Master of Speech Language Pathology (MSLP)

Program Location	Distance Education/Online
Program Credits	56 Credits
Program Length	5 Trimesters, 75 Instructional Weeks
Time to Complete	20 Months

* Program length may vary.

WCU distance education programs may not be available to residents in all states.

 

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Codes: 29-1127.00

Program Philosophy

The philosophy of the Speech Language Pathology Program is to develop life-long learners who possess the knowledge, skills, and values required for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders through the use of critical thinking in evidence-based academic coursework and clinical education within a student-centric environment. We are committed to preparing servant leaders, respectful of diversity and inclusion, to fulfill a humanitarian need of (re)habilitating children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders.

Program Mission

The mission of the Speech Language Pathology Program at West Coast University is to develop competent speech-language pathologists who are committed to evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, community outreach and excellence in patient-centered care. We prepare entry-level humanistic practitioners to serve competently on interprofessional teams, and to work for the advancement of the profession.

Program Vision

We envision a virtual academic environment comprised of innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a variety of clinical practical experiences which prepare students to serve a culturally diverse society. We continuously strive to inspire students to become servant leaders, critical thinkers, lifelong learners and reflective interprofessional practitioners.

Program Learning Outcomes

 

Upon successful completion of the program the Master of Speech Language Pathology students will be able to:

1. Assess speech-language pathology disorders to provide client-centered care using appropriate communication and swallowing diagnostic outcome measures.
2. Apply professional healthcare documentation strategies for accurate record-keeping to assure reimbursement and secure content management per HIPAA compliance.
3. Deliver professional communication skills to demonstrate client-centered behaviors such as cultural humility and cultural competence.
4. Provide competent intervention services for evidence-based treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
5. Display ethical behavior in professional practice settings to adhere to ASHA Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics and the delivery of ethical client-centered care.
6. Exhibit interprofessional collaboration behaviors to establish relationship building values for effective team dynamics.  

MSLP Pre-requisite Leveling Courses

For additional admissions information and requirements please reach out to the Speech Language Pathology Department.  Information regarding tuition and fees for this program can be found in the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees section of the catalog.

MSLP Pre-requisite Leveling Courses Curriculum

SLP 500	Phonological Sciences with Lab	3
SLP 502	Language Development with Lab	3
SLP 504	Guided Observation and Clinical Procedures with Lab	2
SLP 506	Clinical Audiology with Lab	3
SLP 508	Anatomy & Physiology of the Communication & Swallowing Mechanisms with Lab	3
Total Credit Hours:		14

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master Speech Language Pathology program must have:

1. Obtained a baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech Language Pathology from an accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education with a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher; excluding post-baccalaureate coursework. WCU allows MSLP prospective applicants to “challenge” pre-master’s courses with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0. See MSLP Challenge Credit policy, OR
2. Obtained a baccalaureate degree that is not in Communication Sciences and Disorder, Speech Language Pathology, with completion of the following courses with a "C" or better from an accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education approved by the Program Dean.
   1. Phonological Science (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   2. Language Development (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   3. Guided observations and Clinical Procedures (2.0 semester or 1.5 quarter credits)
   4. Clinical Audiology (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   5. Anatomy and Physiology of the Communication & Swallowing Mechanism (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   6. Applicants with an undergraduate degree not in Communication Sciences and Disorder, Speech Language Pathology, must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
3. Completed the following prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.  Specific information about courses that will satisfy these prerequisite requirements can be found on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association website.  Students can still be admitted without the ASHA prerequisite courses; however, the courses must be completed with the submission of official transcripts no later than the completion of the individual’s third trimester in the program. The ASHA pre-requisites courses include the following:  
   1. Statistics (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   2. Social and Behavioral Science (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   3. Physics or Chemistry (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
   4. Biological Science (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
4. A minimum of 25 direct and guided observation hours with an American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech Language Pathologist.
5. Three letters (3) of reference:
   1. One (1) from a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
   2. Two (2) from a faculty member, academic advisor, or a supervisor.
6. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview.
7. Submitted a completed application with official transcripts through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science and Disorders system (CSDCAS).
8. Non-native English Speakers: Students whose native language is English and/or those with a baccalaureate degree from a United States college or university are exempted from these requirements.
   1. Applicants submitting non-United States or non-English transcripts will be required to have coursework evaluated by a transcript evaluation service to determine the equivalency to a United States degree/coursework. If the transcript evaluation service is unable to determine the degree equivalency, the Program Dean will review the transcript to determine if the admissions criteria have been met.
   2. Must obtain a TOEFL Score:
      1. An Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 with no less than 20 on each sub-score; or
      2. An IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6 on each band score.

Applications can be submitted during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or while completing required coursework. However, pending degrees, coursework or other requirements must be completed and verified through CSDCAS by the deadline to apply.  

1. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.3-2.9 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:

• The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
• The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with the Program Director/Dean.
• The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.

1. A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program.  Students failing to meet this requirement by the end of the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.    
2. Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.  

Candidate Seat Deposit

Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Master of Speech Language Pathology program until a non-refundable $250.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check made payable to West Coast University. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.

Program Information and Disclosures

Certification and Licensure Requirements  

To practice as a Speech Language Pathologist, the graduate must be certified and licensed. 

1. ASHA Certification
   1. After successful completion of the Praxis Examination in Speech Language Pathology, the graduate will be eligible to apply for ASHA Certification. A felony conviction may impede or prohibit a graduate’s ability to obtain ASHA certification.
2. State Licensure
   1. State licensure requirements vary by state. State may require a law and ethics exam, Live Scan and ETS Praxis exam score.A felony conviction may impede or prohibit a graduate’s ability to obtain state licensure.

Master of Speech Language Pathology Clinical Experience Requirements

Students must complete all required clinical hours in each of the clinical courses, or they will not progress into the next course; they will have a maximum of 30 days at the end of that term to complete the hours, consistent with the University incomplete policy. No further extension will be granted. This program requires a total of 375 precepted clinical hours and 25 observation hours. Participation in clinical experiences are required to complete the program. Prior to enrollment in the first clinical experience course, MSLP students must:

1. Demonstrate competency of the Program’s Essential Skills and Values.*
2. Provide evidence of health insurance.*
3. Obtain a background clearance.*
4. Undergo a drug screening and clearance.*
5. Submit documentation of required immunizations, vaccinations, and tuberculosis clearance.*
6. Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.*
7. Meet other requirements as applicable to the clinical experience site.
8. Expect the hours and days for clinicals to vary depending on the term schedule.
9. Expect the term to be final and non-negotiable.If a student refuses a clinical assignment, the student will be dismissed from the program.

*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the program orientation.

Health Insurance Requirement

Students enrolled in the Master of Speech Language Pathology program will be required to provide evidence of health insurance.

Additional Program-Specific Policies or Requirements

The MSLP Program has two mandatory on-site intensives that provide in-person experience to help student prepare for their clinical experience hours. Students enrolled through the Orange County Campus will complete their OSIs at the Center for Graduate Studies campus, located at 590 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA, and the La Palma Learning Site, located at 2411 W, La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA. Students enrolled through the Texas Campus, will complete their OSIs at the Texas Campus located at 2323 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080.

Speech Language Pathology Curriculum

 

COMM 580	Health Communication	2
SLP 520	Survey of Research with Lab	2
SLP 522	Speech Sound Disorders with Lab & Clinical Intensive I	3
SLP 524	Diagnostic Procedures with Lab	2.5
SLP 526	Language Disorders in Infants & Toddlers with Lab	2
SLP 528	Language Disorders in Children with Lab	2
SLP 530	Fluency Disorders with Lab	2
SLP 532	Dysphagia in Infants & Children with Lab	2.5
SLP 534	Neurogenic Cognitive & Language Disorders with Lab	2.5
SLP 536	Dysphagia in Adults with Lab	2.5
SLP 538	Neurogenic Speech Disorders with Lab	2.5
SLP 540	Foundations of Literacy Disorders with Lab	2
SLP 542	Voice Disorders with Lab	2
SLP 544	Medical Speech Language Pathology with Lab	2.5
SLP 546	Aural Rehabilitation with Lab	2
SLP 548	Augmentative & Alternative Communication with Lab	2
SLP 550	Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare	1.5
SLP 552	Speech Language Pathology Seminar with Clinical Intensive II	2.5
SLP 584	Clinical Experience I	2.5
SLP 586	Clinical Seminar I	1.5
SLP 588	Clinical Experience II	2.5
SLP 590	Clinical Seminar II	1.5
SLP 592	Clinical Experience III	4.5
SLP 602	Clinical Seminar III	1.5
SLP 608	Professional Topics & Leadership	2
Total Credit Hours:		56

MSLP Program Costs

For program costs, please see the Graduate Tuition and Fees section.