Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Our program strongly believes in embracing cultural and linguistic diversity and places great value on educating the public. As a speech-language pathology student, your education will be based on the program’s strong focus on evidence based practice, critical thinking skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical principles and ongoing professional growth.

As you conduct on-site evaluations for speech, language, and hearing abilities, working with individuals of all ages to assess, diagnose, and treat various communication disorders, you will supervised and taught by our highly skilled and dedicated faculty. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work with individuals in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, state schools or home health agencies.

The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at SFA is dedicated to preparing confident and competent professionals who can accurately diagnose and successfully treat individuals with communication and swallowing disorders throughout the lifespan.

Accreditation

The master of science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential and distance education) at Stephen F. Austin State 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.

Graduate Student Handbook

Our graduate handbook provides detailed information on admissions, degree plans, our curriculum and more.

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Handbook

As a speech-language pathology professional, you can expect a very strong job outlook.

There are a wide range of positions available to speech-language pathology professionals. Approximately half work in school settings, while others commonly work in hospitals, private health facilities, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation settings and private practices.

Employers of our alumni have indicated that our graduates surpass expectations in clinical preparation and bring a higher level of skills in certain areas compared to graduates from other programs.

Student Outcome Data

• National Exam (PRAXIS) Pass Rates
• Program Completion Rates
• Employment Rates
• Comprehensive Exam Pass Rates

Admission Data

The data has been taken from the 2022-2023 admission cycle: 

Total number of applicants: 113
Average Overall GPA: 3.60 
Average CSDS GPA: 3.54 
Total Number of Interviews Offered: 70
Total Number of Offers Accepted: 25 

Admission cycle statistics include residential applicants only.

To apply for the MS-SLP program at SFASU, you will need to meet the following requirements.

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) or speech-language pathology (SLP). All degrees must be earned from an accredited institution.

•  If your Bachelor’s degree is in a field other than CSD or SLP, you may need to complete prerequisite courses before applying. Review our Leveling Program section for more information.

You can apply while you are still enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree program. However, you must submit a plan of study with your application that indicates all remaining courses, including prerequisite coursework, that will be completed before program enrollment.

2. Prerequisites

Required American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) basic prerequisite courses for all applicants include:

• Biological Science (Concepts of Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Human Biology, etc.)
• Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry – introductory or basics are acceptable)
• Social or Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology)
• Statistics

An application is required for admission into the SFA Speech-Language Pathology program.

1. Apply to SFA's Graduate School

This application is required for admittance into Stephen F. Austin State University.

2. Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)

The Speech-Language Pathology graduate program uses CSDCAS, a service that allows applicants to apply to multiple graduate programs using a single online application. This application is required for admittance into the SFA Speech-Language Pathology graduate program.

When applying for graduate school on CSDCAS you will need to select your designation as Residential (on-campus) or Distance* (off-campus).

* Applications for the Distance program are accepted every other year (next application cycle will be 2026).

The submission deadline for the 2024-2025 cycle is February 1, 2025.

Application Documents

1. Transcripts

You must send official transcripts from all universities directly to the CSDCAS application. Our office will send all official transcripts over to the SFA application.

2. GPA

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on major coursework is preferred, but the applicant's grade trend will be considered.

3. Three Letters of Recommendation

Provide recommendation letters from individuals who can genuinely speak to your academic and professional suitability for a graduate program.

4. Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is a chance for you to directly communicate with a committee and showcase your interest in their program. It provides an opportunity for the committee to gain insight into your voice, research interests and communication skills.

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

CVs provide a summary of your academic background, research interests, work experience, honors and accomplishments.

Please Note: Our office will not accept any application materials. Please ensure that all documents are sent to the location specified in the application’s instructions.

Distance Education

*Application cycle for the next distance cohort will be 2026

In addition to the above, distance program applicants are also required to:

1. Be employed as an SLP-Assistant in Texas.
2. Submit an Employer Sponsorship Agreement form.
3. Have access to high-speed internet.
4. Be able to attend all courses on livestream, via Zoom.

Please Note: Our coursework is not asynchronous, you must be able to attend all courses on livestream, via Zoom.

Residential Curriculum

First Year

Second Year

Distance Curriculum

First Year

Second Year

*Graduate students will either have a summer I or a summer II externship placement.

Those who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in other fields of study are required to complete ten undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) courses (30 credit hours) before acceptance into the graduate program can be considered*.

In addition, four ASHA-required, non-CSD courses must be taken for credit. These courses are:

• Biological Science (Concepts of Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Human Biology, etc.)
• Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry – introductory or basics are acceptable)
• Social or Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology)
• Statistics

Important Note: At this time, the leveling program only offers in-person courses. There are no CSDS undergraduate courses that are available online.

*Successful completion of the leveling program does not guarantee admission into the SLP Graduate program.

How To Join the SLP Leveling Program

Apply for the SLP leveling program by completing the application for SFA’s graduate school as a post-baccalaureate admission.

Once admitted, you will need to contact the program’s administrative assistant for course advising.

Is the GRE required to apply for the graduate program?

• No. We do not require the GRE. The only requirements for our application are listed in the Application Requirements section.

How much is tuition for the graduate program?

• Please refer to the SFA Tuition Calculator for the best estimate on tuition costs.

If offered admission to the graduate program, can I defer my acceptance?

• No, the offer of admission is only good for the year in which you are accepted.

Do I need to submit my official transcripts to both the ApplyTexas/Common App and the CSDCAS application?

• No, you can submit your transcripts to CSDCAS and we can move them over to your SFA application profile.

How many students are accepted into your graduate program?

• We accept 25 residential students every year and 10 distance students in even numbered years (i.e. 2024, 2026, etc.).

Does the SLP graduate program offer the distance program every year?

• No, the graduate distance education program in speech-language pathology accepts students on alternating years. The next cohort cycle begins in 2026 with applications opening on October 1, 2025, and the next will be in 2028 with applications opening on October 1, 2027.
   

• Major Application
• Employer Sponsorship Agreement