When you get your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech language pathology (SLP) from Saint Mary’s College, you’ll be known as the speech language pathologist who says “yes” to the difficult cases. Our accelerated 4+1 program prepares you to treat the individual and know how to adjust to any situation. 

Gain the skills to do more than simply be aware of the needs of others. You’ll enter this high-demand field with the ability to lead as a speech language pathologist or to pursue your doctorate degree.

How the SLP 4+1 Program Works

Our innovative 4+1 speech language pathology program allows you to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in SLP within five years, streamlining your path to a rewarding speech language pathology career while saving one year of graduate tuition.

The SLP 4+1 program is offered as an accelerated track or as a direct-entry program for select entering first-year students. 

How it works

  • First three years: Complete six semesters of pre-professional requirements
  • Fourth year: Begin graduate-level classes while finishing your SLP bachelor’s degree.
  • End of fourth year: Earn your speech language pathology bachelor’s degree. 

Upon completion of your SLP bachelor’s degree, you can complete the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology in one year instead of the normal two years it takes to complete this degree. 

Real-World SLP Curriculum and Experiences

In our direct-entry SLP 4+1 program, you will be prepared for a speech language pathology career through guided, supported learning experiences in both healthcare and education.

Our curriculum is complimented through hands-on clinical experiences at various locations:

These experiential learning opportunities offer the diverse training you need to learn and practice in the type of collaborative interprofessional service delivery model you’ll see in your speech language pathology career.

Outstanding Faculty and Advising

Our 4+1 program courses are taught by faculty members who understand the current, complex field of speech language pathology. Considerable attention is paid to your ability to think critically and communicate effectively — imperative skills for SLP jobs.

Our Speech Language Pathology faculty are devoted to furthering their fields, practicing what they teach, and bringing you the very latest in professional theory and technological advances.

Complementing our outstanding SLP faculty are our career advising and development services. Experience externships, resume building, interview preparation, and mock interview days, all aimed at propelling your speech language pathology career.

SLP student profile

Saint Mary’s allows for growth in so many ways.

– Elizabeth Murray

Speech Language Pathology Careers

As an SLP 4+1 program graduate, you’ll be well equipped for a range of professional settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, elder care facilities, private practice, and even advanced research and education with the option to pursue a PhD. The Speech Language Pathology Praxis Exam pass rate of Saint Mary’s students is consistently over 90%.

SLP graduates have a range of speech language pathology career choices. The average annual salary is $80,000, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow 19% through 2032.

SLP 4+1 Direct-Entry Application Information

We offer a direct-entry option for our SLP 4+1 program for select incoming first-year students. To be considered for direct entry, you must apply by Jan. 15 and list Speech Language Pathology as one of your three preferred majors.

You must meet the following criteria to fully matriculate into the master’s program at the end of your junior year:

  • An overall cumulative SMC GPA of 3.0+
  • An overall SLP major GPA of 3.25 (including a 3.25 in SLP foundation courses, including Intro to Communicative Disorders, Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, Phonetics, Language Development, and Speech and Hearing Sciences)
  • Pass a criminal background check

If you are interested in our direct-entry SLP 4+1 option, please declare your intention to the department upon admission. The program requires careful planning and advising beginning in the first semester of the first year of study.

Admission for Traditional Undergraduate Students to the SLP BA-MS Program

If you meet the prerequisites set forth below, you may apply to the SLP BA-MS program during the second semester of your junior year:

  • At least junior standing at the application due date
  • A minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the application due date
  • Completed or be enrolled in the following prerequisite courses at the application due date: SLP 220, 230, 240, 310, 330, 340, 412, and 420
  • Earned at least a GPA of 3.25 in the foundation SLP courses (SLP 220, 230, 240, 310, and 330) at Saint Mary’s College
  • Completed the following required supporting courses at the application due date:
    • Natural Science (NSN/NSL) students must take one Biology course and one course in EITHER Physics or Chemistry
    • Biology: BIO 109/L (Marine Biology), BIO 110L (Understanding Women’s Cancers), BIO 112 (Evolution for Everyone), BIO 120 (Human Genetics)
    • Chemistry: CHEM 101/L (Mystery, Mayhem and Murder), CHEM 102 (Chemistry for the Citizen)
    • Physics: PHYS 102 (Introductory Topics in Physics: Energy), PHYS 111L (College Physics I: Mechanics and Waves)
    • Lifespan Developmental
    • PSYC 201L/401 (Child Development / Psychology of Adult Development and Aging) OR
    • PSYC 305 (Lifespan Developmental Psychology)
  • Met the essential functions required to practice as a speech language pathologist
  • Successfully completed a criminal background check, fingerprint check, and drug screen before entering the speech pathology BA-MS program.

Applications are due on Jan. 15 of your junior year. Applicants who submit after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis only.

Learn More About the SLP 4+1 Program

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