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Five-Year Accelerated BA/MS in Speech-Language Pathology

The Five-Year Accelerated B.A. in Health Sciences/M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program allows first-year undergraduate students who are confident they want to pursue a speech-language pathology career to enter McDaniel's Health Sciences major (with a specialization in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences), and upon successful completion of the progression requirements, make a seamless transition to our M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology to complete both degrees in five years. 

Apply to McDaniel Learn about the new M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

What is the Five-Year Accelerated B.A./M.S. in SLP Program?

McDaniel College offers a structured five-year accelerated program option designed for first-year undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology. This academic track begins with admission into the program as an undergraduate Health Sciences major with a specialization in Speech, Language and Hearing Science. Students who meet academic and professional progression criteria begin taking graduate courses in the summer following their third year of study, complete the bachelor's degree by the end of the fall semester in year four, and matriculate to the master's program in the spring semester of year four. Students continue in graduate courses for an additional year and a half and are able to complete both the bachelor's and master's degrees in a total of five years. 

The undergraduate Health Sciences major with a specialization in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences provides a strong foundation in communication sciences, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, and the developmental and neurological bases of communication. Students also engage in observation experiences and coursework aligned with the prerequisites for graduate study in speech-language pathology.

Admission Criteria

Both entering first-year students and current McDaniel undergraduate students must meet the following admission criteria:

High school degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA

High school degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA or higher (unweighted) with the following recommended courses. Grade of B or higher is required in all high school science and math courses.

  • Four years of English
  • Three years of math
  • Three years of natural sciences (including a course in biology)
  • Three years of social sciences

The following courses are not required but are highly recommended:

  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Anatomy

AP courses are also considered favorably.

Two letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation. One from each of the following:

  1. A professor, teacher, counselor, academic advisor, or a person of your choice other than a relative or family friend, who can speak objectively about your strengths, such as a work supervisor or employer.
  2. A person who can speak to your potential as an occupational therapist, such as someone who supervised you during an OT-related experience or worked with you in a setting related to health care of populations related to OT.

Evidence of strong leadership

Evidence of strong leadership and/or strong leadership in school or community activities. Please submit a resume highlighting these activities and any work history.

Personal Statement

Personal statement describing your understanding of speech-language pathology and reasons for interest in the profession. It is encouraged that all written personal statements be completed without the assistance of an artificial intelligence tool, since the statement should provide information related to the individual’s personal and professional goals and aspirations as an speech-language pathologist.

  • In your personal essay, explain why you have chosen Speech-Language Pathology as your career path and how obtaining this degree aligns with both your short-term and long-term professional goals. Be sure to discuss how your personal experiences, educational background, and professional development have prepared you to achieve these goals. This essay is a critical part of your application, offering an opportunity to express yourself clearly and effectively.

Personal interview

After completion of the application, qualified candidates may be invited for an interview. Please note that this program is competitive and not all qualified applicants are invited for an interview.

Life experience

Participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, work, research, or other pursuits is considered a positive attribute. Submit a resume providing details of work and other related life experience.

How to Apply

As a first-time undergraduate student at McDaniel, students may apply to the Accelerated Five-Year B.A./M.S. in SLP program in the year prior to entering the first year of college using McDaniel's traditional undergraduate application process. Students should indicate interest in the Health Sciences major with a specialization in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences. From there, their admissions counselor will walk them through the process. 

Current McDaniel undergraduate students who have interest in the Five-Year Accelerated Program should reach out to the SLP program director to determine eligibility and get instructions for applying as a current McDaniel student. 

Have Questions?

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Health Sciences Major with Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences Specialization Health Sciences Specialization at McDaniel

The Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences specialization in the Health Sciences major provides undergraduate students with foundational knowledge for graduate education and future careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. This major prepares students to enter graduate SLP programs and meets all prerequisite requirements for admission to McDaniel's new Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. 

Students who major in Health Sciences with a specialization in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences are eligible for the Five-Year Accelerated B.A./M.S. in SLP if they apply in their first year of study at McDaniel or apply to enter the five-year program as a first-time undergraduate student. 

Learn more about the undergraduate major.

Deadlines

For first-year undergraduate students:

  • Early Consideration Deadline – Nov. 1
  • Priority Decision Deadline – Feb. 1
  • Final Application Deadline – April 1

Currently enrolled McDaniel undergraduate students can apply to the program by the fall of their second year of study. Contact the program director for instructions on enrolling as a current student.

Five-Year Accelerated B.A./M.S. in SLP

First-year students can apply to the Five-Year Accelerated B.A./M.S. in SLP program as a first-time undergraduate student using the first-year student application process. 

Current students interested in an accelerated program option should reach out to the SLP program director at slp@mcdaniel.edu.

Have Questions?

Contact your admissions counselor today.

Find your Admissions Counselor

See Yourself Here

Unlock your $4,000 Visit Incentive Grant

Visit McDaniel
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