Communication Disorders, M.H.S.
Speech-language pathologists change lives by helping people communicate, an ability many of us take for granted. Enter this rewarding and demanding field with Governors State’s Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders, a rigorous graduate program that enables you to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent communication disorders among children and adults.
In our uniquely designed MHS in Communication Disorders program, you will obtain the skills needed to enter the profession with the background and experiences you need to step into real-world employment. Unlike most speech-language pathology programs, our MHS has been developed and accredited without its own clinic, so all of your practicum work will be completed through our network of more than 150 practicum sites, providing a wide range of real-world experiences beyond the campus and in the types of communities you’ll be working in. You’ll gain experience in medical and school settings, putting your education to the test while gaining invaluable experience, and proving your abilities.
Governors State University offers both a flexible full-time, in-person program and a flexible part-time, in-person program. Rather than a cohort model, our students work with faculty advisors to create individualized plans of study that support their academic and professional goals.
About Us
Speech-language pathologists can be found in schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities across the nation. Prepare to help people of all ages, from early childhood to senior care, can overcome difficulties with communication. You will work alongside other education and medical professionals, such as teachers, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and physical or occupational therapists to optimize care.
The MHS in Communication Disorders curriculum meets all academic and practicum requirements for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology, the Illinois license in Speech Language Pathology, and the Illinois State Board of Education's licensure requirements for working in Illinois public schools.
The mission of the graduate program in Communication Disorders is to prepare confident, critically-thinking, clinically proficient and culturally competent speech-language pathologists to work in health care, education, and private practice environments. Through an innovative, community-focused model of clinical and academic training, a foundation in evidence-based practice, and a diversity-infused curriculum, the program aims to develop civic-minded and engaged clinician-researchers.
The program provides rigorous coursework and clinical practicum experiences necessary to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Professional License from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and the Professional Educator License from the Illinois State Board of Education.
How to Apply
This is your chance to take the next step toward an incredible future as a speech-language pathologist, a field where you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives every single day.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join a program that empowers you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to thrive in a rewarding profession.
We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to our community of dedicated professionals. We are seeking highly engaged, service-oriented, and well-qualified students from a range of life stages, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and communities. You will find everything you need to apply for the Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders program here. The program accepts a limited number of applicants and generally admits students only for the fall semester. You are encouraged to begin the application process early during the application cycle.
Please contact our department regarding prerequisite coursework, program curriculum, or clinical education.
Email: cdis1@govst.edu
Call: 708-534-4590
To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Earned, or be in the process of completing, an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) from an accredited university before enrollment. If you do not have an academic background in CSD, please see the "Prerequisite Coursework" section.
You must meet university criteria and program minimum criteria:
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate course work
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework, with no grades below C.
*Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may still apply but must submit a Petition Letter in their CSDCAS application addressing academic performance and readiness for graduate study.
DO NOT use the GovState general online application system. Create an account, free of charge, to begin building your online application on the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).
https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
From the “Full Programs List” tab, add Governors State University.
Application Due Date: January 15, 2027 (Fall Admission Only)
Applicants must also:
- Submit all required application materials through CSDCAS
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Submit three (3) letters of recommendation, including at least two from CSD faculty.
- Submit a personal statement.
- Participate in a virtual interview if invited.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the 2026-2027 application cycle.
Additional Information:
- Applicants enrolled in fall coursework should submit updated transcripts with final grades as soon as they become available.
- Reapplicants must submit updated application materials, including new letters of recommendation and a revised personal statement.
- Admitted students must submit a nonrefundable $500 seat deposit by May 1. The deposit will be applied toward tuition.
An undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is recommended but not required for admissions consideration. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in another discipline must have completed at least 15 semester credit hours (approximately five courses) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or related prerequisite coursework at the time of application.
- Recommended prerequisite coursework includes Phonetics, Speech and Hearing Science, Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing, Neuroscience of Communication Disorders, Language Development, Introduction to Audiology, Sociolinguistics, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication
- Applicants without a CSD degree who are admitted will work with their faculty advisor to determine any additional prerequisite coursework needed before progressing through the graduate curriculum.
*Applicants who are uncertain whether previous coursework satisfies prerequisite requirements are e4ncouraged to contact the Department of Communication Disorders prior to applying.
International students should contact the GovState Office of International Services for information regarding visa requirements.
International Applicants whose primary language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the preferred examination. Applicants who have completed at least 24 semester credit hours, excluding ESL coursework, at an accredited U.S. college or university with grades of C or higher, may be exempt from this requirement.
International transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service. We recommend using World Education Services (WES). Official transcript evaluations must be submitted to CSDCAS before an application can be considered complete.
Career Outcomes
Demand for speech-language pathologists is growing at an unprecedented rate. Coupled with the field’s entry-level requirement of a master’s degree, your Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders will be your key to a fulfilling career in human services.
Statistics via Bureau of Labor Statistics and money.usnews.com
Quote from Dr. Nicole Bing
Communication is a human right, and the people who protect it deserve the most thoughtful preparation we can give them. At Governors State, we prepare speech-language pathologists for work that is complex, meaningful, and deeply human. Here, you will be known, supported, and challenged, and you will leave ready to bring your full expertise, humanity, and voice to a profession that has the power to change what is possible for others.
Accreditation
The Master of Health Sciences [MHS] education program in speech-language pathology at Governors State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850-3289. They can be reached at 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Council on Academic Accreditation - Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Graduates meet all academic and practicum requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This major also meets the academic requirements for licensure in speech-language pathology in the state of Illinois.
The program also is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and meets academic requirements for the Professional Teaching License (Type 73) endorsed in non-teaching Speech-Language Pathology.
ASHA National Office
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850-3289
301-296-5700
ASHA Capitol Hill Office
444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 715
Washington, DC 20001
202-624-5952
ASHA Members: 800-498-2071
Non-Members: 800-638-8255
Fax: 301-296-8580
TTY (Text Telephone Communication Device): 301-296-5650
E-mail: actioncenter@asha.org
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State’s mission is to offer accessible and exceptional education, which is why GovState offers the most affordable tuition rates in the Chicagoland area—all while maintaining our top accreditations.
As a student at Governors State University, you have many available ways to cover the cost of your tuition.
Contact Us:
- Department of Communication Disorders
- Governors State University
- 708.534.4590
- cdis1@govst.edu