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Become an expert in diagnosing and treating speech, language and swallowing disorders in children and adults
Our Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology program will prepare you to become a speech language pathologist (SLP) who treats all aspects of communicative and swallowing disorders across the life span (children through adults), including the following:
- fluency
- receptive and expressive language
- cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, executive functioning)
- voice and resonance ( including respiration and phonation)
- speech sound production
- augmentative and alternative communication
- hearing (including the impact on speech and language)
- swallowing
- social aspects of communication
You’ll take classes that will focus on:
- basic science courses
- specific communication and swallowing disorders
- research methods
- clinical coursework, which includes 400 hours of supervised clinical experience
Here, you’ll gain critical thinking, problem solving and interpersonal skills you need to become an independent clinical practitioner. You’ll be trained to work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics and private practice.
Our M.S. degree in Speech Language Pathology offers students a program of academic and clinical preparation that meets:
- the requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology,
- the requirements for Illinois State Licensure to practice as a speech-language pathologist, and
- the requirements for a Professional Educator License endorsed in Speech-Language Pathology (non-teaching) to work as a speech-language pathologist in Illinois public schools.
A dynamic industry with projected growth
Nationally, there is a significant demand for SLPs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 21% growth by 2024, resulting in nearly 30,000 new positions in the U.S. Additionally, in 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked speech and language pathology as ‘one of the Best 100 Jobs” and one of the “Best Healthcare Jobs.”
Application Deadlines
The fall 2025 application is open now through
CSDCAS with a final deadline of December 1, 2024. Interviews will be held in winter and early spring 2025.
Student Accommodations
Students seeking accommodations must first be admitted to DePaul University through the standard admissions process. Admitted DePaul students with a documented permanent or temporary disability are encouraged to self-identify and request enrollment with the DePaul University Center for Students with Disabilities Services (CSD). The steps for students to receive accommodation can be found on the
CSD Website.
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, letters of recommendation, personal statement and official transcripts.
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Required Courses
You will take a total of 26 courses, with the option to conduct research and write a thesis.
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93%
of College of Science and Health graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
Your path to becoming a practicing speech-language pathologist
After graduation from the program, you’ll take the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Test, a national assessment of specific content knowledge. Then you’ll begin a required Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), which is the final step required to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You’ll also be eligible to apply for state licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and a professional educator's license through the Illinois State Board of Education.
Alumni Network
Graduates of DePaul’s speech-language pathology program will be connected to the larger alumni network of more than 20,600 graduates of the College of Science and Health.
Scholarships
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.
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Contact Information
For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission for DePaul’s College of Science and Health at
(773) 325-7315 or
cshgrad@depaul.edu.
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