Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)

Curriculum

*SLP 5460 moved from Trimester 4 to Trimester 5 effective Fall 2020.

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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.

*Note: Some states require an additional certification or license in order to work in a school setting. Students should be advised that the 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 program meets the requirements for state SLP certification or licensure in a school setting.

*Applications for the MS-SLP program are accepted through CSDCAS website only. Please contact an enrollment advisor for additional information.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the master’s program 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. If your science degree is in a field other than CSD or SLP, you may need to complete prerequisite courses for application.

You can apply while you are still enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree program. You must submit a plan of study with your application that indicates all remaining courses, including prerequisite coursework, that will be completed prior to program enrollment.

Transcript: A transcript of all coursework completed is required.

GPA: 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.

Prerequisites: Admissions recommends that all prerequisite coursework 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.

To apply to the program, you must complete or have completed ASHA basic courses and prerequisite leveling speech-language pathology courses. These include:

Required prerequisite ASHA basic prerequisite course requirements (minimum 3 credits each) for all applicants include:

• Biology
• Chemistry or physics
• Statistics
• Behavioral or social science

These courses are required for ASHA certification. Description of the types of courses that can be applied to the fulfillment of the ASHA basic prerequisite course requirements can be found here: https://www.asha.org/certification/course-content-areas-for-slp-standards/.

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 the transcript of the undergraduate program does not include the required prerequisite 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 the 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 program. Regardless of your undergraduate field of study, a transcript demonstrating degree awarded is required to enroll in our leveling courses.

Note: Students taking SLP courses may not register for more than nine credits/term. The recommended number of credits per term is six; however, no more than nine credits/term of SLP leveling courses are permitted.

Pending Prerequisites: USAHS allows MS-SLP candidates to submit an application with three or fewer pending prerequisites. Students must earn a minimum grade of a C (2.0) in all prerequisite courses.

Ideally, newly admitted students complete all prerequisite coursework prior to the start of the first term of enrollment at USAHS. If the MS-SLP Program Director provides advanced written approval, newly admitted students may matriculate/enroll with up to two eligible prerequisite courses (six credits from the course list below) pending completion provided they acknowledge and agree to completing these courses pursuant to the guidelines outlined here. These prerequisite courses must be completed by the student with a grade of C (2.0) or better by the conclusion of the student’s second term of the MS-SLP program or the student will not be eligible to progress further in the program.

• ASHA basic prerequisite 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.

GRE: The GRE is no longer required.

Additional Application Requirements

Resume: Include a current resume or curriculum vitae with your application.

Statement of Purpose: A writing sample of two, double-spaced pages in 12-point, Times New Roman or Arial font answering the question Why do you think you can make a difference in Speech-Language Pathology? is required.

Interview: Virtual interview (e.g., via Zoom) as needed.

Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit two letters of professional recommendation (e.g., professor, supervisor, or employer) preferably on professional letterhead.

Observation Hours: A minimum of 25 guided observation hours in a speech-language pathology setting with an ASHA certified SLP is required. Applicants can use this form to log observation hours. Volunteer opportunities and work experiences do not meet this requirement. MS-SLP applicants can move forward for interviews with zero (0) observation hours completed if the applicant presents one of the following provisions:

1. Proof they are currently enrolled in a course that has been approved by the Program Director (PD) or Assistant Program Director (APD) that will fulfill the observation hours required on or prior to the orientation date. The applicant will provide documentation of the 25 guided observation hours by the end of the course and proof of final grade received for the course no later than the orientation date; or
2. Attestation to not having completed the full 25 guided observation hours as of the date of signing the MS-SLP Pending Observation Hours Acknowledgment Form and agreement to complete and track the required observation hours needed on the log form provided by USAHS on or before the orientation date. This form requires the supervising SLP’s signature and ASHA number. Admissions will confirm the SLP is certified through ASHA.

Any prospective student applying with less than 25 guided observation hours (pursuant to #1 or #2 above) must acknowledge and agree to completing the guided observation hours to have their application moved to the next stage. USAHS will send an acknowledgment form to the prospective student for signature. Successful completion of these guided observation hours is a condition to continue in the program. The 25 guided observation hours must be completed by the prospective student on or before their orientation date to proceed in the program.

Additional Information-MS-SLP Program

• A comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen will be administered after acceptance into the program and at the applicant’s expense. A felony charge and or conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to attend clinical practicums necessary for graduation and certification or attain state licensure.
• The MS-SLP program is a hybrid program requiring both virtual (distance education) and face-to-face class participation during residencies. Online learners need access to/use of a computer/word processor and basic technical skills to succeed. These skills include the ability to create new documents, use a word processing program, navigate the Internet, use an online course management system, and download software. Attendance requirements are enforced.

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 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.

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.

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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 program for undergraduates with a non-CSD or non-SLP degree and for undergraduates with a Communication Sciences and Disorders, SLP or equivalent science 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.

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Tuition and Fees

The MS-SLP program can be completed in 5 trimesters or about 1 year and 8 months. Total program tuition and cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows. Tuition estimates are based on the assumption that a student goes straight through the program, without breaks or repeating academic work.

See below for tuition and fee estimates. All tuition and fee numbers are subject to change.

Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.

Financial Aid

Student loans may be available to assist with funding your MS in Speech Language 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.

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Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited 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.

State Approvals

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, 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 SLP master’s program.

Note on ASHA Certification

Speech-Language Pathology program graduates must hold a degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program that is 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. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences MS-SLP program is accredited by 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 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 accredited by 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.

Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for practicum experiences.  Additionally, current and 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.

Mission:  The mission of the program at USAHS is to graduate clinicians who can identify and manage a full range of communication conditions across the life span. Through the development of critical thinking, cultural competency, ethical standards, and compassionate patient care principles, the graduates will be poised to promote the quality of life for the clients whom they serve. They will be prepared to guide, lead, and influence their profession. https://www.usa.edu/college-of-rehabilitative-sciences/master-science-speech-language-pathology-ms-slp/

Program learning outcomes for the program include:

• 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.

Strategic Goals:

• Map, integrate, implement, and assess IPE across the curriculum
• Enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in student body and throughout the curriculum
• Diversify, improve, and increase course delivery methods for optimal student learning and engagement
• Enhance ways to increase cultural responsiveness training (e.g. study abroad options)
• Enrich clinical education training through extending specialized training opportunities
• Create new admissions criteria to address access issues and diversify student population
• Promote scholarship and student engagement in research

Strategic Indicators of Success:

• Exit surveys
• Survey data from students, alumni, employers, and clinical educators
• Student outcome data
• Analysis of the strategic plan by faculty
• Curriculum review
• Academic and Clinical Faculty Summits
• Feasibility studies
• Focus groups

MS-SLP Student Outcomes Data

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) requires that student outcome data are made available for the three most recently completed academic years. Data available to date since program initiation are provided below. This page will be updated as required as data for the most recent completed academic year become available.

On-time Program Completion Rates

Austin, TX

Dallas, TX

Praxis Pass Rates

Austin, TX

Dallas, TX

Note: The Praxis examination reporting period is the testing year or examination cycle, not the year of graduation for the test-takers. The data for each reporting period may include test-takers who graduated from the program within the prior 3 years.

Employment Rates of Graduates

Austin, TX

Dallas, TX

Note: The employment rate reporting period is not the year of graduation. The data for each reporting period should represent the individuals who graduated from the program one year prior.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Click the program below to view the program data:

Austin, TX
Dallas, TX

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Admission Requirements

Q: What if I completed my prerequisites more than 5 years ago?

A: We recommend that prerequisites for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) be completed no more than 5 years prior to enrollment—but contact an enrollment advisor to discuss your situation.

Q: What if my GPA for my prerequisite courses is under 3.0?

A: Contact an enrollment advisor to discuss the admission requirements. Our Enrollment team will advise you about courses you can complete—or possibly retake—to increase your prerequisite GPA.

Q: Is the GRE required for admissions to the program?

A: Yes, the GRE is required for admissions to the MSSLP program. However, the GRE requirement has been waived for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 admissions.

Q: How important is the GRE score?

A: USAHS focuses primarily on the score for analytical writing. We’re looking for a 3.0 or above. *Please note that the GRE requirement has been waived for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 admissions.

Q: Do all applicants receive an admission interview?

A: Applicants who meet our admission requirements receive an interview as part of the admissions process.

CSDCAS Application

Q: If I’m missing observation hours, how do I complete them for the application?

A: You can complete your observation hours by taking a leveling course with USAHS. Reach out to an enrollment advisor to discuss options.

Q: Do I need to send transcripts to the university and CSDCAS?

A: No; please submit your transcripts directly to CSDCAS with your application.

Q: Do I need to submit my GRE scores to both USAHS and CSDCAS?

A: Yes. Please have the GRE score report from ETS sent directly to USAHS, using the institutional code of 2300. You will also report your scores on the Standardized Tests section of the CSDCAS application. *Please note that the GRE requirement has been waived for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 admissions. So GRE score reports will not be required if you are applying for those start dates.

Q: What should I write about in my personal essay?

A: When you fill out the CSDCAS application, you will receive the essay prompt, “Why do you think you can make a difference in speech-language pathology?” Your response should be approximately two pages, double-spaced.

Q: Can I submit the application with missing requirements?

A: Yes—you can submit your application with as many as three pending items. Reach out to an enrollment advisor to discuss the pending items and develop a plan to complete them.

Q: Can I apply for admission to both the Austin and Dallas, Texas, campuses?

A: No—you can apply to only one campus. Please speak with an enrollment advisor for help in designating your campus preference.

Q: What tools are available to help me succeed in an online program?

A: The Student Readiness Orientation includes information about how to use Blackboard, how to create videos for assignments, study skills tips, library tips, and more. Beyond the orientation, USAHS offers several resources to help our students succeed in their online studies, including a writing center, an extensive virtual library, and tutoring services. During the admissions and enrollment process, you can seek guidance from your enrollment advisor; once you begin classes, please reach out to your student success advisor or faculty advisor.

Q: What are the differences between the Austin and Dallas campuses?

A: For starters, the Austin campus is larger, while the Dallas campus is newer. But take our virtual tours of the Austin and Dallas campuses to see the differences for yourself!

Q: How many students are admitted per cohort?

A: On average, each cohort is between 40 and 45 students. You will enter with a cohort and progress through the program together, collaborating and bonding.

Q: How competitive is it to get into USAHS’ master’s program in speech-language pathology?

A: The MS-SLP program is competitive, as is the field of speech-language pathology in general. You can meet with an enrollment advisor to discuss any specific questions.

Q: Is it easier to gain admissions for the Fall or Spring term?

A: The SLP field is competitive by nature, regardless of the term start date.