Break the Barriers of Communication.
As a speech-language pathologist, you can empower people with communication tools that positively impact their lives. You can work with diverse people across the lifespan and in a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, Note: Some states require an additional certification or license in order to work in a school setting. Students should be advised that the USAHS MS-SLP program is designed and intended to prepare graduates for SLP licensure in many states. However, graduates may need to complete additional requirements to be eligible for a license or certificate to work in a school setting or to have the ability to complete practicum in a school setting in his/her particular state of residence or school district, depending on the state and/or school district’s unique requirements. Students should contact the state board of education or his or her school district directly to determine if the USAHS MS-SLP program meets the requirements for state SLP certification or licensure in a school setting. hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and homes. Earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) at USAHS—and join this growing and rewarding profession. Please visit the MS-SLP Accreditation page for more information on states from which we are currently accepting applications for enrollment.
From your very first trimester, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a simulated clinical setting. You’ll practice using state-of-the-art endoscopy equipment, a feature that not all master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology offer. Our faculty-practitioners mentor you in the skills you need to launch a career in speech-language pathology.
MS-SLP Program at a Glance
Online coursework
Four in-person residency weeks, 4–5 days each
55–58 credit hours over 5 trimesters
1 year, 8 months Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
Sept & Jan start dates
Two trimesters of virtual clinical practica
Three trimesters of on-site clinical practica
Video Highlights
How Our MS-SLP Program Stands Apart
We put students first.
USAHS’ Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is rooted in our student-FIRST philosophy: Everything we do is focused on student success. We strive to offer the best academic experience and career preparation through our learning model, support services, and special events.
Learn More
We’re blended.
Our blended learning model gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of online lectures, plus the engagement of hands-on practice. You'll learn the material in advance online. Then you’ll come to campus for your residency weeks, ready to participate in meaningful hands-on activities with your cohort and professors. The MS-SLP program also includes both virtual and on-site clinical practica.
Learn More
We're hands-on.
From your first trimester as a MS-SLP student, you’ll get experience working in our state-of-the-art simulation labs, featuring real medical equipment and leading EdTech tools. The clinical practicum courses and residency weeks will help you to develop essential professional skills by practicing assessment and treatment techniques for a variety of populations with speech, language, and swallowing issues.
Learn More
We’re interprofessional.
Good patient/client care depends on harmonious teamwork among healthcare practitioners. That’s why, from your very first trimester, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers in other rehabilitative science disciplines.
Learn More
We’re high-tech.
In your clinical practicum courses and residency weeks, you’ll get experience working in our state-of-the-art simulation labs, featuring real medical equipment and leading EdTech tools. Our Austin and Dallas labs are equipped with oral endoscopes and nasopharyngoscopes, which you will practice using on mock patients. We also have Anatomage Tables for virtual dissection, Double robots for remote patient consultation, and more.
Learn More
We’re a tight-knit community.
Good patient care depends on harmonious teamwork among healthcare practitioners. That’s why, from your very first residency week, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers in our physical therapy and occupational therapy programs to solve problems in clinical scenarios. We’re proud of the diversity of our student body.
Learn MoreMS-SLP Requirements and Program Information
MS-SLP Curriculum
MS-SLP Curriculum
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology curriculum includes 55-58 required credits that you will take over five trimesters, or 1 year and 8 months. This full-time degree program includes virtual coursework, on-campus residency weeks (trimesters 1, 2, 3, and 5), and virtual or on-site clinical practica each trimester. You will earn 15 of your required credit hours in clinical practica placements.| Required Core Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | |
| SLP 5110 Early Language Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5115 Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5125 Clinical Neuroscience for Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 5112 Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| Trimester 2 | |
| SLP 5220 Adult Neurogenic Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5230 School Age Language Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5235 Dysphagia | 3 |
| SLP 5232 Clinical Practicum II | 3 |
| Trimester 3 | |
| HSC 5136 Evidence Informed Practice: Research Fundamentals | 2 |
| SLP 5320 Research Review, Critique, and Synthesis in Speech-Language Pathology | 1 |
| SLP 5340 Fluency & Fluency Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5345 Motor Speech and Cognitive-Communication Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5313 Clinical Practicum III | 3 |
| Trimester 4 | |
| SLP 5415 Autism and Social Communication Disorders | 2 |
| SLP 5450 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) | 2 |
| SLP 5455 Voice & Velopharyngeal Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 5404 Clinical Practicum IV | 3 |
| Trimester 5 | |
| SLP 5565 Integrated Knowledge and Skills in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 5460 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology* | 3 |
| SLP 5515 Clinical Practicum V | 3 |
| HSC Course, IPE Elective or Remediation | 3 |
| Total Program Hours | 55-58 |
*SLP 5460 moved from Trimester 4 to Trimester 5 effective Fall 2020.
MS-SLP Clinical Practica
USAHS has a diverse range of clinics, hospitals and schools (depending on your state of residence) where you may be assigned to complete your clinical practica. The clinical practicum courses will help you to develop essential professional skills and determine what setting best fits your career goals. Clinical placements are determined by USAHS based on the student’s academic needs and to provide the best educational experience. Students should plan on the need to travel and/or relocate for clinical experiences. Please visit the “MS-SLP Accreditation” page for more information on states from which we are currently accepting applications for enrollment.
X CloseMS-SLP Admission Requirements
*Applications for the MS-SLP program are accepted through CSDCAS website only. Please contact an enrollment advisorfor additional information.
Admission Requirements
Becoming a speech-language pathologist requires at least two years of graduate study. To apply for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) at USAHS, you will need to meet the following requirements.
Bachelor’s Degree:
You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A bachelor’s degree in the fields of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) or speech-language pathology is ideal but not required.
Prerequisites:
Admissions recommends that all prerequisite course work be no more than 5 years old. This is a recommendation and is preferred, but it is not a requirement to apply. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better.
Required prerequisite basic and physical science course requirements (minimum 3 credits each) for all applicants include:
- Biology
- Chemistry or physics
- Statistics
- Behavioral or social science
Applicants who hold bachelor’s degrees in fields other than CSD, SLP, or the equivalent must complete leveling communication sciences and disorders courses per admission guidelines. Applicants with a CSD or SLP degree may need to complete one or more of the leveling courses if your undergraduate program did not include the required leveling coursework.
Required prerequisite leveling courses (3 credits each) for all applicants include:
- Introduction to Audiology
- Aural Rehabilitation
- Speech Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders*
- Phonetics
- Normal Speech & Language Development
* Not required if applicant holds an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or speech-language pathology.
USAHS has designed several leveling courses to provide a summary of learning objectives and serve as a pathway to the MS-SLP program. Regardless of your undergraduate field of study, a transcript demonstrating degree awarded is required to enroll in our leveling courses.
GRE:
The GRE test must have been taken within the last five (5) years. An official GRE score report must be sent directly to the University from ETS. All applicants must apply through CSDCAS where the University’s GRE Institutional Code Number is 2300. Please note that while the University reviews an applicant’s GRE score in its entirety, particular attention and focus is placed on the analytical writing portion of the GRE. The recommended minimum score on the analytical writing portion is 3.0. Candidates who have previously earned a master’s degree are exempt from the GRE requirement.
You can apply while you are still enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or while you are completing up to threeprerequisite courses. Refer to section above for prerequisite requirements. You must submit a plan of study with your application that indicates all remaining courses that will be completed prior to program enrollment.
You can apply and be admitted with up to two preapproved eligible prerequisite courses pending. Written approval is required from the MS-SLP Director prior to enrollment. Successful completion of the prerequisite courses with a “C” or better is a condition to continuing studies in the MS-SLP program beyond the end of the second trimester.
The eligible prerequisite courses that may be pending at the time of enrollment are:
- Basic and physical science courses (minimum 3 credits each), including biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and/or behavioral or social science
- Introduction to Audiology (3 credits)
- Aural Rehabilitation (3 credits)
The pending prerequisite courses are not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid.
Misrepresentation of Academic Credentials
Misrepresentation of academic credentials includes presenting information known as false and with the intent of obtaining employment or admission to an educational program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Statements made and documents supplied by University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ applicants and students must be complete and accurate. The University will not tolerate any misrepresentation by a student or applicant of past or current academic programs, degrees, or professional accomplishments. If unexplained discrepancies appear between statements or documents provided to University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and information obtained otherwise, except in the case of misspellings and other such inadvertent errors, applicants may be rejected for admission and enrolled students may be dismissed.
Additional Requirements
- Graduate admissions committee may perform interviews on-site or virtual (e.g. via Skype or Face Time) as needed.
- A writing sample is required and must be in the following format – two, double-spaced pages in 12 point Times New Roman or Ariel font. The writing sample must answer the following question: “Why do you think you can make a difference in Speech Language Pathology?”
- A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 calculated on program prerequisites is preferred; however, the grade trend of the applicant will be considered.
- 2 letters of professional recommendation (e.g. professor, supervisor, or employer) on professional letterhead (recommended).
- A minimum of 25 observation hours in a Speech-Language Therapy setting with an ASHA certified SLP is required. The observation experiences must qualify as guided observations. Volunteer opportunities and work experiences do not meet this requirement.
- A comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen will be administered during the admissions process.
- Transcript of all course work completed.
International Applicants
Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. All instruction in the MS-SLP program is conducted in English. To be considered, a candidate must submit:
Transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report if their education was completed in a language other than English or they reside in a non-English speaking country. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based testing), 210 (computer-based testing) or 89 (IBT – Internet based testing) is required.
*Additional coursework will be combined into a plan of study that you create with your advisor. The program director will need to approve the plan of study.
X CloseHow to Apply
Before you apply
Step 1: Review program and application requirements
- Check to make sure you have met all programmatic requirements
Ready to apply
Step 2: Complete the Supplemental Application
Step 3: Create a profile and submit application through CSDCAS. The University’s GRE Institutional Code Number is 2300.
- Have questions on your CAS application? Email us at [email protected]
When your CSDCAS application is in verified status, an enrollment advisor will be in touch to schedule an application review appointment by phone.
Additional Resources
• RSVP to VIS events or campus tours
• FAQ’s
• Deadlines
• COVID-19 Updates
MS-SLP Leveling Courses
Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Courses
USAHS has designed several leveling courses to provide a summary of learning objectives and serve as a pathway to the MS-SLP program for undergraduates with a non-CSD or non-SLP degree and for undergraduates with a CSD, SLP or equivalent degree whose program did not include one or more leveling courses. The leveling courses also provide applicants with the necessary prerequisites to enter the graduate program. A copy of your transcript demonstrating awarded bachelor’s degree is required for enrollment. Each leveling course costs $550, please complete the form below if you are interested in taking these courses at USAHS. If you have specific questions related to these courses, email your questions to [email protected].
SLP 5003 – Introduction to Audiology
This course presents concepts and rationale underlying the measurement of hearing and balance disorders, with special reference to hearing science, anatomy and physiology, and measurement techniques.
SLP 5005 – Aural Rehabilitation
This course involves an introduction to the field of audiologic rehabilitation and examines the treatment of hearing disorders across the lifespan. Students study hearing technology, educational considerations, and nonmedical rehabilitation options for the treatment of audiological disorders.
SLP 5008 Speech Anatomy and Physiology
This course involves the study of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms. Students will study the structure and function of the skeletal, neurological, and muscular systems for respiration, phonation, articulation and resonation, as well as mastication and deglutition and the hearing mechanism. The organization and physiology of related nervous systems and functional implications will be explored.
SLP 5014 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
This course introduces students to the professions and field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). Basic concepts related to communication, speech, and language; typical development, anatomy, and physiology; as well as communication disorders occurring across the lifespan will be examined. Cultural differences, communication disturbances and disorders related to identification, assessment, and evidenced-based treatment will be explored.
SLP 5026 Phonetics
This course involves phonetic analysis of normal and disordered speech, including training in transcription using the international phonetic alphabet. The motoric aspects of speech sound production, including a concrete description of the distinct properties that are associated with the production of these speech sounds will be explored.
SLP 5032 Normal Speech and Language Development
This course involves theoretical concepts and research findings concerning the normal developmental processes of speech and language learning and provides an understanding of child speech and language from infancy through adolescence, focusing on normal development. Students will study language and literacy development for monolingual and bilingual children.
X CloseMS-SLP Tuition & CoA
Tuition and Fees
The tuition for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is estimated at $64,000. All tuition and costs are estimates and subject to change.
Tuition is approximately $12,800 per trimester for Full-Time MS-SLP students at our Austin, TX and Dallas, TX campus locations.| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition | $64,000 |
| Program Fees | $500 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $3,600 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $68,100 |
|---|
For a breakdown of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses click here
Financial Aid
Student loans may be available to assist with funding your MS-SLP program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.
Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.
Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.
[/expand]
Tuition is approximately $13,207 per trimester for Full-Time DPT students who attend our Dallas, TX campus.
| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition - 131 credit hour program | $105,656.00 |
| Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $111,136.00 |
|---|
*Reflects tuition effective Fall 2020
Tuition is approximately $13,207 per trimester for Full-Time DPT students who attend our Miami, FL campus.
| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition - 131 credit hour program | $105,656.00 |
| Program Fees | $1280.00 |
| Books & Associated Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $111,136.00 |
|---|
Tuition is approximately $14,770.75 per trimester for Full-Time DPT students who attend our San Marcos, CA campus.
| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition | $118,166.00 |
| Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $123,646.00 |
|---|
Tuition is approximately $13,207 per trimester for Full-Time DPT students who attend our St. Augustine, FL campus.
| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition | $105,656.00 |
| Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $111,136.00 |
|---|
Flex DPT
Tuition is approximately $8,389 per trimester for Flex DPT students who attend our Austin, TX campus.
| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition - 131 credit hour program | $100,668.00 |
| Program Fees | $1200.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $106,068.00 |
|---|
Tuition is approximately $9,158 per trimester for Flex DPT students who attend our San Marcos, CA campus.
| Tuition and Expenses | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition | $109,893.00 |
| Program Fees | $1,200.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $115,293.00 |
|---|
Tuition is approximately $7,775 per trimester for Flex DPT students who attend our St. Augustine, FL campus.
| Tuition and Fees | |
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition | $93,305.00 |
| Program Fees | $1,200.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $98,705.00 |
|---|
Financial Aid
Student loans may be available to assist with funding your DPT program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.
Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.
Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.
X CloseMS-SLP Accreditation
Accreditation
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) Program for residents in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MS-SLP program.
USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program prepares students for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the MS-SLP program satisfies the requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray. For more information, students should contact the appropriate state licensure board to ensure an understanding of state licensure requirements as regulations vary from state to state.
Note on CAA Accreditation
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology education program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. However, while the SLP program has achieved candidacy status, it is not considered fully CAA-accredited but will be pursuing full accreditation. To achieve candidacy status, a program must meet all institutional and programmatic eligibility requirements and must comply with the CAA Standards in a logical sequence over several years. The CAA’s decision to award candidacy status is based on the program’s submission of a comprehensive development plan and the program’s and institution’s demonstrated commitment and ability to implement the program fully. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that CAA will grant accreditation.
It is the intent of the USAHS MS-SLP program to comply with candidacy status requirements and to seek full accreditation.
Currently, Speech-Language Pathology program graduates must hold a degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program that is considered to be in Accreditation Candidate status or fully accredited by the CAA, depending on the state, in order to be eligible to practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist in most states.
Note on ASHA Certification
Speech-Language Pathology program graduates must hold a degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program that is fully accredited or in Accreditation Candidate status by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), and complete the Clinical Fellow (CF) experience, in order to be eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology by the American Speech and Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council for Clinical Certification. This credential is required in order to practice as a nationally certified speech-language pathologist in many settings in many states. Currently, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences MS-SLP program is in candidacy status with the CAA.
Note on Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam
All states require that SLP graduates pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam in order to be eligible to practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Note on Licensure, Authorization, Endorsement, or Other State Credential Necessary to Practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist
Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of speech language pathologists has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice in that state. Most state licensing boards require that Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program graduates graduate from a CAA fully accredited or Accreditation Candidate status Speech-Language Pathology program and pass the Praxis Speech Language Pathology exam to apply for an intern/provisional license while working on their Clinical Fellowship (CF) for national certification (Certificate of Clinical Competence, CCC) requirements. Licensure requirements may vary in school or other settings. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program is currently in candidacy status with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
Prospective students are advised if they choose to relocate to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.
Speech-Language Pathology in a School Setting
Some states require an additional certification or license in order to work in a school setting. Students should be advised that the USAHS MS-SLP program is designed and intended to prepare graduates for SLP licensure in many states. However, graduates may need to complete additional requirements to be eligible for a license or certificate to work in a school setting or to have the ability to complete practicum in a school setting in his/her particular state of residence or school district, depending on the state and/or school district’s unique requirements. Students should contact the state board of education or his or her school district directly to determine if the USAHS MS-SLP program meets the requirements for state SLP certification or licensure in a school setting.
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Data
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) requires that student outcome data is made available for the three most recently completed academic years. Once USAHS has the requisite data available, this page will be updated as required.
On-time Program Completion Rates*
Praxis Examination Pass Rates of Test-takers*
Employment Rates of Graduates*
*Note: The tables above will be updated with student outcome data as the data becomes available.
X CloseProgram Data
Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
Click the program below to view the program data:
X Close
MS-SLP Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate and diagnose communication disorders utilizing evidenced-based practice.
- Outline and implement evidence-based treatment plans appropriate to the disorder and in patient-specific contexts.
- Describe and educate/collaborate/counsel with clients and caregivers on prevention, assessment, and intervention across disorders.
- Distinguish and demonstrate professional practice competencies, including accountability, integrity, effective communication skills, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, care for individuals served, cultural competence, professional duty, and collaborative practice.
- Differentiate and demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence while communicating effectively recognizing the background, needs, values, preferred mode of communication of the client and family.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and participate appropriately with other healthcare professionals in interprofessional teams.
Upcoming SLP Events
TuesdayMay 18, 2021
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) – Admissions Webinar
ThursdayJune 3, 2021
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) – Academic Webinar
TuesdayJune 8, 2021
