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Pre-Speech Language Pathology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Undergraduate (BS) + Masters (MS)
- 5 Years
Building momentum in Healthcare Education
Turn your passion for communication, connection, and helping others into a rewarding career improving lives. The Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Pathway at D’Youville University provides a clear and supportive route for students interested in becoming licensed speech-language pathologists. As a pre-health student, you’ll gain a strong foundation in communication sciences, anatomy, linguistics, and human development—preparing you for advanced study in D’Youville’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.
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Why D'Youville
- Interprofessional Learning: Collaborate with students from nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other healthcare programs—mirroring real-world team-based care.
- Hands-On Clinical Experience: Gain early and diverse clinical exposure in hospitals, schools, and community-based settings throughout Western New York.
- Expert Faculty Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to your academic and professional success.
- Holistic, Patient-Centered Approach: Embrace D’Youville’s mission-driven philosophy that treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
- Community Impact: Serve diverse populations through outreach and clinical partnerships that make a real difference in communication and quality of life.
- $95,410Median National Annual Wage in 2024
- 15%National Job Growth Projected by 2034 (Faster Than Average)
- #3Best Health Care Jobs in 2024-US News and World Report
- In PersonSmall class sizes for more personal connections and networking
Pathway Options
You can choose to apply to enter the Masters in Speech Language Pathology (MS) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed:
- Communication Science & Disorders (BS)
There are two tracks recommended to set yourself up for applying to the Speech Language Pathology (MS) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and masters program in 5-6 years.
- Pre-SLP Early Assurance Track:
D’Youville sets aside a number of early assurance seats available to exceptional first-time-in-college students each year. This early assurance pathway allows students to enroll directly into the Speech Language Pathology (MS) program after three years of prerequisite undergraduate coursework. The Early Assurance Program offers a significant advantage to those qualifying students by not requiring the graduate entrance exams while guaranteeing a seat within the SLP program.
- Pre-SLP Advisory Track:
Students may also apply for entrance into the Speech Language Pathology (MS) program after completing a traditional 4-year undergraduate degree and meeting all the prerequisite courses for enrolling in the SLP program.
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Careers
The Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Pathway helps students build the academic foundation and practical steps needed to pursue a professional graduate degree and launch a rewarding career helping others improve communication, cognition, and quality of life.
A Speech Language Pathologist's Role
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat disorders related to speech, language, communication, cognition, and swallowing. They work with individuals across the lifespan—from infants learning to feed to adults recovering from stroke or neurological injury—to help restore or enhance essential communication and swallowing skills.
Grounded in the sciences of anatomy, linguistics, psychology, and neurology, speech-language pathology integrates evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, individualized approach. SLPs use diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to address speech sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, voice and resonance disorders, and communication challenges related to developmental or medical conditions.
Speech-language pathology is a vital component of modern healthcare and education systems, combining scientific knowledge and interpersonal connection to improve quality of life through communication.
Industries & Settings
Speech-Language Pathologists work in a diverse range of settings where communication and swallowing needs are supported. Common environments include:
Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers – SLPs help patients recover speech and swallowing functions following injury, illness, or surgery.
Schools & Educational Programs – Working with children and adolescents, SLPs assess and treat language, fluency, and articulation disorders to support learning and social development.
Private Practice & Clinics – Many SLPs operate or work within outpatient clinics, providing individualized therapy across all age groups.
Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care Facilities – Therapists support aging adults with communication and swallowing challenges related to neurological or degenerative conditions.
Research & Academia – Some SLPs contribute to advancing the field through research, teaching, and developing new methods of assessment and treatment.
Job Outlook
Speech-Language Pathologists are in high demand due to increased awareness of communication disorders and the growing need for rehabilitation services across all ages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Speech-Language Pathologists was $89,290 in May 2023.
The profession is projected to grow significantly as healthcare and education systems continue to prioritize early intervention, rehabilitation, and long-term communication support.
For more information about the job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
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