Speech-Language Pathology in Downers Grove

Fast Facts

Degree

Master of  Science in Speech-Language Pathology

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus prerequisite coursework (anatomy/physiology of communication mechanisms; phonetics; articulation development; language development; speech and hearing science; audiology; statistics; biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Length of Program

 7 quarters, 21 months, full-time

Projected Class Size

40

Class Profiles

The following data will be added as available:

Speech-Language Pathologist Professional Responsibilities

• Evaluation and treatment of adults and children with communication and/or swallowing deficits
• Screening and education
• Consultation
• Research
• Administration

Practicum and Internship Placements

• Students engage in practica at the University Multidisciplinary Clinic and other community-based settings for at least three quarters.
• Two internships of ten week duration are completed in both  educational and healthcare settings.
• Our program is affiliated with public and private schools, in-patient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation hospitals and facilities, and private practice clinics to ensure a range of practicum opportunities for every Midwestern student.

US Employment Projections through 2020

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 has consistently ranked this profession in the top 25 most desirable jobs for the past five years. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (2013¹) predicts that the number of speech-language pathologists will grow by 23.4 percent over the next 10 years. That translates to approximately 28,000 new therapist positions by 2020.

¹U.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

Mean Salary (2012)

The national median speech-language pathologist salary is $66,920 per year. (U.S. Department of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook; http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm )

Admission Requirements

Individuals applying for admission to the College of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology Program must submit documentation for 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
   • Articulation Development
   • Language Development
   • Speech and Hearing Science
   • Introduction to Audiology
   • Statistics
   • Coursework 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. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
5. 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, 2008
   • For more information about the GRE contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre
6. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant
7. A completed CSDCAS application
8. Participate in an interview with faculty (invitation only)
9. Write an essay given a clinical writing prompt (invitation only)
10. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
11. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check

Applications will be submitted through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

Return to TOP

Program Description

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 or an alternate research-based capstone. Graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level  positions as speech-language pathologists in a variety of educational or healthcare settings. 

Accreditation

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 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 in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program at Midwestern University (MWU) has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  This "pre-accreditation" status with the CAA is awarded to qualified new programs for a maximum period of five years.  Students attending the MWU SLP Program are afforded the same benefits as those attending any accredited program.   

Related Links

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association   

Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association