Speech-Language Pathology Program

College of Health Sciences, Glendale Campus

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)

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The College of Health Sciences' Speech-Language Pathology Program pairs you with student-centered curriculum and faculty mentors to help you develop skills in working with adults and children with communication disorders. As a speech-language pathologist, you will need not only knowledge of the field, but also critical thinking, problem solving and self-confidence. We work with you to enhance those traits so that you can become an empathetic, compassionate, patient-centered professional on tomorrow's healthcare team.

Program
Masters

Location
Glendale, AZ

Duration
7 Quarters, 21 Months, Full-Time

Intake
August

Class Size
50

Graduation Rate
98%


The Midwestern University Speech-Language Pathology Program’s mission is to prepare compassionate students to be effective clinicians who are reflective, responsive, collaborative, and committed to being lifelong learners and critical consumers of evidence.

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. A 24-month Leveling Track option is available for students without a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In the Traditional Track, five quarters of didactic coursework are followed by two quarters of advanced practicum experiences. All students complete a master’s thesis or an evidence-based capstone project. Midwestern University Speech-Language Pathology Program graduates are prepared for positions as speech-language pathologists in healthcare and educational settings.

  • Students complete one quarter of didactic coursework in the Fall Quarter; in subsequent quarters, they continue with didactic curriculum while also engaging in four quarters of practica at the Speech-Language Institute – the Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Program’s on-campus, University clinic.
  • In their last two quarters, students engage in two full-time advanced practica (internships) of up to twelve weeks' duration in cities of choice across the country, or in one of many rotations within the greater Phoenix area (e.g., hospital settings such as Mayo Clinic, Barrow Neurological Institute, Banner Health; private practice settings offering interprofessional practice opportunities; and placements within Arizona's highest-ranking schools).
  • Program duration is 21 months from start to finish.

NEW: The SLP Program now offers a Leveling Track option for students with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than Communication Sciences and Disorders and/or for those who lack SLP-specific prerequisite coursework.

  • Leveling Track students begin one quarter early (Summer) online to complete the following SLP-specific prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology of Communication Mechanisms, Phonetics, Speech and Language Development, and Speech and Hearing Science – at no additional cost.
  • Leveling Track students continue coursework in the Fall Quarter all on-campus following the traditional track curriculum.
  • Program duration is 24 months for Leveling Track students.

Click Here to Access Our Curriculum

Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program seeks to:

  1. Foster a humanistic learning environment for students;
  2. Foster a holistic and compassionate approach to patient care;
  3. Prepare students to be effective clinicians who are reflective, responsive, collaborative and committed to being lifelong learners and critical consumers of evidence;
  4. Graduate competent speech-language pathologists who possess the levels of clinical judgment, understanding, empathy, technical skills, and independence to begin professional practice;
  5. Promote research and scholarly activity among the faculty and students;
  6. Maintain a robust clinical practice in the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute that provides a broad range of evidence-based and interprofessional practice experiences for speech-language pathology students;
  7. Contribute to the overall growth and academic excellence of Midwestern University by supporting its Mission and Vision.

Mission

The Midwestern University Speech-Language Pathology Program's mission is to prepare compassionate students to be effective clinicians who are reflective, responsive, collaborative, and committed to being lifelong learners and critical consumers of evidence. 

Vision

The Midwestern University Speech-Language Pathology program works collaboratively in a health-oriented university to integrate academic teaching and diverse clinical experiences to develop effective clinicians through:

  • Interprofessional practice
  • Innovative technology experiences
  • Clinical simulation opportunities
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse clinical experiences
  • Scholarly activity
  • Individualized, intentional mentorship
  • Comprehensive and dynamic instruction
  • Clinical, academic, and community partnership

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 (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) {residential} at Midwestern University (MWU) is accredited by the Council of 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.

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 Report (20161) has consistently ranked this profession as one of the most desirable social service jobs in America. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (20152) predicts that the number of speech-language pathologists will grow by 21 percent over the next 10 years. That translates to approximately 29,000 new therapist positions by 2024.

1 U.S. News and World Report | http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/speech-language pathologist| Retrieved 3-25-2019

2 U.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 3-25-2019

The SLP Program offers incoming students the opportunity to matriculate into two different tracks: Traditional Track and Leveling Track. The Leveling Track is for students with baccalaureate degrees in an area other than Communication Sciences and Disorders and/or for those who lack the starred SLP specific prerequisite coursework included below. Admission requirements for each track are detailed below.

Traditional Track
To apply for admission to the College of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology Program Traditional Track, individuals 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 prerequisite coursework in the following areas:
    • Anatomy and Physiology of Communication Mechanisms*
    • Phonetics*
    • Speech-Language Development*
    • Speech and/or Hearing Science*
    • Statistics
    • Biological Sciences
    • Physical Sciences (physics or chemistry)
    • Social Sciences
  3. Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and minimum major grade point average (MGPA; all speech-language pathology coursework) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Grades of C or better for prerequisite courses; grades of C- are not acceptable for the prerequisite courses listed above.
  4. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
  5. (optional) Scores on the general and writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be submitted using the Midwestern University institution code of 4160. Submission of GRE scores is not required for admission.
    • For more information about the GRE contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866-473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre
  6. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant.
  7. A completed CSDCAS application.
  8. An interview with faculty (invitation only).
  9. During the on-campus interview day, write an essay given a clinical writing prompt (for interview candidates 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.

Leveling Track
Individuals who do not meet the minimum prerequisite coursework requirements for the Traditional Track may apply for admission to the College of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology Program Leveling Track. To select this track, individuals must designate this option during the application process, and 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 with completion of prerequisite coursework in the following areas:
    • Statistics
    • Biological Sciences
    • Physical Sciences (physics or chemistry)
    • Social Sciences
  2. Minimum undergraduate cumulative 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 for the prerequisite courses listed above.
  3. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
  4. (optional) Scores on the general and writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be submitted using the Midwestern University institution code of 4160. Submission of GRE scores is not required for admission.
    • For more information about the GRE contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866-473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre
  5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant.
  6. A completed CSDCAS application.
  7. An interview with faculty (invitation only).
  8. During the on-campus interview day, write an essay given a clinical writing prompt (for interview candidates only).
  9. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
  10. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.


$79,060
Salary

100%
Pass Rate on Praxis Exam

98%
On-Time Graduation Rate

General Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree plus prerequisite coursework (*anatomy/physiology of communication mechanisms; *phonetics; *speech- language development; *speech and/or hearing science; statistics; biological sciences, physical sciences (must be physics or chemistry), social sciences)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

*May be completed online at Midwestern University as part of the SLP Leveling Track.

Incoming Class Profiles

The following data will be added as available:

Academic Year 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023
Number of students admitted 50 50  50 50 50 49 51
Average incoming overall GPA 3.41 3.41 3.37 3.36 3.39 3.29 3.47
Average incoming major GPA 3.49 3.51 3.41 3.46 3.47 3.44 3.58

Practicum and Advanced Practicum Placements

  • Students engage in practica at the Speech-Language Institute, housed in the Midwestern University Therapy Institute, and other community-based settings for four quarters.
  • Two advanced practica of up to twelve weeks duration are completed in educational and health settings.
  • Our program is affiliated with public and private schools, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation hospitals and facilities, and private practice clinics to ensure a range of practicum opportunities for every Midwestern student.

Program Highlights

Speech-Language Pathology Students at Midwestern University Experience…

Individualized, Intentional Mentorship Through…

Faculty advocacy from academic and clinical SLP professionals who foster students’ knowledge, skills, and unique potential through...

  • Four quarters of diverse, personalized clinical rotations in the on-campus Speech Language Institute with experienced and caring Midwestern University clinical faculty (7:1 or less student to faculty ratio).
  • An individually mentored Thesis or Capstone project in the student’s area of interest.
  • Quality academic advising by SLP faculty who support each student’s professional development.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning Through…

Hands-On Learning

  • Human brain dissection, voice prosection, laryngeal imaging. 
  • Standardized patient encounters (assessment and treatment with actors trained to portray individuals with communication disorders). 

State-of-the-Art Technology

  • Virtual clinical cases and a University Simulation Center with high fidelity mannequins offering real-world student experiences with low incidence disorders.
  • An innovative, on-campus clinic (Speech-Language Institute) with extensive student and faculty resources, such as the Computerized Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN), providing opportunities for implementation of interprofessional rehabilitation and research.

Quality Person-Centered Outcomes for Current & Future Clients Through…

Interprofessional Education

  • Complete grand rounds, courses, and labs with other future allied healthcare professional preparing students for interprofessional practice
  • Deliver collaborative, patient-centered care with (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Vision Therapists) in the Midwestern University Therapy Institute.

Unique Clinical Experiences

  • Intensive evidence-based treatment programs in on-campus clinic and mini-rotations in underserved areas of the community
  • Two full-time advanced practicum rotations (internships) in cities of choice across the country or in one of many rotations within the greater Phoenix area (e.g. Mayo Clinic, Barrow Neurological Institute, private practice settings, and placements within Arizona's highest ranking school districts).

Student Outcome Data

The SLP Program collects outcome data relative to:

Program Completion Rate

Academic Year 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
Number of students completing the program in the expected time frame 49 49 50  47 47
Percentage of students completing the program in the expected time frame 98% 98%  100% 98% 96%


Praxis Examination Pass Rates of Graduates

Academic Year  2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
Number of students taking the Praxis Exam 49  49  50  48 49
Number of students that passed the Praxis Exam 49  49 50  48 49
Percent Pass Rate 100%  100% 100%  100% 100%


Employment Rates of Graduates within One Year of Graduation

Academic Year 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
Number of graduates employed 48  49  47  48 48
Percentage of students employed 98%  98%  94%  100% 98%

Data will be added for each graduation class 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

US Employment Projections Through 2031

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 (20221) has consistently ranked this profession as one of the most desirable social service jobs in America (#11 in Best Health Care Jobs). The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (20222) predicts that the number of speech-language pathologists will grow by 21 percent over the next 10 years. That translates to approximately 34,000 new therapist positions by 2031.

1U.S. News and World Reports | http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/speech-language pathologist| Retrieved 3-17-2022

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 11-21-2022

Mean Salary (2021)

The national median speech-language pathologist salary is $79,060 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. (U.S. Department of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook; http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm | Retrieved 11-21-2022)

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