M.A. Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Arts (M.A.) Program in Speech-Language Pathology

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in human communication who play a vital role in helping individuals speak, understand, connect, and thrive. They assess, diagnose, and treat challenges related to speech, language, voice, fluency, cognition, and swallowing—supporting people at every stage of life, from newborns in the NICU learning to feed safely, to school-age children developing language and literacy, to adults recovering communication skills after illness or injury. Wherever communication or swallowing is affected, SLPs bring the clinical expertise and compassion needed to restore confidence and improve quality of life.

Graduates of our MA program enter a field rich with opportunity, contributing their skills in hospitals and acute care settings, public and private schools, early intervention programs, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, private practices, university clinics, research institutions, and telepractice. Grounded in science, service, and human connection, SLPs empower individuals to communicate their needs, share their stories, and participate fully in their communities—making this a profession that is both deeply rewarding and profoundly impactful.

Discover What Makes WCU Exceptional

• Supportive cohort model that fosters close mentorship and meaningful faculty student relationships
• Hands-on clinical experience in our on campus Speech and Hearing Clinic, serving diverse clients from the community
• Extensive affiliation sites across the mid-Atlantic region, with personalized placement support from our Director of Clinical Education
• Bilingual Emphasis Track for students committed to serving multilingual and multicultural communities
• ASHA-accredited program in good standing, ensuring the highest standards of academic and clinical preparation
• State-of-the-art facilities at 201 Carter Drive, designed to support innovative teaching and clinical training
• Strong regional partnerships that open doors to medical, educational, and community based practicum opportunities
• A century-long legacy of leadership in communication sciences and disorders

A Century of Leadership

For more than a century, West Chester University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has been a leader in advancing the study and practice of human communication. Our story began in 1923, when Elizabeth Tyson established one of the nation's first speech clinics at the West Chester Normal School—planting the seeds for a program grounded in innovation, service, and community impact. Over the decades, the department expanded its academic offerings, launched one of Pennsylvania's earliest degree programs in speech pathology, and continued to evolve alongside the field, adding graduate programs, clinical training facilities, bilingual service initiatives, and accelerated pathways. Today, housed in a state-of-the-art facility at 201 Carter Drive and fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), the department celebrates a legacy of excellence shaped by dedicated faculty, transformative clinical education, and a commitment to preparing compassionate, skilled professionals. As we mark more than 100 years of growth, scholarship, and service, we continue to honor our history while shaping the future of communication sciences and disorders.

Accreditation