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.
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 St. Ambrose University'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
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 St. Ambrose University can apply for automatic, conditional admission into St. Ambrose University'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 St. Ambrose University's MSLP program?
High school students interested in early admission into St. Ambrose University's MSLP program should email mslp@sau.edu to get started.
Early admission requirements for high school seniors
High school students accepted at St. Ambrose University who intend to pursue an MSLP degree at St. Ambrose University 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
First and second year students enrolled at St. Ambrose University can apply for automatic, conditional admission into St. Ambrose University'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 St. Ambrose University's MSLP program?
First and second year students at St. Ambrose University should email mslp@sau.edu to get started.
Early admission requirements for college freshmen and sophomores
College freshmen and sophomores at St. Ambrose University 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
Traditional path for college seniors and graduates
College seniors and college graduates are invited to apply for St. Ambrose University's MSLP program through the traditional pathway.
How can college seniors and graduates apply for St. Ambrose University's MSLP program?
Traditional students, including college seniors and college graduates, should submit all application materials through the CSDCAS centralized application service. St. Ambrose uses a rolling admissions deadline. All cohorts begin in the Fall semester.
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.
Here are the prerequisites for students entering St. Ambrose University’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)
What is the total cost of St. Ambrose’s MSLP program?
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the total cost of St. Ambrose University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) degree is $74,170. This includes tuition, course fees, liability insurance, technology fees, matriculation fee, and graduation application fees. The cost of your MSLP degree will not change once you've enrolled. Tuition is billed in five equal payments at the beginning of each fall, spring, and summer semester.
*Includes tuition, all fees and liability insurance. Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. **MSLP program requires a fall start date. Total cost includes two fall semesters, two spring semesters, and one summer session.
What are the graduation rates and exam pass rates for St. Ambrose's MSLP program?
In the past three years, 97% of students who entered St. Ambrose University's MSLP program have completed the program within the advertised timeframe. Additionally, 99% of St. Ambrose's MSLP graduates passed the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology within three months of graduation.
Program completion rates
Period
# Completing On Time
# Completed Later than on Time
# Not Completing
Completion Rate
2025
17
0
0
100%
2024
29
0
0
100%
2023
30
1
1
94%
3 Year Average
97%
Exam pass rates
Period
# Taking Exam
# of Students Passed
Pass Rate
2025
17
17
100%
2024
29
29
100%
2023
31
30
97%
3 Year Average
99%
How do St. Ambrose faculty support MSLP students?
St. Ambrose University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology faculty are experienced speech-language pathologists who stay current and knowledgeable in the field and are dedicated to student learning and success. Our experience allows us to move beyond theory and help students when developing a plan for client care. Additionally, our faculty are passionate about leadership in the community. Most faculty members have served in leadership positions with one of the following: Iowa Speech Language Hearing Association (ISHA), Quad City Speech Language Hearing Association (QSHA), and the Iowa Speech Language Hearing Association Foundation Board of Directors.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.
Graduate assistantships
Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.
Military benefits
Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about military benefits.
What’s on campus for MSLP students?
Students in St. Ambrose's MSLP program have unique opportunities to provide healthcare services to underserved community members in the student-led Interprofessional Health Clinic, offer orientation and cognitive retraining treatment to adults who have sustained brain injuries at Empower House QC, and join the SAU Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association.
Opportunities include:
Provide healthcare services to underserved community members in St. Ambrose University’s Interprofessional Health Clinic. This student-led clinic is supervised by faculty and licensed professionals. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside other healthcare disciplines.
Work alongside practicing SLPs to provide orientation and cognitive retraining treatment to adults at Empower House QC. At Empower House, those who have sustained a brain injury engage in purposeful work throughout the day. You’ll work with members in group treatment sessions and implement at-home therapy activities to facilitate skill carryover for the members.
Join the SAU Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. The (NSSLHA) is the only national student organization for pre-professionals studying communication sciences and disorders recognized by ASHA. NSSLHA gives you the tools to navigate your academic career while preparing you for your professional one.
Personalized education
"I visited the other schools, and St. Ambrose just has an inviting, welcoming face that those programs didn't have. I knew my education at St. Ambrose would be personalized to me and that they really cared about my success. If you’re looking for a place that’s going to invest in you, work with you one-on-one, and ensure you’ll achieve all you set out to do, St. Ambrose is the place for you."
Lauren Posten '26, MS in Speech-Language Pathology
What career opportunities are available after earning a MS in Speech-Language Pathology degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our MS in Speech-Language Pathology program could achieve.
Potential job titles
Speech-language pathologist
Potential employment settings
Hospitals and clinics
Schools and educational institutions
Rehabilitation centers
Private practices
Pediatric clinics
Skilled nursing facilities
Traits of a SLP
Communication
Critical thinking
Time management
Organization
Compassion
Analytical
Industry facts
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 15 percent by 2034.
The highest earning 10 percent of speech-language pathologists earned more than $132,850 in May 2024.
