Progress to Accreditation

MS Speech Language Pathology Program

Public Notice Regarding the New Program:

Accreditation Timeline:

Establishing a new speech language pathology graduate program must be approved by the CAA. This process, which lasts around 18 months on average, begins with submitting the initial application for Accreditation Candidacy Status. Once the application is approved, the new program will receive the official title of “Applicant for Candidacy” by the CAA. 

Once the program is awarded Candidacy Status, a site visit by CAA representatives is scheduled. The site visit lasts two full days and involved a comprehensive review of all program components and resources. If the site visitors confirm that the program has all the required procedures and resources to meet Accreditation Standards, the new program will be awarded Candidacy Status. Only then can the new program begin enrolling students.  

Candidacy Status lasts for 5 years. During this period, the Program will be evaluated annually. If it continues to meet all Accreditation Standards over the 5 years, it will be awarded Accreditation. The initial accreditation cycle for new programs is 5 years. Subsequently, the program is evaluated every 8 years.

Students who attend an Accreditation Candidate speech language pathology program are eligible for ASHA Certification, State licensure, and employment. They will enjoy the same the rights and privileges as students graduating from an accredited program. 

 

Program’s Progress Toward Accreditation:

Regarding progress toward accreditation candidacy status, the Director of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program officially notified the CAA on July 6, 2021 of the University’s intention to establish a new graduate program in speech language pathology. In the same month, the Director participated in a required consult with the Associate Director of Accreditation to discuss the procedures and timeline and determine a schedule for submitting the Accreditation Candidacy Application. Accordingly, the CAA scheduled January 1, 2023 as the date for the official submission of the application. 

The University expects to receive the decision from the CAA in the spring of 2023.   

Note: Please look here for updates regarding progress toward accreditation candidacy status, and all accreditation-related news.