Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Scholars

The admission requirements for the SLHS scholars program are as follows: 

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75, weighted or unweighted, as reported on the high school transcript at the close of junior year.
• SLU has moved to test optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be at a disadvantage in any way in the admission process.
• Provide a personal statement that answers: Why do you want to be a speech-language pathologist?
• Provide two letters of recommendation emphasizing applicant's academic excellence and leadership.

Application instructions include:

• Complete and submit the online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1. Indicate Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences as your major.
• Complete and submit the  SLHS Scholars Application by December 1.
• Submit two letters of recommendation, postmarked by December 1. They can be emailed to admission@slu.edu or mailed to Saint Louis University Office of Admission, One North Grand Blvd., DuBourg Hall Room 149, St. Louis, MO, 63103.

To maintain eligibility:

• SLHS Scholars must major in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and earn a grade of "B" or better in all SLHS courses.
• Enroll in CSDI 4600 or 4900 as an advanced course senior year.
• Enroll in CSDI 4700 Senior Clinical during spring of senior year.
• Obtain at least 15 clinical clock hours and 25 observation hours
• Students will be dismissed from the SLHS Scholars program if they have below a 3.5 GPA any term; at that time, the student will be placed in the SLHS Standard Track.

Q: Does the SLHS Scholars Program offer guaranteed admission into the SLHS Graduate Program?

A: Yes. Students who successfully complete the SLHS Scholars Program’s requirements and maintain the required GPA for the duration of their undergraduate studies, as well as complete the required coursework, will be guaranteed placement in the SLHS Graduate Program where students will work toward the degree of Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Q: Does the SLHS Scholars Program shorten the length of time I will spend in school?

A: No. When a SLHS Scholar obtains admission to SLU’s SLHS Program, that admission is labeled as “contingent” upon successful completion of the SLHS Undergraduate Program for which they enrolled in. We believe that a traditional, full-length course of undergraduate study remains one of the best preparations for success.

Q: Can I wait and become a SLHS Scholar once I am a current SLU student?

A: No. This program is only for freshmen declared majors. At this time, only 15-20 applicants will be accepted into the SLHS Scholars program.

Q: What if I change my major or decide that I do not want to continue on to the SLHS Graduate Program?

A: Students cannot continue on as a SLHS Scholar is they choose to pursue another major. There is no penalty for withdrawing from the program but applying to become a SLHS Scholar is an opportunity you only have as an incoming freshman. If you withdraw from the SLHS Scholars Program and wish to continue to a SLHS graduate program, you will have to apply through the traditional application process with no guarantee of admittance to SLU’s SLHS Graduate Program.

Q: What are the requirements to remain a SLHS Scholar?

A: Once accepted as a SLHS Scholar, students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment at Saint Louis University and meet the following requirements:

1.  Maintain a 3.5 Cumulative GPA through completion of their bachelor’s degree
2.  Obtain a “B” or higher in all CSD courses
3.  Enroll in CSDI 4600 or 4900 as an advanced course senior year
4.  Enroll in CSDI 4700 during Spring of senior year
5.  Obtain at least 15 clinical clock hours and 25 observation hours

Q: Can I study abroad as a SLHS Scholar?

A: Yes. SLHS Scholars are encouraged to study abroad. SLHS Scholars will work with their undergraduate academic advisor to determine a time that is most optimal for studying abroad. Traditionally, SLHS majors study abroad Spring of Sophomore year or Fall of Junior year. The curriculum is set up to allow students the opportunity to study abroad during those semesters.

Q: What benefits do SLHS Scholars enjoy?

A: SLHS Scholars will have reserved seats in senior level electives SLHS 4600, 4700, and 4900, and the opportunity to obtain at least 15 clinical clock hours, which will be counted toward Graduate credit. SLHS Scholars students who complete this program will be directly admitted to SLU’s SLHS Graduate Program and will not be required to take the GRE or apply to other university programs.

As a SLHS Scholar you will take courses in phonetics, foundations of language, speech and hearing sciences, anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, cultural diversity, audiology, aural rehabilitation, neurological basis of communication, and clinical practicum.

SLHS Scholars Curriculum

Graduates have gone on to careers at public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, clinics, private practices and universities. Speech-language pathology is rated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the fastest growing professions in the country — it’s predicted to grow 21 percent by 2024. The median annual salary for a speech-language pathologist in 2019 was $78,000.

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at finaid.slu.edu.

For additional information, contact Doisy College of Health Sciences Recruitment Specialist Julie Miller at 314- 977-2570 or julie.miller@health.slu.edu.