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.

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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KEY DATES

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Application Deadline

February 9

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M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Complete this short form to learn more about our MS-SLP program. ACU’s Office of Graduate Programs will reach out shortly to discuss your interests and answer your questions.

Our faculty is dedicated to helping you meet your academic goals within a distinctly Christ-centered environment. The rigorous coursework and clinical experience will prepare you to become a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. Multilingual students may increase their marketability by participating in the Bilingual Emphasis Program within the degree. With our graduates typically experiencing a 100% employment rate within a year of graduation, you’ll find no better place to earn your master’s degree.

What To Expect

Degree Details

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

View Course Catalog

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
2023/2024: $1,105

 

Example Coursework

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

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Application Deadlines

February 9 (11:59 p.m. EST)

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

Application Process

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


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

Executive Summary


Campus Preference

Campus preference is indicated 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.

Probationary Admittance

Probationary admission to the graduate program in speech-language pathology is determined following a holistic evaluation of the applicant. The Director of the Abilene or Dallas division of the MS-SLP will inform an applicant of the probationary admission status in a letter of acceptance. Students admitted probationally must maintain a 3.0 average in the first semester – after which the probationary period ends.  If the student does not earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point average at the end of the first semester, they are suspended from the program/university per university policy.