Communication Sciences and Disorders

Undergraduate

Terry Baggs, Chair

Don Morris Center, Room 119
ACU Box 28058
Abilene, Texas 79699-8058

Phone: 325-674-2090
Fax: 325-674-6272
Email: twb07c@acu.edu
Web: https://acu.edu/academics/health-behavioral-sciences/communication-sciences-disorders/

Faculty

Shealynn Abston, College Assistant Professor
Terry Baggs, Associate Professor
Brenda Bender, Associate Professor
Lory Chrane, Instructor
Brooke Clarke, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator
April Davis-Jones, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator
Monica Garcia, Instructor and Clinic Director
Michelle Peek, Assistant Professor
Hollie Reese, College Assistant Professor
Dara Rodriguez, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator
Ellen Shutt, Instructor

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders.

Introduction

The goal of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to prepare students to pursue graduate study in communication disorders (e.g., speech-language pathology or audiology). Four years of undergraduate education, followed by at least two additional years of graduate study are required to practice as a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are required by most states to earn a graduate degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology residential and satellite location at Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Departmental Requirements

Minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the CSD major;
“C” or better in all major courses;
“C” or better in all ASHA required courses (biological science, physical science, social/behavioral science, statistics).

Any exemptions or modifications to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the faculty.

The coursework is sequenced in a manner determined by the faculty to best prepare students for future courses. As such, it is required that these courses be taken in the designated sequence. In the event of an extenuating circumstance, a course may be taken out of sequence with faculty approval.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Graduate

Terry Baggs, Chair

Erica McLean, Director, Abilene Division
ACU Box 28058
Abilene, Texas 79699-8058
Don Morris Center, Room 119

Phone: 325-674-2420
Fax: 325-674-2552
Email: elc09c@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/grad

Brenda Bender, Director, Dallas Division
16633 Dallas Parkway, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75501

Phone: 469-398-2793
Email: brenda.bender@acu.edu

Faculty

Shealynn Abston, College Assistant Professor
Terry Baggs, Associate Professor
Brenda Bender, Associate Professor
Lory Chrane, Instructor
Brooke Clark, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator*
April Davis-Jones, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator*
Monica Garcia, Instructor and Clinic Director
Michelle Peek, Assistant Professor*
Hollie Reese, College Assistant Professor
Dara Rodriguez, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator*
Ellen Shutt, Instructor*

*These instructors are primarily located in Dallas.

Introduction

Abilene Christian University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This is a 52-hour non-thesis program consisting of 44 hours of academic preparation and 8 hours of clinical practicum. Passing a comprehensive examination is required. A student may complete an approved research project in lieu of comprehensive examinations.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential, satellite location, and distance education) at Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The mission of the Communication Sciences and Disorders department is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective ministry to persons with communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders from a Christ-centered perspective. Students and faculty are involved in the provision of diagnostic and treatment services to the community; research into the causes, prevention, and effects of communication disorders; and advocacy for persons with communication disabilities. The training program endeavors to produce speech-language pathologists with professional competency and conduct consistent with the highest national standards.

Abilene Christian University’s MS degree in Speech-Language pathology is offered on both the Abilene and Dallas campuses. Classes at both campuses are offered in a traditional face-to-face format. The program is also offered via online distance education, where the student can complete coursework and clinical experiences in their current location. Students enrolling in the online modality will be required to complete several residencies requiring travel to the Dallas campus. The applicant will complete an application for their campus preference in the CSDCAS application.

Abilene Residential

The Abilene campus presents the coursework in a traditional 2-year sequence/timeline. Enrollment is limited to applicants who are full-time students. A Bilingual Emphasis Program is also available on the Abilene campus for students who already have advanced proficiency in a second language. This program will enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as bilingual speech-language pathologists and includes focused coursework, clinical experiences, and mentoring by a licensed bilingual speech-language pathologist.

Dallas Residential

The Dallas campus presents the coursework in a traditional 2-year sequence/timeline as well as a 3-year sequence/timeline. Applicants interested in intensive coursework and clinical training should apply for the 2-year course sequence. Students complete 12-15 credit hours each long semester which includes a community-based clinical rotation. Applicants wanting to pursue a graduate degree but needing to work 20 hours per week or more (full-time employees) should apply for the 3-year course sequence. Students in this course sequence will carry 7-10 credit hours in fall and spring semesters (with the exception of the final semester). Students are required to complete coursework and clinical rotations across 2 summers, taking 4-5 credit hours each summer. Students on the 3-year sequence are required to complete 2 full-time clinical rotations of 8-10 weeks in length. A leave of absence from work may be necessary to meet clinical training requirements. Students on the 3-year sequence are considered full-time students per the university catalog even though they are taking fewer credit hours per semester than 2-year sequence students.

Online

Expected length for completion of the online program of study is six to nine semesters. A minimum of four residencies are required. Clinical practicum will be completed through multiple avenues. These may include therapy provision in the student’s locality, simulated therapy, telehealth therapy, and short residency requirements. Online students must complete two full-time clinical rotations of 8-10 weeks in length. A leave of absence from work may be necessary to meet the clinical training requirements.

Additional program information and policies are found in the program handbook.

Admission Requirements

Students who expect to complete a degree within two years may enroll for the two-year course sequence (residential or online). Applicants who need to work 20 or more hours per week and who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in speech-language pathology should apply for the 3-year course sequence/timeline or the online option.

The admission requirements for the MS program in Speech-Language Pathology are:

A completed application through CSDCAS and a completed ACU application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee.
An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
A grade of “C” or better in all CSD coursework and in all ASHA required courses (biological science, physical science, social/behavioral science, statistics).
Three letters of recommendation

At least two of the recommendations must come from professors/faculty in the field and relate to the applicant’s potential academic success.
Applicants who have worked in a full-time capacity may utilize their supervisor for one of these recommendations.
CSDCAS will also provide a rating scale.

Complete a 300-500 word personal essay (prompt in the CSDCAS application).
A current resume that includes information regarding: college education and activities to date, employment to date, and university, community, and/or church involvement. High school activities should not be included.
A two-year commitment is required from all applicants accepted in the residential 2-year course sequence/timeline. A three-year commitment is required from applicants accepted in the 3-year course sequence/timeline. Online students may choose either a two-year or three-year sequence of study. For the online program of study, it is expected that the student will complete degree requirements in no more than nine semesters. For certification, ASHA requires at least 400 clock hours of therapy. These hours must be completed prior to graduation.
The application portal opens on July 15 each year. Applications received and verified by CSDCAS will be reviewed with an admission decision within seven weeks of verification and submitted letters of recommendation.

Only completed applications, verified by CSDCAS will be reviewed by the CSD faculty. A personal interview will be required. Additional information regarding the nature of the interview will be provided when an interview is scheduled.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Admissions Committee makes holistic judgments based on the evaluation of an applicant’s ability and readiness for graduate work. The Committee may recommend probationary admission for an applicant who does not meet all admission criteria but is deemed to have the potential for success and contribution to the program mission.

Programs

Master of Science

Speech-Language Pathology, MS (CSD)

Bachelor of Science

Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS (COMP)

Courses

Communication Sciences and Disorders