The shortage of fully licensed speech-language pathologists continues to be a concern both in Texas and across the nation. In 1992, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at TWU, with financial support from the Texas Education Agency, introduced a distance learning master's degree program designed for students with full-time jobs in the Texas public school system. This program combines evening video-conference class sessions in collaboration with the regional education service centers, Internet-based training, and on-site clinical experiences. The program is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Applicants must meet the admissions standards of TWU and be sponsored by a local school district and a participating Texas Education Service Center.  TWU maintains full control of the selection of applicants and confers the degree following successful completion of the requirements.

The program is currently in the 5th cycle which began in summer 2009 with graduation to follow in summer 2011.  Application to cycle 5 is now closed.

TEA has approved Cycle 6 which is projected to begin in summer 2011 with graduation in summer 2013.

Leveling courses are required for those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders; these courses must be completed prior to the start of the new cycle. Leveling courses are offered online by TWU and may be available through other universities. ESC 12 is not involved in the application for or delivery of these leveling courses.  The next opportunity for leveling courses through TWU for Cycle 6 will begin in summer 2010.  Application deadline is March 1.
  
TWU will offer mandatory information meetings to provide in-depth information about the program and the application process for Cycle 6 of the TETN SLP Master's Program (2011-2013).  These meetings will be held in 2010 on the following dates: February 18, April 28, and September 23.  All meetings will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at participating ESCs. Potential applicants must attend one of these meetings in full to be considered for the program.  Registration will be available on the ESC 12 website later in fall 2009 for those wishing to attend the meeting in Waco.

For more detailed information, candidates may browse the Texas Woman's University web site. or contact the program specialists listed below.

Contact: Gina Holman
Title: ESC 12 Coordinator
Phone: (254) 297-1155
E-mail: gholman@esc12.net

Contact: Sue Colton
Title: TWU-TETN Secretary
Phone: (940) 898-2042
E-mail: scolton@twu.edu

Contact: Karen Kilroy
Title: Statewide Project Coordinator
Phone: ( 972) 348-1548
E-mail: karen.kilroy@region10.org