Academics
MSSLP FAQs
Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences Disorders to apply?
No, but if your degree is in another area, you must complete leveling courses prior to enrollment.
When will the ACU CSDCAS application open for the next cohort?
The 2023 CSDCAS application opened July 14, 2022.
When is the ACU CSDCAS application deadline? Does that deadline include CSDCAS verification?
Applications must be in “complete” status by the February 1 deadline. The deadline does not include CSDCAS verification.
The MSSLP Department will begin reviewing applications for admission consideration as soon as they are verified in CSDCAS, therefore students are encouraged to complete the application process as early as possible.
If students apply in the fall, they will need to provide an academic update once fall grades are posted.
How can I check the status of my application?
Logging into the CSDCAS portal is the best way to check your application status.
Do I need to submit documents or pay a fee to ACU in addition to CSDCAS?
Upon submitting your CSDCAS application, you’ll find instructions for paying the $65 ACU application fee. All other documents are reviewed through CSDCAS.
How do I submit my application materials?
You can upload application materials, request recommendation letters and track your progress within the CSDCAS portal. No application materials need to be sent to ACU. If you need technical assistance with your application portal, please contact CSDCAS Customer Service at 617-612-2030 or csdcasinfo@csdcas.org.
How do I specify which campus I’d like to attend, or can I apply for both campuses?
In the CSDCAS application, you will be asked if you prefer the Abilene campus or the Dallas (Addison, TX) campus. You can also indicate that you would like to be considered for either campus.
How many students apply each fall and how many are accepted?
ACU reviews approximately 175-200 applications each year. Between 48 – 50 students are accepted (24 to 25 in Abilene and 24 to 25 in Dallas).
What is the average GPA and GRE score of an admitted student?
The average GPA is between 3.5 – 3.8. The average GRE score is between 295 – 300.
If I retake a course, is the original grade still included in the GPA calculation?
Yes.
Is the required interview in person or virtual?
Applicants selected to participate in an interview do so through virtual means. However, an in-person interview can be arranged if preferred.
Is it possible to transfer credits from another MS program?
It is possible to transfer up to 6 hours of graduate credit with graduate faculty approval.
If I am waitlisted, when will I be notified if I am accepted?
Waitlisted applicants are notified as soon as there is an opening in the cohort. This could occur as late as August in some cases.
How do I begin the application process?
Click here to create a CSDCAS account. You can then select Abilene Christian University from the list of schools you’d like to apply to.
If I'm an international student, can I apply to either campus location?
No, international students can apply to the Abilene campus only and will not be considered for admission to the Dallas campus.
Program
MSSLP FAQs
Is the program accredited?
Yes. 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.
What is the length of the program? How many entry terms are offered?
The length of the program is 22 months (or 5 terms). Please click here to see the degree plan. New students begin in August and complete 52 credit hours.
Do you offer a part time option?
There are no part time options.
What is the total cost of the program?
For cost information, please visit the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology website and review the “Degree Details” section.
Are scholarships or graduate assistantships offered?
Yes, scholarships and graduate assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis (no scholarship or GA application is needed).
Is it possible to work while completing the program?
Yes. Courses and clinical placements are offered at different times each semester, so students should seek employment that provides flexibility.
Are students required to drive between campuses?
No. Students only attend classes at the campus they were admitted to. Each campus has its own dedicated faculty and staff.
Does ACU offer a program for bilingual students?
If I begin the ACU MSSLP at one campus location, can I transfer to the other campus?
No. Students complete the degree at the campus where admitted.
How many clinical placements will I complete?
Students will complete five different clinical placements in various settings.
Does ACU have an onsite clinic?
The Duncum Center for Speech, Language, and Learning is located across the street from the main campus Abilene.
What is your Praxis Pass rate?
Please click here to view student outcome data.
Can I meet with the Program Director or attend an open house?
Absolutely! Please click here to learn more about upcoming Open Houses or to schedule a campus visit.
What is Abilene like?
Please click here to learn more about Abilene, TX!
What is Addison like?
Please click here to learn more about Addison, TX!
MSSLP Leveling Program
MSSLP FAQs
Do I apply for the Leveling program through CSDCAS?
You can apply directly to ACU for the leveling program. Please click here to begin the application process.
If you complete the Leveling program at ACU and also want to be considered for the ACU MSSLP program, you will need to apply through CSDCAS (all MSSLP applicants must apply through CSDCAS, even if you complete Leveling through ACU).
Which courses are required for the leveling program?
Please click here to see the required leveling coursework.
If I’m currently enrolled in a leveling program, how do I know if my courses will be accepted?
Students leveling through other universities are welcome to email Dr. Denise Barnett at barnettd@acu.edu with questions regarding coursework equivalency.
If admitted, do all of my leveling courses need to be completed before I begin the ACU MSSLP program? Or can I complete some leveling courses while enrolled in the MSLP?
Students should complete all leveling coursework prior to beginning the ACU MSSLP program.
Is the GRE required for the Leveling application?
No, the GRE is not required for the Leveling application. However, if you would like to be considered for the ACU MSSLP program after Leveling, GRE scores must be submitted with your CSDCAS application.
MSSLP FAQs