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.
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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Program Update 10/2020: Given the continuation of COVID-19 restrictions, simulated observation hours will be accepted if they are completed under the guidance of and approved by a certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Founding Program Director, Institute for Speech-Language Pathology
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.
The expansion of health science programs in the College of Health & Human Services and School of Nursing is bolstering Widener’s interprofessional learning approach that has set the programs apart and put students on track to becoming competent and compassionate clinicians.
Renovations to Academic Center North, Cottee Hall, and the Chester Community Clinic in the newly renamed Julie E. Wollman Hall will help facilitate and support Widener’s focus on interprofessional learning.
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 25% by 2029, much faster than the average for other occupations.
To visit Widener is, more often than not, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
At Widener, opportunities for financial aid extend to SLP students. Discover how Widener can help make obtaining your degree possible.
Next steps to apply
Once you’re ready to apply, you will submit all applications and supplemental materials through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service.