Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.
Dee Ann Shelton, Ed.D. CCC/SLP
Graduate Program Director
The Master’s of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Hardin-Simmons University is a Candidate for Accreditation 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. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.
Mission
The mission of the Hardin-Simmons University Speech-Language Pathology program is to equip highly competent speech-language pathologists who are enlightened by Christian faith and values and demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to work in the diverse communities of the world.
Graduate Program
The Speech-Language Pathology Program is a part of the College of Health Professions and offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) degree. The curriculum is a full-time two-year (five semesters) 57 credit hours (41 hours of course work and 16 hours of clinical practicum) non-thesis program designed for students with and undergraduate background in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students without this background may apply but will be expected to complete leveling courses before starting the program.
The SLP graduate program offers students a distinctive academic and clinical experience in the field of speech-language pathology. Students are required to be enrolled in clinical practicum each semester to achieve a total of 400 clinical clock hours. Students within the College of Health Professions (COHP) participate in interprofessional activities throughout the year. These experiences will provide graduates with the skills and competencies leading to a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Admission Criteria (CSDCAS)
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or a bachelor’s degree in an area other than CSD and at least 24 credit hours of leveling coursework
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Three letters of recommendation written by individuals who can address your readiness to complete our graduate program, preferably from previous academic faculty and/or ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists.
- Personal statement reflecting who you are and how you will contribute to our program and professional field
- GRE scores are not required this admissions cycle. However, if you have taken the GRE and you feel it represents your academic abilities, you are encouraged to include it in the application.
- TOFEL/ELTS scores (for international students)
A student whose native language is not English must provide an official TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based exam, a 213 on the computer-based exam or a 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. HSU school code: TOEFL - 6268
Prerequisite Coursework:
Students entering this graduate program who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders must successfully complete the following leveling courses or their equivalents before they can enter the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program.
| Course |
Course Number |
Credit Hour |
| Normal Speech-Language/Learning/Hearing |
CSD 2352 |
3 |
| Audiology |
CSD 2353 |
3 |
| Clinical Phonetics |
CSD 3351 |
3 |
| Aural Rehabilitation |
CSD 3353 |
3 |
| Articulation and Phonological Processes |
CSD 3354 |
3 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, and Neuro |
CSD 3356 |
3 |
| Language Disorders |
CSD 4352 |
3 |
| Introduction to Speech Acoustics |
PHYS |
4 |
In addition to the above prerequisites, the Council for Clinical Certification requires that all students have transcript credit for statistics, biology, physical science (physics or chemistry), and social science. Students may complete their leveling courses in the post-baccalaureate program at Hardin-Simmons or any accredited program that offers equivalent courses. The program director may determine equivalency of leveling courses. Hardin Simmons University has a post-baccalaureate program for students needing to complete their leveling work.
Curriculum
Courses
| SLP 6308 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SLP 6310 | Pediatric Language Disorders Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| SLP 6315 | Aphasia and Related Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6212 | Clinical Assessment Principles and Procedures | 2 |
| SLP 6301 | Clinical Practicum 1 | 3 |
| SLP 6325 | Phonological Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6332 | Dysphagia and Related Disorders (Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing) | 3 |
| SLP 6228 | Evidenced-Based Practices | 2 |
| SLP 6302 | Clinical Practicum 2 | 3 |
| SLP 6362 | Language Disorders in School-Age Children | 3 |
| SLP 6241 | Multi-Cultural Aspects of Communication Disorders | 2 |
| SLP 6220 | Counseling and Interviewing in Communication Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6403 | Clinical Practicum 3 | 4 |
| SLP 6354 | Motor Speech Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6338 | Voice, Resonance, and Fluency Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| SLP 6368 | Graduate SLP Seminar | 3 |
| SLP 6304 | Clinical Practicum 4 | 3 |
| SLP 6358 | Special Populations and Augmentative & Assistive Communication (AAC) | 3 |
| SLP 6384 | Special Topics Seminar in Speech Pathology | 3 |
| SLP 6305 | Clinical Practicum 5 | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 57
Total Credit Hours: 57