Published on September 2, 2015 by Katie Stripling  
First Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology Class

Samford University’s School of Health Professions welcomed the first class of 20 students in the Master of Science in speech language pathology program on Aug. 17. Students represent eight states and possess baccalaureate degrees from 13 universities.

According to Margaret L. Johnson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, a consistent theme exists among the cohort—the belief that they are called to the profession. “These individuals have demonstrated that they are called to careers in speech language pathology, and they are excited to share Christ’s love with others as they fulfill their calling,” she said. “With these individuals caring for patients, bright days are ahead for our profession.”

Students spent their first two weeks on campus attending orientation, skills training and validations, and dove into the clinical portion of the program on Aug. 31. Johnson noted that the clinical portion of Samford’s program is a distinctive feature of the curriculum. 

“Our students experience a variety of off-campus placements and on-campus learning experiences throughout their time in the program,” she said. “Increasingly health care is shifting to a team-based approach and at Samford we are committed to providing our students with numerous opportunities to learn and serve alongside health care professionals from a variety of disciplines. As a part of the College of Health Sciences, we are able to equip graduates with broad knowledge and experience working on collaborative teams to improve patient outcomes.”

Speech language pathology is one of many new programs being added in the College of Health Sciences, which launched in 2013. The college includes the School of Health Professions, as well as schools of nursing, pharmacy and public health.

Admission to the two-year program is competitive, Johnson noted. Prospective students are invited to join the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for an open house this fall. Dates for these events are Sept. 4, Oct. 9, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. For detailed admission information or to register for an open house, please visit our website. 

The M.S. in speech language pathology application for summer 2016 opens on Sept. 17, 2015, and completed applications are due Jan. 4, 2016. To learn more about this program and specific admission requirements, please visit our website. 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.