MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science

Carlow’s unique interprofessional curricular design will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter into professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.

What makes Carlow’s program different?

Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to interprofessional collaborative education and was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery. 

Students will train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:

Students will learn the value of interprofessional collaborative practice in leading high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care across a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.

*Additional University Fees as well as software and textbook costs are not included in the 2025-2026 scheduled credit cost and fees

How will I gain clinical skills?

Carlow’s program is different from other graduate programs in speech-language pathology because of its focus on the development of clinical skills. Beginning in your first semester, each of your core courses will be accompanied by a dedicated skills laboratory to ensure you are able to translate theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom into hands-on practical clinical skills under the mentorship of program faculty. In addition, you will advance your clinical skills through a variety of learning platforms including: 

What is the Carlow experience?

Carlow places high value on a teaching-learning climate of compassion, mutual respect, professionalism, and ethical accountability as these elements are fundamental to cultivating a higher level of professional practice. The program is dedicated to providing transformational educational experiences through innovation, close faculty mentorship, diverse learning experiences, and interprofessional collaborations. 

Admission Requirements and Application Process

As of July 15, 2025, Carlow University is accepting applications for review for Fall 2026 matriculation. All applications should be submitted and verified on or before February 1, 2026 through CSDCAS, a centralized application service endorsed by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Science and Disorders (CAPCSD). No additional application materials should be sent to the program.

Graduate Education Funding Opportunities

Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Application Open: March 15
Applications Closes: May 1
Interview Invitations: May 1-May 14
Decisions: May 15 
Amount: $10,000 tuition remission

• Two (2) graduate assistantships are offered through the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.
• Each graduate assistantship is for a 1-year appointment (Fall and Spring semesters).
• Students are required to work 5 hours per week for 16 weeks in the Fall semester and 16 weeks in the Spring semester.
• Each assistantship provides $10,000 tuition remission for the appointed year.
• Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program may apply for one of the assistantships.
• The primary activities for this position are to support faculty members with research activities, provide general support and assistance with administrative type work, and perform duties for special projects and initiatives. 

Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship

The Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship Fund was created in 2023 in honor of Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD and her rich legacy at Carlow University. As a Sister of Mercy, Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald joined the Carlow community in 1956. In 1964, she was appointed to be the first Chairperson of Carlow’s Department of Speech Pathology and served until 1989. She had a remarkable career as a speech-language pathologist with numerous awards and honors including one of the highest professional honors, Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has been described as a person of integrity and honesty, who devoted herself to Carlow’s mission. She was an inspiration to all and a pioneer in providing transformational educational opportunities. Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program is eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Application Open: March 1
Applications Closes: April 15
Decisions: May 1

Other Scholarships and Awards Resources

For more information regarding financial aid, please click here and/or contact your assigned financial aid advisor.

Speech Language Pathology student chose Carlow for unique program

Speech-Language Pathology graduate student Camree Nelson ’23 said she chose Carlow because of its unparalleled approach to SLP. “The program is focused on fostering interprofessional skills and providing hands-on learning experiences, both of which are not emphasized at other universities. So far, the SLP program at Carlow has only validated my passion for the field and excited my goals of helping people who have difficulties communicating.”

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty & Staff

Samantha J. Dalessio (Procaccini), CScD, CCC-SLP Chair, Department of Speech-Language Pathology Founding Program Director, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology School of Allied Health Sciences College of Health & Wellness, Professor

Amanda Smith, EdD, CCC-SLP Director of Clinical Education/Assistant Professor

Jackie L. Gartner-Schmidt, PhD, CCC-SLP Associate Professor

Allegra Cornaglia, PhD, CCC-SLP, CHSE Assistant Professor

Amy Bernett, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Megan Nanna, M.S., CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Jerald B. Moon, PhD Adjunct Faculty

Josif Stakic, MD Adjunct Faculty

David Rule, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S Adjunct Faculty

Laura Lenkey, PhD, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Lauren McDonald Administrative Assistant II

Elizabeth Haley, AuD, CCC-A Adjunct Faculty

Sara J. Alig, PhD, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Jessica Reyes, M.S., CCC-SLP, NLA Trained Clinician Adjunct Faculty

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Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Carlow University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. 

Mission, Vision, Goals & Strategic Plan

Student Outcome data