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ABOUT SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
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The Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology at DePaul University is designed to provide students with an in-depth academic and clinical course of study to prepare students for a career in the dynamic and growing field of speech-language pathology. Students participate in collaborative, experiential and integrative learning opportunities to develop skills for the highest standards of scope of practice in speech-language pathology. Our program embraces diversity, advocacy and global awareness.

This master level degree is the entry-level credential required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to prepare students for a professional role as a speech-language pathologist. Students will learn to work with both children and adults across the full range of communication disorders. The program is designed to deliver high quality clinical service to work in all primary employment settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices; and including all aspects of communication and swallowing: fluency, language, cognition, voice, speech sound production, augmentative/alternative communication and hearing.

The DePaul University Speech Language Pathology Program is one of the preeminent Speech Language Pathology programs in the country. It has already attracted top leaders in the field to implement this vision. The program is uniquely designed to transform outstanding students into dedicated, highly trained speech-language pathologists who will competently and compassionately meet the needs of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. To further the program's mission, the Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization Certificate (BESSC) attracts ​ Spanish speakers to meet the needs of that underserved population in their native language thereby enhancing the ripple effect of the impact of the program throughout our country. ​

Grounded in the Vincentian tradition and urban character of DePaul University, the Master of Science program in Speech Language Pathology prepares speech-language pathologists to meet the diverse and urgent needs of the Chicago community and beyond with a special concern for those who are most underserved and those who are most vulnerable. Our program graduates students with sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge, clinical skills, professional practice competencies, clinical reasoning, cultural fluency, and empathy for their practice. Using evidence-based and ethical practice, graduates use their knowledge and skills to foster meaningful communication for their clients and serve as leaders in the profession.

The goals of our program are...

  • ... to graduate speech language pathologists with sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge, clinical skills, professional practice competencies, clinical reasoning, cultural fluency, and empathy for their practice.
  • ... to instill awareness of global health and education disparities, and in the Vincentian mission, advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies that impact the overall services of clients and communities.
  • ... to contribute to the professional practice of speech language pathology through participation in systematic inquiry and use of evidence-based practice.
  • ... to create a broad range of clinical opportunities and externship experiences to develop skills in the identification, prevention, evaluation and intervention of disorders and difference in speech, language and swallowing.
  • ... to contribute to the overall growth and academic excellence of DePaul University and support its Vincentian mission by establishing and implementing the Speech Language Pathology Program.

DePaul Speech and Language Clinic

The DePaul Speech and Language Clinic, our in-house, state-of-the-art facility, gives our students an opportunity to implement various service delivery models and innovative programs based on best practices and current research. Our program is designed to deliver high quality clinical services that prepare students to work in all primary employment settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics and private practices. Our students are exposed to all aspects of communication and swallowing, fluency, language, cognition, voice, speech sound production, augmentative/alternative communication and hearing.

We provide free speech and language evaluations and therapy to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay for services - a payment is never required to receive services! If you choose to donate, it will help us support our mission to continue to provide these needed services free of charge for individuals with communication disorders living in poverty.