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The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program offers incoming students the opportunity to matriculate into two different tracks: 

• Traditional Track

  The Traditional Track is for applicants with baccalaureate degrees from a regionally-accredited institution in Communication Sciences and Disorders, or for those with baccalaureate degrees 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

*Individuals lacking starred SLP-specific prerequisite courses may apply to the Leveling Track to complete these courses online with no additional tuition for those who successfully matriculate into the Fall quarter. 

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• Leveling Track

  Individuals who do not meet the minimum requirements for the Traditional Track may qualify for admission to the Speech-Language Pathology Program Leveling Track. Leveling Track students begin coursework one quarter early (Summer) completing SLP-specific prerequisite coursework online. They matriculate on campus the following Fall quarter. 

  These applicants must meet all admission requirements for the Leveling Track and demonstrate 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 and chemistry)

  • Social Sciences
     

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The �°������ϲʿ����� Speech-Language Pathology Program's mission is to mentor intellectually curious and compassionate students to be effective, reflective, and collaborative Speech-Language Pathologists serving their communities.

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.

�°������ϲʿ����� 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.

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Program Objectives

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

1. Foster a supportive learning environment for students;
2. Foster a collaborative and compassionate approach to patient care;
3. Graduate competent speech-language pathologists who possess the levels of clinical judgment, knowledge, empathy, technical skills, and confidence to begin professional practice with a culturally and linguistically diverse society;
4. Foster a philosophy of lifelong learning in speech-language pathology students;
5. Expand clinical practice in the �°������ϲʿ����� Speech-Language Institute to provide speech-language pathology students with a broad range of evidence-based and interprofessional practice experiences;
6. Advance the knowledge base of the profession through research and support of students' scholarly activities;
7. Contribute to the overall growth and academic excellence of �°������ϲʿ����� by supporting its Mission and Vision.

Mission

The �°������ϲʿ����� Speech-Language Pathology Program's mission is to mentor intellectually curious and compassionate students to be effective, reflective, and collaborative Speech-Language Pathologists serving their communities.

Vision

The �°������ϲʿ����� 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

SLP AZ Executive Summary Strategic Plan 2025-2030 (PDF)

Speech-Language Pathology students at �°������ϲʿ����� experience:

Individualized, Intentional Mentorship

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 �°������ϲʿ����� 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

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 professionals preparing students for interprofessional practice
• Deliver collaborative, patient-centered care with (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Vision Therapists) in the �°������ϲʿ����� 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).

• Students engage in practica at the Speech-Language Institute, housed in the �°������ϲʿ����� Therapy Institute, and other community-based settings for four quarters.
• Two advanced practica of up to 12 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.

As an MWU student, you may qualify for a scholarship opportunity if your interest includes working with children who have autism. Visit the TAG Scholars Program website for more details.

For other scholarships, visit our Scholarships page.

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 (1) has consistently ranked this profession as one of the most desirable social service jobs in America. 

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (2) predicts that the number of speech-language pathologists will grow by 21% over the next 10 years. That translates to approximately 34,000 new therapist positions by 2031. The national median speech-language pathologist salary is $79,060 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. 

(1) U.S. News and World Report,  

(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,  Phone: 1-202-691-5700,  

Connect with �°������ϲʿ�����'s Speech-Language Program:

�°������ϲʿ����� is accredited by , 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 �°������ϲʿ�����, Glendale is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.