Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), can prepare you academically and clinically to succeed in a dynamic field.
As you pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology, you will build critical thinking skills, cultural competency, ethical standards, and develop a strong understanding of compassionate patient care principles. You will train to perform assessments, intervention, and therapy practices for patients, clients, and students.
As a speech-language pathologist, you will have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals across the lifespan. You may work with patients in schools, hospitals, skilled nursing homes, clinics, and more.
Speech-language pathology is predicted to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029—much faster than the average for all occupations and faster than other health practitioner occupations.[1]
About the MS-SLP program
- The MS-SLP program may be completed in one year and eight months.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty, many of whom are practicing clinicians, through video discussions, interactive activities and advanced coursework.
- Complete your degree with online courses and required on-campus residencies that are held once a trimester, with the exception of trimester 4. On-campus residencies are scheduled well in advance for 4-5 days and are focused on hands-on learning, clinical simulations and administering assessments to clients.
- Requirement: 55-58 credit hours (Required core courses: 40 credit hours, Clinical credit hours: 15, 5 trimesters).
USAHS is pleased to announce that our MS-SLP program is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) and is currently accepting applications for enrollment at our Austin, TX and Dallas, TX campus locations.
As a MS-SLP student at USAHS, you’ll benefit from:
Flexibility
Complete your coursework online, partner with a dedicated faculty mentor, and participate in on-campus activities – conferences, interprofessional projects, and clinics at USAHS’ Center for Innovative Clinical Practice – to reinforce your learning experience.
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.
Interprofessional Education Opportunities
We believe that collaboration is a cornerstone of education. At USAHS, you will have the unique opportunity to learn alongside students from different health care professions to hone your skills and benefit from a variety of perspectives. We’re confident that this team-based approach strengthens health systems and produces positive outcomes.
You will benefit from an interdisciplinary environment, student-centered community, and the opportunity to engage with alumni and future colleagues.
Leveling Courses
Do you need to complete leveling courses to apply for a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)?
For applicants with a non-CSD or non-SLP degree, you will need to complete leveling courses. For applicants with a CSD or SLP degree, you may need to complete one or more of the leveling courses if your undergraduate program did not include the required leveling coursework.
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. Read more about our leveling courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- 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.
Why USAHS?
At USAHS, we are a graduate university that specializes in health sciences. We are committed to the development of professional healthcare practitioners through innovative, individualized, and quality education. Each of our academic programs focuses on foundational sciences and concepts, sound decision-making, and strong technical skill development. Read more about our mission.
Let us help you take the next step toward your future.
[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm (visited November 27, 2020).
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.
