Sacred Heart University

What you'll study

Students follow one of two sequencing options: an accelerated 3+2 track (three undergraduate years plus two graduate years, total five years) or a 4+2 track (four undergraduate years plus two graduate years, total six years). The curriculum combines undergraduate coursework in speech, language & hearing sciences with graduate-level clinical and academic preparation to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Clinically focused experiences include work in a variety of settings and placements in the university’s Audiology Clinic. Graduate students may elect specialty certificates in autism spectrum disorder or medical speech-language pathology.

Entry requirements

Prospective first-year applicants choose the dual degree option on the Common Application. Minimum admission criteria include an overall high school GPA of 3.3 or higher, four years of math and science coursework, and grades of B or better in all math and science classes. Admitted students must continue to meet program-specific progression requirements as undergraduates to proceed into the MS program.

Career prospects

The program readies graduates for national certification and for state licensure in Connecticut as speech-language pathologists. Sacred Heart reports a three-year average program pass rate of 94% for certification/licensure exams. National employment projections cited in program materials estimate 15% growth for SLPs through 2034, and median annual wage data referenced is $89,290 (May 2023). Graduates typically work in clinical settings treating communication and swallowing disorders.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Advantages noted for dual degree participants include potential tuition savings compared with pursuing separate degrees, guaranteed graduate admission that removes late-stage application stress, and dedicated undergraduate advising and faculty support to keep students on track. Specific scholarships or financial-aid details are handled through the university’s admissions and financial-aid offices.