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Become an expert in the science of communication.
A masters in speech-language pathology paves a path for you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with communication and speech disorders, while also enjoying professional flexibility and job satisfaction. Whether you choose to become a speech-language pathologist, researcher, advocate, or private practice owner, the journey begins with honing and sharpening your knowledge and leadership skills.
Pursue your passion for helping others communicate more clearly and fluently with a master’s in speech-language pathology from Hardin-Simmons University. Our intensive 5-semester, non-thesis Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program balances theory and experiential learning to prepare you to become a skilled and considerate health care provider or researcher.
Speech-language pathology is a fast-growing field that involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. As a speech-language pathologist, you will help patients with developing language, fluency (stuttering), articulation (difficulty with sounds), apraxia, feeding and swallowing, as well as pragmatic communication (social communication), cognitive communication (attention, memory, organization), aphasia (language difficulty, typically after a stroke), voice, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
As one of the newest speech-language pathology master’s programs in the region, we are extremely dedicated to providing a student-centered educational experience that will help you find your ideal career serving your patients and community.
Hands-On Learning in the Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology Program
When you graduate with a speech-language pathology master’s degree from HSU, you’ll have 400 hours of real-world experience working in a clinical setting. Our students are in high demand around Abilene and Texas for a wide variety of service-learning opportunities, and you’ll get chances every semester to help individuals in the community in educational settings, rehab facilities, and early childhood centers with speech language evaluations and intervention.
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.
What You’ll Learn
Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology Requirements
Admission Requirements:
The suggested minimal admission requirements for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology are as follows:
- 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
Required prerequisite basic and physical science course requirements (minimum 3 credits each) for all applicants include:
- Biological Sciences
- Physics or Chemistry
- Statistics
- Social/Behavior Sciences
- For a list of accepted courses, please view the ASHA prerequisite courses.
Submit an application through CSDCAS.
Why Earn Your Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Hardin-Simmons?
Why Earn Your Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Hardin-Simmons?
A Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Guided by Faith
We take great pride in being one of the only speech-language pathology master’s programs guided by Christian faith and virtues. It’s our mission to help you become a knowledgeable, caring, and skilled speech-language pathologist who demonstrates integrity, leadership, and excellence every day.
Learn about the SLP ClinicCommunity and Networking Opportunities
As you earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at HSU, you’ll be surrounded by students and faculty who share your commitment to learning and serving the community. You’ll also have many opportunities to make lasting personal and professional connections thanks to our many student associations and events throughout the year.
Experienced Faculty Mentors
Work in small classes with sincere and dedicated faculty members who help you both during your studies and well beyond graduation day, assisting you in your pursuit of rewarding careers in your field. Our faculty are one of the top reasons why we’re among the most respected speech-language pathology master’s programs in the region.
Get More InfoOutcomes
Graduating with a degree from HSU, one of the leading speech-language pathology master’s programs in Texas, will help you further your career and increase your earning potential.
Speech-language pathologists work in a wide range of professional settings, including schools, hospitals, out/in patient clinics, and private practice. A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required for speech-language pathologist jobs.
While helping others is a reward in itself, you’ll also benefit from exceptional job security. The Bureau of Labor statistics predicts that jobs for speech-language pathologists will grow by 29% over the next decade, about three times as much as other occupational fields.
Salary for Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Graduates
According the BLS, the average salary for speech-language pathologists is $80,000.
Program Details
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Student Outcome Data
On-Time Program Completion Rate Period # Completed within Expected Time Frame % Completed within Expected Time Frame 2024-2025 2023-2024 7 87 2022-2023 9 90 Praxis Examination Pass Rates of Test-takers Period # Taking the Exam # Passed Exam % Passed Exam Rate 2024-2025 2023-2024 6 5 83 2022-2023 8 8 100 -
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I begin the graduate program any semester (e.g. fall, spring, summer)?
Yes. The SLP Graduate program has fall and spring admissions.
What courses will I take at HSU in order to complete my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology?
You may view the curriculum on the website under the Curriculum tab.
Are part-time students accepted?
No. The M.S. program at Hardin-Simmons is a full-time program only. The SLP program is a 2-year (5 semester) commitment.
If my bachelor’s degree is in Communication Sciences and Disorders, do I need any other prerequisites?
There are four prerequisite courses that are required of everyone by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for certification and are considered to be essential background for entering the graduate program. These prerequisite courses are not a requirement in order to apply. However, students will need to complete these courses prior to enrolling in the Master in Speech-Language Pathology program at HSU.
- Biological Sciences (one 4-hour credit course – lecture and lab)
- Physics or Chemistry (one 4-hour credit course – lecture and lab)
- Statistics (one 3-hour credit course)
- Social/Behavior Sciences (one 3-hour credit course)
For a list of accepted courses, please view the ASHA prerequisite courses.
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Faculty
Dr. Dee Ann Shelton
Director of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program
Assistant ProfessorChristine Sanchez
Assistant Director of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program
InstructorDee Kirby
Clinic Director
Assistant ProfessorDr. Jon Ashby
Adjunct Professor -
Leveling Information
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) will need to complete at least 24 hours of leveling. These courses can be completed at HSU. The leveling program at HSU begins each fall through the undergraduate CSD program. Following the fall semester of leveling, students may apply to the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Central Application System (http://www.csdcas.org). HSU reserves up to three seats in the SLP program for leveling students who earn at least a 3.25 GPA in the program and meets the other admission requirements, including scoring well on the GRE and an acceptable interview. Leveling students at HSU may be provisionally admitted to the graduate program while awaiting completion of the spring semester.
Leveling courses required:
- Audiology
- Hearing Rehabilitation
- Phonetics
- Language Disorders
- Normal Language Development
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurology of Speech and Language
- Articulation and Phonological Disorders
- Speech and Hearing Science/Speech Acoustics
HSU Course Schedule of Leveling
REQUIRED COURSE CREDIT HOURS Fall Semester (12 hours) Audiology (offered in odd years – Fall) 3 Clinical Phonetics 3 Language Disorders 3 Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurology of Speech and Language 3 Spring Semester (13 hours) Normal Language, Speech and Hearing 3 Aural Rehabilitation (offered in even years – Spring) 3 Articulation and Phonological Disorders 3 Speech Acoustics (offered in odd years) 4 -
Student Handbook & Placement Request Forms
Student Placement Request Form – Download the form, complete it, and email it to dlyla.kirby@zb-fc.com.
Summer Placement Request Form – Download the form, complete it, and email it to dlyla.kirby@zb-fc.com.
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Students with Disabilities
Hardin-Simmons University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information in its programs and activities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, its amendments in 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no qualified person will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the University because of a disability.
HSU recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has:
- a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity,
- a record or history of such an impairment, or
- is regarded as having such an impairment.
Contact Disability Services Office
disabilityservices@zb-fc.com
325-670-5842
http://4hxt.zb-fc.com/academics/academic-resources/disability-services/ -
Student Complaints
Students may file a complaint with the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) by writing to:
The Council on Academic Accreditation in
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850For more information regarding the CAA’s complaint procedures as well as a link to the complaint form, students may visit their website: CAA