Graduate Theses

The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at TCU offers and encourages theses opportunities for students interested in pursuing a research experience at the graduate level.  Our faculty are nationally recognized experts in their areas of specialty and we encourage students to take advantage of mentoring opportunities in these areas.  Click on the “Faculty” link in the top menu bar to find more information on our faculty and their areas of expertise.

A thesis option is available for both the traditional and bilingual tracks of the graduate program. The thesis option requires a minimum of 6 thesis hours which replace 6 academic course hours (e.g., the student enrolls in thesis hours instead of 2 specific academic courses).  In addition, students pursuing the thesis option write and present their research findings in lieu of the graduate comprehensive examinations.

Theses are especially encouraged for students who might have an interest in going on to pursue a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences & Disorders.  While our department does not currently offer the Ph.D., the training you will receive during your thesis work will prepare you and give you needed research skills to excel at the doctoral level.

Undergraduate Honors Projects

The TCU Honors College offers undergraduates the opportunity to “discuss, explore and dive into intellectual challenges” during their undergraduate curriculum through participation in the Honors program.  Students who qualify for this distinction participate in a research experience during the latter half of their undergraduate studies which culminates in graduation with Honors.  Faculty in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders encourage Honors projects and have mentored many successful students over the years.  More information can be found at the Honors College website: http://www.hon.tcu.edu/intro.asp.

Graduate Assistants

COSD graduate students who are awarded fellowships work as graduate assistants for eight hours per week.  Many of these assignments involve working with a faculty member on his/her research projects.  Students, as active member of the research team, are engaged in project planning, data collection and data analysis.