Over 100 current & incoming Pacific undergraduates have applied for a guaranteed graduate school spot through Pacific University's unique admissions program, Pacific Priority.
The School of Communication Sciences & Disorders offers a two-year, full-time master of science degree in speech-language pathology (SLP) on our beautiful Forest Grove campus.
Our speech pathology graduate program emphasizes the integration of evidence-based academic knowledge and clinical practice and skills throughout the curriculum. Our innovative and comprehensive curriculum is integrated with a wide variety of community-based clinical experiences that prepare students for entry-level practice.
Our philosophy is that students learn in a supportive environment. Our vision is to change practice by developing exceptional critical thinkers who become leaders in their diverse communities. As a program, we value: community, equity, compassion, critical inquiry, advocacy, and lived experiences.
Admissions Information
We're here to help on your way to becoming a speech-language pathologist! Learn about the admissions process and contact your admissions counselor.
Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum
Our speech-language pathology curriculum provides in-depth study of the wide range of SLP clinical practice in speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders across the lifespan.
Our faculty integrates the best current evidence with client-centered care using innovative and practical approaches to teaching. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty, professional speech-language pathology clinical supervisors, and gain interdisciplinary experience working with allied health professionals in a variety of community-based settings throughout the graduate program.
What Can You Do with a Speech-Language Pathology Degree?
Our graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of clinical settings with clients across the lifespan, such as in early childhood programs, public and specialty schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, residential care facilities, and private clinical practices.
Speech-Language Pathology Certification
Completion of the MS SLP program meets one of three portions of the application for certification through the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Full certification as a speech-language pathologist requires successful completion of (1) academic program completion, (2) a mentored clinical fellowship, and (3) passing a board exam (PRAXIS). Completion of the MS SLP program meets the academic program component and graduates are prepared for entry-level practice as a mentored clinical fellow. Students who wish to apply for certification take the PRAXIS outside of the program requirements. Full licensure, in most states, has comparable requirements. On completion of program requirements, graduates with a clinical fellow position are eligible to apply for provisional (or temporary) licensure in all 50 states.
In compliance with Federal Regulations, 34 CFR §668.43 (2019 Rule) and State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) Manual Version 19.2, the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides the following disclosure related to the educational requirements for professional licensure in speech-language pathology.
The MS SLP program is not itself a licensure granting program. Successful completion of the MS SLP degree prepares students for entry-level practice as a clinical fellow. On completion of program requirements, students are eligible to apply for provisional licensure as a clinical fellow. For more information about specific state and U.S. Territory licensure requirements please see our detailed disclosure page.
See also the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s “State by State” website.
Verified program completion meets one portion of the application for the certificate of clinical competence through the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Full certification requires additional steps including completion of a mentored clinical fellowship, passing a board exam (PRAXIS), and approval of certification by the CFCC.
Headlines
Dr. Mitchell is a clinical faculty member who works closely with graduate students to prepare them for their speech-language pathology clinical experiences in school-based settings, teaching courses in clinical methods and school-age language and literacy disorders.
Jill Dolata joined the Pacific University faculty in 2018 and teaches within the speech-language pathology master’s program and the undergraduate minor in CSD program. She serves as the undergraduate advisor for the CSD minor and is the chair of the COE Technology Committee.