Earn a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in Only Five Years

The fast-track program in speech-language pathology provides an opportunity for qualified students to complete a BS and MS in five years instead of the six-year traditional path. Students who are accepted into the fast-track program complete undergraduate courses their first three years and begin graduate coursework in the summer following their junior year. Only entering freshmen may apply for acceptance into the fast-track program. Throughout their fast-track path, students will be mentored by peers and faculty.

Upon completion of undergraduate requirements, students will graduate and receive the Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

 Application Timeline

Late January - fast-track interviews
Late February – Fast-track applicants will be notified of final decisions.
Priority Deadline - December 1st

Admission Criteria

Students with a 3.8 high school GPA (4.0 scale) and a >/= 29 ACT Superscore are eligible to apply for the fast-track program. Students complete an application and may be invited for an interview.

Progression Standards

To remain in the fast-track master of science in speech-language pathology (MSSLP-SLPA) program, students must:

  1. Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above on all coursework by the end of spring semester of third year;
  2. Earn a B or higher in all courses with a CSDS prefix.
  3. Earn a C or higher in pre-requisite courses: biological sciences, physics, and/or chemistry, statistics, and social sciences;
  4. Complete all required convocation hours by the end of the spring semester of third year;
  5. Meet with an academic advisor once a semester;
  6. Complete all CSDS major requirements on time in the first three years at Samford University; and
  7. Candidates must pay a nonrefundable fee of $500 to secure admission into the MS-SLP program by January of the junior year

Why Samford?

  • Low student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom
  • Highly experienced faculty with wide range of expertise who mentor students throughout the program.
  • A rigorous curriculum that is updated as needed to reflect ever-evolving research and best practices in the educational and health care industries.
  • Service learning and supervised research projects
  • Study alongside students in other healthcare disciplines as part of Samford’s College of Health Sciences, an innovative learning environment designed to foster interprofessional collaboration and experiential learning.
  • Review our FAQ's for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Fast Track Program in Speech-Language Pathology?

The Fast Track program allows qualified students to complete both a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology in just five years, instead of the traditional six.

  1. Who is eligible to apply for the Fast-Track program?

Only entering freshmen may apply.
Minimum qualifications include:

  • High school GPA of 3.8 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • ACT Composite or Super score of 29 or higher
  1. What is the application timeline for the Fast-Track program?
  • Priority Deadline: December 1
  • Interviews Conducted: Late January
  • Admission Decisions Released: Late February
  1. What are the progression standards to remain in the Fast-Track program?

To stay in the program, students must:

  • Maintain a 3.5+ cumulative GPA by end of junior spring
  • Earn a B or higher in all CSDS courses
  • Earn a C or higher in all prerequisite science/social science courses
  • Complete all required convocation hours by junior spring
  • Meeting with an academic advisor once per semester
  • Complete all major requirements within the first three years
  • Pay a $500 nonrefundable deposit by January of junior year to secure MS-SLP admission
  1. When do students start graduate coursework?

Graduate courses begin in the fall semester of the senior (4th) year.

  1. What degree is awarded after completing the undergraduate portion?

Upon completing all undergraduate requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

  1. Will I still graduate in four years with a bachelor's degree?

Yes. Once students reach the required 120 undergraduate credits, they are eligible to graduate, regardless of whether they’ve completed their fourth year.

  1. Can I walk with my UG cohort in the spring graduation?

Yes. You can walk in the spring graduation after your fourth year as long as you have completed the required 120 undergraduate credits.

  1. What is the tuition rate during the graduate portion of the Fast-Track?

Students begin paying graduate tuition rates starting the fall of senior year, when they begin graduate-level coursework.

  1. Can I use my Samford undergraduate scholarship during the graduate portion?

Yes. Students may use their Samford scholarships for up to 8 semesters, or until they graduate with the BS degree—whichever comes first.

  1. Can I apply for graduate scholarships in this program?

No. Graduate scholarships (SHP) are reserved for traditional graduate students and are not available to Fast Track students.

  1. What if I want to study abroad?

The best option is for you to study abroad in the summer after freshman or sophomore year.

  1. Can I take graduate courses early if I complete UG credits ahead of schedule?

No. Graduate courses officially begin in fall of senior year. If undergrad requirements are met early, students may:

  • Add a minor
  • Take more electives
  • Explore CSDS or general education courses to enhance preparation
  1. Will I be considered full-time during my senior year?

Yes. Once you begin graduate coursework, 6 credit hours = full-time status. You typically do not need additional electives unless required by financial aid or personal preference.

  1. Can I participate in other campus programs such as clubs and leadership organizations after starting graduate courses?

Yes, students are encouraged to get involved in campus life through clubs and leadership opportunities—as long as it does not interfere with your academic responsibilities. Your coursework should remain your top priority, so be sure to manage your time wisely.

  1. Who can I contact for more information? Angela Barber, Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders  abarber1@samford.edu