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Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.
Speech-language pathologists identify and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders; contribute to differential diagnosis; and provide guidance on prevention and preservation of functional communication and swallowing across the lifespan.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
You may pursue a graduate degree via one of two tracks. Track
1 is an intensive four semester applied program for those who
have completed the pre-professional requirements and a bachelor's
degree. Track 2 is a six semester program, with the
first two semesters meeting pre-professional requirements, and the
final four semesters an intensive applied program.
Why Study Speech-Language Pathology at Grand Valley?
- GVSU is known for interprofessional health sciences and is one of two universities in Michigan offering all therapy programs.
- Located on the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids, SLP offers unique experiences, resources, and research opportunities.
- The program was awarded full accreditation status from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Rigorous community-based clinical education coursework in all semesters of the program.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities are expected to increase 21% from 2014 to 2024; faster than the average for all occupations.
Location & Format
Classes for graduate students in this major meet on the GVSU Health
Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.
- Face To Face
Coursework
- Articulation/phonology
- Feeding and swallowing
- Fluency
- Hearing
- Voice and resonance
- Augmentative and alternative communication modalities
- Cognitive and social aspects of communication
- Receptive and expressive language
Career Options
Speech-language pathologists are employed in:
- School systems
- Administration, hospitals, nursing centers, and home care
- Early intervention
- Community clinics, government agencies, health departments and private practices
- Mental health, rehabilitation, and residential facilities
- Academic/research laboratories
Skills Employers Want
The Master's of Speech-Language Pathology at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Rehabilitation
- Swallowing Disorders
- Communication Disorders
- Pathology
- Caregiving
Source: EMSI, 2020.
Application Deadline
Deadline for Track 1 fall applications is January 15; Track 2 is April 1. Applications will be reviewed through June 15 as space is available in the program. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
Track one is designed to serve students who have completed a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology, or who have completed all prerequisite coursework for the master's degree. Prerequisite coursework includes anatomy and physiology of the speech and mechanism, language development, phonetics, hearing science, speech science, basic audiology, neurological foundations of communication, two courses in communication disorders areas, statistics, biological science, physical science and social science. Students will earn clinical hours required for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) each semester. Students typically earn 15 to 30 hours during semester one, 60 to 90 hours in each of semesters two and three, and 200 to 220 hours in semester four.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Health Professions Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
gvsu.edu/csd
500 Lafayette Ave.
NE, Suite 204
(616) 331-5540
“The SLP program allows students to find their passion through experiential learning that also benefits the community. Through the steadfast support of faculty and professionals in the community, students are encouraged to use their creativity while maintaining an evidence-based focus to practice.”
MICHELLE REVORD
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ALUMNA
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ALUMNA
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