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.
Admission Requirements
- CSDCAS 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 great fit for your personal and professional goals.
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions- submitted through CSDCAS
- Academic transcript indicating an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution - submitted through CSDCAS
- Evidence of successful completion of academic coursework in the following areas:
- Statistics
- Biological science
- Physical science (physics or chemistry)
- Social/behavioral science
- Completion of a CSD/SLP undergraduate degree or completion of leveling program/coursework from an accredited institution that includes instruction in:
- Normal language development
- Phonetics
- Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
- Speech science
- Phonological and articulation disorders
- Language disorders
- Audiology
**All SLP pre-requisite 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 be from an accredited institution.
International Students
In addition to the above admission requirements, the MA/MS SLP program requires the following items from international students:
- TOEFL 100 iBT score or IELTS 7.5 overall score for applicants whose native language is not English
- Affidavit of Support for each individual source of funding
- Bank Statements that support each source of funding
- Copy of Valid Passport
For additional information, contact CHSAdmissions@faulkner.edu
Leveling courses required for students with a major other than CSD or SLP
- normal language development
- phonetics
- anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
- speech science
- phonological and articulation disorders
- language disorders
- audiology
- statistics
- a biological science
- a physical science (physics or chemistry)
- a social/behavioral science
Faulkner began offering leveling courses in Fall 2023. Each course is offered in a 8-week fully online format, but it is only offered once per year. For leveling courses, you can apply HERE.
Essential Functions Document
All applicants are required to sign and submit the Essential Functions document as a part of the application packet. Access the Essential Functions document here.
Steps to Apply
- Complete Faulkner Online Application
- Complete CSDCAS application
- Send official copies of transcripts from each university attended to CSDCAS
- Submit your personal Letter of Introduction and Essential Functions through CSDCAS
- Three letters of recommendation (at least 1 must be from academic faculty) - submitted through CSDCAS. *Program may waive the requirement for academic faculty recommendation for online.
- Qualified applicants will undergo an interview via teleconference.
For more information, please contact:
Graduate Enrollment
Faulkner University
Graduate Admissions
5345 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109-3398
334-386-7343
CHSAdmissions@faulkner.edu
Financial Aid
Faulkner’s Financial Aid Office is happy to assist you with financing your education.
Seat Deposit
Upon admission to the on-ground/online Master’s SLP program, students will be required to pay a $500 deposit to secure their seat in the cohort for that year. This deposit is non-refundable. The seat deposit is due no later than April 15th, unless the student is admitted after this date.
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.
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