Department of Speech-Language Pathology
Robert W. Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP
Department Chair/Program Director
The University is proud to offer a Master of Science degree program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP).
A master's degree is the standard credential in the profession of SLP. In keeping with the Salus emphasis on a sound background in the biomedical sciences, interprofessional education and clinical skills, graduates of this degree program will receive the necessary education and training to become integral members of today’s healthcare and education teams, and future leaders in their profession.
The Salus University reputation for quality and innovative education is well-earned. The opportunity to interact with students and faculty from Salus programs in optometry, audiology, physician assistant, public health, occupational therapy, and blindness and low vision education and rehabilitation will afford SLP students a unique and valuable perspective not found in all SLP programs. For those SLP students who are interested in research, Salus University also has a degree program in the biomedical sciences.
Mission:
To educate and train graduate-level students to become exemplary professionals in speech-language pathology who provide excellence in service delivery to individuals with communication and swallowing disorders, and who engage in and promote interprofessional education and practice, lifelong learning and prevention of communication and swallowing disorders.
Vision:
Promote communication and swallowing/feeding health and well-being in persons with disabilities or at risk for disabilities so that these individuals have equal opportunity to gain access to and prosper in all aspects of society (e.g. education, economics, politics/advocacy for social justice, etc.).
Admissions
The College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation Department of Speech-Language Pathology accepts applications to the Master of Science program only through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).
The processing of applications by CSDCAS (csdcas.liaisoncas.com) begins August, one year prior to the year of desired enrollment. Applications must be submitted on or before May 1 of the year of desired enrollment.
- Student application reviews begin when an application is verified by CSDCAS.
- Interviews are scheduled and initiated, beginning in October.
- Candidates meeting the requirements are admitted on a weekly basis until class capacity is reached.
See a profile of the most recent Entering Class (PDF)
It is to an applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible to ensure priority consideration for admission.
Criteria & Prerequisites
The Department of Speech-Language Pathology actively seeks individuals with an undergraduate degree and diverse life experiences who desire to become clinical speech-language pathologists.
To Be Considered, An Applicant Must:
- Submit a properly completed application to the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) (https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/). Detailed instructions regarding the completion of the application and the essay are provided on the CSDCAS website.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) directly to CSDCAS.
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate college or university. It is recommended that an applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale from his/her graduating institution. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA should consult with the Salus University Office of Admissions prior to applying.
- Complete admissions prerequisites (see below) at the college level with a grade of ‘B-’ or better.
- Report satisfactory score results (50 percentile rankings or higher recommended) on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) offered by Educational Testing Services (ETS).
- Salus University utilizes a super score model for evaluating GRE performance, meaning that if the candidate has taken the GRE more than once, the highest score from each section is utilized when evaluating the candidate for admission.
- Results may be submitted directly to CSDCAS (Designated Institution code is 7157).
- Completion of the GRE is required within three years of your desired entrance date to the Program.
- Applicants who have received a Master's degree are exempt from this admissions requirement.
- Obtain a minimum of 25 hours of directed clinical observation of a certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) in a live, interactive clinical setting with his/her client(s) present in that setting. Videotaped clinical session observations will not be approved to complete this prerequisite. A minimum of two (2) different SLP settings are highly recommended. Observations may be performed as a volunteer and/or via employment in a non-speech-language pathology capacity.
- Submit three (3) letters of recommendation reflecting on your ability to handle the rigors of graduate studies as well as characteristics you possess as a future health scientist in the discipline of speech-language pathology. Arrange to have forwarded directly to CSDCAS the following letters of evaluation:
- One letter from a ASHA-certified, state licensed speech-language pathologist regarding your personality, work ethics, shadowing/observation experiences;
- One letter from a college/university faculty member at the undergraduate level, post-baccalaureate pre-requisite coursework level; or a research supervisor who can assess and write to your ability to complete graduate studies and those character traits that as a future speech-language pathology professional;
- One letter from another person of authority (i.e., faculty, clinically related work supervisor, speech-language pathologist) regarding your work and/or who can assess your qualifications for graduate studies, your ability to complete graduate work and the contributions you can make as a future speech-language pathologist to adult and/or pediatric populations who are mentally and/or physically challenged.
- International Students, please review any additional requirements below.
- All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
Recommended read:
ASHA.org - The ASHA Leader - January, 2014 Article - Craft a Stand-Out Application
Prerequisites
The following prerequisites are based on the latest accreditation standards set forth by the CAA (last revised April 2019) and the standards of Salus University. All required course work must be completed at the college level with a grade of 'B-' or better. An applicant need not have completed all prerequisites prior to filing an application, but must be able to complete all outstanding prerequisites prior to enrollment.
Credit by examination (such as AP credits) is permitted for any prerequisites needed to apply for the speech-language pathology program. No credit is given for experiential learning.
The applicant must have successfully completed one semester of each of the following courses with a 'B-' or better:
- Biological Science (e.g., biology, human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, human genetics, veterinary science) – 1 semester
- Physical Science (e.g., physics or chemistry) – 1 semester
- Social/Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology or public health) – 1 semester
- Statistics (math, biology or psychology) – 1 semester
- Introduction to Communication Disorders – 1 semester
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism – 1 semester
- Phonetics – 1 semester
- Speech and Hearing Science – 1 semester
- Introduction to Audiology – 1 semester
- Normal Speech-Language Development – 1 semester
Please note: Courses in the biological, physical, and the social/behavioral sciences should include content areas that will assist students in acquiring the basic principles in social, cultural, cognitive, behavioral, physical, physiological, and anatomical areas useful to understanding the communication/linguistic sciences and disorders.
The University highly encourages - but does not require - additional coursework in Neurology of Communication Sciences (Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology), Voice, Fluency, Diagnostics, Treatment Considerations, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Articulation and Phonological Disorders, and Language Disorders.
Prerequisite credits completed five or more years prior to the anticipated entrance date will be reviewed for approval on an individual basis.
International Students & Practitioners
International Transcripts
For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:
- A course-by-course credential review from an accredited agency (such as World Education Services), which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult the agency's website for requirements to complete the evaluation.
- An official evaluation may be sent from the agency directly to CSDCAS.
- Instructions for submitting a foreign credential evaluation.
English Language Proficiency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or educational team. Official results from the TOEFL (or IELTS) examination are required for all students for whom English is a second language (ESL). Exceptions will be made for ESL applicants who hold degrees or diplomas from accredited post-secondary institutions in countries where English is the official language and in which English is the language of instruction (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand).
The TOEFL (or IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
- If submitting TOEFL scores, please use the CSDCAS code of C112.
- If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
Admissions Selection Process
The Admissions Committee has established policies that include the selection of applicants best qualified to serve the public and the profession in the years to come. Many factors are considered in selecting students for our program, including:
- academic performance
- motivation
- extracurricular activities and interests
- related and unrelated work experience
- personal achievements
- essays
- letters of evaluation
- communication skills, including a demonstrated command of the English language, both written and oral
When evaluating academic performance, the applicant’s grade point average, performance in prerequisite courses, number of college credits completed, degree status and GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores are taken into consideration.
Admissions Selection Process - Speech-Language Pathology Program
Interview Process
Individuals successfully meeting the required admissions selection criteria may receive an invitation to visit our campus for an interview, which provides further insight into the applicant’s character and motivation, and allows an applicant the opportunity to meet with an Admissions staff member to discuss his or her application, tour our campus and meet with faculty and students.
Notification of Acceptance and Matriculation Fee
An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance as early as October, prior to the desired year of enrollment. Upon receipt of acceptance, an applicant is required to pay a $1,000 matriculation fee to the University prior to the start of classes. The process for securing a seat in the entering class is as follows:
- Return the matriculation form within 14 days of the date of the acceptance letter to indicate your intention to enter the program.
- A $1000 matriculation fee is due April 15.
- All monies received are non-refundable and will be applied toward first term fees.
Deferment of Admission
An accepted student to the Salus University Speech-Language Pathology program with an unforeseen, extenuating circumstance prohibiting them from matriculating may request a deferment of admission in writing. The request must be directed to both the Dean of Student Affairs and the Chair/ Program Director of the SLP program, and made via the Office of Admissions.
For deferment consideration, the following is required:
- A deferment request submitted in writing by May 15, before the August start of the academic year. Please note, submission of a deferral request by the deadline does not guarantee approval.
- Official documentation verifying the reason(s) for the requested deferment.
- All non-refundable deposit fees and the matriculation supplement must be received (as directed in the University’s official Letter of Acceptance).
If deferment is approved:
- Admission will be extended to August matriculation of the next academic year.
- A deferment will not extend beyond one admission cycle.
- The student must contact the Office of Admissions, in writing, by April 1 of the deferred admission calendar year regarding his/her intention to resume enrollment.
- The student will be required to meet with a member of the Admissions Committee prior to matriculation.
If a deferral request is denied:
- A student has the option to withdraw acceptance from the Program, or reapply through CSDCAS for future admission.
For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@salus.edu.
Compliance Requirements
Students may be required to complete various compliance requirements (i.e. background checks or immunizations) in order to participate in clinical experiences and interact with patients at Salus-owned clinics. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for the most up-to-date requirements for a specific program.
Course Schedule
First Year 2022-2023
Fall Semester (2S)
Spring Semester (4S)
| SLP-5002 | Applied Anatomy for SLP | 2 |
| SLP-5005 | Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Anomal | 1 |
| SLP-5131 | Child Communication Disorders: 6-21 | 2 |
| SLP-5231 | Adult Language Disorders 2: TBI | 2.5 |
| SLP-5400 | Research Design/Applications in SLP | 2.5 |
| SLP-5401 | Dysphagia | 3 |
| SLP-6030 | Clinical Management & Practicum 1 | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
SLP-5002: Gross Anatomy Course with Dissected/Prosected Cadavers.
SLP-5400: Includes students identifying Capstone Project Topic.
First Year Total (30.00 Credits): The credit unit is equal to one semester hour.
Second Year 2023-2024
Summer Term (1S)
Fall Semester (2S)
| SLP-5030 | Special Topics Seminar 1 | 2 |
| SLP-5304 | Technology in SLP: AAC and Apps | 2 |
| SLP-5500 | Aural Habilitation/Rehabilitation | 2 |
| SLP-6032 | Clinical Mgmt & Practicum 3 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Spring Semester (4S)
| SLP-5004 | Prof Issues and Ethics in SLP | 2 |
| SLP-5031 | Special Topics Seminar 2 | 2 |
| SLP-5402 | Capstone Project in SLP | 2 |
| SLP-6033 | Clinical Mgmt &Practicum 4 | 3 |
| SLP-6050 | Comprehensive Exam S-L Pathology | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
SLP-5402: Required with single day presentation on campus.
Second Year Total (30.00 Credits): The credit unit is equal to one semester hour.
Additional Courses
SLP-5556: Variable options -- 1 credit, 2 credits or 3 Credits.
Total Credit Hours: 60