Thinking of becoming a speech pathologist? Find out what you need to know before your apply to a speech pathology graduate program. Presentation includes information about earings potential, expected job growth, required coursework, top social work graduate programs, and how to search for a Speech Pathology graduate program.

1. Graduate Programs
in Speech Pathology

2. Speech Pathologists diagnose and treat
communication and swallowing disorders.

3. Speech Pathologists are employed in
many industries including: hospitals,
physician’s
offices,
occupational
therapy treatment centers, nursing
homes, home health services, and
public health clinics.
As of May 2012, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics Reported the Median Annual
Salary of speech pathologists was
$69,870.
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment
Statistics, May 2012. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291127.htm

4. Speech Pathology graduate programs are highly
competitive. Applicants are usually required to
demonstrate experience in communication
sciences or a related field, a strong academic
record (in many cases, programs require applicants
to earn at least a 3.5 undergraduate GPA). Many
programs also require applicants to earn a high
score on their GRE.
Required application materials are likely to include:
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Letters of recommendation
A personal statement
Transcripts – demonstrating successful
completion of pre-requisite coursework
GRE and TOFEL Scores

5. Highest Ranked Speech Pathology
Graduate Programs
Source: U.S. News and World Report:
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduateschools/top-health-schools/pathology-rankings
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University of Iowa
University of Wisconsin- Madison
University of Washington
Vanderbilt University
Northwestern University
Purdue University
University of Arizona
University of Kansas
University of Pittsburgh
University of Texas- Austin

6. Coursework and Training:
Graduate level speech pathology program requirements will vary by school, but
most programs require students to complete a combination of coursework and
field (practicum) training to earn their degree. Coursework is likely to include:
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Research methods
Statistics
Models of language behavior
Anatomy and physiology
Assessment of speech language problems
Acoustics and perception of speech
Mathematics
Biology
Many programs require applicants to complete pre-requisite coursework, which
may include:
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Introduction to Phonetics
Introduction to Language acquisition
Introduction to Hearing science
Introduction to Language disorders
Introduction to Speech disorders
Introduction to Audiology
Introduction to Anatomy and physiology

7. For more information or
to search Social Work
graduate programs
References:
http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/graduate/liberalarts/departments/speech/programs/ma_slpa/admission_requirements.stj
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291127.htm
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/pathology-rankings