Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

• Early application deadline: December 1 of the previous year
• Final deadline: February 1
• Rolling admissions after February 1 (if there are still openings)

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MS in SLP Academic Calendar

The Healthcare Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art training facility where students gain hands-on experience with life-like mannequins, standardized patients, and advanced medical equipment. It’s designed to help you build clinical skills and confidence before entering real healthcare settings.

Learn more about the Healthcare Simulation Center.

In addition to the traditional master's program pathway for new graduate students, DeSales also provides program planning at the undergraduate level with our communication sciences and disorders program. This program is available as a traditional 4-year bachelor degree, providing the foundation to enter into the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. We also offer a 3+2 year option to qualified students. These students will start working towards their master's degree in their fourth year of study.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at DeSales University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700.

The program was awarded initial accreditation status on February 13, 2026, by the CAA. This accreditation is awarded for a period of 5 years beginning February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2031.

Vision

To be recognized as a leader in the advancement and practice of speech language pathology through innovative teaching and research, mentored professional practice, and ethical preparation enabling students to construct new ideas and to lead lives of impact.

Mission

To provide a transformative learning experience consistent with the University’s core values of gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality and wisdom.

All applications to this program must be submitted through CSDCAS.

Additional requirements for international student applicants:

• English Competency Exam Required: TOEFL (minimum score of 90)

Program Completion Rate

Praxis Exam Pass Rate of Graduates

View the 2025 Executive Annual Report Summary

Consistent with the University’s vision, mission and values our Program’s Strategic Plan aligns with the following FOUR pillars in the University’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan:

DeSales University Pillar 1: Academic Excellence & Innovation

Transformative learning and instruction are the chief engines for the advancement of DeSales University, as we hold wisdom as a core value. The dynamic relationships among our students, faculty, and staff drive the education, research, and personal/professional development that heighten the quality of the DeSales experience. Connecting the Catholic intellectual tradition to new technologies, innovative teaching practices, and burgeoning ideas, the future of our academic programming stands prepared to address the unknown contexts our graduates will face in their careers, communities, and families.

• Integrate theoretical knowledge of foundational and clinical sciences in communication and swallowing disorders with evidence-based practice in the creation and implementation of effective and contemporary treatment plans
• Engage in critical inquiry and scholarly activities within clinical practice that lead to innovation in the profession and a personal plan for lifelong learning
• Communicate effectively with a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration as productive members of a diverse faculty and inter-professional healthcare team

DeSales University Pillar 2: Student Experience 

The student experience honors, with gentleness as a core value, the individuality of all learners in our undergraduate and graduate programs. Focusing on and supporting their spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical well-being, the University invites students to be active participants in community life, where faith, fun, and friendship connect to their social responsibility for the common good and their neighbors in need. Attention will be given to developing further the role of the University’s athletic programs and facilities as a vehicle for strengthening our community life.

• Function competently in a variety of clinical settings upon entry into the field
• Respect the uniqueness of cultural beliefs and values that influence interpersonal communication and behavior in a complex healthcare environment

DeSales University Pillar 3: Visibility & Growth

• Practice with a compassion and understanding that exemplifies Salesian and Christian humanistic values of gentleness, humility, and simplicity for every person in their care
• Consider the patient holistically in the context of family, community, and society, and incorporate ethical principles into a patient-focused practice

DeSales University Pillar 4: Stewardship

Impelled by gratitude for the mission we have been given and the strength of the University’s personnel, reputation, and campus growth, we will fortify and expand our temporal and human resources with aggressive fundraising, solid investments, and creative leveraging of our assets. Our ongoing commitment to care for creation undergirds all functions of University activities and initiatives.

• Adopt a servant-leadership attitude to initiate and advocate for changes in health policy toward health promotion, disease prevention, wellness, and equitable access to care