Master of Science in

Speech-
Language Pathology

With more than 40 million people in the U.S. impacted by some type of communication disorder, the demand is great for compassionate, skilled Christian professionals who are equipped to serve their needs. ACU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a nationally recognized two-year professional program with competitive admission and exceptional outcomes.

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With more than 40 million people in the U.S. impacted by some type of communication disorder, the demand is great for compassionate, skilled Christian professionals who are equipped to serve their needs. ACU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a nationally recognized two-year professional program with competitive admission and exceptional outcomes.

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Rolling Admissions

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Advanced Training in the Heart of Dallas

Pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist can significantly benefit your community’s need for certified health professionals. Aspiring speech pathologists can obtain their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at our ACU Dallas campus, a premier location in Dallas for those seeking training in a diverse, expanding community. Composed of future speech pathologists and accredited instructors committed to enhancing your career and knowledge, you can embark on your educational journey in the suburban community of Addison, TX, with our

Students in the M.S. Speech-Language Pathology Program Complete:

  • Basic FEES training for swallow evaluations
  • Training in SpeakOut! Program [at student expense]
  • International Clinical Placement [cost covered by fundraising] 

What To Expect

As a graduate student in Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at ACU Dallas, you will have the option to choose our two-year or three-year track, depending on your schedule and needs. You will take courses and participate in designated rotations around the Dallas area to further grow your communication, theoretical knowledge and practical skills to meet the requirements established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Degree Details

These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.

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Leveling

This program welcomes applicants, regardless of their undergraduate degree. However, all students who begin a program of graduate study must have completed leveling coursework at an accredited university. ACU offers this coursework in a traditional, face-to-face format at the Abilene campus. Learn more about our leveling program.

Leveling Program

Required Hours

Program length 5 semesters
Credit hours 52
2024/2025 tuition per credit hour: $1,105

 

Example Coursework

  • Motor Speech Disorders
  • Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)
  • Speech Sound Disorders
  • Diagnostic/Therapeutic Theory in SLP
  • Aphasia

College

College of Health and Behavioral Sciences

Application Deadlines

We use a rolling admissions process; applications are reviewed until the cohort is filled. Application reviews begin September 1st and end the first week of May each academic year.

Learn more about prerequisites and the admissions requirements at the button below.

Application Process

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MS-SLP FAQS

Campus Preference

ALL THE DETAILS ON YOUR DEGREE

Focused on preparing future speech-language pathologists for schools and healthcare environments, the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the ACU Dallas campus offers two distinct tracks:

Two-Year Track 

For those who wish to fast-track their degree, students can choose our Two-Year Track, with an expedited timeline of 24 months. Applicants interested in this intensive coursework and clinical training will enter the program in the fall semester and complete their training in five semesters, with 12-15 credit hours per semester., Students will also participate in five clinical rotations across the Dallas area. This is an ideal track for students who wish to complete the required coursework and clinical hours to begin their careers sooner.

Three-Year Track 

For those who need to complete their degree around their work schedule, students can choose our Three-Year Track, with a timeline of 36 months. Applicants interested in this track begin their coursework and clinical training in the fall semester and complete their training in eight semesters, consisting of 7-10 credit hours per Fall/Spring semester with 4-5 credit hours during each Summer semester. Courses will be offered on nights and weekends. Students will also participate in five clinical rotations across the Dallas area. This is an ideal track for students who want to pursue a graduate degree, but need to work more than 20 hours per week.  

Accreditation

The Master in Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology {residential and satellite location} at Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.

Student Opportunities

As a graduate student in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders:

  • Our program offers small cohort sizes, with a ratio of <10 graduate students per faculty member.
  • You will receive one-on-one mentoring from faculty mentors who are themselves experienced clinicians who view the field as a ministry, not just a job.
  • You will be immersed in a collaborative atmosphere that encourages teamwork.
  • Our state-of-the-art on-campus clinic (Abilene campus) provides a real-world environment as you learn to diagnose and treat a variety of communication disorders.
  • You will experience up to five clinical practicums with two modeling full-time employment in clinical placements across the country during your summer and final semester placements.
  • You will have the opportunity to receive specialized training to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist.
  • You will graduate from a program that demonstrates exceptional student outcomes.
  • You will be known and individually prayed for by the faculty and staff.

Career and Outcomes

As a graduate of ACU’s master’s program, you will be prepared to meet the certification requirements established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to practice as a speech language pathologist in the United States. SLPs also must be licensed to practice in the states in which they reside and work. Our program prepares you for licensure in all 50 states.   

ACU enjoys a high success rate for graduates taking the national examination for certification, and typically a 100% employment rate for graduates completing the program over the last three years. View our student outcome data and strategic plan at the buttons below.

Student Outcome Data

Campus Preference

Campus preference is chosen in the CSDCAS application process.

The degree is offered at the main campus in Abilene and at the branch campus in Addison, Texas, in the Dallas metropolitan area.

  • Abilene students attend classes in a traditional campus setting and participate in clinical placements within the Abilene area, which includes an on-campus clinic.
  • Dallas students attend classes at the Addison campus and participate in clinical experiences within the many communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.
  • Students are not required to travel between campuses.