Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines coursework, supervised clinical practicum and a culminating scholarly requirement to develop competence in assessment, intervention and professional practice. Core topics include anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, child and adult language disorders, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), voice and resonance disorders, fluency disorders, and basic audiology. Students also take classes in research methods and statistics, ethics and professional issues, and multicultural considerations in communication disorders.

Clinical training is central: students complete progressively advanced practicum in the university speech‑language‑hearing clinic and through external placements in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community agencies. Coursework typically covers:

• Foundations of Communication Sciences — speech and hearing mechanisms, normal development
• Assessment and Intervention — diagnostic evaluation and evidence‑based therapy for paediatric and adult populations
• Disorders across the Lifespan — language, articulation/phonology, voice, fluency, cognitive‑communication and swallowing
• Audiology Essentials — hearing assessment and aural rehabilitation principles
• Research and Statistics — critical appraisal of literature and application of research to practice
• Clinical Practicum and Externship — supervised client contact hours and clinical competency development

Program outcomes

Graduates emerge prepared to meet the academic and clinical competencies required for entry‑level professional practice and to pursue the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC‑SLP) and state licensure, subject to meeting certification and licensure requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or a related field. Typical admissions documentation includes a completed application, official transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation. Most successful applicants demonstrate foundational coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, child development and language.

Program admissions usually consider academic performance, relevant clinical or volunteer experience, and fit with the programme. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Because the programme includes off‑campus clinical placements, accepted students may be required to meet background check, immunisation and health clearance requirements prior to practicum.

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue careers as speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) in a variety of settings. Common employment pathways include:

• Public and private schools, providing assessment and therapy for children and adolescents
• Hospitals, acute care and inpatient rehabilitation, working with adults with stroke, head injury and dysphagia
• Outpatient clinics and private practice, offering diagnostic and ongoing intervention services
• Early intervention programmes and community health agencies serving infants and families
• Long‑term care and assisted living facilities, addressing communication and swallowing needs of older adults
• Telepractice, research, program administration or continuing to doctoral study (e.g. PhD or AuD) or specialised certifications

Licensure and certification requirements vary by jurisdiction; completion of a master's degree is a common step toward eligibility for the ASHA CCC‑SLP and state licensure where applicable.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a personalised graduate experience with small cohorts, close faculty mentorship and hands‑on clinical training through an on‑campus speech‑language‑hearing clinic. The programme emphasizes practical experience with diverse populations and has established clinical partnerships across the Spokane region and surrounding rural communities, providing opportunities to work in schools, hospitals and community settings.

Students benefit from faculty who combine clinical expertise and applied research, and from a curriculum designed to integrate evidence‑based practice, cultural competence and interprofessional collaboration. The programme's focus on real‑world clinical preparation helps graduates transition into professional roles in a range of practice settings.