Speech-Language Pathology - Master of Science

Program: Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)
Degree awarded: Master of Science
Total credit hours: 54
Clinical Opportunities/Externship Placements: Students complete 400 supervised clinical practice hours over the course of four full-time semesters.
Estimated Program Costs : M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

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Online Academic Catalog Details / Required Courses

About the Speech-Language Pathology Program

Thiel College’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to provide entry-level services to a wide range of clients and support their communities. Students will gain both scientific knowledge and cultural awareness related to human communication, its differences, and its disorders. Our program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

At Thiel College, the master’s degree courses in speech-language pathology prepare students to:

Demonstrate an understanding of SLP foundations and professional practices.
Establish an understanding of screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis.
Indicate an understanding of planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment.
Exhibit clinical competence in screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis.
Observe in our on-campus clinic from day one and each semester in the program.
Complete a six-credit externship in a school setting and in a medical setting to provide experience across the scope and continuum of the speech language profession.
Sit for licensure and educational credentialing in the state of Pennsylvania. We can also assist with requirements and applications outside of Pennsylvania.

Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's website for their certification standards.

Personalized attention to students is a hallmark of Thiel College. Upon matriculation each student is assigned an academic advisor who will meet with the student to develop an academic plan based upon the student’s preparation and career interests.

Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum

The curriculum focuses on understanding and addressing communication and swallowing disorders, learning how to diagnose and treat these issues, and meeting the non-medical needs of clients from diverse backgrounds.

The program also includes clinical practice through real-world training. Courses are carefully sequenced to build a strong foundation, starting with the basics of speech, communication, and swallowing disorders. Later, students dive into specialized courses focusing on specific groups, like children or adults, combining seminars and hands-on clinical work for a well-rounded experience.

By the end of the program, students will be ready to start their careers as speech-language pathologists and make a meaningful impact right after graduation.

Review the Academic Catalog (2025-2026) for detailed course listings.

Clubs & Organizations

It's easy to get involved on campus! Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet others and gain leadership experience. A communication sciences and disorders major might be interested in the following clubs and orgs:

National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association
Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society)
Beta Beta Beta (National Biology Honorary)
Nu Rho Psi (National Neuroscience Honorary)

Visit our Campus Life page to see a full list of student clubs and organizations.

Alumni & Careers

Thiel College graduates with a degree in speech-language pathology are in demand! Graduates can work in different fields such as:

Educational facilities
Hospitals
Nonresidential health care facilities
Residential health care facilities
Private practice

Thiel graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers as speech and language pathologists, teachers and clinical assistants. Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL), Chardon High School (Chardon, OH), Blue Cross of Western PA (Pittsburgh, PA), Mercer Co. Behavioral Health Commission (Sharon, PA), Good Samaritan Hospital Home Care (Goshen, NY), and Frederick County Public Schools (Frederick, MD) are among the many employers hiring Thiel graduates.

Admission to the SLP Program

The Thiel College Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program strives to prepare graduates to provide quality entry-level speech-language services to a diverse clientele. This intensive, accelerated program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a highly qualified speech-language pathologist through challenging academic experiences and diverse clinical practicums to thrive as a practicing speech-language pathologist in fourteen months. You graduate sooner and accelerate your career faster!

Candidate Requirements

Current Thiel College CSD Students and Alumni — personal statement/letter of intent, transcripts for all undergraduate coursework, and résumé.
Thiel College undergraduate students (not CSD) — personal statement/letter of intent, contact information for 3 recommendations, transcripts for all undergraduate coursework, and résumé.
Students from outside colleges/universities — personal statement/letter of intent, contact information for 3 recommendations, transcripts for all undergraduate coursework, and résumé.
Early Assurance program students (limited to college/universities with current articulation agreements with Thiel College MS-SLP program) — personal statement/letter of intent, contact information for 3 letters recommendations (one must be from a department chairperson), transcripts for all undergraduate coursework, and résumé.

CSDCAS Application

Learn More About Thiel’s Speech-Language Pathology Program

Becoming a speech-language pathologist requires a combination of education and practical experience because the field demands not only theoretical knowledge about communication disorders but also the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations by assessing clients, developing treatment plans, and delivering interventions effectively, which can only be fully developed through supervised clinical practice. Thiel’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology combines a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities give students a transformative education.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential, distance) at Thiel College 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.