About the Northwestern University MS-SLP course

One of the most prestigious and well-known clinical Speech Language Pathology (SLP) departments in the world is located at Northwestern University (NU). With a world-class research staff, superb clinical faculty, a cutting-edge clinic, and a dynamic curriculum, NU produces outstanding master’s level speech-language pathologists who are ready to offer first-rate, evidence-based services to people both domestically and abroad. The estimated 42 million Americans of all ages who suffer from communication and/or swallowing difficulties can be treated by our master’s level graduates in a range of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, homes, and schools.

Program Pre-requisites

Students must examine two types of compulsory coursework: (1) general coursework done as part of a bachelor’s degree and (2) field specific coursework and observation.

General Coursework Requirements:
These specifications, which are provided by ASHA, serve as the cornerstone of a strong arts and sciences education. Prior to starting the coursework for the two-year MS degree, these courses must be finished. They are not required to be finished before applying. The completion grade for statistics must be “B-” or above. The other courses must be successfully completed with a “C” or higher.

● At least one course in the Biological Sciences
● At least one course in the Physical Sciences
● At least one course in Statistics
● At least one course in the Social/Behavioral Sciences


Field Specific Coursework/Course Equivalents:
Prior to starting the coursework for the two-year MS degree, these courses must be finished. They are not required to be finished before applying. These courses have to be passed with a “B-” or higher.

● Anatomy and Physiology of the Vocal Mechanism (CSD 301)
● Phonetics (CSD 305)
● Language Development (CSD 392)
● Intro to Audiology (CSD 318)
● Aural Rehabilitation (CSD 319)
● 25 hours of treatment observation completed with ASHA certified SLPs

Admission Requirements for Northwestern University

1. The Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) is used by NU’s MS SLL programme for the submission and evaluation of applications. There are no extra forms or documents to fill out or submit as part of the application process. CSDCAS processes all credentials and application materials. Don’t send NU any application materials.
2. Academic History: You will enter your coursework into the CSDCAS system in addition to providing your transcripts.
3. Personal Essays: You will electronically send your answers to the personal essay questions to CSDCAS. You will be required to examine instructions for your personal writings that are relevant to each programme while submitting your application on CSDCAS.
4. Extracurricular and Volunteer Experience: You will provide information about your extracurricular, volunteer, and/or employment activities in place of submitting a résumé. A few examples of these experiences include volunteering for student or community organisations, working to support one’s education, working in faculty labs or helping with faculty initiatives. A list of experience categories is provided by CSDCAS.
5. The GRE is not required for application for the MS SLL Program. GRE scores are not considered to admission committee members and are not utilized to evaluate applicants.
6. Directly to CSDCAS, please send all official transcripts from every institution or university you have ever attended. Students holding US and English Canadian transcripts, International and French Canadian transcripts, and Study Abroad/Overseas US Institution transcripts can all access relevant CSDCAS FAQs.
7. Please be aware that three recommendation letters are needed. At least two of the letters should come from faculty members, it is strongly advised. We anticipate excellent letters of recommendation from academics who are familiar with you and can attest to your capacity to succeed in a demanding, clinically-focused programme.
8. TOEFL scores of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), and 80 are required (internet-based).
9. The minimum IELTS score is 7.0.
10. While GPA (overall, major, and CSD/Post Bac GPA) is unquestionably crucial, it does not fully describe a student’s “person” or what his or her potential skills and interests are. As a result, GPA numbers are not indicative of how an applicant’s application will really be evaluated.

Related Articles