Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology: Accelerated

This full-time, two-year (24-month) graduate program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders. Through academic coursework, hands-on clinical practice, and optional global experiences, you’ll become a compassionate, licensed professional ready to work in diverse healthcare and educational settings.

Total credits

60

Finish in as few as

24 months

Courses

• Craniofacial Conditions and Velopharyngeal Disorders (SLPL515)

  Explores anatomy and physiology of the velopharyngeal mechanism for speech in children with cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies. Analyzes disorders behaviorally and instrumentally, examines surgical effects, and applies evidence-based interventions for articulation, resonance, and feeding/swallowing. Emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration across the lifespan.

  2 credits

• Informational Counseling, Ethics, and Culturally-Responsive Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPL525)

  Examination of major counseling theories in communication and swallowing disorders. Analysis of lifespan counseling principles, including end-of-life issues. Application of evidence-based strategies for diverse clients. Evaluation of cultural and linguistic influences on counseling outcomes. Exploration of ethical considerations, bias, and culturally responsive practice. Development of individualized counseling plans.

  3 credits

• Research Methods in Speech-language Pathology (SLPL530)

  Description of quantitative and qualitative research methods in communication disorders. Examination of problem-centered questions, research design, methodology, data management, and parametric and nonparametric analysis. Analysis of theoretical frameworks, including interprofessional practice. Application of evidence-based practice, ethics, and clinical decision-making in oral presentations and a written research proposal.

  3 credits

• Management of Communication Disorders in Special Populations (SLPL535)

  Exploration of communication disorders affecting children and adults with developmental disabilities, hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Examination of special education laws, disability regulations, and family resources. Application of assessment and intervention strategies in interprofessional collaboration to enhance outcomes.

  3 credits

• Global Service Delivery in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPL540)

  Application of evidence-based practice in international settings to identify, prevent, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders during short-term study abroad. Development of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, counseling, and collaborative practice. Integration of theory and skills through clinical documentation, interprofessional communication, ethical decision-making, and client-centered care.

  3 credits

• Language Disorders in Children (SLPL600)

  Impact of language-based differences and disorders in infants, toddlers, children, and young adolescents. Examination of how language processing deficits affect academic performance and literacy development, including information processing, word memory, word finding, social language, and cognitive abilities. Apply various assessments and curriculum-based intervention techniques to facilitate academic and social development.

  4 credits

• Speech Sound Disorders in Children (SLPL601)

  Examination of the characteristics, challenges, and complexities of speech disorders in children, including apraxia of speech and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Exploration of speech assessment tools, standardized tests, and dynamic assessments. Application of recent field theory to formulate and implement speech sound intervention plans within the curriculum.

  4 credits

• Language and Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Adults (SLPL606)

  Examination of adult aphasia and dementia, their definition, incidence and prevalence, etiologies, and contemporary approaches for assessing and managing aphasia, using the International Classification of Diseases model and a life participation approach to treatment. Includes cognitive-communication disorders such as acquired brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and mild cognitive impairments.

  4 credits

• Assessments and Interventions in Literacy (SLPL608)

  Analyzes causes and prevention of language disorders, learning disabilities, and dyslexia. Examines phonological, semantic, orthographic, and oral processing affecting literacy. Applies evidence-based assessments for screening, diagnosis, and progress monitoring. Designs interventions for decoding, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and written expression while collaborating to address literacy challenges.

  3 credits

• Stuttering and Cluttering (SLPL610)

  Differentiate typical disfluency from stuttering while identifying the nature, characteristics, and etiologies of developmental and acquired stuttering based on current theories. Administer assessments and interpret test results to formulate intervention plans/procedures for clients with fluency problems. Develop counseling support and management plans for adults and children with stuttering or cluttering diagnosise.

  2 credits

• Dysphagia in Adults (SLPL615)

  Analyzes adult dysphagia, including etiology, anatomy, physiology, screening, and assessment using videofluoroscopy and endoscopy. Applies evidence-based treatments, compensatory techniques, rehabilitative exercises, and diet modifications. Integrates interprofessional practice, palliative care, patient safety, counseling, and ethics to develop effective, evidence-informed intervention plans for safe swallowing.

  4 credits

• Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders (SLPL616)

  Examines typical pediatric swallowing anatomy and physiology. Analyzes feeding and swallowing disorders from neurological, structural, and behavioral causes in children through age 21. Applies screening protocols, instrumental and behavioral assessments, and quality-of-life questionnaires to develop evidence-informed treatment plans that ensure safe and efficient oral intake.

  2 credits

• Assistive Technology and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (SLPL620)

  Analyzes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals with complex communication needs. Applies evidence-based assessments to select low-, mid-, and high-tech AAC tools that enhance linguistic, operational, social, and strategic skills. Integrates culturally responsive practices and interprofessional collaboration to support AAC users, families, and communication partners.

  2 credits

• Clinical Practicum (SLPL625)

  Applies evidence-based practice in campus and community settings to identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Develops critical thinking, clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, counseling, and collaborative skills. Integrates theory with practice through documentation, interprofessional communication, and ethical decision-making to meet diverse client needs.

  3 credits

• Voice and Upper Airway Disorders (SLPL640)

  Explanation of anatomic, physiologic, and neurologic bases for voice production and respiration; etiological characteristics and classification of voice disorders. In-depth perceptual/behavioral, acoustic, and instrumental analysis of voice disorders, including formulating prevention and treatment plans. Evaluation and implementation of evidence-based assessment, treatment, and management options for voice and upper airway disorders.

  3 credits

• Motor Speech Disorders (SLPL645)

  Description of etiologies, classification, and nature of different types of dysarthria and apraxia of speech in adults. Implementation of assessment batteries and evidence-informed treatment, management, and counseling methods for a diverse array of neurogenic speech disorders.

  2 credits

• Clinical Externship (SLPL660)

  Applies evidence-based practice in off-campus educational or medical settings to assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Develops critical thinking, clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, counseling, and collaborative skills. Integrates theory with practice through documentation, interprofessional communication, and ethical decision-making to meet diverse client needs.

  3 credits

• Research Project I (SLPL690)

  Evaluates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods for clinical and interprofessional research in communication disorders. Designs research projects, formulates questions and hypotheses, and collects primary or secondary data. Integrates literature, theoretical frameworks, methods, results, and discussion to address the research problem with rigor and relevance.

  2 credits

• Graduate Comprehensive Exam (SLPL700)

  Completes a comprehensive exam after all coursework, integrating theoretical and clinical knowledge. Demonstrates mastery through written multiple-choice questions modeled on the national Praxis exam and an oral case study analysis. Enrollment occurs during the semester of graduation.

  0 credits

• Thesis I (SLPL790)

  Evaluates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods for clinical and interprofessional research in communication disorders. Designs a research study, formulates questions and hypotheses, and collects primary or secondary data. Integrates literature, theoretical frameworks, methods, results, and discussion to address the research problem rigorously.

  2 credits

Program objectives

As a student in the accelerated MS-SLP program, you’ll learn to:

• Understand the biological, developmental, and cultural factors that influence communication and swallowing

• Identify and treat speech, language, hearing, cognitive, and swallowing disorders

• Apply prevention, assessment, and intervention strategies across the lifespan

• Adapt clinical methods based on evidence, collaboration, and client-centered care

• Navigate ethical standards and regulations in clinical decision-making

• Think critically and communicate effectively in professional settings

Field work

You’ll complete:

• Three semesters of clinical practicum at Bethel’s on-campus clinic and affiliated partner sites

• Two semesters of clinical externship in medical, educational, and community-based settings

• Opportunities to work with children, adults, and aging populations across diverse care environments

You’ll build competencies in:

• Clinical reasoning and documentation

• Culturally responsive care and interprofessional collaboration

• Ethical decision-making and client advocacy