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You’re a practicing speech-language pathologist driven to make a bigger impact in the profession. Perhaps you seek a master clinician or senior administrator role — or to shape the next generation of practitioners. Or dive deeper into an SLP specialization you’re passionate about pursuing.
Your Nova Southeastern University Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology program expands your depth and breadth of expertise through a variety of forums, readying you to land those higher-level, higher-impact roles you seek.
- Incorporate current research, ethical decision-making, and models of best practice to foster your knowledge, leadership, problem-solving skills, and research.
- Analyze, synthesize, and apply research-based theory to your current work environment through the development of the applied dissertation.
- Enhance and expand your interprofessional collaboration skills through formal training to become a TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer.
Obtain marketable skills in the utilization and management of health information systems and technologies in the delivery of patient care with a concentration in Telehealth.
A Trailblazing Program
The Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP.D.) program was established in 1996 at Nova Southeastern University. At that time, the program had the distinction of being the first clinical doctorate degree program for speech-language pathologists in the United States. Over the years, the program has earned the prominent reputation as one of the most recognized clinical degree doctorate programs in the country.
NSU SLP.D. Sharks are Significant Leaders Nationwide
Alumni of the SLP.D. program are located in a variety of settings across the country. These alumni hold higher-level leadership positions which include department chairs, program directors, hospital clinical managers, rehabilitation directors, special education administrators and board certified specialists. In addition, in the field of speech language pathology, our alumni have achieved significant professional accolades at the state and national levels including being honored as fellows of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Quick Facts
Coursework Specialty Tracks: Dissertation (Research) or Non-Dissertation (Interprofessional Practice and Education)
Coursework for the SLP.D. program represents an innovative, practical, and realistic approach to doctoral studies. Students matriculate through the program following either a dissertation track or the non-dissertation track.
- Dissertation Track – Completion of an applied dissertation. The applied dissertation is a detailed, accurate, and cohesive account of a scholarly investigation designed to answer a research question directed toward the improvement of practice in speech-language pathology. Students receive highly individualized virtual research mentoring when completing the applied dissertation.
- Non-Dissertation Track – Obtain TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer Certificate - Completion of all IPE courses results in the student obtaining a TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer certificate and Master Trainer status. Obtain Telehealth Concentration - Completion of the Doctor of Health Science telehealth courses results in the student obtaining a telehealth concentration.
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology Program Details
Year 1 - Fall
Credits
Year 1 - Winter
Year 1 - Summer
Year 2 - Fall
Year 2 - Winter
Year 2 - Summer
Year 3 - Fall
Year 3 - Winter
Year 3 - Summer
Additional Electives**
*Continuing Dissertation Services: If the program is not completed within 24 months, continuing dissertation services will begin on the 25th month. Students will be automatically enrolled in ADS 8090 between the 25th and 36th months of their program and must enroll themselves in ADS 8091 beginning the 37th month of their program in order to receive dissertation services from their committee chair and or the applied research center.
**Additional electives are available through the college as Shared Core Courses. Prior approval must be granted by the SLPD program director for registration in the Shared Core Courses.
Year 1 - Fall
Credits
Year 1 - Winter
Year 1 - Summer
Year 2 - Fall
Year 2 - Winter
Year 2 - Summer
Year 3 - Fall
Year 3 - Winter
Additional Electives*
*Additional electives are available through the college as Shared Core Courses. Prior approval must be granted by the SLPD program director for registration in the Shared Core Courses.
A program orientation will be included in the first course, SLPD 7000 Technology and Instrumentation in Communication Sciences. The purpose of the orientation portion of the course is to provide students with the information needed to successfully begin and complete the SLP.D. program.
The SLP.D. program is a hybrid (face-to-face/online) program that represents an innovative, practical, and realistic approach to doctoral studies. A new cohort is developed once a year that consists of 5 to 10 speech-language pathology professionals who live and work in a variety of settings. The cohort follows a program of study for matriculation through the courses. The cohort is intended to serve as both an administrative and educational vehicle for the program. The cohort format provides opportunities for sharing the expertise of individual cohort members and fosters professional dialogue.
The hybrid (face-to-face/online) format is provided to each cohort which includes formal instruction as delivered through hybrid (face-to-face/online), online only and one live summer residency. The hybrid instructors teach from the Fort Lauderdale main campus. For these hybrid classes, students are provided with software which allows them to learn and view (instructor/class) online. Students participate in faculty-directed independent reading and writing assignments between class meetings.
During the second semester of the program, all students are required to attend the winter institute. The winter institute classes are located at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus in Florida.
Computer Requirements
All doctoral students are expected to have a computer with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel software. Some programs used to augment coursework require a computer with the Windows operating system.
- Completed admission application packet
- Official transcripts indicating conferral of a master’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (minimum 3.2 grade point average required)
- Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
- Copy of current vitae/resume which includes work experience of at least three years (cumulative) as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) - Applicants with less than three years of experience will be considered under the provision that they are employed during their enrollment in the program.
- Valid documentation of the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and a copy of current state SLP licensure - OR - Provide proof of the accepted credential in the country of practice -Applicants that are in process of completing their CF during the admissions cycle will be considered; however, these students will be under the provision that they must obtain the CCC-SLP or equivalent credential during the first year of admittance in the program.
- Applicant interview
For Non-Native English Speakers
Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to demonstrate English proficiency. The standardized tests listed below satisfy the university's English requirement for non-native English speakers. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to NSU's Enrollment Processing Services (EPS):
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Score of 213 on the computer-based test or 79-80 on the Internet-based test
- International English Testing System (IELTS): Score of 6.0 on the test module
- Pearson Test of English – Academic: Score of 54
- American College Test (ACT): Minimum score of 20 on the verbal section
Proof of English language competency can also be in the form of a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
International students living in the United States must present verification of student visa or residency status.
(updated: 7.6.2023)
- Satisfactorily complete all required courses
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Successfully complete an applied dissertation or successfully complete the TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer certificate courses
- Complete the program within seven years from the initial term of enrollment
- Submit an application for degree and satisfy all NSU financial obligations
A maximum of (9) nine semester hours of post-master’s degree, doctoral-level credit, earned from a regionally accredited institution within the past 5 years, will be considered toward meeting the doctoral program's degree requirements. Grades for courses transferred must be at the grade of A or B or equivalent. Acceptance of transfer credit is not guaranteed.
Applicants who wish to request evaluation no prior coursework for consideration as transfer credit should note this on their application, send course descriptions, and request that official transcripts be sent to the Speech-Language Pathology Department. Current doctoral candidates should request and receive prior written approval from the chair of the speech-language pathology department before enrolling in any other institution's courses that are intended to be submitted for transfer credit. This request should include an explanation and related course description(s).
Credits earned a Nova Southeastern University are transferable at the discretion of the receiving college, university, and/or program. Students who wish to transfer credits from NSU should contact the admissions office or program of the receiving school for information.
Resources
Prefer to speak with someone directly?
Email Brian Tachick, your Admissions Counselor, or call (954) 262-7496.