Frequently-asked Questions (FAQs)

  • GENERAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS
    •  When are your application deadlines?
    • Do I need a bachelor's degree in the area of speech-language pathology to apply to the MS SLP program?
      • It is not necessary to have a bachelor's degree in the area of speech-language pathology to apply to our MS SLP program.  All applicants without a background in speech-language pathology must complete 15 hours of prerequisite coursework in the area of speech-language pathology prior to submitting an application for the graduate program.
    • What are the admission requirements?
    • How much does it cost to attend TSU?
    • Is the GRE required?
      • No. The GRE is not required for admission into the MS SLP program at TSU. It is recommended, however. 

 

  • PREREQUISITE QUESTIONS
    • What prerequisite courses are required for the MS degree in Speech and Hearing Science?
    • How can I take the TSU prerequisite courses? 
      • To take prerequisite courses at TSU, students must either apply as a Non-degree seeking student or be enrolled as an undergraduate student at TSU.
      • Potential applicants are welcome to take equivalent courses at any accredited university of their choice. 
      • Prerequisite courses at TSU are offered both on campus in a traditional classroom setting and online. Taking the prerequisite courses as a non-degree-seeking student does not ensure or obligate acceptance into the Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Science.  
    • Can I receive funding for taking the prerequisite courses as a non-degree seeking student?
      • To receive financial aid you must complete the "Special Graduate Students" form and be enrolled in six credit hours of prerequisite coursework.  A list of all prerequisite courses in which you are enrolled must be sent to the Office of Student Financial Aid along with the completed and signed "Special Graduate Student" form. The Special Graduate Student form can be found here.
    • How can I take the science courses required by ASHA? (Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Social Sciences)

 

  • MS SLP (TRADITIONAL) QUESTIONS
    • How long does it take to complete the MS degree program in Speech and Hearing Science for TRADITIONAL/ON-CAMPUS students?
      • Traditional/on-campus students have choices among three program of study tracks:
        • Full-Time Traditional:  The MS degree program in Speech and Hearing Science can be completed in 5 semesters
        • Part-Time Traditional: The MS degree program in Speech and Hearing Science can be completed in either 8 semesters or 12 semesters.
      • In addition to the academic requirements, students must also complete a minimum of two  full-time  clinical externship practica during their chosen program of study. Most students complete the MS Program in the number of semesters indicated on the program of study.  However the number of semesters needed to complete the MS degree program may vary due to academic or personal/extenuating circumstances.

 

  • MS SLP (DISTANCE EDUCATION) QUESTIONS
    • Can I apply as a Distance Education student if I reside outside of the United States?
      • No. We can only accept DE applicants who reside in the United States. 
    • Do you accept DE students from every state in the U.S?
      • No. The applicant must reside in a SARA state. For a current list of SARA states, visit the following website: SARA STATES
    • How long does it take to complete the MS degree program in Speech and Hearing for Distance students?
      • The TSU Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers a 53-hour, part-time MS degree program in Speech and Hearing Science via distance learning beginning in the spring semester of every odd year. The MS degree program in Speech and Hearing Science can be completed in 8 semesters through the distance education modality. The plan of study and other information can be found here
    • What is the academic year for the Distance Education Program in Speech and Hearing Science?
      • The academic year for the Distance Education Program delivery is Spring-Summer-Fall.
    • What is the learning format for the MS in Speech and Hearing Science for Distance Education students?
      • Courses are delivered online asynchronously via eLearn@Tnstate and synchronously through the Zoom Virtual Classroom.
    • Are distance-education students required to travel to TSU during the MS SLP program?
      • Yes. Travel to Nashville, TN is required during the second summer semester of the DE program. DE students are required to complete a SIX-WEEK practicum experience during this time. Students are responsible for transportation and living arrangements during this experience.
    • How do Distance Education students complete their clinical practicum experiences for the MS degree program in Speech and Hearing Science?
      • The first summer clinical practicum experience will be completed virtually via Simucase.
      • The second summer clinical practicum experience will be spent at TSU in a Summer Language, Articulation, and Fluency Clinic. 
      • The third and fourth clinical practicum experiences will be arranged during the fall and spring semesters in an approved site close to the area in which the student resides. 
      • The final clinical practicum experience will be arranged during the last summer of the student's program in an approved medical site close to the area in which the student resides.
      • All clinical practicum experiences will be supervised by speech-language pathologists who hold the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence.