Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme combines coursework, clinical practicum and a culminating project to develop competencies in assessment, intervention and professional practice. Core topics typically include anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, normal and atypical language development, articulation and phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, fluency disorders, voice and resonance disorders, and dysphagia.

Students also study evidence-based practice and research methods, cultural and linguistic diversity in service delivery, ethics and professional issues, and advanced diagnostic procedures. Practical learning is delivered through graded supervised clinical practica in Mercy College’s on-campus clinic and through affiliated placements in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community clinics. Many students complete a capstone project or clinical seminar in their final semester to consolidate clinical decision-making and reflective practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Degrees in communication sciences and disorders or related fields are appropriate; applicants with other majors may be admitted after completing specified prerequisite courses such as introductory communication sciences, anatomy/physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, and developmental psychology or language development.

Typical application materials include official academic transcripts, a personal statement addressing motivation and relevant experience, professional or academic references, and a résumé or CV. Admissions committees look for academic preparedness and clinical potential; a competitive undergraduate GPA is normally required. Some form of interview—either in-person or virtual—is commonly part of the selection process. Admitted students should expect to meet clinical clearance requirements such as background checks, immunisation records and basic life‑support certification where required by placement sites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as speech‑language pathologists in a wide range of settings. Common career paths include employment in public and private schools, acute care hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centres, long‑term care and skilled nursing facilities, paediatric clinics, neonatal and developmental programmes, and private practice. Increasing opportunities exist in telepractice, early intervention services and multidisciplinary specialty centres (for example, oncology, voice clinics and cleft palate teams).

With the master’s degree and completion of required clinical hours, graduates typically pursue national certification (such as ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence where applicable) and state licensure to practise. Career progression can lead to specialist clinical roles, supervisory and managerial positions, research and academic appointments, and roles in programme development or public policy related to communication disorders.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a programme designed around hands‑on clinical experience and small cohort sizes, enabling close mentorship from faculty who are practising clinicians. The programme’s clinical training includes an on‑campus speech‑language clinic plus community partnerships across the surrounding region, giving students exposure to diverse patient populations and service settings.

Facilities and resources support practical learning—students have access to simulation experiences, diagnostic and therapy equipment, and interprofessional education opportunities with related health programmes. The curriculum emphasises evidence‑based practice, cultural competence and preparation for certification and licensure, helping graduates transition into entry-level professional roles with confidence.