Program Policies

Student Handbooks

Students enrolled in the MS-SLP program are required to adhere to all university and program policies and procedures as outlined in the most current version of the OBU MS-SLP Academic and Clinical Handbook and the OBU Graduate and Online Student Handbook.

Essential Skills and Technical Standards

The OBU MS-SLP program prepares students for entry-level clinical practice as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) across a variety of clinical settings. Admission to the program requires students to acknowledge understanding of essential skills and technical standards for the profession (OBU MS-SLP Essential Skills and Technical Standards). These skills and standards are necessary for a student to successfully complete academic coursework and clinical requirements and to develop the competencies for effective clinical practice. All students must demonstrate essential skills and meet technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

Student Employment Policy

The OBU MS-SLP program curriculum is rigorous and designed for full-time students. Synchronous course sessions and clinical externships require availability during regular weekday working hours (Monday–Friday, 7:00am–6:00pm), and students must be available during these times to meet program requirements. Meetings after normal working hours may also be required. 

Due to the demanding and accelerated nature of the curriculum, students are strongly advised to limit outside employment to ensure academic success and clinical competency development. Outside employment may negatively impact academic performance, clinical skill acquisition, program progression, program completion, and overall well-being. 

Students are advised to carefully consider their ability to balance employment with the program's intensive academic and clinical demands. Program faculty encourage students to prioritize their commitment to this full-time course of study.

Technology Requirements

Students in the OBU MS-SLP program must maintain consistent and reliable access to the required technology and internet services to participate in distance education coursework and virtual clinical experiences.  The program utilizes multiple software platforms and technologies to track clinical requirements and enhance the student learning experience. To ensure full participation in coursework, clinical education, and communication, students must have access to the following technology:

Hardware Requirements

• A laptop computer running one of the following operating systems: 
  • Windows: Version 11 or higher 
  • MacOS: Version 26 or newer
• WiFi 6 or newer
• Memory: 8GB RAM (16GB highly recommended)
• Storage: 256GB or higher
• Processor:
  • PC- Intel Core 13^th Gen i5 or better/Intel Core Ultra processor
  • Mac- Apple Silicon based M-series
  • AMD Ryzen 5 or better
• Reliable high-speed internet with minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, as well as a backup internet option such as a mobile hotspot 
• Built-in or external microphone and webcam for virtual meetings and coursework
• Scanner or a mobile scanner app for document submission
• Printer access

Software Requirements

• Web Browser: Latest version of Chrome
• Microsoft Office 365: Provided to students by OBU
• Adobe Reader (or an equivalent PDF reader)
• Antivirus software to ensure cybersecurity and compliance with university standards
• Ability to submit assignments in PDF format
• Ability to electronically sign documents
• Ability to scan and upload documents