Master of Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program prepares students for a rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPs work with individuals and families across the lifespan (newborn through geriatric) to prevent, diagnose, treat, and research speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Demand for speech-language pathologists is predicted to grow 29% through 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022), making the employment outlook very strong. Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and early intervention programs.

Career Impact and Professional Mission

Become an expert in the science of communication. A masters in speech-language pathology paves a path for you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with communication and speech disorders, while also enjoying professional flexibility and job satisfaction. Grounded in Catholic values, the program will prepare high-quality clinicians infused with a deep commitment to meeting the needs and challenges of their clients through professional and personal excellence. Students will develop the leadership abilities, interprofessional collaborative skills, personal insight, and integrity to make a meaningful impact through service to others, their community, and their profession.

Educational Experience and Clinical Training

The intensive 5-semester, non-thesis Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program balances theory and experiential learning to prepare you to become a skilled and considerate health care provider or researcher. On-site educational facilities include a skill laboratory and a simulation laboratory to facilitate hands-on experiences working with patients and families. First year clinical experiences embeded our students and faculty into the community; students learn to provide clinical services in real-world settings. These locations include local preschools, elementary schools, adult day service providers, hospitals, and other service providers. Second year clinical externships are generally completed in schools, hospitals, or other healthcare centers.

Program Requirements and Admissions

Applicants for the MSLP Program must meet several criteria to ensure they have the necessary foundational skills to be successful in the graduate program. Students must acquire the knowledge and skills to implement comprehensive services for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders together with their families, while employing evidence-based practices and accepting persons of all cultures and beliefs.

General Admission Criteria

• Bachelor's Degree: Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution OR be currently enrolled in a undergraduate program with the degree awarded prior to starting the MSLP program.
• Academic Standing: Have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. In the event a course is taken twice, the admission committee will consider the highest grade earned by the student.
• Prerequisites: Complete the required prerequisite courses.

Required Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses directly related to the practice of speech-language pathology must be completed with a ‘B’ (3.0) or better grade. These include:

• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
• Introduction to Audiology
• Speech and Language Development
• Phonetics

A grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or better is required in related scientific and social science prerequisite areas, which are necessary to be eligible for certification as a speech-language pathologist through the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Required courses include:

• Physical Sciences: must be a physics or chemistry course.
• Biological Sciences: must be specific to human biology and not specific to speech and hearing.
• Statistics: general statistics course.
• Social Sciences: Psychology or Sociology are recommended.