Speech language therapist conducting assessment with child in a playroom.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Applications open in July 2025

Apply now

Request information

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.

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

100% of responding MSLP graduates are working in the field.

Why earn an MS in Speech-Language Pathology?

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

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

In our MS in Speech-Language Pathology program, 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

Explore MSLP courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 60 credits.
You’ll also complete 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.

Explore course sequence

View all courses

Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
MSLP 700	Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice	2 credits
MSLP 755	Early Intervention	3 credits
MSLP 758	Multicultural Assessment and Intervention	1 credits
MSLP 790	Augmentative and Alternative Communication	2 credits
MSLP 825	Multicultural Clinic Abroad	3 credits

How much does an MS in Speech-Language Pathology cost?

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.

You will also need to budget for transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses, including: Additional Costs for the MSLP Program.

Explore total cost of attendance.

Fall 2025 cohort (24-month program)

Expense	Per Semester	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition & fees*	$14,615	$73,075

*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.

St. Ambrose University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of American Speech-Language Hearing Association

The SAU Master of Science (M.S.) residential education program in speech-language pathology at St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD, 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

What are the graduation and exam pass rates for St. Ambrose's MSLP program?

Program completion rates

In the past three years, 97% of students who entered our MSLP program have completed the program.

Period	# Completing On Time	# Completed Later than on Time	# Not Completing	Completion Rate
Recent year	29	0	0	100%
1 year prior	30	1	1	93%
2 years prior	31	0	1	97%
3 Year Average				97%

Exam pass rates

In the past three years, 94% of our graduates have passed the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology on their first attempt.

Period	# Taking Exam	# Passed on 1st Attempt	Pass Rate
Recent year	29	28	97%
1 year prior	29	25	86%
2 years prior	29	29	100%
3 year average			94%

100% of St. Ambrose's MSLP graduates passed the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology within three months of graduation.

Period	# Taking Exam	# of Students Passed	Pass Rate
Recent year	29	29	100%
1 year prior	29	28	96%
2 years prior	29	29	100%
3 Year Average			99%

How does SAU 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.

MSLP program faculty

Rachael Suddarth, PhD

Other support resources

Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

A student standing at a table with a woman at the Career Center.

Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.

Discover career support

Are there cost savings available for MSLP?

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?

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.

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 with teachers at the St. Ambrose Children’s Campus to develop plans that help children learn to communicate effectively at home and in the classroom. You will have the opportunity to work with children individually and in groups.

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.

Career ready

“The faculty and staff were always willing to answer my questions, talk about my goals and future plans, and go the extra mile to help me succeed in and out of the classroom..”

Tyler Zeimett ‘22, MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Visit campus

Admission requirements for the MSLP program

Start your career in speech-language pathology at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our MSLP.

Submit all materials through the CSDCAS centralized application service.
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 in February 2025 prior to program start
GRE scores are not required for admission

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

Apply now

Prerequisites for the MSLP program

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
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

Apply now

Early decision pathway

High school seniors and first year students who use our early decision pathway have the advantage of a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate education. Explore the MSLP Early Decision Pathway (pdf).

What can I do with an 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 19 percent by 2032.
The highest earning 10 percent of speech-language pathologists earned more than $126,680.

For more information on speech-language pathology employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

News and events at SAU

A young woman smiles into the camera, dressed in commencement regalia.

Spring Commencement Ceremony

Join us for our Spring Commencement Ceremony to celebrate Spring 2025 degree recipients.

Mike Thorson stands next to the Dean of Students during the Veteran's ceremony.

From the Army to a mental health Occupational Therapist: An OTD student’s path of self-discovery

Mike Thorson ’21, ’25 has always been passionate about helping people. His journey to a career in service began at 19 when he joined the Army.

Abby Messina holds up a decorated graduation cap and smiles at the camera.

More than a degree: Abby Messina's path to professional nursing

Abby Messina ’25 has shaped her journey at St. Ambrose University through resilience, a passion for service, and a deep commitment to helping others.

View all news and events

Graduate waving during commencement ceremony.

View of oak tree leaves from below with white gradient.

Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.