Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Full Time)

In small classes, you will build upon your knowledge of communication processes and disorders and learn best practices from faculty members who are active practitioners in the fieldmany of whom solicit student participation in their research and clinical programs.

An integral component of our curriculum, fieldwork will provide you with valuable, real-world experience and help you establish important professional connections. During your minimum of 3 practicum experiences at our more than 75 placement sites throughout New Englandone of which is at the Worcester State University Speech-Language-Hearing Centeryou will engage in more than 375 hours of hands-on client service.

Graduates of this program are qualified to apply for the certificate of clinical competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Massachusetts state licensure, and teacher certification through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). They are sought after by employers in a variety of educational and health care settings, including public schools, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, speech and hearing clinics, and private practice. In the past 5 years, our graduates have achieved a 100% employment rate.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Worcester State University is dedicated to the education of students regarding communication sciences as well as etiologies, characteristics, prevention, assessment, and remediation of communication and swallowing disorders and differences across the lifespan. The necessity for evidence-based practice is emphasized. Based on the standards established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Speech-Language Pathology, this program prepares students as professionals by developing excellence in academic and clinical skills. The program incorporates the diverse needs of its students to promote their success and encourage life-long learning. In addition, the program is regularly evaluated and modified in response to social, economic, cultural, and professional changes. In collaboration with other professionals and institutions, such as local schools and health care organizations, the members of the speech-language pathology graduate program facilitate community engagement and responsibility.

In addition to the Worcester State University Graduate School's general admission requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent) college or university.

The applicant must comply with these requirements and procedures. Submission of 2 letters of recommendation is required. Submission of a 3rd letter is optional.

Your response to each essay should be no more than 250 words.

Tell us about an ethical situation in which you needed to make a decision. For example an ethical situation may require the choice between an individual vs group, truth vs loyalty, immediate vs future benefits, or justice vs compassion. What decision did you make and why?
How did you decide on a career in SLP vs another helping profession.
In order to grow into your role as a SLP, graduate education includes a wealth of feedback regarding performance. What are your strategies for responding to both positive and constructive feedback?
With the end result of being a speech language pathologist and a citizen of the world, how will you contribute to an inclusive community that values diversity, belonging, and justice as a graduate student at Worcester State University?
Candidates must submit official transcripts from ANY and ALL colleges/universities where courses were taken, including Worcester State University. Applicants should have official transcripts sent directly to CSDCAS, NOT the Graduate Admissions Office..
Candidates applying for admission must have taken or currently be enrolled in the following college-level prerequisite courses at the time of application for the master's degree program:

18 credit hours in basic human communication processes and audiology that includes anatomy of the speech and hearing mechanism, phonetics, normal development of speech and language, speech science, hearing science, and audiology.


Official transcripts with a calculated GPA for the institution that awarded your baccalaureate degree, Official transcripts of each graduate institution awarding degree(s) or course credit beyond a baccalaureate degree (if applicable).

Applicants from countries outside of the United States in which English is not the language of instruction, must also submit a score of 79 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a score of 6.5 or above on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a score of 100 or above on the Duolingo Test, a score of 59 or above on the Pearson PTE test, or a score of 4 or above on the International English Language Proficiency Test (iTEP). A waiver of this requirement may be available for IELI Bridge to University graduate-level students.

Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 2.7