Communication Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology

Career opportunities

Exploring how to become a speech therapist in Ohio and beyond? A master’s degree in speech-language pathology from BGSU is your ticket to one of today’s fastest-growing, most rewarding professions. 

The job market for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18% over the next decade – nearly four times the national average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). That upward trajectory is expected to continue, driven by an aging population, increased survival of trauma patients and growing recognition of communication disorders across all age groups. 

In a thriving field like speech-language pathology, you can find a career that fits your passion. Some possibilities: 

• Healthcare systems and medical centers. Collaborate with medical teams to help stroke, TBI and neurodegenerative patients regain communication skills and improve quality of life. 
• Schools. Support students with speech delays, articulation issues and social communication challenges that impact learning and peer intervention.
• Rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. Help patients recovering from injury or illness restore speech and swallowing functions to improve connection, nutrition and interdependence.
• Early intervention programs. Work with infants and toddlers during critical developmental years to address speech delays, autism and more and equip families to support long-term growth.
• Private practice and specialized clinics. Build or join practices focused on specialized care – from pediatric feeding disorders to gender-affirming voice therapy. Increasingly, speech-language pathologists also provide teletherapy services to under-served or less mobile populations via secure video conferencing. 

Curriculum

BGSU’s 55-56 credit speech-language pathology degree is designed as a rigorous, two-year program:

• Four semesters (including one summer) of on-campus coursework 
• Extensive, hands-on clinical training
• A full-time placement off-campus the final semester 

Foundational courses cover:

• Speech science
• Motor speech disorder
• Voice disorders
• Aphasia and related neurological conditions
• Dysphagia
• Pediatric language disorders
• Stuttering 
• Cognitive rehabilitation

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice through dedicated research methods coursework and integrates socially responsible practice principles throughout. 

Clinical training is integral. Students are enrolled in practicum experiences every semester at our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. All students must complete a minimum of 400 client contact hours, including:

• 25 observation hours
• 375 direct client contact hours
• At least 325 hours completed at the graduate level 

Culminating experience

Students have two options:

• Plan I: Thesis research
• Plan II: Additional specialized coursework

Both pathways ensure graduates are fully prepared to enter professional practice as  speech-language pathologists and work with patients across the lifespan. 

Students also have the option to complete State of Ohio school licensure requirements through our program. 

Required courses

Application requirements

Applicants must complete: 

• Master’s application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service
• Graduate College online application via Bowling Green State University

International applicants may have additional requirements. Applicants with non-SLP bachelor’s degrees are welcome, provided they complete four prerequisite courses. 

All graduate application materials, including transcripts and GRE scores, are due no later than Dec. 15 of the year before admission.