Graduate Programs in Speech Pathology

Speech Pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.

Speech Pathologists are employed in many industries including: hospitals, physician’s offices, occupational therapy treatment centers, nursing homes, home health services, and public health clinics.

As of May 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Reported the Median Annual Salary of speech pathologists was $69,870.Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2012. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291127.htm

Speech Pathology graduate programs are highly competitive. Applicants are usually required to demonstrate experience in communication sciences or a related field, a strong academic record (in many cases, programs require applicants to earn at least a 3.5 undergraduate GPA). Many programs also require applicants to earn a high score on their GRE.

Required application materials are likely to include:

• Letters of recommendation• A personal statement• Transcripts – demonstrating successful

completion of pre-requisite coursework• GRE and TOFEL Scores

1. University of Iowa2. University of Wisconsin- Madison3. University of Washington4. Vanderbilt University5. Northwestern University6. Purdue University7. University of Arizona8. University of Kansas9. University of Pittsburgh10. University of Texas- Austin

Highest Ranked Speech Pathology Graduate Programs

Source: U.S. News and World Report: http://

grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/pathology-rankings

Coursework and Training:

Graduate level speech pathology program requirements will vary by school, but most programs require students to complete a combination of coursework and field (practicum) training to earn their degree. Coursework is likely to include:

• Research methods• Statistics• Models of language behavior• Anatomy and physiology• Assessment of speech language problems• Acoustics and perception of speech• Mathematics• Biology

Many programs require applicants to complete pre-requisite coursework, which may include:

• Introduction to Phonetics• Introduction to Language acquisition• Introduction to Hearing science• Introduction to Language disorders• Introduction to Speech disorders• Introduction to Audiology• Introduction to Anatomy and physiology

For more information or to search Social Work graduate programs

References: http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/graduate/liberalarts/departments/speech/programs/ma_slpa/admission_requirements.stjhttp://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291127.htmhttp://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/pathology-rankings