For many students majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), the ultimate goal is clear: becoming a certified speech-language pathologist. But the journey from a bachelor’s degree to professional practice requires one essential step: earning a master’s degree.
At ACU, we’ve designed our fully online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) to make that transition as smooth and accessible as possible. Whether you’re graduating from ACU’s own CSD program or have completed a similar undergraduate degree elsewhere. Our online MS-SLP offers a direct, well-supported pathway into advanced skills such as diagnosis, intercultural communication and intervention.
Why a Master’s Degree Is Essential
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent speech, swallowing, language, and communication disorders in children and adults. SLPs educate and develop treatment plans to support patients and families in classroom and home environments.
To become a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, you must complete:
Not earning your master’s degree prevents you from practicing with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively diagnose and help patients and students. Our MS-SLP focuses on equipping students with the experience to care for patients living with swallowing, cognitive or communication disorders.
ACU’s online MS-SLP meets the academic and clinical requirements established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), preparing you for both certification and meaningful practice in schools, healthcare facilities and community settings.
The Seamless Transition from Bachelor’s to Master’s
Graduates of ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders are uniquely positioned to move directly into our master’s program. The curriculum is intentionally designed to ensure a seamless transition from your undergraduate foundation to graduate-level learning and clinical experiences.
Bachelor’s of Communication Disorders
For those new to communication disorders and speech-language pathology, our B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders introduces undergraduates to fundamental information regarding anatomy and physiology, speech sound and language development and more. The main purpose of this program’s coursework is to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in our master’s program and offer proficient treatment and care to patients.
Students learn in-depth about communication disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, cleft palate and more, to understand the impact they have on speech and language skills. This program will also emphasize the importance of communication, as well as how it helps build connections between people.
Our B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework also creates multiple career pathways outside of speech-language pathology, including:
- Child Care Center Manager
- Hearing aid dispenser
- Child life specialist
- ASL interpreter
- Behavioral therapist
- Rehabilitation technician
- Substitute teacher
and more.
Courses taught in the Bachelor’s of Communication Sciences and Disorders are:
- Intercultural Communication
- Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
- Language and Development Disorders
- Intervention for Speech and Language Disorders in Schools
Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway
For students who earned a bachelor’s degree in another field but want to enter speech-language pathology, ACU also offers an online Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway.
What makes this pathway unique is that new students interested in joining our master’s program can take additional courses depending on their bachelor’s degree. The overall program consists of 30 credit hours, with coursework similar to our bachelor’s program, preparing students with the requisites needed for our Master of Speech-Language Pathology.
Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
ACU Online’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is an online degree program with expert-led courses and guided in-person clinical rotations and residencies. Graduate students will gain knowledge and hands-on skills to earn their certification and make a positive impact on lives. The core of ACU’s program is academic excellence and Christian values, empowering students to step into their calling, build leadership skills to bring healing and restoration to voices and connections.
- Accredited Excellence: Building on more than 20 years of ACU’s accreditation in speech-language pathology education.
- Christ-Centered Learning: Integrating faith, ethics and service into professional practice.
- National Access: Online coursework delivery with clinical placements coordinated in your community and short, in-person residencies in Dallas.
- High-Demand Career Outcomes: With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 15% job growth for SLPs through 2034, your degree opens the door to a thriving profession.
Master’s Program Options to Fit Your Life
Our online MS-SLP offers two tracks to match your schedule and career timeline:
- Two-Year Full-Time Track – Graduate in 24 months with an immersive academic and clinical experience. This track requires completion of four to five in-person residencies held at the Dallas campus. This program is ideal for students who wish to complete their coursework and clinical hours to start their careers sooner.
- Three-Year Part-Time Track – Balance your studies with work or family commitments while progressing steadily toward your degree. The three-year track will be completed in 36 months and is online with four to five residencies at the Dallas campus.This program is ideal for students who need to work part-time.
Both tracks are 52 credit hours and include evidence-based coursework, designated clinical rotations and personalized faculty support, so you’ll graduate ready to serve with both skill and compassion. Courses students can look forward to in our MS-SLP program are:
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Asphasia
- Diagnostic/Therapeutic Theory in SLP
Take the Next Steps With ACU Online
If you’ve earned (or are earning) your bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, you don’t have to start your journey from scratch. ACU’s online MS-SLP provides a clear, direct and supportive route from undergraduate study to a rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist. Explore the online MS-SLP program.
We offer students an easy transition into advanced learning through degree programs and pathways that establish a solid foundation of the basics of speech pathology. Our Master of Speech-Language Pathology program is available in two different tracks to ensure learning on your terms without having to put your life on hold. ACU Online is more than willing to work with your schedule so you can continue working, spending time with family and any other obligations you may have.
ACU’s online MS-SLP provides a clear, direct and supportive route from undergraduate study to a rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist. Explore the online MS-SLP program.
