Master of Science in Communication Disorders (M.S.C.D.) Major in Communication Disorders (Hearing and Related Disorders Concentration) | Texas State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 29-2092.00

Skills

Active ListeningService OrientationInstructingSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionWritingCritical Thinking

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech ClarityProblem SensitivitySpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten Expression

Tasks

Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
Counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss.
Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.

Technology

Medical softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software

Tools

Auditory brainstem response screening systemsAutomatic impedance audiometersBehind-the-ear hearing aidsCaloric irrigatorsCircumaural headphonesColor laser printersDesktop computersDiagnostic tuning forksEar probesElectroacoustic impedance bridgesHandheld otoscopesHearing aid analyzersHearing aid programming interfacesHearing aid vacuum systemsIn-the-canal hearing aids

Work Values

RelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementIndependenceSupportRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium29-2092.00	Hearing Aid Specialists	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Clinical practice standards — develop and implement evidence-based protocols for hearing screening, fitting, and counseling across a multi-location hearing center organization.
Strategic program development — design and lead new service lines, such as pediatric or tinnitus management programs, to expand organizational scope and revenue.
Team leadership and performance — supervise, coach, and formally evaluate a staff of hearing aid specialists using structured competency and outcome benchmarks.
Organizational training curriculum — create and deliver systematic onboarding and continuing education programs aligned with current audiology best practices.
Regulatory and compliance oversight — ensure clinic operations meet all state licensure, HIPAA, and accreditation requirements and respond to audits and inspections.
Vendor and technology partnerships — negotiate with hearing aid manufacturers and software vendors to secure preferred pricing, training support, and pilot access for new technologies.
Quality improvement leadership — analyze patient outcome data at the population level and lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce return rates and increase satisfaction.
Community outreach and advocacy — represent the organization at public health events and professional conferences to raise awareness of hearing loss and expand patient referral networks.
Financial and operational management — oversee budgeting, inventory control, and revenue cycle management for a hearing center using accounting and administrative software tools.
Professional community contribution — author best-practice guidance, contribute to professional organization committees, or present original clinical findings to advance the field of hearing aid specialization.

Course Pathway

21 courses in this program

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

CDIS 5331Stuttering

3 cr

CDIS 5333Language Disorders in School-Age and Adolescence

3 cr

CDIS 5334Assessment and Intervention of Speech Sound Disorders

3 cr

CDIS 5336Motor Speech Disorders

3 cr

CDIS 5337Voice Disorders

3 cr

CDIS 5339Dysphagia

3 cr

CDIS 5340Cognitive Rehabilitation

3 cr

CDIS 5342Aphasia and Related Disorders

3 cr

CDIS 5363Language Disorders in the Birth-to-5 Population

3 cr

CDIS 5262Introduction to Research in Communication Disorders

2 cr

CDIS 5350Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders

3 cr

CDIS 5396Evidence-Based Practice for Language & Literacy in Children

3 cr

CDIS 5138Augmentative & Alternative Communication

1 cr

CDIS 5344Advanced Clinical Practicum I

3 cr

CDIS 5345Advanced Clinical Practicum II

3 cr

CDIS 5346Advanced Clinical Practicum III

3 cr

CDIS 5347Advanced Clinical Practicum IV

3 cr

CDIS 5321Clinical Practicum in Audiology

3 cr

CDIS 5689Clinical Externship I in Communication Disorders

6 cr

CDIS 4420Diagnostic Audiology

4 cr

CDIS 4370Aural Rehabilitation

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.