College of Health Sciences, Glendale 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 advanced practicum 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.

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.

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• Students engage in practica at the Speech-Language Institute at the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic, as well as in other community-based settings, for four quarters.
• Two advanced practica of up to twelve weeks' duration are completed in educational and/or healthcare 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.

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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. Graduate competent speech-language pathologists who possess the levels of clinical judgment, understanding, empathy, technical skills, and independence to begin professional practice;
4. Instill a philosophy of lifelong learning in speech-language pathology students;
5. Promote research and scholarly activity among the faculty and students;
6. Develop a clinical practice in the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute that provides a broad range of evidence-based 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) 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

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 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. Scores on the general and writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) using the Midwestern University institution code of 4160.
   • The test must have been taken within five years of planned enrollment year.
   • 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.