Earn your Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology Online
- Transformative Clinical Experiences: Unlike competitors, Lewis University’s Master's Speech Language Pathology program offers a variety of clinical practicum opportunities in the surrounding communities, with Lewis University faculty supervising students. Students complete clinical experiences in the community during four of the six semesters in the program.
- Accelerated Academic Coursework: MSSLP Students complete much of their academic coursework in accelerated 8-week terms. This allows students to focus on academic content during one half of a semester and application of knowledge in clinical experiences during the other half.
- Fully Online SLP Program: In addition to its residential program at the Romeoville campus, in the Spring of 2027, Lewis University will offer a fully online master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This allows students who may be working full-time or those needing more flexibility to return to school and complete their degree over three years.
What are Speech-Language Pathologists?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are certified to work with people of all ages to improve their communication skills, ensuring that they interact effectively with people at home, at school, at work and in the community. SLPs assess and treat disorders involving speech articulation, receptive and expressive language, social interaction, cognitive skills, verbal fluency and voice production. They help their clients to find and use the communication modality that is best for them, including verbal communication or an alternative communication system, such as sign language or augmentative communication device. SLPs also evaluate and remediate feeding and swallowing disorders in infants, children and adults.
Given their broad scope of practice, SLPs work in a variety of settings. Schools, healthcare facilities, and private clinics are the most popular work venues for SLPs. Speech-language pathology is a versatile discipline that allows its practitioners the chance to work with people of all ages in a variety of settings. They may specialize in the treatment of specific disorder areas, if desired.
A master’s SLP degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in Illinois and across the nation. Lewis University launched the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) degree program in 2020. Classes are comprised of about 40 students. The program is completed over six semesters (two years), with initial courses beginning in July of each year. Students completing their master's degree in SLP are prepared to enter the field of speech-language pathology, and are fully qualified to work in educational, healthcare, or clinical settings.
This speech-language pathologist program will be offered virtually, starting in the summer of 2026. All courses and lectures will be provided in an online format for extra flexibility.
What is the Speech-Language Pathologist Career Outlook?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for SLPs is $89,290, with a job growth projection of 15% from 2024 to 2034.
Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist
The online Master of Science in Speech-language Pathology (MSSLP) program at Lewis University prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a speech-language pathologist who is:
- Licensed to practice speech-language pathology in Illinois, or another state
- Certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA CCC-SLP)
But this is the minimum that you should expect from your Lewis experience. What sets the Lewis online master’s SLP program apart is your educational experience. Our faculty will partner with you during academic classes and clinical experiences, serving as supportive mentors as you work toward your goal of becoming an SLP. That partnership is critical not only when you are learning the knowledge and skills needed for clinical practice. It will also help you develop your own style as a therapist and help you discern the specific pathway that you want to take as you enter our discipline.
The SLP faculty at Lewis University are committed to your success, offering a flexible online or residential Speech-Language Pathologist program to advance your career. We prepare you to work with clients with communication and swallowing disorders of all ages. We will engage you in interactive online learning experiences that will show you how to meet the needs of these clients in schools, healthcare settings, clinics, and in underserved venues. As a graduate of our Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program, we know that you will impact our discipline in new and exciting ways. We can’t wait to see how!
Why Lewis for your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Degree?
- Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #20 among Regional Universities in the Midwest, #1 private college in Illinois< among Best Colleges for Veterans, and #36 as Best Value Schools (2019)
- Starting in the summer of 2026, this Master of Science in Speech-language Pathology will be available fully online or on campus
- Experienced faculty with clinical expertise in a variety of communication and swallowing disorders
- Curriculum allows for focused learning in each domain of communication and swallowing disorders
- Labs and practicum placements each semester allow for a fully integrated online learning experience
- Clinical experiences in community-based schools, healthcare facilities and clinics to develop therapeutic skills
- Affordable tuition compared to other top tier schools
- Prepares MSSLP graduates to work in any setting as an entry-level speech-language pathologist
For more information, you may contact grad@lewisu.edu or call (815) 836-5610.
A recent report by CNBC stated that master's degree holders in communication disorders earned 71% more than those with a bachelor's.
Program Cost of Attendance
We are committed to making your graduate experience a good investment. We have developed a detailed estimate of the costs of your online master's degree speech-language pathology program. This information can be reviewed here. We will work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
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