Speech-language pathology is a dynamic profession with a focus on serving individuals with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings ranging from neonatal intensive care, to early intervention, preschool through high school educational settings, medical and rehabilitation settings, long-term care, hospice, and in research. Opportunities for employment are excellent and expected to grow.
Program & Requirements
Speech-language pathology blends knowledge of the sciences, social sciences, and humanities and requires professionals to demonstrate attention to detail, professionalism, excellent communication skills, flexibility, and curiosity.
Entry-level practice in speech-language pathology requires a graduate degree. Applicants to graduate programs come from a broad array of majors and minors including, but not limited to, exercise science, psychology, cognitive or neuroscience, education, public health, social work, music, languages, biological sciences, anthropology, linguistics, and more!
½ðɳÓéÀÖ University offers an undergraduate minor in communication sciences and disorders. The minor is excellent preparation for any career particularly in education or any health-related profession. The minor, together with core requirements (see below), prepares students to apply as candidates for graduate programs in speech-language pathology or audiology.
Prerequisites
An earned bachelors degree is required for application to graduate programs in speech-language pathology. A student can earn a degree in any discipline and meet the other entry requirements for application to the master of science in speech-language pathology degree program.
In addition to an undergraduate degree, applicants meet a number of pre-requisite courses. All graduate programs in the US adhere to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association requirement of at least one course in each of the following areas:
- biological science,
- physical science,
- social or behavioral science, and
- statistics
Each program may set specific preparatory coursework requirements so students should check with graduate programs of interest well ahead of application. Typical requirements for preparatory coursework include: phonetics, language acquisition, anatomy and physiology, speech and/or hearing science, audiology, aural rehabilitation, and neuroanatomy/neurophysiology.
The minor in communication sciences and disorders provides the preparatory coursework for application to the ½ðɳÓéÀÖ University MS in speech-language pathology program.
Preparation for Application to Graduate Programs
It is important that students with interest in a career in speech-language pathology understand that admission to graduate programs is a highly competitive environment.
A minimum of a 3.25 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in relevant coursework and in the last 60 semester credit hours of study (including post-baccalaureate or graduate areas of study, if any) is strongly recommended. Meeting this minimum does not guarantee admission into a graduate program.
Three letters of recommendation are also required. Typically at least one or more letters should come from a faculty member who has taught you in a college-level course and can speak to the likelihood of your success in a graduate program.
Evidence of a strong commitment to pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist is essential. Volunteer experiences in speech-language pathology or with relevant populations of individuals often served by speech-language pathologists is strongly recommended. Supervised observation hours are also required (and typically started or met through course registration).
