Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions about the Prespeech Pathology program, grouped by category. Some questions are addressed in specific sections of the website; use the Post-baccalaureate Options list to the left to find these. If you cannot locate an answer on the website, please contact the admissions team.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested in the Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning at Northwestern University. Will these courses help in my application process for this program?
Yes. While the NU MS SLL program does not require applicants to have all prerequisite/leveling courses completed, it is helpful for the admissions committee to have an idea of how you perform in CSD coursework. Additionally, other MS programs will not consider your application until all prerequisite/leveling courses have been completed.
What are the advantages of completing my prerequisite course work at Northwestern, even if I choose to attend a different master’s program?
Completing your prerequisite/leveling coursework at NU is beneficial to prospective students of any CSD program. Our courses are taught by leaders in the field, many of whom have led classes in the traditional on-the-ground format at NU for years. Our courses provide a solid foundation for your future coursework. Furthermore, Northwestern’s top-ranked CSD programs and faculty are world-renowned, as is the academic rigor of our courses. Solid performances in our classes will demonstrate to any admissions committee your ability to excel in demanding coursework.
I plan to apply to various master’s programs in speech pathology. How can I be assured that these courses will meet their admission requirements?
The content for most prerequisite/leveling courses is relatively standardized across CSD programs. Our online courses are meant to meet the needs of many students, not just those enrolling in the master's program in Speech, Language, and Learning at NU. Of course, the ultimate decision to accept a course lies with your chosen institution. If you have concerns, we recommend that you verify with your intended graduate institution(s).
I’m a returning student who has been out of school for five years. I took some of these courses as an undergraduate. Do I need to retake them?
This depends on the graduate institution. Programs will have different regulations regarding the age of coursework. If you have concerns, we recommend that you verify with your intended graduate institution(s).
I am interested in becoming a speech pathologist. Will there be jobs available when I graduate with a master’s degree?
Absolutely. According the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of Speech Language Pathology is expected to grow by 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The aging of the baby boomer generation as well as advances in neonatal care and early identification of communicative disorders results in increasing clinical opportunities across the age spectrum. Graduates of Speech Language Pathology programs enjoy exceptionally high rates of employment in a variety of employment settings.