Western Kentucky University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, often in a related field or with completion of prerequisites such as phonetics, language development, anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms, audiology, and basic sciences (biology, physics/chemistry, statistics, social/behavioral sciences).

About This Program

Western Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Communication Disorders prepares speech-language pathologists for hospital, clinic, nursing facility, and school settings. Full-time students complete the program in eight semesters while part-time students extend to nine semesters. The program features evening synchronous classes and requires a mandatory 6-week summer SLP 590 Clinical Internship (bootcamp) at WKU's main campus. International students have opportunities to complete practicums on campus. The program is fully accredited by the CAA.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are eligible for ASHA certification and state licensure as speech-language pathologists, prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, schools, and other diverse professional settings.

• 1. Speech-Language Pathologist
• 2. Clinical Supervisor in SLP
• 3. School Speech-Language Pathologist
• 4. Rehabilitation SLP Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Assess and diagnose speech, language, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
• Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans for communication impairments.
• Conduct clinical observations and supervised practicum in educational and medical settings.
• Apply ethical standards and interprofessional practices in speech-language pathology.

Curriculum Highlights

60 credit hours across 8-9 semesters. Core curriculum includes research methodology, early intervention, motor speech disorders, child language disorders, fluency disorders, aphasia, voice disorders, neurology, neurogenic cognitive-linguistic disorders, dysphagia, clinical internship (1 credit), and clinical externship (6 credits). Evening classes optimize for working professionals.

Top Employers

Graduates work in hospitals, school districts, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, often in a related field or with completion of prerequisites such as phonetics, language development, anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms, audiology, and basic sciences (biology, physics/chemistry, statistics, social/behavioral sciences).

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional or Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)