Frequently Asked Questions

IS YOUR PROGRAM ACCREDITED?

The Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) residential education program in speech-language pathology at Austin Peay State 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.

Yes, we are-we are in “pre-accreditation”, which serves as an accreditation of the program! (See statement below from the USDE) Our program has been awarded Candidacy, which is the way all new programs develop. Candidacy Accreditation is a form of accreditation given to new programs, so that the program can develop and demonstrate that it can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a speech-language pathologist.

The CAA Accreditation Handbook (ASHA, 2022, p. 83) states the following:

…. in accordance with Criterion for Recognition §602.23 [34 CFR 602.23(f)(2)], the U.S. Secretary of Education considers all credits and degrees earned and issued by a program holding candidacy status with the CAA to being from an accredited program since the CAA is a recognized accrediting agency.

Source: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (2022, April). Accreditation Handbook. Rockville, MD: American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) Accreditation Handbook (asha.org).

This means that students enrolled in the MSLP hold all of the same rights and privileges as those who attend programs that are fully accredited. Specifically,

• Students will have earned a Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) degree from Austin Peay State University.
• Students are able to take the Praxis examination.
• Students are able to apply for a Clinical Fellowship.

WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF CANDIDACY ACCREDITATION AWARDED TO APSU?

The Candidacy Accreditation Cycle is from February 1, 2022-January 31, 2027. The program will apply for initial accreditation in February 2026.

For further information or questions regarding Candidacy Accreditation, please contact the Master of in Speech-Language Pathology office or CAA.

Master of Speech-Language Pathology
(931) 221-6223
mslp-info@apsu.edu

Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
800-498-2071
accreditation@asha.org

WHAT DEGREE DO I NEED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY?

APSU undergraduate students earn a degree in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Applicants from other institutions typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or speech-language pathology. Prerequisite course work is required of students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders or who are currently pursuing a degree in another field. The prerequisite coursework provides applicants for the graduate program in speech-language pathology to acquire foundational knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases.

The following sequence begins in the fall term. At the end of the fall term the student is eligible to apply for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology Program at APSU. 

• Fall
  • CSDI 2020 Language Acquisition and Development (3 SCH)
  • CSDI 2040 Phonetics (2 SCH)
  • CSDI 3000 Guided Observation in SLP (2 SCH)
  • CSDI 3020 Neurological Basis of Communication Disorders (3 SCH)
  • CSDI 3040 Communication Disorders of the Exceptional Child (3 SCH)
• Spring
  • CSDI 1030 Introduction to Audiology (3 SCH)
  • CSDI 2030 Acoustics and Perception of Sound (3 SCH)
  • CSDI 2060 Applied Anatomy & Physiology SLP/AUD (3 SCH)
  • CSDI 2080 Child Communication Disorders Ax/Tx (3 SCH)
  • CSDI 3030 Aural Rehabilitation (3 SCH)

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FALL 2024 ADMISSION?

The application for the APSU MSLP program for Fall 2024 will open October 23, 2023. Faculty will begin reviewing applicants February 29^th. The MSLP program is a competitive program and has a limited number of spaces for incoming graduate students. Applicants who meet the February 29^th priority review date and meet the requirements have a greater probability of being admitted. In order to be considered in the February 29^th priority review pool of candidates, all application materials must be completed prior to 11:59 PM CST on February 29^th. Applicants will be reviewed until May 2, 2023 or until all spaces are filled whichever comes first. 

IS THE GRADUATE RECORDS EXAM (GRE) REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?

No, the GRE is NOT required for admission to the MSLP program.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR THE PROGRAM AT APSU?

There are several available options for financial aid including loans, grants, scholarships and graduate assistantship opportunities. Contact the APSU Financial Aid Office for more information.

DO YOU HAVE AN ON-CAMPUS CLINIC?

Yes, students will complete supervised practicum experiences at the APSU Speech-Language & Swallowing Community Clinic.

IS THE PROGRAM ONLINE?

No. The delivery of the MSLP program will combine on-campus and online distance learning to deliver the curriculum using a hybrid model. the first year experience will be comprised of traditional Face-to-Face course delivery with web enhanced instruction as appropriate to the course or experience.  Beginning in the second year the instructional delivery methods will shift to more online and hybrid courses for academic content.