Speech-Language Pathology Direct Entry 

Rockhurst University’s speech-language pathology undergraduate degree is a pre-professional speech-language pathology program that prepares students to serve children and adults with a broad range of communication disorders. 

Incoming students are eligible to apply for pre-admission to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology should they meet eligibility requirements.

SLP Freshman Direct Entry Eligibility Requirements

(High school seniors applying)

• Prerequisite coursework of college preparatory high school curriculum.  
• Minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.00 scale for Overall GPA 
• Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Core Functions of the Speech-Language Pathology profession to complete an MS in Speech-Language Pathology 2020 Certification Standards in Speech-Language Pathology (asha.org)   
• A standardized test score is not required for admission to the program; however, students need to be aware that standardized tests (state boards) are required to become a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist.  

Sophomore, Junior, and Transfer Direct Entry Requirements 

(Students who have completed 48-60 hours of undergraduate coursework at Rockhurst or at another accredited university)   

• Achieve a cumulative annual GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for Overall GPA  
• Achieve an annual GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.00 scale for Science, ASHA pre-requisite courses, and SLP courses 
• Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Core Functions of the Speech-Language Pathology profession to complete an MS in Speech-Language Pathology 2020 Certification Standards in Speech-Language Pathology (asha.org)   

Continuation  

Students who have earned a seat in the SLP program through the direct admit entry point are encouraged to seek counseling from advisors, faculty, and the student success coaches on any problems that might interfere with acceptable academic progress. Failure to seek such counseling and to establish communication on such matters will disqualify the circumstances as a valid reason for poor academic performance or expression of attitudes that do not meet the generally accepted ethical standards of the health care profession.

In order to maintain the seat that you have earned in the SLP program through the direct admit entry point you will need to do the following:  

• Maintain an annual GPA of at least 3.5 for the following: cumulative GPA, science courses, ASHA prerequisite courses, and SLP courses (on a 4.0 scale)
• Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Core Functions of the Speech-Language Pathology profession to complete an MS in Speech-Language Pathology 2020 Certification Standards in Speech-Language Pathology (asha.org)
• Complete all prerequisite classes as specified by the SLP program  
• Demonstrate progression toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree by the end of the fourth year (before entry into SLP curriculum)  
• Active membership in the RUSSLHA Organization (the SLP/CSD student club) by attending a minimum of three meetings per year.  
• Meet annually with a SLP program representative 

Post-Bachelor's Leveling Program Admittance into SLP Master's Degree Program

A post-bachelor’s leveling program in speech-language pathology is also available, designed to give individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline a path to earning a graduate degree in SLP. The leveling program allows admitted students to complete the necessary prerequisite courses to begin graduate studies in speech-language pathology. Students accepted into the leveling program are provisionally admitted to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

For more information on the application process, contact Graduate Admissions at 816-501-4220 or graduate@rockhurst.edu.