Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology
Prepare to Lead. Learn Through Experience. Make a Difference.
At Augusta University, we prepare the next generation of speech-language pathologists
to become skilled, compassionate, evidence-based clinicians who are ready to make
a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across the lifespan.
The Augusta University College of Allied Health Sciences' Master of Health Science
in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time, residential, six-semester program that
integrates rigorous academic preparation with hands-on clinical education, simulation,
interprofessional learning, and experiential training.
Our students learn in a collaborative environment that emphasizes clinical reasoning,
evidence-based practice, cultural responsiveness, interprofessional collaboration,
professional leadership, and service. Through mentorship from experienced faculty
and clinical educators, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed
to provide high-quality services to individuals with communication and swallowing
needs across the lifespan.
From simulation-based learning and professional-grade FEES and Voice Lab experiences
to clinical education across healthcare, educational, and community settings, students
have opportunities to connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world clinical
practice.
We prepare more than clinicians—we prepare collaborative healthcare professionals
who are ready to serve, lead, and make an impact.
The Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology {residential} at
Augusta University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation
in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071. Candidacy
is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs
for a maximum period of 5 years.
By the Numbers
22
Graduate Student Cohort
29
New Courses
95%
Face-to-Face Instruction
72
Credit Hours
6
Semesters
Licensure Disclosure Statement
Graduates of the Augusta University Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in Speech-Language
Pathology who successfully complete all academic and clinical education requirements
are eligible to take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology. Successful
completion of the Praxis examination, clinical fellowship, and all applicable ASHA
certification requirements qualifies graduates to apply for the ASHA Certificate of
Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Graduates are also eligible to pursue state licensure,
including licensure through the Georgia Board of Speech-Language Pathology and educator
certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, as applicable.
Intended to provide experiential learning opportunities to keep pace with the increase
of medical SLP service delivery needs.
One-of-a-kind curriculum to include SLPP 5302 Head and Neck Cancer and SLPP 5101 Anatomy
of the Head and Neck, a lecture/cadaver lab course for reflective hands-on learning.
Lab training opportunities using professional grade Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation
of Swallowing (FEES) and Voice Lab equipment.
Interprofessional Education (IPE) opportunities with occupational therapy, physical
therapy, respiratory therapy, physician assistant, dietician, and medical students.
Study Abroad opportunity in Jamaica providing therapeutic services to the residents of Mustard Seed Communities. This
interprofessional education (IPE) opportunity with CAHS occupational therapy students
is a voluntary week-long event (Saturday to Saturday) based on space availability.
Second year SLP graduate students enrolled in SLPP 6501 Pediatric Externship and SLPP
6502 Pediatric Externship - Seminar are eligible to participate.
One-of-a-kind opportunities to experience clinical rotations at inpatient and outpatient
Georgia Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Charlie Norwood VA Hospital,
local school districts, outpatient pediatric and adult therapy facilities, etc.
Prepare graduates with the required knowledge and clinical skillset needed for entry
level professional practice and employment in a range of education and health-related
work settings and be recognized for their competence, leadership, ethics, and commitment
to service and life-long learning.
Transform graduates to become independent clinicians to deliver effective, culturally
sensitive, and evidenced-based clinical services to individuals with differences or
disorders in communication and swallowing.
Provide graduates with a well-rounded, high-quality academic and clinical experience
that is directed by certified SLP faculty and clinical supervisors promoting transformational
learning, mentorship, and service-learning through critical thinking and evidence-based
clinical practices.
Offer an innovative and well-rounded curriculum of study to promote the development
of interprofessional educational practice to guide clinical decision-making via interdisciplinary
collaboration with on-campus academic programs to include occupational therapy, physical
therapy, respiratory therapy, physician assistant, dietician, nursing and medical
students.
Applicants from any undergraduate major are welcome to apply, provided they complete
the required prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment.
Requirements
Applicants will submit an official transcript verifying an earned undergraduate degree
from an accredited institution AND official transcripts from an accredited institution(s)
of the following SIX prerequisite courses with an earned grade of B or better within
the past FIVE years prior to applying to the program. All SIX prerequisites MUST be approved by program admissions as equivalent/accepted
prerequisite courses from an accredited institution.
An applicant is eligible to apply for the fall admissions cycle if currently enrolled
at an accredited institution anticipating graduation and/or will have completed ALL
six prerequisite courses PRIOR TO the start of the fall semester. Please upload valid
documentation from your current institution(s) indicating proof of enrollment. Please
note - eligibility is CONTINGENT upon earning a grade of B or better in all six prerequisite
courses AND receipt of an official acceptance letter to the program.
Prerequisites
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
Introduction to Audiology
Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
Phonetics
Speech and Hearing Science
Speech and Language Development
Applicants must complete coursework in the following general education areas consistent
with the 2027 ASHA Certification Standards:
Documentation of 25 guided observation hours completed under the supervision of a speech-language
pathologist who holds current ASHA Certification (CCC-SLP) is required prior to interview
consideration. Documentation must include the supervising SLP's ASHA certification number. Guided observation hours may be completed
through university coursework or other approved clinical observation experiences.
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Resume
CASPer (online, open response situational judgement test) Testing dates are limited. Dates listed on CASPer are the ONLY testing dates for the
admissions cycle. No additional tests will be scheduled. You MUST select Augusta University as a recipient of your CASPer results. Registering for
a test date NOT assigned to AU will NOT be shared with AU and will be invalid. CASPer
results from a previous admissions cycle are not valid. A CSDCAS ID is required; however,
if you do not yet have a CSDCAS ID, enter a set of zeros as a placeholder to reserve
a future test date. Applicants will update with the correct CSDCAS ID once received.
Writing sample
GRE is not required
English proficiency waivers are granted in accordance with Augusta University Graduate Admissions policies.
Augusta University will accept official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test (IELTS) exam scores. TOEFL Minimum Overall Score is 79 internet based or 213 computer based. The
IELTS Minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5. Official exam scores must be taken within
2 years of the date of application. The Augusta University institution code for submission
of TOEFL or IELTS scores is 5406. Please do not select a department code.
The program will utilize the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS), a centralized application service for graduate level speech-language pathology academic
programs. The CSDCAS application fee is $150 for the first graduate program applied
to and $50 for each additional graduate program. All information must be submitted
directly to CSDCAS to complete your application. Your application MUST BE VERIFIED BEFORE the January deadline! Plan accordingly. CSDCAS
application verification is a 4 to 6-week process. It is the applicant’s responsibility
to check your application status. We strongly advise to check your CSDCAS application
frequently to manage any issues with CSDCAS BEFORE the deadline. The CSDCAS customer
service # is 617-612-2030. Again, your application MUST BE VERIFIED BEFORE the January
deadline. NO exceptions! Go to Applicant Login
When CSDCAS verifies your application is complete, applicants will receive an email
from the AU Graduate Admissions Office (GAO) verifying your CSDCAS application has
been successfully received and will provide a link to the AU GAO supplemental application.
The supplemental application fee is $25. The supplemental application will be shared
with SLP departmental administration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check
your AU supplemental application for required documentation and updates. An incomplete
AU supplemental application will be ineligible for an interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check your AU supplemental application for
required documentation and updates. An incomplete AU supplemental application will
be ineligible for an interview.
We do not require evaluations or references. While CSDCAS inherently includes a section
for references, it is not a requirement for our program.
Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a structured admissions interview
conducted virtually. Interview invitations are sent via email in February through CSDCAS. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to check your CSDCAS email for updates. Interview invitations must
be accepted and acknowledged by the requested deadline. No exceptions.
Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant's academic preparation,
prerequisite coursework, interview performance, writing sample, and other evidence
of readiness for graduate study.
Per AU policy, criminal background checks will be conducted prior to enrollment in
the health profession programs in the Dental College of Georgia, College of Nursing,
and the Medical College of Georgia, and in participating programs in the College of
Allied Health Sciences, College of Education, and The Graduate School at Augusta University
(AU). Final admittance is conditional on a satisfactory criminal background report
which must be completed and approved prior to matriculation. Additional information
regarding this policy may be found here.
Graduates will complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical education hours in accordance
with current CAA accreditation requirements under the supervision of qualified clinical
educators.
Graduates will be well prepared to successfully complete the Praxis Examination in
Speech-Language Pathology as required for state licensure and ASHA certification.
Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be eligible to apply
for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
Graduates of the Augusta University Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in Speech-Language
Pathology who successfully complete all academic and clinical education requirements
are eligible to take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology. Successful
completion of the Praxis examination, clinical fellowship, and all applicable ASHA
certification requirements qualifies graduates to apply for the ASHA Certificate of
Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Graduates are also eligible to pursue state licensure,
including licensure through the Georgia Board of Speech-Language Pathology and educator
certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, as applicable.
The curriculum is designed to meet the current Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)
accreditation standards and the 2027 ASHA Certification Standards for Speech-Language
Pathology.
SLP graduates will improve community health by increasing the provision of highly
qualified SLP graduates to fill the state and nationwide critical shortage.
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The College of Allied Health Sciences at Augusta University trains and educates today’s
health care professionals: the therapists, technicians, administrators, managers and
assistants who are the backbone of our country’s health care workforce.
