Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or speech-language pathology from a college or university with institutional accreditation.
Complete the following prerequisite courses from an accredited institution within 10 years of application, as required for ASHA CCC eligibility:
- Biological science
- Physical science (chemistry or physics)
- Statistics (math, psychology or health sciences)
- Social or behavioral science (sociology, psychology or anthropology)
- AP, IB or CLEP credit is accepted if documented on transcripts and recognized by the undergraduate institution
Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum GPA of 3.25 for the last 60 credit hours of coursework
Submit three letters of recommendation:
- Two must come from current or former professors
- One must come from a clinical supervisor or faculty member
- References from family friends or shadowing experiences will not be accepted
- All letters must be submitted through CSDCAS and should address the applicant’s academic potential and readiness for graduate study
Participate in an on-campus interview (details provided after application submission)
Earn a grade of C or higher in any undergraduate major course in communication sciences and disorders
Applicants without a background in communication sciences and disorders are encouraged to apply and may follow an alternate plan of study
International applicants and those who learned English as a second language must submit a TOEFL score of at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet), or an IELTS score of at least 6.5
Upon acceptance, submit a nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit, which will be applied to first-semester tuition
Accommodations: Students and applicants with disabilities who seek accommodations must contact the Section 504/Disability Access and Accommodation Coordinator at 205-726-4078 or disability@samford.edu.
Timeline
Late January - fast-track interviews
Late February – Fast-track applicants will be notified of final decisions.
Priority Deadline - December 1st
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.
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
What is the application timeline for the Fast-Track program?
- Priority Deadline: December 1
- Interviews Conducted: Late January
- Admission Decisions Released: Late February
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
When do students start graduate coursework?
Graduate courses begin in the fall semester of the senior (4th) year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What if I want to study abroad?
The best option is for you to study abroad in the summer after freshman or sophomore year.
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
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.
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.
Who can I contact for more information?
Angela Barber, Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders, abarber1@samford.edu.
