Department of Speech Language Pathology

Department Mission

The mission of Faulkner University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology is to prepare students, through excellence in instruction, research, and clinical practice, to be leading speech- language pathologists who glorify God by serving others.

Department Vision

The Faulkner University Department of Speech-Language Pathology will 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

Graduate Offerings

The Master of Arts and Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students for clinical and supervisory positions as speech language pathologists (SLPs) in healthcare and education. Through skillful leadership and individualized instruction, graduate students develop competency as speech-language pathologists and are prepared to:

Assess and treat individuals with a wide range of communication disorders and feeding and swallowing disorders.
Counsel families, educators and other professionals on how to interact effectively with children and adults who use sign language, hearing aids, augmentative communication systems or similar supportive technology, alternate means of feeding/nutrition, and tracheostomies.
Work collaboratively with school and medical interdisciplinary teams.

The graduate program offers 2 tracks, the Master of Arts (online and on-ground) and the Master of Science (only on-ground). The academic and clinical requirements are identical for both tracks. The MA program will culminate with an evidence-based practice portfolio in which the student delves into the existing literature and learns to apply it in clinical cases, and comprehensive exam. The MS will culminate with a thesis in which the student conducts a publishable research study and is required to present it at a reputable conference, per thesis chair discretion. Candidates who are interested in pursuing the thesis option must meet with a potential thesis advisor to determine whether the thesis is a viable option for the student. Candidates who complete the thesis option will also be required to submit the final thesis for presentation at a conference at the discretion of the Thesis Supervisor. Graduates of both tracks must pass the national Praxis Examination in order to become licensed, certified SLPs. However, this exam is not a requirement for graduation.

Program Goals

In order to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision, the SLP program has set the following 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 serve others by using the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Maintain student outcome data for timely graduation, Praxis passing score rate, and employment within 1 year of graduation at 85% or above.

Admission Requirements

Graduate application: All Speech Language Pathology prospective students must apply through CSDCAS and complete the supplementary Faulkner University application.
Letter of introduction: submitted through CSDCAS; the letter should answer the following prompt: In 1-2 pages, explain what inspired you to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. Share any relevant academic and clinical experiences that have prepared you for this field and describe why you think our program is a a great fit for your personal and professional goals.
Academic transcript indicating an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution - submitted through CSDCAS
Evidence of successful completion of academic coursework in:
- Biological science
- Physical science (physics or chemistry)
- Social/behavioral science
- Statistics
A CSD/SLP undergraduate degree or academic coursework/leveling coursework in:
- Normal language development
- Phonetics
- Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
- Speech science
- Phonological and articulation disorders
- Language disorders
- Audiology
All SLP prerequisite courses and statistics must be taken within 10 years of the admission cycle year unless the applicant has been working in the field of SLP. All courses must also be from an accredited institution.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher as calculated by CSDCAS
SLP GPA of 3.0 or higher as calculated by CSDCAS
Three letters of recommendation (1 of which must stem from an academic source at the
undergraduate level; exceptions will be made in extreme extenuating circumstances)
Signed Essential Functions document
Qualified applicants will undergo an interview, which will be conducted via teleconference (i.e., Zoom, Teams). Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials. Submission of all required application material does not guarantee an interview.
Submission of evidence of completion of 25 guided observation hours under an ASHA certified SLP who can supervise
No transfer credit hours are allowed

Additional Requirements

The holistic evaluation process includes a review of both academic and nonacademic factors. No one factor guarantees admission into the program. These include leadership activities, community service, advanced education, and patient care experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time observing speech pathologists in various practice settings in order to gain an understanding of the profession. Both observation hours and employment in a clinical facility will be considered.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all courses with a “B” or higher and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
Minimum of 375 clinical clock hours (plus 25 guided observation hours under an ASHA certified SLP who has the ability to supervise)
All coursework must be completed at Faulkner; no transfer credit is allowed.
Passing grade on Thesis (MS track) or EBP Portfolio (MA track)
Passing score on Comprehensive Exam (MA track only)
Passing grade on SLO 5 Portfolio
Meet ASHA’s Standards I-V for CCC-SLP per the Standards for CCC-SLP Tracking Form