5-Year Pathway in
Speech-Language Pathology

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Fast-Track Your Future in Helping Others Communicate

If you’re passionate about helping people find their voice, PennWest’s 5-Year Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology is the perfect way to jump-start your career. In just five years, you’ll earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology — saving you time and money while preparing you for a rewarding profession.

This accelerated pathway gives you a seamless, hands-on learning experience from day one. As an undergrad, you’ll have the chance to take up to 24 graduate credits at the undergraduate tuition rate — helping you graduate faster, save on tuition, and move into your career sooner.

What to Expect

You’ll work closely with your academic advisor to design an accelerated plan of study tailored to you. When you reach junior year, you’ll start taking graduate courses each semester while finishing your undergraduate degree. Once you complete 120 credits, you’ll officially earn your B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders and move fully into the graduate program. After completing your graduate coursework, clinical rotations, and other requirements, you’ll graduate with your M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology — ready to begin your professional career.

Empowering Voices with PennWest Communication Sciences and Disorders

PennWest students Samantha, Hannah, Gabrielle, Sarah and Bailey share their experience with the program and why they chose this field.

Who Can Apply

This program is for:

Incoming first-year students accepted to PennWest who choose Communication Sciences & Disorders as their major
Students with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
Transfer students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

How to Apply

Once you’ve been accepted to PennWest and declared Communication Sciences & Disorders as your major:

You’ll get an email from Admissions letting you know if you’re eligible for the 5-Year Pathway.
If you qualify, you will complete a short supplemental application. You’ll submit an essay and a short video sharing why you’re excited about speech-language pathology and ready for an accelerated program, and your experiences that show your preparation and passion.
Faculty will review your materials and notify you if you’ve been accepted.

You’ll know whether you’re in the 5-Year Pathway before your first semester starts — so you can plan your college journey from the beginning.

Staying on Track

To remain in good standing in the 5-Year Pathway, you’ll need to:

Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3
Earn at least a 3.0 in all graduate courses
Demonstrate ongoing professionalism and maturity (including a readiness interview before starting graduate classes)
Submit your formal graduate application through CSDCAS before completing your bachelor’s degree

If you ever need to adjust your plan of study, don’t worry — you can continue in the traditional B.S. track and apply to the graduate program later. Your advisor will help you adjust your plan as needed.

Hands-On Learning

Observe at one of our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinics to learn about communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Speech-Language Hearing Clinic at California
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Speech-Language Hearing Clinic at Clarion
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Speech-Language Hearing Clinic at Edinboro
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Ready to Begin?

With PennWest’s 5-Year Pathway, you’ll gain hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and an advanced degree — all on a faster, more affordable track. Take the next step toward your future as a speech-language pathologist and start your journey with us today!

5-Year Pathway inSpeech-Language Pathology