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MCD – Masters in Communication Disorders
The Masters in Communications Disorders is a specialty degree program that is directed towards finding creative methods for increasing communication abilities in people that have been diagnosed with communication disorders. This degree program is geared towards identifying communication delays and providing therapeutic support in an effort to increase an individual’s ability to speak freely and effectively.
The Master’s in Communication Disorders is a specific degree. Only a couple programs exist in the United States, as this area is highly specific. You may consider an Online MPH program if there is not a campus near you offering a MCD degree.
What is the Masters in Communications Disorders Degree
MCD programs are designed to prepare learners to become effective speech-language pathologists in the field. The curriculum of these programs include courses that outline the natural development of speech from infancy to adulthood, the development of communicative delays, and the different methods available for increasing a person’s ability to speak.
How Does This Degree Relate to Public Health?
The ability to speak is part of a person’s identity. This is how people communicate their needs, desires, and opinions on a regular basis. In terms of overall health, communication can play a role in communicating one’s needs to others. The need for effective communication aligns with public health in that a person’s ability to speak is their tool to having a fulfilling and happy lifestyle.
Speech-language pathology is an interesting field within public health. Professionals that are employed within this field can help individuals find better means for communicating and provide remedies for barriers or biological factors that are standing in their way. This sector of individual health helps to identify environmental factors, biological factors, or background information that may play a role in the development of communication delays.
Since this degree program is highly focused on improving the communication of patients, it contributes to the field of public health as a whole. Any field that can have a direct impact on the quality of care that patients receive in a clinical setting have a place within public health.
What Career Options Are There For MCD Degree?
Having a dense knowledge of communication – from acquisition into adulthood – can lead to many interesting careers in the field. You could potentially work one-on-one with clients that are working to increase their communication skills, help develop all-inclusive educational programs to promote better communication, or even teach others that are interested in becoming speech specialists. Look at some of the common job titles available to graduates of this degree program below.
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Speech Teacher
- Research Scientist
- Education Specialist
- Speech Therapist
Speech-language pathologists — the primary career destination for MCD graduates — earned a median annual salary of $97,870 as of May 2025, according to BLS OEWS data. Employment is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 13,300 openings projected each year over the decade, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Demand is being driven by an aging population requiring treatment for strokes and dementia, as well as growing awareness of speech and language disorders in children leading to earlier intervention.
Master of Science in Communication Disorders
Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.
- Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
- In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
- 5- term and 9-term study options
- As few as 20 months to complete
- Multiple start dates per year
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.
- Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
- Online classes are offered during daytime and evening hours; students will choose their preferred time and will remain in that time slot throughout the duration of the program.
- No GRE scores required.
- 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
- Three start dates per year: Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May).
- Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program.
- All courses and clinical requirements are designed to meet CAA and ASHA requirements.
- Access to a wellness center for telehealth, telecounseling, and more to offer support to students academically and personally throughout the program.
Explore Masters in Communication Disorders & Speech Pathology Programs
| Institution & Program | Delivery Mode | Location | Study Length | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Boston, MA | As few as 20 months | No GRE required | |
Pepperdine UniversityMaster of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Malibu, CA | 20-32 Months | No GRE required |
Information last updated June 2026, using May 2025 BLS OEWS data. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.