Program Overview

Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology in AL – Faulkner University

Program Overview

The Master of Science and Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology on-ground and online programs at Faulkner University are designed for students seeking national certification with the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and state licensure to practice as a speech language pathologist. The programs are founded on the belief that there is no limit to what God can accomplish when men and women listen to His calling and allow Him to work through them.

Admission Requirements

• CSDCAS Application
• Letter of Introduction
• Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Academic transcript indicating an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Evidence of successful completion of academic coursework in statistics, biological science, physical science, and social/behavioral science
• Completion of a CSD/SLP undergraduate degree or completion of leveling program/coursework from an accredited institution
• Cumulative Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and SLP GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completed 25 guided Observation Hours signed by an ASHA Certified SLP
• Completion of the Supplemental Information, Attestations, and Essential Functions Form
• Interview as determined by admissions committee

Program Structure

The MA/MS SLP program is five semesters of academic coursework, clinical practice, and internships. Students enter each August as a cohort and progress through the program together.

On-Ground Program Structure

• Semesters 1, 2, and 3: Clinical practicum on campus in Faulkner's Center for Therapy and Research
• Semesters 4 and 5: Internships in adult and pediatric settings

Online Program Structure

• Semester 1: Clinical experience through Simucase hours under direct supervision of Faulkner faculty
• Semesters 2 and 3: Clinical experience in external sites
• Semesters 4 and 5: Internships in adult and pediatric settings

Course Descriptions

• SLP 6101 Praxis Preparation
• SLP 6120 Professional and Contemporary Issues
• SLP 6205 Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• SLP 6215 Autism and Social Communication
• SLP 6270 Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation
• SLP 6280 Research Methods
• SLP 6310 Advanced Child Language Disorders
• SLP 6320 Advanced Speech Sound Disorders
• SLP 6330 Voice and Resonance Disorders
• SLP 6340 Fluency Disorders
• SLP 6351 Neurogenic Disorders I
• SLP 6352 Neurogenic Disorders II
• SLP 6360 Dysphagia-Adult
• SLP 6365 Dysphagia-Pediatric
• SLP 6381 Research Experiences in Speech Language Pathology I
• SLP 6382 Research Experiences in Speech Language Pathology II
• SLP 6391 Clinical Methods and Practicum I
• SLP 6392 Clinical Methods and Practicum II
• SLP 6393 Clinical Methods and Practicum III
• SLP 6991 Internship-Pediatric
• SLP 6992 Internship-Adult

Specialized Training

• Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
• Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LOUD (LSVT LOUD)

Accreditation

The Master of Arts/Master of Science (MA/MS) education program in speech-language pathology at Faulkner University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Mission, Vision, and Goals Statement

• Department Mission: Prepare students to become leading speech-language pathologists who glorify God by serving others.
• Department Vision: Earn the reputation of a leading contributor to the field of speech language pathology by graduating outstanding speech-language pathologists, developing distinguished faculty members, generating relevant research, and serving the local community with excellent therapy services.
• Program Goals:
  • Prepare students to become "generalist" clinicians with the knowledge and skills to competently manage diverse caseloads.
  • Teach students to become "scientist" clinicians who apply the principles of EBP to every patient.
  • Train students to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to serve individuals with disabilities.
  • Maintain student outcome data for timely graduation, Praxis exam passing score rate, and employment within 1 year of graduation at 85% or above.

MA/MS Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of typical and disordered human communication and swallowing processes.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills regarding the prevention, assessment, and treatment of people with communication and swallowing disorders.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in research methods, statistics, and the integration of research principles into evidence-based practice.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in professional ethical conduct, contemporary issues, regulations/policies, and collaboration.
5. Students will use their knowledge and skills to reach out to the local and global community to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Strategic Plan Focus Area

1. Student Success: Graduate students successfully complete their program on time, pass the Praxis exam, and gain employment or pursue post-graduate education.
2. Professional Development: Faculty members regularly attend workshops, conferences, and ASHA Convention to improve their scholarly and teaching skills.
3. Research: Faculty members regularly engage in scholarly activities by conducting research studies, speaking at conferences, writing/editing textbooks, serving as peer reviewers for scholarly journals, etc.
4. Clinical Service: SLP students and faculty members provide quality therapy services to Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research patients and through volunteer efforts to the community.