Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Program Overview

Lewis University's Speech-Language Pathology Master's program prepares students to become licensed SLPs. The two-year program emphasizes interactive learning, clinical mentorship, and real-world experience through labs and practicum placements. Graduates are equipped for diverse career paths in educational, healthcare, and clinical settings, with high earning potential and eligibility for ASHA certification.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: Graduates will be able to assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders, effectively interact with clients in diverse settings, and employ various communication modalities, including alternative systems like sign language.
• Program Description: This two-year, six-semester program features small class sizes of approximately 40 students.
Initial courses commence in May of each year. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to work in educational, healthcare, or clinical settings.

Outline:

Curriculum:

• Structure: The program emphasizes focused learning in each domain of communication and swallowing disorders.
• Labs and Practicum Placements: Every semester includes labs and practicum placements to solidify learning through real-world experience.
• Clinical Experiences: Students gain practical skills by working in community-based schools, healthcare facilities, and clinics.
• Examinations: Written or oral tests assessing knowledge and comprehension.
• Clinical Observation: Evaluation of student performance during practical placements.
• Portfolio Development: Compilation of student work demonstrating progress and acquired skills.
• Clinical Skills: Proficiency in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders across different age groups and settings.
• Professionalism: Exhibiting professional behavior, ethics, and communication skills necessary for successful interaction with clients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive Learning: The program prioritizes an interactive learning experience to enhance understanding and application of knowledge.
• Clinical Mentorship: Faculty actively mentor students throughout their academic and clinical experiences, fostering their development as skilled therapists.

Faculty:

• Experienced Faculty: The program boasts experienced faculty with clinical expertise in diverse communication and swallowing disorders.
• Faculty Partnership: Faculty work closely with students to provide individual guidance and support, assisting them in discovering their unique therapeutic style and career path.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program are equipped for diverse career paths working with various populations in various settings, including:

• Educational Settings: Schools and early intervention programs, working with children and adolescents with communication challenges.
• Healthcare Settings: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, assisting individuals with acquired communication and swallowing disorders due to stroke, brain injury, or other medical conditions.
• Clinical Settings: Speech and language pathology clinics, offering specialized therapy services to individuals with specific communication needs.

Career Outcomes:

• Employability: Graduates are fully qualified for entry-level positions as speech-language pathologists.
• Licensure: Graduates are prepared to become licensed speech-language pathologists in Illinois and other states.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Praxis exam to pursue ASHA certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Program Ranking: Lewis University's Speech-Language Pathology program is ranked #20 among Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.