MHS Department of Communication Disorders (CDIS)
*GRE is no longer required for admission*
Please visit our NSSHLA Instagram and TikTok social media pages!
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 Sciences 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.
Reach Your Career Goals
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.
Why Get a Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders?
Demand for speech-language pathologists is growing at an unprecedented rate, job growth is anticipated at 18 percent over the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics). 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.
Data collected in 2022 from money.usnews.com reflected the median annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists at $84,140 with an average range of $61,940– $79,120. The average Speech and Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL is $95,736 as of March 26, 2024, according to salary.com but the range typically falls between $86,778 and $105,525. This is higher than the national average, which is $76k-110k!
Delivery Format
Achieve your master’s degree in as little as seven semesters. Governors State’s MHS is offered fully on-campus. Enroll full-time to jump-start your career, or part-time for added flexibility. CDIS Faculty and Staff are always happy to assist students, with their CDIS questions or guide them to others that may be able to help.
How to Reach Us
Office Location: F1405
Phone: 708.534.4590
Learn More
Virtual Tour
Tour of CHHS
Testimonial
Our Communications Disorders program is unique for two primary reasons. First, we utilize a community-based clinical training model, where students complete all clinical practicum experiences in a setting similar to what they will experience in their future career. Second, our program is built around individualized planning, rather than a cohort model. Our flexible course scheduling options accommodate the needs of many graduate students who have demanding lives outside of the classroom.
Dr. Jessica Bonner, Department Chair of CDIS
Program Accreditation
The MHS in CDIS program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).