Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)
Technologically advanced facilities paired with a dynamic curriculum with built-in experiential learning and practical application makes the DeSales Speech Language Pathology (SLP) program unique.
Our university’s patron saint, St. Francis de Sales, was also the patron saint of hearing and the deaf. His work is an inspiration for modern day speech-language pathologists, and our SLP program imbues his spirit of care and compassion for others.
An Always In-Demand Career
Speech Pathology consistently ranks near the top in surveys of meaningful careers. The work is fulfilling and the need for Speech Pathologists continues to increase much faster than average with growth expected at 25% nationally through 2029.
Speech-Language Pathologists are in demand as integral members of care teams with educators, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other healthcare workers — they examine, diagnose, and treat patients across a range of disorders in a variety of school and healthcare settings.
Important Deadlines
- Early application deadline: December 1
- Final deadline: February 1
- Rolling admissions after February 1st
Program Information
The DeSales Difference
- State-of-the-art Simulation Center
- Human gross anatomy laboratory
- University Speech Clinic
- Inter-professional focus with students in our nationally recognized nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant science programs
Advanced Pathways to the MS in SLP for Undergraduates
In addition to the traditional master's program pathway for new graduate students, DeSales also provides program planning at the undergraduate level with our Communication Sciences and Disorders 3+2 year and 4+2 year options that can culminate with an MS in SLP.
Wills Hall
Our newly remodeled building is home to the departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Physical Therapy.
The facility features:
- the Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders
- flexible endoscopy suite
- computerized speech lab
In addition to the state-of-the-art classrooms and pediatric/adult therapy facilities, Wills Halls features beautiful garden and patio areas for student use.
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Health Humanities Scholars (HHS) Association
HHS is a student-led, faculty mentored program for students in our graduate healthcare curricula (PA, DPT, NP, DNP, Healthcare MBA, SLP). Students will facilitate humanities content and develop reflective practice through narrative medicine concepts in order to foster resiliency, empathy, and avoidance of burn-out.
St. Francis de Sales: The patron saint of hearing and the deaf
St. Francis de Sales serves as an inspiration for modern day Speech-Language Pathologists. In 1605, he developed a system for communicating with a deaf and mute young man by using signs he formed with his hands and fingers, thereby anticipating the creation of sign language by several centuries. His desire to connect with and understand this young man serves as a wonderful reminder for healthcare practitioners that we can enable healing by treating our patients with dignity.
CAA Accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at DeSales University 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, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. The program was awarded a candidacy accreditation status on February 19, 2022, by the CAA. This candidacy accreditation cycle is effective February 1, 2022 through January 1, 2027.
