Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Mission

The mission of the MS-SLP program is to fulfill the mission of Biola University through rigorous academic and clinical training of those desiring to become licensed, certified speech-language pathologists. Hallmarks of this program include:

1. Strong theoretical framework: Students will receive rigorous instruction in current, relevant theoretical knowledge in order to develop curious, life-long learners.
2. Excellence in clinical practice: Students will be prepared for impactful clinical work with a variety of diverse populations through clinical experiences and the model of the work and witness of faculty and instructors.
3. Biblical perspective: Students will be taught from a Christian worldview in order to promote the fullest understanding of humankind and the world.
4. Impactful: Students will connect their studies to contexts of life that they might love well those in their sphere of influence locally and globally and effectively engage in issues of our profession through research, publication, and service.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, and patient interaction with individuals of a variety of ages that have speech-sound, fluency, voice, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders (ULO 1).

2. Demonstrate the character of Christ including compassion, love, and kindness in their interactions with clients, families of clients, and colleagues (ULO 2).

3. Develop and implement evidence-based diagnostic and intervention plans in a variety of settings and for individuals with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders at a level appropriate for entry into professional practice (ULO 3).

4. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete scholarly research in writing in the field of communication sciences and disorders (ULO 1).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from an accredited institution OR Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution AND complete the prerequisite courses for this program.
• Complete Biola application (application fee may be waived)
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Submit the supplemental items

Biola 3 + 2 Program Applicants

• Should have a minimum of 3.6 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement
• Favorable professional competencies recommendation from department faculty

All Other Applicants

• Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Submit GRE scores with overall scores of 290 or higher, verbal score 145+, quantitative score 145+, and writing 3.0+ (School Code: 4017)
• Submit three letters of recommendation (one pastoral and two employer, character, or academic)
• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement
• Non-native English speakers must verify a score of 100 IBT on the TOEFL exam
• Interview with a member of the MS-SLP Program faculty

• Candidates will not participate within a public school-based field activity until the candidate obtains a Certificate of Clearance from the Commission.

Graduation Requirements

• MS-SLP core courses must be passed with a grade of “B-” or higher.
• Minimum GPA for the graduate program would be 3.0. Students who drop below a 3.0 in any one semester will agree to remediation help as specified by the student handbook for one semester. If their GPA does not improve to at or above 3.0 for the next semester, students may be dismissed from the program. 
• Candidates must successfully complete 375 supervised clinical hours during on-campus and off-campus clinical practicum courses.
• A minimum of 63 credits is required for the Master of Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Document clinical and academic experience in all KASA Standard Areas.
• Candidates must meet with a department advisor and graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section).

Degree Requirements

Each course must be completed with a "B-" or above.