What is Speech-Language Pathology?
Speech-language pathology is a field focused on diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders to improve individuals' speech, language, and overall communication abilities.
The profession of speech-language pathology is a licensed field of practice that typically requires completion of a graduate degree from an accredited institution. It is not possible to become licensed as a speech-language pathologist without a graduate degree. Professional certification is also available to practitioners that demonstrate to the public that the speech-language pathologist has completed rigorous academic and clinical preparation and is considered competent to practice the profession. The master’s degree program at GVSU prepares students to qualify for licensure and validates that students have completed all academic preparation to qualify for national certification.
Why Study Speech-Language Pathology at Grand Valley?
- Two Tracks. We offer two tracks of completion, providing students of all background's pathways to success. Track One is an intensive four-semester program for those who have completed pre-professional requirements. Track Two is a six-semester program that includes the pre-professional coursework and is designed for students without a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
- Experiential Learning. Students are provided opportunities for supervised clinical practice in community-based healthcare and educational settings, ensuring they gain practical experience from day one. The program integrates clinical application into academic coursework, providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for professional practice.
- Rooted on Campus, Flexible in Clinicals. Students, with the help of our Clinical Coordinators, have the option to move from the area, and complete their 3rd and 4th semesters closer to home or even a new city or state. Start here, train anywhere
- Interprofessional Training. Our program is known for its interprofessional health sciences approach and GVSU is one of the few universities in Michigan offering all therapy programs. Located on Grand Valley's Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids, GV students benefit from the proximity to major medical and healthcare providers on the "Medical Mile".
- Research Opportunities. When not teaching, our faculty are actively completing research projects and presenting at conferences. Our faculty's projects allow our graduate students ample unique opportunities to assist with research and preparing presentations.
Program Overview
GVSU offers two tracks for completion of a master’s degree in speech-language pathology:
- Track One is an intensive 16-month program leading to a Master of Science degree (i.e., 4 consecutive semesters).
- The length of the program may be more than four semesters for students who opt to complete a Thesis or in exceptional conditions when special accommodations are necessary. Students interested in pursuing Track One must complete a series of prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level.
- Track Two is an admission program for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field and have not completed the prerequisite coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
Questions about admissions can be directed to Dr. Sri Nandamudi, [email protected].
Questions about the program can be directed to Dr. Cara Singer, [email protected].
Admissions Process
Track One Applicants:
Early Decision Deadline: December 1
Regular Decision Deadline: January 15
Track Two Applicants:
Priority Admission Deadline: April 1st
Rolling Admission:
Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed through June 28th, 2026, as space is available in the program.
Please visit our Application Information page for more detailed information on how to apply and definition of terms.