Master of Science

Speech-Language Pathology Masters Degree Program

Pursue your goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist at Widener. Here, you'll engage with expert faculty and undertake high-quality community and clinical experiences.

Program Overview

As a speech-language pathology (SLP) 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.

Program Information

View the Loading... 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:

  1. Evidence-Based Critical Thinking: To provide students with high-quality academic and clinical experiences that foster evidence-based critical thinking skills.
  2. Interprofessional Collaboration: To educate clinicians who understand interprofessional service delivery models in education and health care settings.
  3. Cultural-Linguistic Competency: To provide students with culturally-linguistically diverse, interprofessional, clinical experiences across a variety of settings.
  4. Leadership and Service to the Community: To develop student leadership skills and a commitment to serving the community.
  5. 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.

Learn more about the procedures for filing a complaint 

The Speech-Language Pathology program has not yet determined if the program meets state licensing board educational requirements in all 50 states. For more information, view AHSA's State-by-State licensing guide

Admissions Requirements

  • 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: must be offered by a math or statistics department
    • 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*

*Note: Based on restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants who are not able to complete 25 hours of observation prior to the start of the program will be allowed to complete this requirement during the first semester in the program. Students must complete this requirement prior to starting clinical practicum experiences on campus in the first fall semester.

The application deadline is March 1, 2023. 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.

Need to complete a few prerequisite courses before you apply?

Each semester we offer prospective speech-language pathology students a chance to get a jump-start on their coursework. Our goals are your goals—and we want you to be and feel prepared every step of your academic journey.

Contact gcs@widener.edu for more information about our upcoming course offerings.

Program Highlights

Through hands-on practice, leadership training, and work with experts in neighboring fields, you'll launch your career as a speech-language pathologist—even before you graduate.

Speech-language pathologist with child

Community & Clinical Experiences

As a graduate clinician in Widener's SLP Clinic and/or Chester Community Clinic, you will have the opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with your peers across the health professions to develop comprehensive, holistic, interdisciplinary plans of care.

Physical therapy students

Interprofessional Learning

Throughout the program, 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.

Social Work MSW student at WIdener Partnership Charter School

Culture of Leadership

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. 

Faculty

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to enter the workforce as a speech-language pathologist—ready to meet and treat clients on your first day on the job.

Outlook & Outcomes

Industry Growth

Overall employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 29% by 2030, much faster than the average for other occupations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Work Environments

  • Educational services
  • Offices of health care practitioners
  • Hospitals & nursing/ residential care facilities 
  • Self-employed

Take the Next Steps

Apply

Once you’re ready to apply, you will submit all applications and supplemental materials through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service.