The ability to communicate and interact with others is one of our most distinctive human characteristics. Nearly 10 million Americans, or one out of every 20 people, have a speech, language or hearing disorder.

Fontbonne University's speech-language pathology major (SLP) prepares students for graduate school and subsequently a professional life dedicated to helping people. It’s important to note that a master’s degree is required in this complex and interesting field.

Our speech-language pathology students learn about the development and disorders of human communication. By evaluating the speech, language and feeding abilities of children and adults, speech-language pathologists determine if a communication or feeding disorder exists and decide the best way to treat such problems. Speech-language pathologists provide services in many different settings, such as hospitals, schools and clinics.

Fontbonne also offers a master’s in speech-language pathology with an emphasis in deafness that is the first of its kind and is fully funded. Numerous traineeships and assistantships are available for SLP graduate students. Completion of the graduate degree program will enable you to meet the academic and clinical requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensure by the state of Missouri.

Why Fontbonne?

It’s an exciting time to be here. In the Center for Teacher and Therapist Education (CTTE), our students learn in a collaborative environment with small class sizes and faculty who emphasize discussion and communication.

Our undergraduates get real clinical experience — under the supervision of faculty — with clients varying in age from infants to seniors in our Eardley Family Clinic for Speech, Language, and Hearing, housed in the CTTE. Students also work with upperclassmen mentors while training in the center. Graduate students gain valuable work experience during their clinical practicum at renowned institutions such as St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf and the Moog Center for Oral Deaf Education.

What can I do with my speech-language pathology degree?

Speech-language pathology will be among the hottest professions in the country in the next decade, according to recent employment growth projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology prepares you for graduate school and ultimately a fulfilling career working in schools, hospitals, private practice or government agencies. If you continue in Fontbonne’s master’s program, you will also gain professional development in a variety of institutions, including the Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic.

Our commitment

Fontbonne University is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Through our core curriculum, students learn how to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively. No matter what career path you choose, an education from Fontbonne will give you the tools to succeed in both work and life.