Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
Program Overview
Introduction to the Speech Language Pathology Program
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 them 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.
Program Overview
The 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.
Program Goals
The goals of the 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 differences 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
Program Vision
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.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Speech Language Pathology MS Program at DePaul University is dedicated to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, clinical research, training, and service delivery. The program values diversity, equity, and inclusion because it is part of its history, traditions, and future. The program recognizes institutional racism, structural racism, linguistic racism, social injustice, and the imbalances of power and privilege.
Strategic Plan
The DePaul University Speech Language Pathology Program is grounded in the Vincentian tradition and urban character of DePaul University with a primary goal of serving the most vulnerable and traditionally underserved populations. The program is poised to be a leader in the field of Speech Language Pathology using evidence-based and ethical practice to train future Speech Language Pathologists who have a particular interest in working in urban areas to address health and service delivery disparities.
Clinical Services
The DePaul Speech and Language Clinic, the program's in-house, state-of-the-art facility, gives students an opportunity to implement various service delivery models and innovative programs based on best practices and current research. The 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. Students are exposed to all aspects of communication and swallowing, including fluency, language, cognition, voice, speech sound production, augmentative/alternative communication, and hearing.
Accreditation
The Master's of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology at DePaul University, College of Science and Health, is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Candidacy is a "preaccreditation" status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.