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A masters in speech-language pathology paves a path for you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with communication and speech disorders, while also enjoying professional flexibility and job satisfaction. Whether you choose to become a speech-language pathologist, researcher, advocate, or private practice owner, the journey begins with honing and sharpening your knowledge and leadership skills.
Pursue your passion for helping others communicate more clearly and fluently with a master’s in speech-language pathology from Hardin-Simmons University. Our intensive 5-semester, non-thesis Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program balances theory and experiential learning to prepare you to become a skilled and considerate health care provider or researcher.
Speech-language pathology is a fast-growing field that involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. As a speech-language pathologist, you will help patients with developing language, fluency (stuttering), articulation (difficulty with sounds), apraxia, feeding and swallowing, as well as pragmatic communication (social communication), cognitive communication (attention, memory, organization), aphasia (language difficulty, typically after a stroke), voice, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
As one of the newest speech-language pathology master’s programs in the region, we are extremely dedicated to providing a student-centered educational experience that will help you find your ideal career serving your patients and community.
When you graduate with a speech-language pathology master’s degree from HSU, you’ll have 400 hours of real-world experience working in a clinical setting. Our students are in high demand around Abilene and Texas for a wide variety of service-learning opportunities, and you’ll get chances every semester to help individuals in the community in educational settings, rehab facilities, and early childhood centers with speech language evaluations and intervention.
The Master’s of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Hardin-Simmons University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Admission Requirements:
The suggested minimal admission requirements for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology are as follows:
Required prerequisite basic and physical science course requirements (minimum 3 credits each) for all applicants include:
Submit an application through CSDCAS.
We take great pride in being one of the only speech-language pathology master’s programs guided by Christian faith and virtues. It’s our mission to help you become a knowledgeable, caring, and skilled speech-language pathologist who demonstrates integrity, leadership, and excellence every day.
Learn about the SLP ClinicAs you earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at HSU, you’ll be surrounded by students and faculty who share your commitment to learning and serving the community. You’ll also have many opportunities to make lasting personal and professional connections thanks to our many student associations and events throughout the year.
Work in small classes with sincere and dedicated faculty members who help you both during your studies and well beyond graduation day, assisting you in your pursuit of rewarding careers in your field. Our faculty are one of the top reasons why we’re among the most respected speech-language pathology master’s programs in the region.
Get More InfoGraduating with a degree from HSU, one of the leading speech-language pathology master’s programs in Texas, will help you further your career and increase your earning potential.
Speech-language pathologists work in a wide range of professional settings, including schools, hospitals, out/in patient clinics, and private practice. A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required for speech-language pathologist jobs.
While helping others is a reward in itself, you’ll also benefit from exceptional job security. The Bureau of Labor statistics predicts that jobs for speech-language pathologists will grow by 29% over the next decade, about three times as much as other occupational fields.
According to the BLS, the average salary for speech-language pathologists is $80,000.
| On-Time Program Completion Rate |
| Reporting Period | Number Completing on Time | Number Completing Later Than on Time | Number Not Completing | %Completed Within Expected Time Frame |
| 2025-2026 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 78 |
| 2024-2025 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 60 |
| 2023-2024 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| 3-Year Average | 81 |
| Praxis Examination Pass Rates of Test-takers |
| Reporting Period | Number Taking the Exam | Number Passing the Exam | % Passed Exam Rate |
| 2025-2026 | 10 | 8 | 80 |
| 2024-2025 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| 2023-2024 | 6 | 5 | 83 |
| 3-Year Average | 85 |
Can I begin the graduate program any semester (e.g. fall, spring, summer)?
Yes. The SLP Graduate program has fall and spring admissions.
What courses will I take at HSU in order to complete my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology?
You may view the curriculum on the website under the Curriculum tab.
Are part-time students accepted?
No. The M.S. program at Hardin-Simmons is a full-time program only. The SLP program is a 2-year (5 semester) commitment.
If my bachelor’s degree is in Communication Sciences and Disorders, do I need any other prerequisites?
There are four prerequisite courses that are required of everyone by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for certification and are considered to be essential background for entering the graduate program. These prerequisite courses are not a requirement in order to apply. However, students will need to complete these courses prior to enrolling in the Master in Speech-Language Pathology program at HSU.
For a list of accepted courses, please view the ASHA prerequisite courses.
Christine Sanchez
Director of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program and Assistant Professor
Dee Kirby
Clinic Director
Assistant Professor
Lorenzo Martinez
Assistant Program Director of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Assistant Professor
Kalli Clement
Assistant Professor
Dr. Carolyn Higdon
Adjunct Professor
Dr. Jill Jumper
Dean of the College of Health Professions
Associate Professor
Dr. Carol Krueger
Director of Disability Services and ACE
Dr. Yvette McCoy
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Dr. Lindsay Spindler
Department Head: Kinesiology, Health, and Recreation
Professor
Dr. Sandra Welling
Associate Dean/Founding Director of Nursing Education
Professor
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology strategic plan outlines the program’s goals, priorities, and initiatives.
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) will need to complete at least 24 hours of leveling. These courses can be completed at HSU. The leveling program at HSU begins each fall through the undergraduate CSD program. Following the fall semester of leveling, students may apply to the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Central Application System (http://www.csdcas.org). HSU reserves up to three seats in the SLP program for leveling students who earn at least a 3.25 GPA in the program and meet the other admission requirements, including scoring well on the GRE and an acceptable interview. Leveling students at HSU may be provisionally admitted to the graduate program while awaiting completion of the spring semester.
Leveling courses recommended:
HSU Course Schedule of Leveling
| SUGGESTED COURSES | CREDIT HOURS |
| Fall Semester (12 hours) | |
| Audiology (offered in odd years – Fall) | 3 |
| Clinical Phonetics | 3 |
| Language Disorders | 3 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurology of Speech and Language | 3 |
| Spring Semester (13 hours) | |
| Normal Language, Speech and Hearing | 3 |
| Aural Rehabilitation (offered in even years – Spring) | 3 |
| Articulation and Phonological Disorders | 3 |
| Speech Acoustics (offered in odd years) | 4 |
Student Placement Request Form – Download the form, complete it, and email it to dlyla.kirby@hsutx.edu.
Summer Placement Request Form – Download the form, complete it, and email it to dlyla.kirby@hsutx.edu.
Hardin-Simmons University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information in its programs and activities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, its amendments in 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no qualified person will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the University because of a disability.
HSU recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has:
disabilityservices@hsutx.edu
325-670-5842
https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/academic-resources/disability-services/
Students may file a complaint with the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) by writing to:
The Council on Academic Accreditation in
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850
For more information regarding the CAA’s complaint procedures as well as a link to the complaint form, students may visit their website: CAA
