Industry Growth
Overall employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 29% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Graduate Program
Speech-Language Pathology Master's Degree
As a speech-language pathology student at Widener, you'll prepare for a rewarding career through faculty mentorship and high-quality clinical experience.
Upcoming Accreditation Site Visit: February 24-25, 2025
The Institute for Speech-Language Pathology will undergo an Initial Accreditation Site Visit February 24-25, 2025 conducted by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) as the final step in the Candidacy Accreditation process which will allow the program to achieve Initial Accreditation. CAA Site Visit members will hold an open meeting for the public on February 24, 12:15-1:00 p.m., in ACN Room 139 which can also be attended virtually via Zoom.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Master's
Format
On Campus
Credits
67
Avg. Time to Completion
6 semesters
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Speech-Language Pathology Program
As a speech-language pathology student, you'll take the inside track to a rewarding career. Through an in-depth, sequential curriculum, you'll experience dynamic teaching and hands-on, clinical learning. Throughout the program, you'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a variety of settings, from local service projects to pro bono work in our Speech-Language Pathology Clinic and Chester Community Clinic.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (residential) at Widener University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD., 20850. Phone: 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.
Speech-Language Pathology Master's Degree Program Information
View the course catalog for information on coursework and curriculum requirements.
The mission of the speech-language pathology program at Widener University is to prepare clinically competent, ethical, community-focused, and culturally respectful speech-language pathologists, committed to preventing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
To that end, the program has five goals and curricular themes:
- Evidence-Based Critical Thinking: To provide students with high-quality academic and clinical experiences that foster evidence-based critical thinking skills.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: To educate clinicians who understand interprofessional service delivery models in education and health care settings.
- Cultural-Linguistic Competency: To provide students with culturally-linguistically diverse, interprofessional, clinical experiences across a variety of settings.
- Leadership and Service to the Community: To develop student leadership skills and a commitment to serving the community.
- Innovative Scholarship: To contribute to the understanding of communication and swallowing disorders through innovative faculty and student scholarship.
The speech-language pathology program supports and upholds Widener University’s commitment to diversity and non-discrimination as described in the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy (EOHN).
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) accredits eligible master's degree programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. The CAA serves the public by promoting excellence in the graduate education of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
Learn more about CAA policies and procedures
Please note that a complaint about any accredited program or program in candidacy status may be submitted by any student, instructional staff member, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, and/or member of the public.
To practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the United States (U.S.) and U.S. territories, individuals must earn a master’s degree from an education program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), pass the Praxis Examination in SLP (#5331), and apply for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). In most states and U.S. territories, licensure and teacher certification are also required.
The curriculum provided by Widener’s Institute for Speech-Language Pathology meets state educational requirements for licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students who plan to practice in another state or U.S. territory are encouraged to visit AHSA's State-by-State licensing guide, which provides specific information on state licensure and teacher certification requirements for every U.S state and territory.
Students who are interested in practicing outside of the U.S., should refer to ASHA's resource for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Associations Outside of the United States.
Speech-Language Pathology Outlook & Outcomes
Why Study Speech-Language Pathology at Widener?
Build Clinical Competence
As a graduate clinician in Widener's SLP Clinic and/or Chester Community Clinic, you will work closely and collaboratively with your peers across the health professions to develop comprehensive, holistic, interdisciplinary plans of care. When you enter the profession, you'll be ready to hit the ground running.
Engage in Interprofessional Learning
Here, you'll collaborate in classroom and clinical experiences with experts in neighboring fields. This interprofessional focus will help you understand the team approach to holistic care.
Strengthen Your Leadership Skills
With support from faculty mentors and clinical practitioners, you'll develop into a citizen of character who demonstrates professional and civic leadership. Starting in your first semester, you'll study professional ethics and practice ethical competencies. You'll also have an opportunity to participate in the speech-language pathology leadership board in our pro bono Chester Community Clinic.
Our Faculty
I am passionate about helping Widener students achieve their academic and professional goals. I enjoy balancing my extensive clinical experience with research and evidence-based practice to help students build practical and professional skills.
In our speech-language pathology program, you'll focus on building clinical competence, civic engagement, and respect for diversity. All of these elements come together when you go hands-on in the field. Whether you’re working in our pro bono clinic or completing community projects, you'll build a powerful skill set that will serve you in your first job and beyond.
Recent News
A Legacy of Care: Chester Community Clinic Marks 15 Years
When the Chester Community Clinic first opened in September 2009 its purpose was simple: serve the community and give students an exceptional learning experience. Years of dedication to quality care and strategic transformation have established the clinic as an anchor in the community and a celebrated national model for student-led pro bono care and education.
Widener/CCCP Partnership Strengthens Next-Gen Culturally Competent Providers
A partnership between Widener and the Coalition of Culturally Competent Providers invites new conversations about community care and creates opportunities for health and human services students.
Expanded Partnerships Bring New Opportunities for Widener Student Clinicians
As Widener’s relationships with new and existing clinical partners deepen, so do clinical and field work experiences for students across and beyond health sciences programs.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- An undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology or a related field (e.g. communication sciences and disorders, speech and hearing sciences, etc.) or an undergraduate degree in another field in addition to the completion of the pre-requisite coursework.
- A GPA of 3.0 of higher and no less than a grade of B- in all pre-requisite coursework is recommended.
- Three letters of recommendation from academic instructors, preferably in SLP.
- A personal statement addressing your interest in speech-language pathology.
- Successful completion of the following coursework:
- Biology: preferably human biology
- Physical Science: must be physics or chemistry
- Social Science: psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health
- Statistics
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Normal Speech-Language Development
- Speech and Hearing Science
- Introduction to Audiology
- 25 hours of observation in the field
The application deadline is April 1. All students must apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS) website. Upon completion and verification of the application, students may be asked to visit campus for an interview.
For additional application process information, please visit CSDCAS.
Several articulation agreements are currently being developed for Widener's speech-language pathology (MS) program.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Institute for Speech-Language Pathology
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Academic Center North
- 610-490-7118
- speechpathology@widener.edu
Kathleen M. Youse
Founding Program Director, Institute for Speech-Language Pathology
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ACN 123
- 610-490-7124
- kmyouse@widener.edu