Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.
Speech-language pathologists identify and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders, contribute to differential diagnosis, and provide guidance on the prevention and preservation of functional communication and swallowing across the lifespan.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
You may pursue a graduate degree via one of two tracks. Track
1 is an intensive four-semester applied program for those who
have completed the pre-professional requirements and a bachelor's
degree. Track 2 is a six-semester program, with the
first two semesters meeting pre-professional requirements, and the
final four semesters an intensive applied program.
Opportunities for supervised clinical practice are provided in community-based healthcare and educational settings located within two hours of GVSU. Students may be placed outside the two-hour radius and may request placements anywhere in the United States during the final two semesters of their program.
Why Study Speech-Language Pathology at Grand Valley?
- GVSU is known for interprofessional health sciences and is one of two universities in Michigan offering all therapy programs.
- All four semesters include community-based clinical placements and
clinical application infused into academic coursework.
- This intensive program provides the opportunity for students to
complete their degree and begin their career sooner than other
speech-language pathology programs, while obtaining all of the same
knowledge and skills acquired in other programs.
- Fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
- We are located on the famous "Medical Mile" in downtown Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan and where major medical and healthcare expansion is underway.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Classes for graduate students in this major meet on the GVSU Health
Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.
- Face To Face
Coursework
- Speech sound disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cognitive and social aspects of communication
- Stuttering and other fluency disorders
- Voice and resonance
- Feeding and swallowing
- Augmentative and alternative communication modalities
- Receptive and expressive language
Application Deadline
Deadline for Track 1 fall applications is January 15; Track 2 priority deadline is April 1 and seats will be filled until July 1 as available. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.
Admission into the speech-language pathology program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Health ProfessionsDepartment of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Speech-Language Pathology
gvsu.edu/csd
500 Lafayette Ave.
NE, Suite 204
(616) 331-5540
Program Director
Cara M. Singer, Ph.D.,
CCC-SLP
(616) 331-5564
“The SLP program allows students to find their passion through experiential learning that also benefits the community. Through the steadfast support of faculty and professionals in the community, students are encouraged to use their creativity while maintaining an evidence-based focus to practice.”
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ALUMNA