Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

The burden of treatment for the vast array of communication disorders that affect one in every six Americans today falls as much on the educational community as it does on the medical community – frequently, on both. In the majority of graduate speech-language pathology programs this poses a challenge: whether to pursue a graduate degree with a focus on educational or medical speech-language pathology. At the MGH Institute, students don’t face that challenge.

Our Communication Sciences and Disorders master’s program provides dual emphasis on both educational and medical speech-language pathology. As a result, students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and treat the full range of developmental and acquired communication disorders in both (not either) medical and educational settings as diverse as: acute care hospitals, public and private school systems, rehabilitation facilities, long-term health care facilities, community health clinics, and special education schools.

Comprehensive and innovative in both its content and instructional approach, our graduate speech-language pathology program integrates an intensive study of written language disorders along with the traditional study of spoken language disorders emphasized in most graduate speech-language pathology programs. It also offers certification eligibility options that include:

The onsite Speech, Language and Literacy Center provides supervised practicum training to students in state-of-the-art facilities using a unique training model that incorporates peer dyads, case discussion groups, and hands-on seminars.

Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Council on Academic Accreditation and by the Massachusetts Department of Education, our Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is ranked 24th in the nation by US News & World Report , putting it in the top 10% of accredited master’s and doctoral programs.

The Career Outlook for speech-language pathologists is very good. Graduates from a recent class had 100% job placement, with 81% of them obtaining their first job choice.

In addition, 98% of the incoming students completed the program, while graduating students compiled a 100% pass rate on the PRAXIS national exam and the Massachusetts Test of Education Licensure (MTEL).

As a student of this rigorous graduate program, you will be immersed in science-based theory and evidence-based practice. You will work with clients of varying ages and backgrounds in a variety of clinical settings, all in a personal, non-competitive atmosphere. You will acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to diagnose and treat the full range of developmental and acquired communication disorders in both medical and educational settings.

Upon completion of this comprehensive, 69-credit curriculum you will have met the coursework and practicum requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), the qualifying credential in the field. Depending on your choice of course electives, you may also be eligible for certification as an Early Intervention Specialist by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, or as a licensed Reading Specialist by the Massachusetts Department of Education. You will likely be eligible for certification in other states, depending on their reciprocity agreements with Massachusetts.

Learn More and Apply

View admission requirements and prerequisites for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
View application deadlines for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Frequently-Asked Questions about being admitted to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program

Request information about the Graduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a Graduate Information Session, scheduled throughout the year

Submit an online request for information to receive additional, detailed materials about the MS in Speech-Language Pathology. You'll have the option to register for an upcoming information session at the same time.

After you've reviewed the requested materials, if you still have program-specific questions related to the curriculum or the applicability of certain prerequisites, please email the MGH Institute Graduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders.