Master in Speech Language Pathology (MSLP)

Faulkner University is a Christian university. As such, we approach speech language pathology from a Biblical perspective and Christian worldview. The on-ground and online MA program, as well as the on-ground MS SLP program, are founded on the belief that there is no limit to what God can accomplish when men and women listen to His calling and allow Him to work through them. Scripture tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). Our goal is to train young men and women as SLPs who are competent in their practice and clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and then send these graduates into a broken and hurting world to serve the sick and disabled. We welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds who desire to become competent and compassionate speech language pathologists with a humanitarian heart for serving others.

On-Ground Program Structure

The MA/MS SLP program is five (5) semesters of academic coursework, clinical practice and internships. In the first two semesters of the program (Fall 1 and Spring 1) the student takes four academic courses per semester and completes a clinical practicum in the Clinical Center on Faulkner’s campus. In the 3rd semester (summer semester), the student takes three short courses on campus and completes a clinical practicum either on campus or a medical mission. The Comprehensive Exam is also administered at the end of the summer semester. In the final two semesters of the program (Fall 2 and Spring 2), the student completes two internships (one with pediatrics and the other with adults) at a hospital, medical center, clinic, nursing home or school anywhere in the country. The student also completes their portfolio (MA track) or thesis (MS track).

Online Program Structure

The online MA SLP program is structured much like the on-ground program described above, offering the same curriculum in the same sequence, but can be completed from anywhere in the country. Classes will be both asynchronous (recorded) and synchronous (live) throughout the didactic portion of the program. Each semester consists of 4 academic classes and weekly, 2 classes will be synchronous and 2 classes will be asynchronous, allowing each course to cover both live and recorded learning modalities. An orientation similar to the on-ground students will be offered virtually prior to starting the program, and students will be required to attend a 1 week on-ground intensive the Summer between their first and second year, during which their Comprehensive Exam will be administered in person. Clinically, online students will participate in clinical education all 5 semesters. Their first semester (Fall 1) will consist of 30-40 hours of Simucase under the direct supervision of Faulkner faculty. The second and third semesters (Spring 1 and Summer 1), students will be placed in external sites where they must complete approximately 4 hours of clinic each week. The final 2 semesters (Fall 2 and Spring 2) will consist of 2 full-time internships, one with adults and one with pediatrics. The student will also complete their portfolio (MA track) during this time.

Accreditation

The Master of Arts/Master of Science (MA/MS) education program in speech-language pathology, residential education, at Faulkner 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 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

The Master of Arts (MA) education program in speech-language pathology, distance education, at Faulkner University is pending approval by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Non-discrimination Statement

Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

In connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities, Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks.

Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards faculty and staff on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.

Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the Churches of Christ. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources.

The Faulkner University Speech and Language Clinic complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards persons served in the clinic. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Faulkner University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (The University considers itself a religious institution that falls within the exemption regarding public accommodation provisions that Title III of the ADA provides for such institutions.) Most campus buildings are equipped for and accessible to handicapped persons. The University provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. New construction is in full compliance with the Act.

Grievances and Complaints Policy

The Department of Speech Language Pathology at Faulkner expects students to follow the Grievance Policies and Procedures of the SLP Department and Faulkner University.

If concerns still exist and are related to the program’s compliance with accreditation standards, students should contact the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) at the ASHA Action Center [Members: 800-498-2071; Non-Members: 800-638-8255].

Further information may be found on the ASHA website.