Master in Speech Language Pathology (MSLP)

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 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 fully accredited and founded on a Biblical perspective and Christian worldview.

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 as calculated by CSDCAS
• Three letters of recommendation (at least 1 must be from academic faculty)
• 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

• Full-time option: Orientation, 1 week on-ground immersion session, and clinical education all 5 semesters
• Part-time option: 2 internships, one with adults and one with pediatrics, with a required 1 week on-ground immersion session during the second summer semester

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

Online Leveling Courses

• SLP 2310 Language Development
• SLP 3310 Phonetics
• SLP 3320 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
• SLP 3370 Introduction to Audiology
• SLP 4310 Language Disorders Across the Lifespan
• SLP 4320 Speech Sound Development and Disorders
• SLP 4340 Speech and Hearing Science

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, residential education, 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, through excellence in instruction, research, and clinical practice, to be 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 for On-ground and Online Programs

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.