Curriculum and Prerequisites
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Loyola's graduate program is a two-year, five semester, full-time cohort program and is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The graduate program challenges students academically, clinically, and personally through academic coursework integrated with clinical training and faculty mentorship. Loyola graduate students not only excel in the profession, but become effective and compassionate advocates for persons with communication disorders in the community. After completing the master’s degree, passing the Praxis examination, and completing a Clinical Fellowship Year, graduates have fulfilled all requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
The curriculum challenges pre-professionals academically, clinically, and personally. The program consists of academic coursework integrated with clinical training in the assessment and treatment of infants, children, and adults who have communication disorders. The program provides opportunities for students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences, as well as prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders across the life span. The program also allows students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge in standards of ethical conduct, research principles in evidence-based clinical practice, and contemporary professional issues. See course descriptions.
Speech-Language Pathology Program Entry Requirements
Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology (or communication sciences and disorders). Students are also encouraged to have a course in Professional and Technical Writing in SLP/A (or equivalent). Prospective students whose undergraduate major or degree is in a field other than speech-language pathology are required to complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Speech and Voice
- Articulation and Phonology
- Aural Habilitation
- Clinical Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Phonetics
- Professional and Technical Writing in SLP/A (recommended, not required)
- Speech and Language Development
- Speech and Voice Science
- Survey of Communication Disorders (recommended, not required)
Note: Students must be able to submit proof of 25 observation hours signed by an ASHA certified supervisor prior to enrolling in the graduate program.
Please use the Prerequisite Worksheet to compare any coursework already taken. This can be submitted to slp@loyola.edu for review.
