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Picture a young child on the autism spectrum who struggles to communicate. A student who has difficulty with pronunciation. An adult who has experienced a stroke and is working to regain her ability to speak.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), you will work with children and adults who have problems with speech, language, thinking and swallowing. With a bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders from Lewis University you will build a broad foundation in speech science, language development and audiology. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify communication disorders and create treatment plans for patients of all ages.

A UNIQUE PROGRAM WITH EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

You will engage in an intensive study of the anatomy and physiology of speech, language, and hearing disorders – mild to severe, from infants to elderly populations. Here, your passion for both science and language will lead you to success. You will learn from experts in autism studies, child language disorders, and other fields.

Your senior Capstone Course will provide a clinical rotation where you apply your knowledge in a clinical setting. You’ll prepare a clinical portfolio based on one of your clients that includes an assessment report, treatment plan, therapy plan, data set and progress report. This case-based setting prepares you to take on more challenging experiences in graduate school.

FAST TRACK MASTER’S DEGREE OPTION

By maintaining a 3.4 GPA or higher, you can take more CSD courses in your junior and senior year, so you can graduate from the MS in Speech-Language Pathology in 4 semesters, rather than 6.

SAMPLE COURSES

Phonetics

Anatomy & Physiology of Speech, Hearing and Swallowing

Scientific Foundations of Speech and Hearing

Speech, Language and Swallowing Development

Aural Rehabilitation

Ethics of Clinical Practice

Clinical Methods I: Evidence-based Treatment Planning

Clinical Methods II: Prevention and Diagnosis

Neuroscience for SLPs

Autism and Social Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

CAREER OUTLOOK

Half of all SLPs work in schools or private clinics with children.

Half work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or clinics with adults.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the job outlook for SLPs is very strong, with projections of 21% growth in the number of available jobs by 2031.