Cost & earnings at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
A clinically oriented MS in Speech‑Language Pathology preparing students for ASHA certification through coursework, supervised clinical rotations and optional on‑campus experiences. Suits graduates from any undergraduate major who seek a professional clinical career working with communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders and who may benefit from campus or online delivery.
Coursework and clinical rotations develop assessment and intervention skills across lifespan and disorder types. Example coursework named in the program includes:
Program elements and training highlights include basic FEES training for swallow evaluations; instruction in the SpeakOut! program (noted as an expense to the student); supervised clinical rotations and opportunities for international clinical placement (costs covered by fundraising). Campus cohorts run site‑specific activities such as the Abilene Hospital Orientation Program (HOP) and the Dallas medical simulation lab for hands‑on dysphagia, tracheostomy and ventilator‑related skills. A Bilingual Emphasis Program at Abilene provides specialized coursework and bilingual clinical practice for students with intermediate proficiency in another language.
The program accepts applicants regardless of undergraduate major, but students who lack prerequisite SLP coursework must complete leveling courses, available on the Abilene campus or fully online. Admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, with reviews beginning September 1 and continuing until cohorts are filled; review typically ends the first week of May each academic year. The program prepares students to meet ASHA certification requirements.
Graduates are prepared for professional practice as speech‑language pathologists working with individuals who have communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders across settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics and community programs. The curriculum’s clinical rotations, hospital preparation (HOP), simulation lab experience and optional bilingual training support readiness for acute care, medical and school placements. Students also have opportunities to conduct faculty‑mentored research and present at state and national conferences.
The program notes that some experiential costs (for example, SpeakOut! participant expense) may fall to the student, while other opportunities—such as international clinical placement—have associated costs covered through fundraising. Prospective students should inquire with the program about available scholarships, assistantships, fundraising support and any campus‑specific funding for clinical experiences.
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