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Speech language therapist conducting assessment with child in a playroom.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Apply today for Fall 2026

What is an MS in Speech-Language Pathology degree?

Our MS in Speech-Language Pathology program readies you for a fulfilling career helping individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Through coursework, clinical practicums, and research, you'll gain expertise in assessment and intervention techniques. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, you'll be equipped with the knowledge you need to pass your certification exam and launch your career in any state you choose. 

 to receive details about our program. If you have further questions, contact Cory Kroeger.

Explore our tracks

Why earn an MS in Speech-Language Pathology?

At St. Ambrose, you’ll gain clinical experience starting your first semester. Our established partnerships with community agencies allow you to develop and refine clinical skills in a variety of settings. In your second year, you can travel to sites anywhere in the country to complete two clinical internships. By graduation, you’ll have the clinical and research skills employers seek.

Practice in any state

We’ll provide you assistance in completing the licensure process for any state.

Visual phonics certification

Gain a certification in See the Sound Visual Phonics.

Interprofessional experience

Practice interdisciplinary care in training and clinics with SAU students in OT, PT, and social work.

Study abroad

You have the opportunity to study abroad in Ecuador, broadening your cultural sensitivity, situational flexibility, and empathy.

RiteCare Clinic

SAU’s no-cost RiteCare Clinic serves both children and adults with free prevention, assessment, and intervention services.

Intern anywhere

Choose any location for your second-year internship and complete your accompanying courses online.

What you’ll learn in your MS in Speech-Language Pathology program

Students in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MS in Speech-Language Pathology degree program complete a total of 60 credits, including 1 year of clinical experience and coursework, 2 full-time internships (child and adult), 1 graduate research project, 1 service learning presentation on the intersection of speech-language pathology and social justice, and 1 evidence-based capstone paper. 

As an MSLP student, you'll study communication modalities, cognitive and social aspects of communication, and articulation, among others. Throughout the program, you’ll gain skills in the prevention, assessment and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders. 

  • Integrate and refine skills in the areas of speech, language, cognitive-communication, dysphagia, augmentative and alternative communication across settings and ages.
  • Understanding information and issues in early intervention
  • Overview of critical thinking and its role in the scientific understanding of communication and its disorders

View the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Course Sequence for a detailed plan of study

Pathways to your MS in Speech-Language Pathology

SAU offers multiple pathways to your MS in Speech-Language Pathology degree, including early acceptance pathways and a traditional admissions pathway for college seniors and graduates.

Early admission for high school students

Secure your spot with early admission

High school seniors who plan to attend ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø can apply for automatic, conditional admission into ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. Through this early admission pathway, students can earn a confirmed spot in our MSLP program. 

How can high school seniors apply for early admission into ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MSLP program? 

High school students interested in early admission into ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MSLP program should email mslp@sau.edu to get started.

Early admission requirements for high school seniors

High school students accepted at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø who intend to pursue an MSLP degree at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet these high school requirements: 

  • Complete 6 hours of observation with a nationally certified speech-language pathologist(s) before starting their undergraduate program
  • Personal statement describing interest in speech-language pathology
  • 3.0 unweighted high school GPA
  • A letter of reference from a high school teacher or employer

Ongoing requirements for conditional admission

Once admitted, all students in the automatic, conditional pathway must meet the requirements listed below to remain qualified for conditional admission: 

  • Complete all remaining undergraduate coursework with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Complete all MSLP undergraduate prerequisite coursework with a 3.3 GPA and no grades lower than C in the four general education prerequisite courses
  • Complete all general education and major requirements
  • Actively participate in regular advising visits 
  • Participate in pre-SLP advising
  • Complete an additional 19 hours of observation with a nationally certified speech-language pathologist prior to starting the MSLP program
  • in the Fall semester of your senior year 

Contact us for more information

Early admission for freshmen and sophomores

Secure your spot with early admission

First and second year students enrolled at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø can apply for automatic, conditional admission into ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. Through this early admission pathway, students can earn a confirmed spot in our MSLP program. 

How can freshmen and sophomores apply for early admission into ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MSLP program? 

First and second year students at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø should email mslp@sau.edu to get started.

Early admission requirements for college freshmen and sophomores

College freshmen and sophomores at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø who intend to pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet these college requirements:

  • Complete 6 hours of observation with a nationally certified speech-language pathologist
  • Prepare a personal statement describing your interest in speech-language pathology
  • Attain a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Ongoing requirements for conditional admission

Once admitted, all students in the automatic, conditional pathway must meet the requirements listed below to remain qualified for conditional admission: 

  • Complete all remaining undergraduate coursework with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Complete all MSLP prerequisite coursework with a 3.3 GPA and no grades lower than C in the 4 general education prerequisite courses
  • Complete all general education and major requirements
  • Actively participate in regular advising visits 
  • Participate in pre-SLP advising
  • Complete an additional 19 hours of observation with a nationally certified speech-language pathologist prior to starting the MSLP program
  • in the Fall semester of your senior year 

Contact us for more information

Traditional path for college seniors and graduates

College seniors and college graduates are invited to apply for ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MSLP program through the traditional pathway. 

How can college seniors and graduates apply for ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's MSLP program? 

Traditional students, including college seniors and college graduates, should submit all application materials through the . St. Ambrose uses a rolling admissions deadline. All cohorts begin in the Fall semester. 

Admissions requirements for traditional MSLP students

Here are the admissions requirements for college seniors and college graduates applying for our MSLP program:

  • Submit all materials through the .
  • Include official grade transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
  • Provide 3 letters of recommendation 
  • Complete a writing sample in response to a prompt
  • Eligible applicants will be contacted by MSLP Program's Admissions Committee to schedule an interview. Interviews occur in February or March. 
  • GRE scores are not required for admission

The CSDCAS application portal is generally available in mid July and is the only way to apply to the SAU MSLP program. You do not need to apply separately to St. Ambrose.

Prerequisites for the MSLP program

Here are the prerequisites for students entering ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s MSLP program.

  • Bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university
  • An overall GPA of 2.85 or higher at the time of application, as verified by CSDCAS, and at the time of enrollment in the program.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher in courses directly related to the study of communication sciences and disorders at the time of application and at the time of enrollment in the program.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and the social/behavioral sciences. Acceptable biology courses include content in human anatomy and physiology or genetics. Submit your transcripts through the CSDCAS system demonstrating: 
    • At least one course in biology with a grade of C or higher
    • A physics or chemistry course with a grade of C or higher
    • At least one course in statistics with a grade of C or higher
    • At least one course in social/behavioral sciences with a grade of C or higher
  • Completion of these pre-professional courses (below) prior to enrollment in the SAU MSLP Program:
    • Phonetics
    • Articulation and Phonological Disorders
    • Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
    • Speech and Hearing Science
    • Language Development and Disorders
    • Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation
  • Documentation of 25 hours of observation. Applicants do not submit this at the time of application and are not required to submit it through CSDCAS. Documentation must be received before fall enrollment from applicants who receive offers of admission to our program.

International student requirements

  • Submit official international transcripts
  • A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent 
  • Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: Varies by program; typically TOEFL - 80  IELTS - 6.5)
  • Copy of your passport and other documentation

Speech-language pathology news

Lauren Posten, '24, '26 MSLP, stands in a lab at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and smiles into the camera. A blue

Becoming who she’s meant to be: An MSLP student’s St. Ambrose education

Four days a week, Lauren Posten ’24, ’26 MSLP, walks the halls of Truman Elementary School – exactly where everyone said she’d end up.

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Isabelle Matthys smiles at the camera while holding her graduation cap and wearing her graduation gown.

Helping others be heard: Isabelle Matthys becomes a speech-language pathologist

For Isabelle Matthys ‘25, communication has always been more than words - it’s a connection to family, identity, and purpose.

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Brandi Marticoff smiles at the camera.

Becoming a speech-language researcher: An MSLP graduate’s career trajectory inspired by supportive program faculty

Brandi Marticoff ’25 MSLP planned to be a doctor when she enrolled at the University of Iowa as a biology major, but her trajectory shifted.

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