing therapy materials

• Providing support for a variety of department events and functions

• Scheduling social events for students, faculty, staff and alumni

All students are encouraged to become NSSLHA members. Information regarding how to join will be provided during your first semester in our Master's program. University of South Carolina NSSLHA faculty advisor is Jamy Claire Archer . You can find more information on the benefits of NSSLHA here.

The Arnold School of Public Health has adopted education and health requirements for all practicum/internship students. Each student must submit documentation of immunization records along with health and safety related training records.  The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders uses a secure clearinghouse called CastleBranch for approval and storage of student documentation.   Required immunizations include: Varicella (chicken pox), Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap or DTaP) , Hepatitis B (BHV), and COVID-19. Annual screenings for Tuberculosis (TB) are also required. Mandatory trainings include:  Bloodborne Pathogens Training, Information Privacy Training, and training for certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

 

All immunizations and trainings must be kept up to date throughout the student’s time in the program.

 

Verification that these requirements have been met is typically required by clinical practicum sites. The Director and Assistant Director of External Clinical Practicum will assist students in maintaining current records and submitting them to practicum sites in preparation for each rotation.  Some practicum sites may require additional health and training documents including (but not limited to):  a drug screening, seasonal flu vaccine, site specific trainings, or a physician’s “statement of good health”.

 

Costs related to education and health requirements are the responsibility of the student.

All full-time students are required by the University to be covered by health and accident insurance. Students will automatically have University sponsored health insurance charged to their tuition unless they provide evidence of coverage by their own policy. Such evidence should be presented to the Thompson Student Health Center in order for this fee to be waived.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides both professional liability insurance and workman’s compensation policies for all practicum students. You can find additional information on insurance coverage here.

View current Tuition and Fee information. 

COMD alumna Sharon G. Webber (1981) and her husband, Thomas, have built a highly successful company serving the needs of the field of communication sciences and disorders. You may have used some of their company’s products at the Speech and Hearing Center. What is the name of the company? Super Duper Publications!

The Webbers are paving the way for others who have entered the profession through an annual scholarship they have established for master’s level students in Communication Sciences & Disorders at USC. The scholarship awards the student $1,000 each semester in the fall and spring of their final year of graduate school.

“I want the fellowship to help students in financial need whose hearts have led them to the field of speech-language pathology. Hopefully, the fellowship will help relieve some of the financial pressure so students can concentrate on their studies,” Sharon said in speaking of their gift.

Students may apply for the scholarship by sending: 1) a letter to Dr. Jean Neils-Strunjas describing their academic and clinical achievements, and financial need, along with 2) a letter of support from a COMD faculty member. Students will be notified when letters of application are due.

You can read more about our alumni. 

Further information about licensing can be found here.