Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do students need to have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology to apply?
No. Students must complete a Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment. It is highly recommended that an applicant have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA should consult the Admissions Office prior to applying. Applicants must complete admissions prerequisites at the college level at an accredited institution(s). No more than two prerequisite courses will be accepted with a minimum grade of 'C.' All other prerequisites must have a grade of 'B-' or better.
For a list of prerequisite course work and other requirements, including observation hours, please see the Criteria & Prerequisites section on the Applicant Process page.
What is the recommended GRE scores for potential students?
The GRE is no longer a requirement for admissions into the SLP program.
Are applicants required to use a specific form when submitting letters of recommendation?
Detailed instructions regarding the completion of the application, including letters of recommendation and the personal statement are provided on the CSDCAS application portal.
How many students are enrolled in the speech-language pathology program each academic year?
Thirty-eight (38) students were enrolled in the class during Fall 2021. We expect to gradually increase our enrollment figure with future classes.
If admitted to the program, are students able to defer entrance?
Yes, students may defer entrance for a period of one year. Please see the
SLP deferment policy here.
What happens after students accept an offer of admission?
An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance as early as October, prior to the desired year of enrollment. Upon receipt of acceptance, the applicant is asked to confirm his or her decision to matriculate by submitting a $1,000 matriculation fee to the University prior to the start of classes. Enrollment in the SLP Program is a fixed number; therefore, Salus would prefer for each applicant to matriculate as soon as his or her decision is made. However, because the SLP Program abides by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders’ (CAPCSD) resolution 98-5, a full matriculation deposit is not required until April 15th of the year of desired enrollment. All monies received are non-refundable and will be applied toward first term fees.
Does Salus accept transfer students from other masters programs in speech-language pathology?
Students who wish to transfer from another master’s program must meet all requirements for admission. A limited number of transfer credits will be reviewed and approved on an individual basis by the Director of the Speech-Language Pathology Program in collaboration with the Office of the Registrar.
Tuition Fees & Financial Aid
What is the cost of tuition and fees for the two year program?
The total cost of the Salus University College of Health Sciences, Education & Rehabilitation Speech-Language Pathology program, including University fees is on the Cost of Attendance page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Yes. A variety of financial assistance is available to SLP students, such as loans, scholarships, grants, and work study. Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Office of Financial Aid
215-780-1330
financialaid@salus.edu
What time of day are classes held?
Academic classes will be offered during the day and evening to accommodate the overall university class scheduling process as well as the clinical experiences required in the program.
Can I complete my graduate degree in less than 5 semesters?
No. Salus offers a lock-step program. The sequence of courses is thoughtfully arranged to maximize academic and clinical learning experiences in the least amount of time. A minimum of 5 semesters is necessary in order to complete the requirements of the program.
Where is the clinic located?
The Speech-Language Institute, Salus’ on-campus clinic, is located on the second floor of the Breyer Office Park, on the main campus in Elkins Park, PA.
What types of clients will I see during my on-campus clinical experience?
Students gain clinical experience with clients (infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and elders) exhibiting a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. Examples include delayed language and speech development, voice disorders, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, aphasia, autism spectrum disorders, stuttering, and other cognitive-communicative disorders.
What type of supervision do students receive during their on-campus clinical experience?
Students are supervised by ASHA certified and PA State licensed clinical educators and faculty. Supervisors utilize a variety of methods to hone students clinical and professional skills using face-to-face and video monitoring. Supervision is adjusted depending on the unique needs of the student and client.
Where do students go for their externships?
Upon successful completion of their internships, students are placed in a variety of external sites during their second year. Sites include hospitals, acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and private practices to obtain clinical experiences and to earn their clinical hours toward graduation.
Do students choose their externships?
No. Assignments are made by the Clinical Director, keeping in mind the student’s professional interest.
Do students need to provide their own transportation to the externship?
Yes. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the externship.
Will students have to work on the weekends at their externship?
Possibly; students may be placed at facilities that will require weekend attendance.
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How do students find out more about the program?
For additional questions or concerns, students can contact the Office of Admissions at 800.824.6262, admissions@salus.edu, or the SLP Administrative Assistant, Christine Lant at 215.780.3114, clant@salus.edu.
You can also enroll in an SLP webinar here.
