Grand Valley State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) is a four-semester program for students who have completed necessary pre-professional requirements and a bachelor's degree. Graduates of Grand Valley State University will be entry level Clinical Fellows.
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Source: EMSI, 2020
CAREER OUTLOOK AND OPPORTUNITIES
According to 2020 EMSI data, speech-language pathology jobs are expected to grow 10% in West Michigan and in the U.S. by 2024. The median annual wage for speech pathologists is $70,740 but it varies by region and industry. Students who graduate with a degree in speech-language pathology become pathologists who work in the following settings:
- School systems
- Administration
- Clinics
- Private practice
- Early intervention
- Government agencies and health departments
- Hospitals
- Nursing centers
- Home care
- Mental health
- Rehabilitation
- Residential facilities
- Research laboratories
Source: EMSI, 2020
The Skills Employers Want
The Master's of Speech-Language Pathology at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
Advanced Skills
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Rehabilitation
- Swallowing Disorders
- Communication Disorders
- Pathology
- Caregiving
Common Skills
- Communications
- Presentations
- Customer Service
- Research
- Time Management
- Teaching
- Management
- Multilingualism
- Written Communication
Source: EMSI, 2020
Other Reasons to Study Speech-Language Pathology at GVSU
- Convenient. Located in the heart of the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids, the program offers unique learning experiences, resources, and research opportunities.
- Versatile. Students study a variety of topics that include: Assessment and intervention, Autism communication from infancy through adulthood, Augmentative and alternative communication, Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment
- Quality. Grand Valley is known for health sciences, and is one of only two universities in Michigan now offering all therapy programs. Faculty members are involved with local, state, and national organizations.
- Accredited. The program was awarded candidacy accreditation status from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
- In-Demand Profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities are expected to increase 21% from 2014 to 2024; faster than the average for all occupations.
Courses Offered
The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program is a minimum of 60 credits. A variety of topics will be studied, including:
- Articulation/phonology
- Fluency
- Voice and resonance
- Receptive and expressive language
- Hearing
- Feeding and swallowing
- Cognitive and social aspects of communication
- Augmentative and alternative communication modalities
- Social aspects of communication
Visit the online catalog for course offerings and degree requirements.
Admission
For Fall 2020, the priority deadline for applications is April 1, 2020. Applications will be reviewed through June 15, 2020 as space is available in the program. The $30 application fee is waived if you’ve already applied to Grand Valley. Visit the online catalog to view admission requirements for this program.
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Cost
For more information on tuition and fees, please visit the costs portion of the GVSU Financial Aid website. For financial support, scholarship search, and filing for FAFSA, please visit the GVSU Financial Support website.
Note: Grand Valley does not charge a higher tuition rate based on residency. Tuition is based on the program in which you chose to enroll.
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