Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works in health care and diagnoses and treats a wide range of speech, communication and swallowing disorders. This can include addressing speech sounds, literacy, social communication, feeding, and swallowing. SLPs

Students in Linguistics and related fields often pursue careers in speech-language pathology (SLP). To become an SLP, you must complete a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), along with required observation and clinical experiences.

Profession Overview

Speech-Language Pathologists typically do the following:

Diagnose and treat speech, language, cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders
Evaluating swallowing ability
Create treatment plans specific to a patients needs
Improve skills to function more independently
Training family and caregivers
May provide counseling and education in some settings
May work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities
May work with patitents who have experienced brain damage, stroke, seizures, cancer, or chronic diseases

Required Education:

A bachelor's degree in a communication (many emory students interested in SLP major in linguistics)
Graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology (applications managed through CSDCAS)
A postgraduate fellowship
A national licensing exam

Medical Speech-Language Pathologist - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science

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Learn more about SLP

Required Coursework

Subject	Emory Courses
Statistics	QTM 100 or QTM 110 or DATASCI 100 or DATASCI 110
Biology	BIOL 120,BIOL 141, BIOL 142, BIOL 236L and 237L (Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 both with labs)
Physical Sciences	CHEM 150/202, PHYS 141/142
Social/Behavioral Sciences	PSYC 110, SOC 101, ANT 101 or equivalent
Phonetics / Acoustics	LING 210 (Sounds of Human Languages)
Language Development / Acquisition	LING/PSYC 316 (Language Acquisition)
Speech Science	LING 385 (Speech Sciences)
Neuroanatomy / Neurobiology	LING/PSYC 309 (Brain and Language)
Language Disorders	In Development
Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing	Not currently offered at Emory*
Intro to Audiology	Not currently offered at Emory*
Aural Rehabilitation	Not currently offered at Emory*

Some Programs may also require Speech Sound Disorders (Articulation/Phonology), Language Disorders (Child or Across the Lifespan), Intro to Communication Disorders, General Linguistics, Language Sample Analysis, Physics of Speech / Acoustics, Research Methods, and/or Professional Issues in Communication Disorders

The chart is a list of common Speech-Language Pathology school prerequisites and the Emory course equivalents. The course prerequisites vary across programs. This list does not include all courses that may be required by Speech-Language Pathology schools. Additionally, schools have differing policies for accepting AP/IB credits to fulfill prerequisites. Students are responsible for verifying the prerequisite coursework and AP/IB policies of the schools to which they plan to apply.

*These courses are typically only offered in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) departments. The ARCHE program at Emory or online/in-person summer programs can help you fulfill this requirement.

Observation and Shadowing

In addition to coursework, ASHA requires 25 hours of guided clinical observation (shadowing a certified SLP with debriefing/reflection).

They may be completed in undergraduate or graduate study, but some programs require them before
admission.
“Guided” means active engagement with the supervising SLP (discussion, reflection, feedback).
Hours should span diverse settings and client populations.
Keep a formal log with date, site, hours, supervisor name/ASHA number, and reflection notes.

Looking for Observation and Shadowing Opportunities?

Reach out to local clinics, hospitals, school SLPs, or private practices.
Use Emory’s alumni network, faculty connections, or local SLP associations.
The Marcus Autism Center provides structured observation opportunities