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

Two-Year Track (Abilene or Dallas)

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 your choice of Abilene or Dallas. 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 (Dallas Only)

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.

Abilene Professional Development

Hospital Orientation Program (HOP)

HOP is a five-week program for all first-year graduate students in the Abilene cohort. Students are divided into small learning teams of 8-10, with instruction and mentoring provided by a local acute-care SLP specialist. During the program, you’ll become familiar with the terminology, tasks and expectations of hospital practice before placement in a hospital externship. Hands-on learning activities include work in a hospital simulation lab to practice skills such as reading vital signs, positioning patients for treatment and managing hospital equipment. Experience significantly increased confidence in your ability to successfully work with patients in hospitals after participating in the program.

Bilingual Emphasis Program

The Bilingual Emphasis Program (BEP) provides targeted training and clinical experiences for multilingual students who are accepted to the MS-SLP program, and who desire to participate. An intermediate level of proficiency in a language other than English is required for participation; eligibility can be established through conversation with the program director prior to acceptance. Students participate in specialized coursework and projects regarding assessment/treatment in their other treatment language, and engage in clinical practice with bilingual supervisors in that language also (as available).

The BEP is only available at the Abilene campus at this time. Click the button below for program details.

Bilingual Program Details

Professional Development – Dallas

Medical Simulation Lab

The medical simulation lab, located in Wildcat Cove, immerses the Dallas cohort in experiential learning opportunities that foster a solid foundation of medical knowledge before entering into clinical placements. Throughout your training, students are immersed in a mock hospital room setting. In the second semester, you’ll utilize a patient mannequin during a dysphasia lab todemonstrate basic patient care skills and practice evaluation processes, such as the clinical bedside swallowing evaluation. During your second year, advance to practicing tracheostomy and ventilator care via speaking valve placement and suctioning skills.

Student-Led Research

Our graduate students thrive with the opportunity to conduct and develop an original research project alongside faculty mentors. Research projects are completed by individuals or teams and then presented at state and national conferences upon completion. Previous student research presentations include: Qualitative Interviews of Autistic Women in the Workplace; A Survey of Vocal Fatigue in Bilingual Speakers; Parent Knowledge of Pre-Feeding Skills; Pragmatic Abilities in Incarcerated Youth; and District Policies Determining Eligibility for SLP Services in Schools.