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Effective Communication is a human right for all people. YOU CAN HELP THEM ACHIEVE IT!

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are certified to work with people of all ages to improve their communication skills, ensuring that they interact effectively with people at home, at school, at work and in the community.  SLPs assess and treat disorders involving speech articulation, receptive and expressive language, social interaction, cognitive skills, verbal fluency and voice production.  They help their clients to find and use the communication modality that is best for them, including verbal communication or an alternative communication system, such as sign language or augmentative communication device.  SLPs also evaluate and remediate feeding and swallowing disorders in infants, children and adults. 

Given their broad scope of practice, SLPs work in a variety of settings.  Schools, healthcare facilities, and private clinics are the most popular work venues for SLPs.  Speech-language pathology is a versatile discipline that allows its practitioners the chance to work with people of all ages in a variety of settings. They may specialize in the treatment of specific disorder areas, if desired.

A master’s degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in Illinois and across the nation.  Â鶹ÊÓƵ University launched the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) degree program in 2020. Classes are comprised of about 40 students. The program is completed over six semesters (two years), with initial courses beginning in May of each year. Students completing the program are prepared to enter the field of speech-language pathology, and are fully qualified to work in educational, healthcare, or clinical settings.

Becoming a LewiS SLP

The Master of Science in Speech-language Pathology (MSSLP) program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a speech-language pathologist who is:

• Licensed to practice speech-language pathology in Illinois, or another state
• Certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA CCC-SLP)

But this is the minimum that you should expect from your Â鶹ÊÓƵ experience. What sets the Â鶹ÊÓƵ SLP program apart is your educational experience. Our faculty will partner with you during academic classes and clinical experiences, serving as supportive mentors as you work toward your goal of becoming an SLP. That partnership is critical not only when you are learning the knowledge and skills needed for clinical practice.  It will also help you develop your own style as a therapist and help you discern the specific pathway that you want to take as you enter our discipline. 

The SLP faculty at Â鶹ÊÓƵ are committed to your success. We prepare you to work with clients with communication and swallowing disorders of all ages.  We will engage you in interactive learning experiences that will show you how to meet the needs of these clients in schools, healthcare settings, clinics, and in underserved venues.  As a graduate of our program, we know that you will impact our discipline in new and exciting ways.  We can’t wait to see how!

Why Â鶹ÊÓƵ for your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Degree?

• Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #20 among Regional Universities in the Midwest, #1 private college in Illinois< among Best Colleges for Veterans, and #36 as Best Value Schools (2019)
• In-person classes with some online elements to enhance learning and flexibility
• Experienced faculty with clinical expertise in a variety of communication and swallowing disorders
• Curriculum allows for focused learning in each domain of communication and swallowing disorders
• Labs and practicum placements each semester allow for a fully integrated learning experience
• Clinical experiences in community-based schools, healthcare facilities and clinics to develop therapeutic skills
• Affordable tuition compared to other top tier schools
• Prepares graduates to work in any setting as an entry-level speech-language pathologist

For more information, you may contact grad@lewisu.edu or call (815) 836-5610.

Program Cost of Attendance

We are committed to making your graduate experience a good investment. We have developed a detailed estimate of the costs of your program. This information can be reviewed here. We will work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.

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