The graduate program in speech-language pathology at Eastern Kentucky University is among the top 100 such programs nationwide, according to SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org.
The ranking is based on student achievement (licensure examination pass rates, employment rates, on-time completion rates, etc.) and cost/affordability. To view the entire rankings, visit https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/top-slp-masters-programs/.
The master’s degree program is housed in the Department of Special Education.
“This recognition acknowledges the strength of the program to produce highly qualified professionals in speech-language pathology,” said Dr. Kellie Ellis, program coordinator. “The clinically-focused curriculum is among the many unique strengths of EKU’s communication disorders graduate program. The program embeds multiple clinical experiences throughout the coursework, in which students can develop, practice and refine skills under the mentorship of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.”
For example, students provide direct services to clients in EKU’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, collaborate with school-based professionals at Model Laboratory School, and complete externships in community medical and educational facilities.
In addition, the program “prides itself upon its student-focused learning climate,” Ellis said. “The program not only ensures that students demonstrate content knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology, but it carefully considers disposition skills of candidates, including professionalism, interaction style and communication abilities. The program’s disposition process entails student self-reflection and routine meetings with faculty to discuss areas of strength and growth. Finally, EKU’s communication disorders program is the only academic training program in Kentucky that embeds requirements for obtaining the Kentucky teacher certification in the field of speech-language pathology.”
Graduates of the communication disorders program at EKU pursue careers as speech-language pathologists in medical, educational and private practice settings. The Praxis Exam pass rate and on-time completion rate for the EKU program are 99 percent; while 100 percent of the program’s graduates report being successful in obtaining positions as speech-language pathologists.
Approximately 15 percent of the required courses are available online.
For more information about EKU’s graduate program in speech-language pathology, visit cd.eku.edu/graduate-program.