Improve the lives of those with communication and swallowing disorders
The speech-language pathology program at SFA prepares knowledgeable, caring professionals to properly diagnose and effectively treat persons with communication and swallowing disorders across their lifespan, thereby improving their quality of life.
Since its creation in 1962, the program has hosted very strong, committed faculty and has produced competent professional speech-language pathologists. In 1992, the graduate program became fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
The program embraces cultural and linguistic diversity and values educating the public. As a speech-language pathology student, you’ll recognize the program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical thinking skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical principles and continued professional development.
Your studies will prepare you for state licensure and national certification in speech-language pathology. You’ll perform on-site speech, language and hearing evaluations while working with all ages to assess, diagnose and treat various communication disorders. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with individuals in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, state schools or home health agencies.
Potential careers in Speech-Language Pathology
As a speech-language pathology professional, your job outlook is very strong.
Speech-language pathology professionals choose from a large number of available positions. About half work in school settings. Other common environments include hospitals and private health facilities, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation settings and private practices.
Employers of our alumni indicated that our graduates exceed expectations in clinical preparation and come to the workplace with skills in some areas higher than those of graduates from other programs.
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
The master’s degree is the minimum requirement for independent professional practice in the field of speech-language pathology. To be awarded the degree, you must meet all academic and clinical practicum requirements of the Council for Clinical Certification of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. You also will need to obtain a Texas Speech-Language Pathology License to practice in Texas.
The master’s degree plan requires two years of academic and clinical preparation, typically beginning the summer before your first fall semester and culminating with graduation in May.
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.
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.
Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of the graduate admission committee for an on-campus interview and tour.
Minimum Requirements
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Wednesday, February 1, 2024
All application materials must be submitted and verified by the deadline.
Requirements
- Completed undergraduate coursework in communication sciences and disorders
- A minimum combined GPA of 3.0 (overall and coursework)
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Letter of Intent
- Resume
- Submission of ApplyTexas application
- Submission of CSDCAS application
View the speech-language pathology program admissions rubric.
Apply Texas
Stephen F. Austin State University currently utilizes ApplyTexas which is a centralized application service that services colleges and universities across the state of Texas.
Graduate School will begin July 8, 2024 be sure to select Summer when completing the ApplyTexas application.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)
The Speech-Language Pathology graduate program utilizes CSDCAS which is a service that allows applicants to use single online application and set of materials to apply to multiple participating graduate programs offering clinical education in speech-language pathology. The SFA CSDCAS application will open for applicants on Saturday, October 1, 2024. When applying for graduate school on CSDCAS you will need to select your designation as Residential (on-campus) or Distance (off-campus).
Distance Education
Requirements:
- Employed as an SLP-Assistant in Texas.
- Completed undergraduate coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
- Access to high speed internet.
- Employer Sponsorship Agreement
- A minimum combined GPA of 3.0 (overall and coursework).
The coursework is not asynchronous, you must be able to attend all courses Livestream, via Zoom.
To Apply: You will apply using the same guidelines as if you were applying to the Master of Science residential program.
The graduate distance education program in speech-language pathology accepts students on alternating years. Next cohort cycle begins in 2024 with applications opening in October 1, 2023.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Lydia Richardson
Email: lprichardson@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.1255
Program Administrative Support:
Jennifer Fry
Email: Jennifer.Fry@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.1252