Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in the US

We will be talking about the best speech-language pathology schools in the United States in this article. Let’s get started!

A speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a health professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing problems in both children and adults.

Speech-language pathologists treat many types of communication and swallowing problems like Fluency, Social communication, speech sounds.

Their responsibilities include evaluating a person’s communication or swallowing abilities, diagnosing underlying problems, developing a personal treatment plan, providing therapy, and maintaining records to track a person’s progress.

With all these responsibilities, they require adequate training to enable them become experts in the field.

Here are the Best Speech-Language Pathology Schools in the United States.

• Vanderbilt University
• Northwestern University
• Purdue University
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Wisconsin, Madison
• University of Arizona
• University of Iowa
• University of Kansas
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Boston University
• Indiana University
• MGH Institute of Health Professions
• University of Texas, Austin
• University of Texas, Dallas
• University of Washington

1. Vanderbilt University

Administered through the prestigious Vanderbilt School of Medicine, the MS in speech-language pathology at Vanderbilt spans a full five semesters over at least two academic years. Students can be certified for practice or continue on for a research Ph.D.

Clinical experience at Vanderbilt can occur at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Vanderbilt University Hospital, the Carrell Children’s Hospital, or other partner facilities.

Graduate students can pursue specialized training tracks in children’s hearing loss, spectrum disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, and school-aged language and literacy deficiencies.

Candidates may apply online through Vanderbilt’s application portal. Official transcripts, a one-page personal statement, a resume, and up to five letters of recommendation should be submitted.

Applicants to Vanderbilt’s speech pathology graduate program must meet the GRE standards for Vanderbilt graduate admissions. See Cheapest Medical Schools in the U.S.

A large, private, research institution located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University has the number one ranked program in speech pathology and in audiology, based on U.S. News.

See: Vanderbilt University Transfer Acceptance Rate

2. Northwestern University

At Northwestern, evidenced-based curriculum design with immersive experience, collaborative learning, and mentor support characterizes an innovative MS program in speech, language, and learning. 

Sixteen core courses and seven core clinical registrations comprise the program’s two-year curriculum.

Located in Evanston, Illinois, just outside Chicago, Northwestern’s on-campus clinics for patients of all ages and needs provide students with a wide range of clinical experience.

Students also complete two full-time externships in medical facilities or in private practice during the program.

Candidates apply to the program through CSDCAS, including four required essays and a work and volunteer experience history. GRE scores are no longer considered in the application process.

While Northwestern welcomes students with a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, accepting a fairly equal amount of non-majors as speech majors into the program, some prerequisite courses may need to be completed before starting the program.

See: Northwestern University Acceptance Rate

3. Purdue University

Purdue University’s MS program in speech-language pathology, administered through the College of Health and Human Sciences, prepares students for a broad range of speech pathology careers.

Upon graduation, students can meet Indiana licensure and certification requirements, along with ASHA credentialing requirements.

The IPE-SHINE program at Purdue provides an exceptional funding opportunity for students interested in working with K-6 students.

This scholarship offers full two-year funding, a stipend, and mentorship. Candidates may apply to the IPE-SHINE program with their regular application materials through the CSDCAS website.

Application materials include transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, two personal essays, and a video response to a question.

Students without a relevant bachelor’s degree may apply and can be accepted, but those students will often need an additional year to complete prerequisite coursework before starting the program.

See: Purdue University Acceptance Rate

4. University of Pittsburgh

Future speech pathologists can pursue an MA or MS degree in Communication Science and Disorders with a concentration in speech-language pathology through the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt’s program can prepare students for a range of speech pathology careers.

Concentration areas allow students to customize their curriculum to their professional goals. Areas of study include Pediatric Speech and Language, Dysphagia, Voice, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Pitt’s longitudinal data shows 100% program completion on time, praxis examination success, and employment rates in profession.

Other programs include AuD, CScD (Doctor of Clinical Science), and a Ph.D. in Communication Science and Disorders.

Applicants can submit materials through CSDCAS. GRE requirements are suspended at present, but all other CSDCAS instructions should be followed.

5. University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a practitioner track and a Ph.D. track for its MS program, the MS in Speech-Language Pathology, and the MS in Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing.

Graduates with an MS in Speech-Language Pathology can be licensed to practice or certified as teachers in the state of Wisconsin. See University of Wisconsin Out of State Acceptance Rate.

Students applying without all of the required prerequisite courses may apply to the Capstone Program at UWM for a certificate of completion in preparation for graduate coursework.

All applicants must meet UWM’s requirements for graduate school. The department has eliminated the GRE as a requirement.

The speech pathology program at UWM shows a strong record of student completion, exam success, and employment.

See: List of Medical Schools in Wisconsin

Conclusion

This is the end of this article on the 15 best speech-language pathology schools in the United States. Was it useful to you? Let us know in the comment box.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Admin