Academic Coursework

Baylor University’s on-campus Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) degree program effectively equips graduates for successful careers as speech-language pathologists.

Program Tracks

The on-campus SLP program offers three degree tracks: a non-thesis track, a thesis track, and a graduate leveling track.

Most students pursue the non-thesis track, which prepares them to become certified speech-language pathologists. Students in the non-thesis track are required to complete 45 semester hours, take the Praxis Exam, and pass the required final comprehensive examination to earn the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. This accelerated program is equal to four semesters (i.e., terms) and can be completed in approximately 15 months.

The thesis-track is designed for students interested in participating in graduate research culminating in a thesis with the ultimate goal of pursuing doctoral study. The thesis track requires the completion of 45 semester hours of the required coursework with an additional 3 semester hours added for the completion of the thesis. Students considering the thesis track should contact the department’s graduate program director to discuss the advantages of pursuing this option.

A student who has been accepted into the on-campus SLP graduate program but who does not have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology is considered a graduate student with leveling status. These students are required to complete 24 hours (two semesters) of leveling courses in Baylor’s CSD Department to meet requirements for state licensure and professional certification. After completing the required 24 hours, the student will begin the Standard Graduate Track. On-campus SLP graduate students with leveling status will complete the degree program in 6 semesters (i.e., terms).

Graduate Leveling Track

Required Examinations

National Examination: Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

All SLP graduate students are required to take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology prior to graduation and to submit their scores to Baylor University.

Comprehensive Program Examination

All SLP graduate students are required to take and pass Baylor’s Comprehensive Examination in Speech-Language Pathology prior to graduation.

Accelerated Curriculum

Baylor’s accelerated on-campus SLP graduate curriculum is designed to prepare students for practice in approximately 15 months. Certain graduate courses are required of all students to ensure that they are exposed to a variety of areas in speech-language pathology and audiology. Students completing Baylor’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree program will meet the coursework and practicum requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for licensure by the state of Texas or student’s state of residence, if applicable.

1ST SEMESTER

13 Total Hours

2ND SEMESTER

13 Total Hours

3RD SEMESTER

13 Total Hours

4TH SEMESTER

6 Total Hours

*CSD 5V39 Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology is taken in place of CSD 5149 Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology during Summer semesters.

NOTE: Baylor University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program requires Aural Rehabilitation (during undergraduate coursework) OR Advanced Aural Rehabilitation (during graduate coursework) in addition to the required 45 hours of program coursework listed above.

For course descriptions, please see the Graduate Catalog.