Why Choose Lewis U for Your Speech Pathology Master鈥檚 Degree?
天美传媒 launched the MSSLP program in 2020 within the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Classes of approximately 40 students begin each July and complete the program over six semesters (two years). Here is what sets the Lewis experience apart:
- Transformative Clinical Experiences - Unlike many speech-language pathology programs that rely on an on-campus clinic, 天美传媒 partners with schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations in the greater Chicago area to place students in real clinical environments. Lewis faculty directly supervise students during four of the six semesters, offering mentored, hands-on experience with actual clients from early in your program.
- Accelerated Academic Coursework
The MSSLP program uses accelerated 8-week terms so you can focus deeply on academic content during one half of a semester and transition fully into clinical application during the other. This structure eliminates the split-attention problem common in other programs, allowing you to bring full focus to each phase of your education.
- Community-Based Clinical Model
Students are placed in real-world, community-based settings serving individuals who might not otherwise have access to speech-language pathology services. Many placements include bilingual and underserved community environments, preparing graduates to practice as culturally responsive, socially responsible clinicians. Graduates qualify for licensure in all 50 states under rules are eligible for .
天美传媒’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) prepares you to become a licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist ready to work in schools, healthcare settings, and clinics for day one. Located near Chicago in Romeoville, Illinois, the program combines accelerated academic coursework with supervised, community-based clinical placements 鈥� giving you a graduate experience built around both rigorous learning and real-world impact.
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. SLPs work with clients of all ages, from infants to older adults, in areas include speech articulation, expressive and receptive language, cognitive communication, voice, fluency, and feeding disorders. They practice in schools hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, and community organizations.
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required to practice as an SLP in Illinois and across the United States. According to the , the median salary speech-language pathologists is $95,410, with a projected job growth rate of 15% from 2024 to 2034, well above the national average.
SLP Career Outcomes
Graduates of the 天美传媒 MSSLP program are prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level speech-language pathologists in educational, healthcare, and clinical settings. The program meets all requirements for:
- Illinois SLP Licensure (and all 50 states via NC-SARA)
- ASHA Certification in Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
A recent CNBC report found that disorders earn 71% more than those with a bachelor’s degree alone.
Faculty and Learning Environment
天美传媒 SLP faculty bring both academic expertise and extensive clinical experience to every course. Rooted in the Lasallian tradition of meeting students where they are, our faculty serve as mentors inside and outside the classroom.
Students in the MSSLP program also benefit from their place within the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, which includes pursuing careers in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and exercise science. This interdisciplinary environment opens doors to collaborative clinical experiences and a broader perspective on patient-center care.
Rankings and Recognition
天美传媒 is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as:
- #20 among Regional Universities in the Midwest
- #1 private college in Illinois among Best Colleges for Veterans
- #36 Best Value Schools
We are committed to making your graduate education a strong investment. Detailed cost of attendance information is available for review, and our team will work with you to explore the best financial path forward.
聽Ready to take the next step toward becoming a speech-language pathologist?
For more information, contact grad@lewisu.edu or call (815) 836-5610.
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