Program Overview

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Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, B.S. to M.S. Accelerated Program

The Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences B.S. to M.S. Accelerated Program allows students to graduate with their B.S. and M.S. in speech-language pathology in five years compared to the standard track, which is six years. Students will have a direct entry to the SLHS graduate program if all the academic requirements are successfully completed in the undergraduate program.

Overview

• The five-year curriculum includes two summers.
• Students admitted as freshmen receive a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (B.S.) after successfully completing the first eight semesters of coursework, and the Master of Science (M.S.) degree after completing the additional four post-baccalaureate semesters.
• Students who have already earned an undergraduate degree may enter as a post-baccalaureate for two years of graduate coursework including two summers.

Admission Requirements

Freshman Applicants

• High school diploma or acceptable score on the General Educational Development test (GED)
• Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale
• Saint Louis University has moved to a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs.

Transfer Applicants

• Students must have earned a cumulative 3.2 GPA for all prior coursework.
• Per university policy, courses with grades of C or above may be eligible for transfer credit.
• All prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last five years.
• In-progress coursework must be completed by the semester of entry.
• Provide a personal statement that answers: Why do you want to be a speech-language pathologist?

International Applicants

• All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency.
  • Proof of financial support must include a letter of financial support and a letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

• SLU undergraduate students in speech, language and hearing sciences are encouraged to participate in research activities.
• A significant strength of SLU's M.S. in speech, language and hearing sciences is the variety of clinical practicum experiences available to graduate students.
• Research opportunities include independent studies or a six-credit research thesis.

Careers

• Speech-language pathologists typically need a masters degree to practice.
• Most speech-language pathologists work in schools or health care facilities.
• An undergraduate degree in speech, language and hearing sciences can also act as preparation for other professional degrees.

Accreditation

• For more information about the SLU speech, language and hearing sciences program's student outcomes data, CAA complaint policy, and accreditation information, please see the student outcome data and accreditation information.

B.S. Accelerated Track Requirements

• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and grade of B or better in all required SLHS coursework.
• Minimum credit hours for graduation with B.S. is 120 total credits.

M.S. Accelerated Track Requirements

• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and grade of C or better in all graduate courses.
• Students are required to adhere to the standards in the SLHS Student Clinical Handbook and must obtain at least 325 required clinical clock hours set by ASHA standards.

Continuation Standards

• If a student fails to meet the above requirements while in the B.S. program, they will not be able to continue in the SLHS direct admit track.

Roadmaps

• Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses and milestones designated as critical must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Program Notes

• With approval, students may take SLHS 4050 and SLHS 4060 in place of SLHS 4800.
• SLHS courses listed meet SLU Core and major requirements.