College of Health Professions · Freshman Direct Entry

Speech-Language Pathology – Freshman Direct Entry

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Program Overview

Give others the gift of expression.

Maryville’s Freshman Direct Entry Speech-Language Pathology program prepares you for graduate study through courses and hands-on experience in communication sciences and disorders. You’ll learn in state-of-the-art facilities and become eligible to apply for a state SLP-A license, allowing you to work under the supervision of a fully certified and licensed speech-language pathologist.

What sets the program apart

    • Direct entry into Maryville University’s Speech-Language Pathology master’s program after completing the bachelor’s degree requirements
    • Hands-on experience providing speech, language, voice, swallowing and hearing screenings and services
    • State-of-the-art clinic rooms and speech-language pathology resources
    • Interprofessional learning with occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, nursing and rehabilitation counseling students
    • Eligibility to apply for a state Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license

An Overview of Speech Language Pathology At Maryville

 
[SOUND EFFECTS] [MUSIC PLAYING] Speech-Language Pathology is a field in which licensed clinicians, known as speech-language pathologists, work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, voice, fluency, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. What really sets Maryville's graduate program apart from other programs is the interprofessional education component. Interprofessional education is an important approach for preparing you to provide client care in a collaborative team environment. You'll be able to work with all the programs within the Walker College of Health Professions. You will also gain valuable experience in our on-site clinic working with patients across the lifespan. When you graduate from this program, you'll be ready to take on the workforce, either in a school or a medical setting. The Speech-Language Pathology program at Maryville prepares you to be a knowledgeable, competent, collaborative, and reflective speech-language pathologist who will make a true difference in the world. If you would like more information on the Speech-Language Pathology program, schedule a visit, because we'd love to meet with you. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Why Maryville

Direct entry into Maryville University’s master’s program

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

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  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
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Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat children and adults with speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, private practices, nursing facilities and other healthcare settings.

Demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to increase as the population ages and awareness of communication disorders among children continues to grow.

Career Paths

Assess and treat people with speech, language, voice, fluency, communication and swallowing disorders.
Help infants, children and adolescents develop speech, language, communication and feeding skills.
Evaluate students, develop treatment plans and collaborate with families, teachers and school personnel to support communication and classroom participation.
Work in hospitals and rehabilitation settings with patients experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties related to illness, injury or surgery.
Support adults experiencing speech, language, cognitive communication or swallowing challenges caused by stroke, dementia and other health conditions.
Provide limited speech and language services under the supervision of a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist.
$95,410Median annual wage

The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $95,410 in May 2024.

15%Projected employment growth

Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

13,300Projected annual openings

About 13,300 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034.

Salary and employment data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and may vary by location, experience and employer.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Program Resources

Go deeper into the program

Accreditation Accreditation status for the Speech-Language Pathology program.Clinical Experiences Where students gain hands-on clinical hours and how placements work.Program Objectives The learning outcomes and competencies the program is built around.
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Speech-Language Pathology program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students complete a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders before continuing into Maryville's Speech-Language Pathology master's program.
The Freshman Direct Entry pathway is designed so that students who successfully complete the undergraduate program can move directly into Maryville's Speech-Language Pathology master's program.
Yes. Students gain hands-on experience providing speech, language, voice, swallowing and hearing screenings and treatment services in state-of-the-art clinic rooms.
Yes. Students may be eligible to apply for a state Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) license, allowing them to work under the supervision of a fully certified and licensed speech-language pathologist.
Yes. Students learn alongside occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, nursing and rehabilitation counseling students, preparing them for collaborative healthcare practice.
Speech-language pathologists typically need a master's degree. All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed, although specific licensing requirements vary by state.