College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove Campus

The Speech-Language Pathology Program provides academic, research, and clinical experiences that culminate in the Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology degree. The program of study spans seven quarters of study, with degree completion targeted for 21 months. Five quarters of didactic coursework are followed by two quarters of internship experiences. Students may elect to complete a master's thesis. Graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level positions as speech-language pathologists in a variety of educational or healthcare settings.

The Midwestern University Speech-Language Pathology Program’s mission is dedicated to the professional development of speech-language pathologists to work in a variety of healthcare and educational settings. As clinical scientists they will serve the communication and swallowing needs of individuals across the lifespan through responsive, compassionate, ethical and evidence-based practice.

Additional information about the program can be found in the MWU catalog.

Midwestern University Course Catalog

Speech-Language Pathology Program Course Catalog

The professional master's curriculum is composed of 54 to 57 required course credits (quarter hours) for the first academic year, 53 to 56 required course credits for the second academic year for a total of 107 to 113 quarter credits. Clinical practica are scheduled in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quarters of the curriculum. Advanced practica, or full-time placements in healthcare or educational settings, are secured for the last two quarters of the curriculum.

Total Quarter Credits in the Professional Program: 107-113. The total number of quarter credits is dependent upon whether a student pursues the thesis or non-thesis track.

Current Curriculum

We seek to transform outstanding students into clinical scientists who dedicate themselves to the highest standards of the profession of speech-language pathology. They will execute the full scope of clinical practice on behalf of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413. Speech-Language Pathology programs are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The Master of Science Program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at Midwestern University (MWU) is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

US EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS THROUGH 2026

Speech-language pathologist continues to be one of the top rated professions in the United States based upon growth of the profession, available jobs, and starting salaries. U.S. News and World Reports (20131) has consistently ranked this profession as one of the most desirable jobs in America for the past five years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (20132) expects 25,900 new jobs for SLPs before 2026, or a growth rate of 18%.

1U.S. News and World Reports | http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/speech-language-pathologist | Retrieved 1-15-19

2U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, PSB Suite 2135, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001| Telephone: 1-202-691-5700 | http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm | Retrieved 1-15-19

Individuals applying for admission to the College of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology Program must submit documentation of the following minimum requirements before the academic year commences for the incoming class:

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution in Communication Sciences and Disorders, inclusive of the courses listed below, or
2. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution in an area other than Communication Sciences and Disorders with completion of a specified sequence of prerequisite coursework including all of the following:
   • Anatomy and Physiology of Communication Mechanisms
   • Phonetics
   • Speech and Language Development
   • Speech and Hearing Science
   • Statistics
   • One course each in biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences
3. Minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Grades of C or better for prerequisite courses; grades of C- are not acceptable.
4. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the undergraduate major.
5. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
6. Scores on the general and writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) using the Midwestern University institution code of 1769.
   • The test must have been taken no earlier than January 1, 2015.
   • For more information about the GRE contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre.
7. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant.
8. A completed CSDCAS application.
9. An interview with faculty (invitation only).
10. During the on-campus interview day, write an essay given a clinical writing prompt (for interview candidates only).
11. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
12. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.
13. Proof of CPR certification through completion of a healthcare provider course certified by the American Heart Association.