5
Program Semesters - Full Time ON-GROUND AND ONLINE
66
Total Credits
400+
Supervised Clinical Clock Hours
Master in Speech Language Pathology (MSLP)
The Master of Science and Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology on-ground, which began in the Fall of 2018, along with the Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology online, which began in the Fall of 2022, are fully accredited. These programs 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.
Faulkner University is a Christian university. As such, we approach speech language pathology from a Biblical perspective and Christian worldview. The on-ground and online MA program, as well as the on-ground MS SLP program, 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. Scripture tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). Our goal is to train young men and women as SLPs who are competent in their practice and clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and then send these graduates into a broken and hurting world to serve the sick and disabled. We welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds who desire to become competent and compassionate speech language pathologists with a humanitarian heart for serving others.
| MA/MS SLP Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Semesters to Completion | 5 (full-time on-ground and online) 8 (part-time online only) |
| Total Credits | 66 |
| • Academic Credits | 31 |
| • Clinical Credits | 27 |
| • Research Credits | 8 |
| Supervised Clinical Clock Hours | 400+ |
| Number of Students Admitted | 30 (on-ground) 50 (online) |
| Tuition per Credit | $750 |
*Online fee per Credit (Online Program ONLY) $70
| Important Dates | |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline (applications will be accepted after this date if seats are available) | June 30, 2025* |
| Estimated Date for 1st Admission Offers | March 14, 2025 |
| Estimated Deadline to Accept Offer and Pay Seat Deposit | April 15, 2025 |
| Date for Waitlist Admission Offers | April 28, 2025 |
| Deadline to Accept Waitlist Offer | May 13, 2025 |
| Mandatory Orientation | August 28, 2025-August 29, 2025 |
| First Day of Classes | September 2, 2025 |
| First Day of Clinic | September 9, 2025 |
*Rolling admissions for both programs until all seats are filled
| On-time Program Completion Rate (On-Ground) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | # Completed within Expected Time Frame | % Completed within Expected Time Frame | |
| 2022 | 26 | 100% | |
| 2023 | 25 | 89% | |
| 2024 | 24 | 100% | |
| On-time Program Completion Rate (Online) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | # Completed within Expected Time Frame | % Completed within Expected Time Frame | |
| 2024 | 8 | 100% | |
| Praxis Examination Pass Rates of Test-takers (On-ground) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting Period | # Taking the Exam | # Passed Exam | % Passed Exam Rate |
| 2021-2022 | 26 | 22 | 85% |
| 2022-2023 | 22 | 20 | 91% |
| 2023-2024 | 27 | 24 | 89% |
| Praxis Examination Pass Rates of Test-takers (Online) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting Period | # Taking the Exam | # Passed Exam | % Passed Exam Rate |
| 2023-2024 | 7 | 7 | 100% |
Nondiscrimination Statement
Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
In connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities, Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks.
Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards faculty and staff on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.
Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the Churches of Christ. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources.
The Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards persons served in the clinic. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
The Department of Speech Language Pathology at Faulkner expects students to follow the Grievance Policies and Procedures of the SLP Department and Faulkner University.
If concerns still exist and are related to the program’s compliance with accreditation standards, students should contact the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) at the ASHA Action Center [Members: 800-498-2071; Non-Members: 800-638-8255].
Further information may be found on the ASHA website.
Amy Ogburn - Director of Speech & Language Pathology, Professor
Amy Hatcher - Clinic Director, Clinical Assistant Professor
Stephanie Collum - Assistant Program Director, Assistant Professor
Sharon Brock - Clinical Associate Professor
Shauna Ashley - Assistant Professor
Dani Rich - Associate Professor
Kellie Rine - Assistant Professor
Caroline Gammill - Assistant Director Online Program, Assistant Professor
Morgan Estes - Assistant Professor, Online Faculty
Emily Linck - Online Clinic Director
Admission Requirements, Program Structure, Leveling Courses & Specialized Training
Admission Requirements
- CSDCAS Application
- Supplemental Application
- Letter of Introduction - submitted through CSDCAS; the letter should be written to introduce the student, address why the student wants to be an SLP, and why the student would like to attend Faulkner.
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Academic transcript indicating an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution - submitted through CSDCAS
- Evidence of successful completion of academic coursework in (or completion of a leveling program):
- statistics
- biological science
- physical science (physics or chemistry)
- social/behavioral science
- 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
- Additionally, students who have completed a leveling program will satisfy the above requirements. 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.
- 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) - submitted through CSDCAS
- Completed 25 guided Observation Hours signed by an ASHA Certified SLP, who is able to supervise
- Signed Essential Functions document submitted through CSDCAS
- Qualified applicants will undergo an interview via teleconference
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 16-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
- The 3 Letters of Recommendation must be submitted directly to CSDCAS (at least 1 must be from academic faculty in the CSD/SLP major) - submitted through CSDCAS
- 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.
Academic Program for Online and On-ground Master of Speech Language Pathology
Both the on-ground and online graduate programs in speech language pathology (SLP) are designed to be completed in 5 semesters. Students enter each August as a cohort, and progress through the program together.
On-ground students have the option to choose the MA track or MS track. The academic coursework and clinical experiences are identical for both tracks. The only difference between the two tracks is the type of project the student completes in SLP 6381/6382 Research Experiences. Also, the Comprehensive Exam requirement is waived for students on the MS track in terms of degree requirements. However, students are required to sit for the exam in order to prepare for the Praxis.
Online students only have the option to complete the MA track. The academic coursework and clinical experiences are identical to what is offered on-ground, but each experience is adapted to the distance learning format. Students must report for a required 1 week on-ground immersion session the Summer between their first and second year, during which their Comprehensive Exam will be administered in person and clinical skills will be assessed. For part-time students, the required 1 week on-ground immersion session is held during the second summer semester (i.e., between semesters 6 and 7) and will be identical in structure to the fulltime student experience.
MA Track
The Master of Arts track is for students who are interested in learning how to apply research literature in clinical settings, but not necessarily interested in conducting their own personal research. Students on the MA track will complete an Evidence Based Practice Portfolio during SLP 6381/6382 Research Experiences. Students are also required to pass the Comprehensive Exam to graduate.
MS Track
The Master of Science track is for students who want experience in conducting research. Students on the MS track will complete a thesis, which involves developing their own research study under the guidance of a thesis committee. Upon completion of the thesis, students will submit for publication in a journal or submit for presentation at ASHA and/or SHAA. Due to the complex nature and extra time commitment for completing a thesis, the Comprehensive Exam requirement is waived as a degree requirement for students on the MS track; however, students are required to sit for the comprehensive exam as preparation for the Praxis.
Graduation Requirements
MA/MS SLP Graduation Requirements
- Complete all required courses with a grade of “B-” (80%) or higher*
- Minimum GPA for graduation is 3.0 or higher
- Minimum of 375 clinical clock hours (plus 25 observation hours)
- Passing grade on Thesis (MS track) or EBP Project (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
On-Ground Program Structure
On-Ground Program Structure
The MA/MS SLP program is five (5) semesters of academic coursework, clinical practice and internships. In the first three semesters of the program (Fall 1, Spring 1, Summer 1), the student takes four academic courses per semester and completes a clinical practicum in the Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research on Faulkner’s campus. The Comprehensive Exam is also administered at the end of the summer semester (i.e., at the end of semester 3). In the final two semesters of the program (Fall 2 and Spring 2), the student completes two internships (one with pediatrics and the other with adults) at a hospital, medical center, clinic, nursing home or school anywhere in the country. The student also completes their portfolio (MA track) or thesis (MS track).
Course Sequence
| Course # | Course Name | Credit Hour |
| Year 1: Fall Semester | ||
| SLP 6320 | Advanced Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6351 | Neurogenic Disorders 1 | 3 |
| SLP 6360 | Dysphagia – Adult | 3 |
| SLP 6280 | Research Methods | 2 |
| SLP 6391 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Year 1: Spring Semester | ||
| SLP 6310 | Advanced Language Disorders in Children | 3 |
| SLP 6330 | Voice and Resonance Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6365 | Dysphagia - Pediatric | 3 |
| SLP 6352 | Neurogenic Disorders 2 | 3 |
| SLP 6392 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Year 1: Summer Semester | ||
| SLP 6205 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| SLP 6215 | Autism and Social Communication | 2 |
| SLP 6270 | Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation | 2 |
| SLP 6340 | Fluency Disorders | 2 |
| SLP 6393 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 3 | 3 |
| Year 2: Fall Semester | ||
| SLP 6991 | Internship (off-campus) | 9 |
| SLP 6381 | Research Experiences (off-campus) | 3 |
| SLP 6101 | Praxis Preparation | 1 |
| Year 2: Spring Semester | ||
| SLP 6992 | Internship (off-campus) | 9 |
| SLP 6382 | Research Experiences (off-campus) | 3 |
| SLP 6120 | Professional and Contemporary Issues in SLP | 1 |
| Total Credits | 66 |
All students (MA track and MS track) must take all courses in the following sequence.
Faulkner University provides a variety of clinical experiences to help students become highly-skilled and well-rounded clinicians.
On-Ground Clinical Experience
Semesters 1, 2, and 3
During the first three semesters in the program, students will complete a clinical practicum on campus in Faulkner’s brand new, state-of-the-art Center for Therapy and
Research. Here, students receive one-on-one clinical supervision, training, and mentoring from our experienced clinical educators. Students have the opportunity to evaluate and treat a wide variety of patients, from babies to the elderly, with a range of communication and swallowing disorders and diagnoses, such as FOXG1, HIE, cleft palate, autism, TBI, stroke, Noonan’s syndrome, long COVID, head and neck cancer, vocal nodules, Down syndrome, apraxia, along with others.
Semesters 4 and 5
During the final two semesters in the program, students will complete 2 internships- one in an adult setting and one in a pediatric setting. Students are given the opportunity to request internship sites that match their personal career goals. For example, a student who wishes to work on a craniofacial team can request an internship in a children’s hospital, or a student who wishes to work with adults in post-acute rehabilitation can request an internship in a rehabilitation hospital. Since students do not take any academic courses on campus during these semesters, they are free to pursue internships anywhere in the country. These personalized internships are a key feature of our MS/MA SLP program because they allow students to build professional networks and gain the specialized experience needed to shape their career path.
Online Program Structure
The online MA SLP program is structured much like the on-ground program offering the same curriculum in the same sequence, but can be completed from anywhere in the country.
Full-time Option
An orientation similar to the on-ground students will be offered virtually prior to starting the program, and students will be required to attend a 1 week on-ground immersion session the Summer between their first and second year (i.e., at the end of semester 3), during which their Comprehensive Exam will be administered in person, along with any labs or activities which were not able to be performed online (standardized test administration). Clinically, online students will participate in clinical education all 5 semesters. Their first semester (Fall 1) will consist of 30-40 hours of Simucase under the direct supervision of Faulkner faculty. The second and third semesters (Spring 1 and Summer 1), students will be placed in external sites where they must complete approximately 4 hours of clinic each week. The final 2 semesters (Fall 2 and Spring 2) will consist of 2 full-time internships, one with adults and one with pediatrics. The student will also complete their portfolio (MA track) during this time. The course sequence is illustrated below.
Course Sequence
| Course # | Course Name | Credit Hour |
| Year 1: Fall Semester | ||
| SLP 6320 | Advanced Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6351 | Neurogenic Disorders 1 | 3 |
| SLP 6360 | Dysphagia – Adult | 3 |
| SLP 6280 | Research Methods | 2 |
| SLP 6391 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Year 1: Spring Semester | ||
| SLP 6310 | Advanced Language Disorders in Children | 3 |
| SLP 6330 | Voice and Resonance Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6365 | Dysphagia - Pediatric | 3 |
| SLP 6352 | Neurogenic Disorders 2 | 3 |
| SLP 6392 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Year 1: Summer Semester | ||
| SLP 6205 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| SLP 6215 | Autism and Social Communication | 2 |
| SLP 6270 | Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation | 2 |
| SLP 6340 | Fluency Disorders | 2 |
| SLP 6393 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 3 | 3 |
| Year 2: Fall Semester | ||
| SLP 6991 | Internship (off-campus) | 9 |
| SLP 6381 | Research Experiences (off-campus) | 3 |
| SLP 6101 | Praxis Preparation | 1 |
| Year 2: Spring Semester | ||
| SLP 6992 | Internship (off-campus) | 9 |
| SLP 6382 | Research Experiences (off-campus) | 3 |
| SLP 6120 | Professional and Contemporary Issues in SLP | 1 |
| Total Credits | 66 |
Faulkner University provides a variety of clinical experiences to help students become highly-skilled and well-rounded clinicians.
Online Clinical Experience
Semester 1
Students will gain clinical experience through the completion of 30-40 Simucase hours under the direct supervision of Faulkner faculty. Students will be assigned a variety of clinic populations across the lifespan, including culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Every week, students will have a supervisory conference with their clinical supervisor to debrief, review, and discuss the assigned Simucases. Students will also gain experience in clinic writing by completing assessment reports, plans of care, and SOAP notes for every Simucase assigned.
Semesters 2 and 3
Students during semesters 2 and 3 will be placed in external sites such as schools, medical centers, nursing homes, private clinics, etc. Each student will be responsible for helping the Online Clinic Director identify potential sites in their geographic area. External sites should be selected with consideration of availability of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Students are required to complete about 4 clinical clock hours each week, as this is the amount of time on-ground students spend in the Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research during these two courses. Every week, students will have a supervisory conference with their clinical supervisor to debrief, review, and discuss their progress.
Semesters 4 and 5
Students will complete two internships, one with adults and one with pediatrics. Each student will be responsible for identifying potential sites in their geographic area. Students must submit 5 potential adult sites and 5 potential pediatric sites to the Online Clinical Director by the middle of September during their first year. This is to ensure the Online Clinical Director has ample time to reach out and initiate contracts with each site prior to the following Fall when full-time internships begin. Students are directly supervised by their on-site supervisor during both of these semesters, with additional check-ins with the Online Clinical Director.
Students will complete two internships, one with adults and one with pediatrics. Each student will be responsible for identifying potential sites in their geographic area. Students must submit 5 potential adult sites and 5 potential pediatric sites to the Online Clinical Director by May 1st during their first year. This is to ensure the Online Clinical Director has ample time to reach out and initiate contracts with each site prior to the following Fall when full-time internships begin. Students are directly supervised by their on-site supervisor during both of these semesters, with additional check-ins with the Online Clinical Director.
Course Descriptions
SLP 6101 Praxis Preparation: This course prepares students to sit for the certification exam in speech language pathology, the Praxis II-SLP. The course consists of
instructor led study labs, as well as individual student work in each content area assessed on the Praxis exam.
SLP 6120 Professional and Contemporary Issues: Professional issues in speech-language pathology, which include resume writing, interviewing skills, along with
contemporary issues, such as counseling, cultural competency, and ethical conduct.
SLP 6205 Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Overview of types of AAC, including low-tech and high-tech assessment, device selection, funding/reimbursement, and intervention procedures.
SLP 6215 Autism and Social Communication: Advanced study of autism spectrum disorder. Course will include an in-depth study on identification and diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
SLP 6270 Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation: Diagnosis and treatment of hearing-impaired children, including those with traditional amplification and CI. Therapeutic management of older persons with acquired hearing disorders. Psychosocial aspects of hearing loss in children and adults, including counseling of the hearing-impaired and their families.
SLP 6280 Research Methods: Introduction to the scientific method, research study designs, and the research process. Will include introduction research study development and ethics in research. Procedures for locating and critical reading of published research for integration into EBP.
SLP 6310 Advanced Child Language Disorders: Disorders involving semantics, morphology, syntax, and pragmatics in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pre-linguistic and paralinguistic communication. Social communication. Diagnostic and therapeutic models for language disorders.
SLP 6320 Advanced Speech Sound Disorders: Advanced study of phonological/articulation development and disorders in children. Assessment, classification, analysis, and remediation of speech sound disorders.
SLP 6330 Voice and Resonance Disorders: Anatomical and physiological bases for voice and resonance disorders. Quantitative and qualitative assessment measures. Therapeutic approaches for children and adults.
SLP 6340 Fluency Disorders: Theoretical bases, evaluation procedures, and therapeutic techniques in the treatment of various types and degrees of stuttering and cluttering across the lifespan. Psychosocial aspects of stuttering in children and adults, including counseling of patients and their families.
SLP 6351 Neurogenic Disorders I: Focus on the role of the pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor systems in speech production and speech disorders related to abnormalities in these motor systems. Neurological bases and clinical management of the dysarthrias and verbal apraxia.
SLP 6352 Neurogenic Disorders II: Aphasia and neurolinguistic science, including the related disorders of dementia and right hemisphere pathologies. Neurological bases/causation. Assessment and treatment of aphasia and related disorders.
SLP 6360 Dysphagia-Adult: Anatomical and physiological bases of normal and disordered swallowing in adults. Evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders, including clinical bedside studies, MBSS and FEES.
SLP 6365 Dysphagia-Pediatric: Anatomical and physiological bases of normal and disordered feeding/swallowing development in infants and children. Role of developmental delays and sensory processing disorders in pediatric feeding/swallowing disorders. Assessment and management strategies for feeding/swallowing disorders in infants and children.
SLP 6381 Research Experiences in Speech Language Pathology I: Individual work on selected research problems leading to completion of a capstone research paper or thesis. The instructor will oversee all phases of research, from identifying a problem to writing conclusions.
SLP 6382 Research Experiences in Speech Language Pathology II: Individual work on selected research problems leading to completion of a capstone research paper or thesis. The instructor will oversee all phases of research, from identifying a problem to writing conclusions.
SLP 6391 Clinical Methods and Practicum I: Supervised clinical practicum in the university clinical center for diagnostic and therapeutic experience with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. The experience may include assessment, treatment planning, direct treatment provision, report writing and patient/parent counseling. Includes 1-hour per week discussion with instructor of principles/methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention, EBP, ethical issues, multilingual/multicultural concerns, current healthcare/education trends, SPED law, healthcare law, service delivery models, ASHA policies/guidelines, certification/licensure requirements, and constructive feedback of student clinical skill progression. Completion of this course with a "B" or higher is required to progress to SLP6393.
SLP 6392 Clinical Methods and Practicum II: Supervised clinical practicum for diagnostic and therapeutic experience with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. The experience may include assessment, treatment planning, direct treatment provision, report writing and patient/parent counseling. Includes 1-hour per week discussion with instructor of principles/methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention, EBP, ethical issues, multilingual/ multicultural concerns, current healthcare/education trends, SPED law, healthcare law, service delivery models, ASHA policies/guidelines, certification/licensure requirements, and constructive feedback of student clinical skill progression. Completion of this course with a "B" or higher is required to progress to SLP6393.
SLP 6393 Clinical Methods and Practicum III: Supervised clinical practicum in the university clinical center for diagnostic and therapeutic experience with individuals who exhibit communication disorders. The experience may include assessment, treatment planning, direct treatment provision, report writing and patient/parent counseling. Includes 1-hour per week discussion with instructor of principles/methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention, EBP, ethical issues, multilingual/ multicultural concerns, current healthcare/education trends, SPED law, healthcare law, service delivery models, ASHA policies/guidelines, certification/licensure requirements, and constructive feedback of student clinical skill progression. Completion of this course with a "B" or higher is required to progress to SLP6991/6992.
SLP 6991 Internship-Pediatric: Internship in a selected medical center, hospital clinic, private clinic, community agency or public school. The internship provides the student with an intensive, professional, clinical experience under direct supervision of a qualified and certified SLP. The student will earn a minimum of 200 clinical hours.
SLP 6992 Internship-Adult: Internship in a selected medical center, hospital clinic, private clinic, community agency, or nursing home. The internship provides the student with an intensive, professional, clinical experience under direct supervision of a qualified and certified SLP. The student will earn a minimum of 200 clinical hours.
Online Leveling Courses
Now Offering: Online Leveling Courses
Beginning Fall 2023, seven courses in SLP will be offered for those non-traditional students who would like to pursue a MA/MS SLP degree. To enroll in the leveling courses, you can apply HERE. Course offerings are completely online and asynchronous. The courses will include:
- 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
Students may also elect to take their biological science, physics or chemistry, and social/behavioral science online as well. Courses will only be offered in the same semester as the on-ground cohort in a locked step fashion, which begins each Fall semester and continues through the Spring semester. These courses are offered in an 16-week format and will follow the following schedule:
Course Sequence
| Fall 2024 | ||
| Module | Courses Taught | Term Dates |
| Module 1 | SLP 3310 Phonetics | 8/19/24-12/17/24 |
| SLP 4340 Speech and Hearing Science | ||
| SLP 2310 Language Development | ||
| SLP 3320 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing |
||
| Spring 2025 | ||
| Module 1 | SLP 3370 Introduction to Audiology | 1/12/25-5/7/25 |
| SLP 4320 Speech Sound Disorders | ||
| SLP 4310 Language Disorders |
Important Information:
- Thanksgiving Break – All offices will be closed November 25 - 29.
- Christmas Break – No classes will be held December 16, 2024 through January 3, 2025.
- University offices closed December 16 – January 1.
SLP – Specialized Training
Specialized Training
Beginning Summer 2023, Faulkner’s Master of SLP program will offer three specialized training sessions, which are available to students for a fee. These trainings include Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Language Acquisition through Motor
Planning (LAMP), and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LOUD. These trainings are optional.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure whereby the SLP passes a scope through the nasopharynx, which allows for visualization of the vocal folds. The SLP then administers various food and liquid consistencies to the patient and watches the patient swallow them. Based on these trials, the SLP can then determine if the patient is aspirating or is at risk of aspiration, along with the reason for why this is happening and whether this can be remediated behaviorally. It is important to note that students must be physically present for the training. The cost for the training is approximately $350. Students will receive a certificate after successful completion.
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) is a treatment approach which has foundations in principles of neurological and motor learning. This method of treatment is designed for severely limited verbal abilities due to apraxia of speech. The cost for training is approximately $130.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LOUD (LSVT LOUD) is a program designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to increase vocal loudness, which could subsequently improve speech intelligibility. This training will be offered after the summer semester and will be offered online. Students have 60 days to complete the training. The cost is $295. Students will be certified upon successful completion.
SLP Graduate Handbook
SLP Graduate Fees for 2024 - 2025
Mission, Vision, and Goals Statement
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.
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 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,
statics, 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
- Student Success: graduate students successfully complete their program on time, pass the Praxis exam, and gain employment or pursue post-graduate education.
- Professional Development: faculty members regularly attend workshops, conferences, and ASHA Convention to improve their scholarly and teaching skills.
- 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.
- 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.
To request a copy of the MS SLP Program Strategic Plan, email aogburn@faulkner.edu.
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, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
The Master of Arts (MA) education program in speech-language pathology, distance education, at Faulkner University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.