Clinical Speech-Language Pathology (MS) accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential and distance education) at Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential and distance education) at Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
The Master of Science in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology program is accredited from November 1, 2023-October 31, 2031.
We are committed to supporting the Mission Statement of the College of Health and Human Services.
We are committed to supporting the Mission Statement of Northern Arizona University.
Equal opportunity and access
Northern Arizona University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and retaliation. This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected status including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information. This policy also prohibits retaliation for raising concerns under this policy or participating in an investigation.
Executive summary of Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) strategic plan (2024-2029)
Strategic Plan Executive Summary for Communication Sciences and Disorders at NAU
Revised 11/2024
Preface
This Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) 5-year Strategic Plan provides alignment of our mission and goals with NAU 2025 Elevating Excellence, the strategic directions of the university, and with the mission of the College of Health and Human Services for the period of 2024-2029. This new strategic plan was approved by faculty in fall 2024. This plan is reviewed by CSD faculty and staff at the start of each semester (fall and spring) for regular evaluation and to monitor progress toward meeting the plan’s objectives. During each review, the faculty will also evaluate the mission and goals and strategic plan to ensure that they remain congruent with those of the institution. An executive summary of the plan is made publicly available on the department’s website.
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Mission:
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University prepares highly effective, culturally diverse speech, language, and hearing professionals to serve and advocate for individuals in their communities. We provide innovative, accessible, student-centered educational programs in an inclusive and caring environment.
To achieve this mission, we will:
- Offer exceptional undergraduate and graduate academic and clinical programs taught by highly qualified faculty that foster life-long learning for a more just and sustainable world.
- Cultivate a supportive, inviting, and respectful environment that promotes success for students from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
- Engage in impactful scholarship and service that advances the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, including articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, language, cognition, hearing, swallowing, social communication, and communication modalities.
- Foster a culture of trust and belonging for a diverse, mission-driven community of higher education professionals.
- Provide accessible, evidence-based speech-language and hearing clinical services and establish mutually beneficial relationships with community partners that enhance educational opportunities for students and enrich lives locally, regionally, and globally.
Summary:
The 2024-2029 strategic plan establishes specific objectives and strategies associated with each of the department’s five goals and are summarized below.
Goal 1: Objectives related to this goal include launching our new graduate certificate in Culturally Responsive Practice in SLP, revising undergraduate and graduate curricula, implementing processes to ensure strong evaluation skills for all graduate students, continual revision of the comprehensive exam, and exploration of possible program expansions.
Goal 2: Objectives related to this goal include seeking funding to support graduate student tuition and fees and updating clinic and research facilities to meet student, faculty, and staff needs.
Goal 3: Objectives related to this goal include increasing IPP/IPE research and clinical opportunities and development of service projects and partnerships to serve local communities including rural, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities.
Goal 4: Objectives related to this goal include hiring of new faculty and staff and establishment of new department criteria and procedures for faculty workload, faculty review, and promotion and tenure that are in alignment with new university policies.
Goal 5: Objectives related to this goal include increasing fundraising efforts, enhancing alumni outreach, offering continuing education and micro-credential opportunities for practicing professional (including program supervisors), and developing clear marketing/communication/social media engagement plans.
Student Achievement Data
On-time program completion rates
(Full-time, full-time levelers, & part-time summer tracks)
| Period | # completed within expected time frame | Percent completed within expected time frame |
|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | 66 | 97% |
| 2022–2023 | 57 | 98% |
| 2021–2022 | 58 | 97% |
Graduates of NAU’s Clinical Speech-Language Pathology program go on to pass the Praxis exam at high rates.
Praxis pass rates
(Full-time, full-time levelers, & part-time summer tracks)
| Reporting period | # taking the exam | # passed exam | % passed exam rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | 48 | 45 | 94% |
| 2022–2023 | 56 | 53 | 95% |
| 2021–2022 | 59 | 52 | 88% |
State-by-state licensure information
To determine if our program meets the professional licensure education requirements for your state, visit the professional licensure webpage and filter by Clinical Speech-Language Pathology.
Graduate degree program cost
Cost of attendance varies by program track.
Full-time track and leveler track
- Pay either resident or non-resident tuition rate tuition according to status
- Pay Flagstaff Mountain Campus student fees
- CSD has a limited number of graduate assistantships available to full-time students who are in the first year of our program. These assistantships are offered to top-ranking applicants through personal contact initiated by this department.
Part-time summer track
Tuition information
- Pay summer tuition rate for summer classes (rate is the same for resident and non-resident students)
- Pay online tuition rate for fall/spring semester classes (rate is the same for resident and non-resident students)
Fees
- Campus related fees are applicable to summer-track students.
- Courtesy Exceptions:
- The Health & Recreation Fee and the Student Activity Fee may be eligible for waiver during the fall and spring terms, and during externship if certain criteria are met. Contact student affairs for additional information on waivers.