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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Applications Open for OBU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program

July 15, 2025

Applications are open for Oklahoma Baptist University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program, which is scheduled to launch in fall 2026, pending candidacy accreditation status. Admission offers will be provisional until the program receives candidacy accreditation status from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

The MS-SLP program will prepare graduate students to serve individuals with communication and swallowing disorders through an accelerated, hybrid format. The program will span four semesters over approximately 16 months, combining online coursework with on-campus lab immersions and clinical experiences completed in the student’s community.

The priority application deadline is Feb. 1, 2026 for the Fall 2026 cohort and June 1, 2026 for the Spring 2027 cohort.

Addressing a Workforce Shortage

The launch of the MS-SLP program comes at a critical time, as national demand for speech-language pathologists continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 13,700 openings expected each year over the decade. OBU’s program is designed to help meet this growing need, particularly in Oklahoma and surrounding regions.

“As we prepare to launch this program, our goal is to equip future speech-language pathologists with the knowledge and clinical skills to serve their communities effectively,” said Dr. AnnMarie Knight, program director.

Hybrid Format with Hands-On Clinical Training

The MS-SLP program follows an accelerated hybrid model, combining the flexibility of online coursework with in-person, hands-on experiences. Students will participate in lab immersions on the OBU campus and complete clinical and academic components from their place of residence, preparing them for immediate entry into the field. The program is part of OBU’s growing slate of graduate health sciences offerings, which also includes forthcoming programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician associate studies.

Pathway to Graduate Admission: Online SLP Core Prerequisite Courses and SLP Minor

To support students without a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or Speech-Language Pathology (SLP ) in meeting admission requirements, OBU offers fully online, asynchronous prerequisite courses in speech-language pathology. These courses will begin in fall 2025 and are available to both current undergraduates as a minor and to non-degree-seeking students.

All prerequisite courses are delivered in eight-week terms at a cost of $350 per credit hour, with class sizes capped at 30 students to ensure personalized instruction. Additional general education prerequisites may be required based on American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification standards.

Students who complete all seven prerequisite courses at OBU with a GPA of 3.25 or higher will receive preferential consideration for admission to the MS-SLP program.

Experienced Leadership

Dr. AnnMarie Knight serves as director of the MS-SLP program. She brings academic and clinical expertise, including previous service as associate professor and chair of the Speech-Language Pathology program at Columbia College in South Carolina. Knight holds a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Florida and has served in national and state leadership roles with ASHA, CAPCSD and SCSHA.

“I am wholeheartedly enthusiastic about developing the MS-SLP program at OBU,” Knight said. “This program is a unique opportunity to provide students with excellent academic and clinical training through an innovative and accessible education model. Graduates will be prepared to integrate faith and practice and will make a significant impact on their communities by improving the lives of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.”

For more information and personalized assistance with your application, please complete the form on the MS-SLP website.

The MS-SLP application and instructions can be found on the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) https://www.csdcas.org/.

Accreditation Statement: The Master of Science (MS) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) (distance education) at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is an Applicant for Candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD, 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.