Q&A: Master Of Science In Speech-Language Pathology

[@lyndsaycouture]

My son was recently diagnosed with Autism and during the process, I have decided to pursue a speech pathology career! SO GLAD I found this channel!

[@thecaropee]

I'm a CF who just found your insta/channel, your office is goals! I love all your cute SLP sweaters/t-shirts you should do a haul video and let us know where they are from and your favorite comfy clothes to wear to work!!

[@caitlinlehman600]

Literally just came across your videos. I'm a freshman starting my first day of college in 2 days going for this. Your videos got me so excited to start my next chapter in life!

[@rosselinnunez8699]

these videos are so helpful! Thank you so much. I am dominican and and a current sophomore undergrad in college and have decided to pursue a career in speech pathology. Seeing how you were able to do it inspires me so much! One day i hope to be as accomplished as you🙌🏼

[@jamiegarcia7863]

How many years did it take you to pay off your student loans? How much did you get get paid your first year? Was it a lot or low? Enough to pay off your student loans.

[@MariellaMendez]

First year it was roughly 62,000. I am still paying off loans. For me it was a process and I do not mind paying a low rate forever ❤️

[@robyn905]

@@MariellaMendez how much were your student loans for the masters program (excluding undergrad)?

[@abbyreichner7087]

Wow these videos are so helpful. Thank you so much for putting this information out. I’m 28, majored in marketing and have worked in finance. It’s left me felling very unfulfilled and I don’t really feel like I’m making a positive impact. I came across speech pathology by chance and I think I can really see myself in this field (and I’m bilingual as well 😉). Do you think going back to school at 28 to become an SLP is a good idea?

[@bluemotion4575]

I am bilingual and I'm 37 and I have decided that I want to become an SLT. I am not sure myself if I will be accepted or even if I am able to pick up a book and study 🙈.

[@sshannah1]

Im 28 and just made the decision to start the path!! It’s never too late. Wish I found it earlier it oh well. Long road ahead 😅

[@purplexfrootloop]

OMG I am really in the same boat! I went to school for a BBA in Marketing and graduated in 2017. I like my job but my heart has always been with science and helping people. I tried nursing before the BBA and I didnt enjoy it as much as I thought I would....but there is something about this profession....the fact that you can see progress....that you are making a positive impact and you can get to know your patients....I am also 28 and considering to switch. What did you end up doing?

[@abbyreichner7087]

@@purplexfrootloop Yes girl I know how that feels! I feel like Marketing just uses that "warm human connection" that we all crave like a dangling carrot in order to make a profit. In every business job I've had, my surveys and conversations were always amazing with the customers ... They just didn't always end with a sale, so in my employer's eyes I wasn't being "efficient with my time" even though I always go above and beyond for my customers .... But to answer your question lol, I decided to stay in my current job and pay down as much of my current debt as I can. By May of 2021 I'm projected to have all of it paid off so then I can apply to UCFs BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. They have this amazing program called RAMP that helps undergrads from underrepresented populations get into grad school through mentorship. They also have a fellowship for grad school through that same RAMP program that would pay for the grad tuition and give you a stipend. If I am accepted into the program I'll try to blog about the experience in case anyone else finds it useful. But we got this girl! I'm wishing you nothing but the best in your own journey!!

[@jennaburzan2807]

I'm 29 and I started a program this last fall - a post-bacc program. I did some shadowing when i was 28 and decided to move forward and pursue SLP! so far so good! I was a full-time event coordinator before.

[@prisss_cila]

I'm speech language pathologist in Brazil, and I loved found your channel!!

[@hollydrake25]

All of your videos have helped me so much! I have recently been thinking about becoming a SLP, and your videos have helped me in so many ways. Thank you so much!

[@MariellaMendez]

I'm so glad!

[@CallMePastrami]

Grad school costs way more than $1,200 per year! I paid $10,000 some semesters!

[@TatyanaRafeel]

I'm starting graduate school in a few months and found this really helpful. Thanks!

[@thecosmochameleon1846]

This video is extremely helpful wow. Thank you so much!

[@ninagonzalez251]

Hi Mariella! I’m so happy I found your channel! I’ve binged all your videos in just two days! I’m interested in a career in SLP but I am thinking of becoming an SLP assistant before/during my MS. Is this something you’d recommend? Thank you!

[@mayracovarrubias3691]

Just discovered your channel! I love it so much! Just saw that it’s been 2 months since the last vid. Hope everything is ok and you post again soon! So happy to subscribe! 😊

[@curlytcg9812]

Thanks for the information! I have one more year left before applying to grad school 🤞

[@TiffanyA1025]

Learned a lot! Thanks for posting :)

[@chuchiibabeie]

Hi Mariella, love your videos so much! I just graduated with my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology & am starting a Bilingual Extension program. I’m curious if this is something you had to complete in your state in order to practice as a Bilingual SLP? Btw your videos encouraged me to start my channel! Thank you ♥️

[@maressaduarte]

This is so helpful, thank you!!

[@emgrace8476]

Thank you for the helpful information!!

[@jessicacooper3347]

I am interested in getting my bilingual certification to also service the Spanish-speaking population! Was wondering if you have your certification and if so, how did you go about the process??

[@stevengeorgiev9590]

I’m a male and I’m nervous for going into this field due to this field being centered toward women. What do you recommend for a male wanting to go to this field?

[@brookeexposito6678]

Love this! So informative!

[@arelybloom]

yay I’m excited

[@angelapanis]

I’m in my first year undergraduate programme for my Special education degree, and hoping to do my masters in SLP !

[@natphil8377]

Do SLP MSc programmes that are more research-focused (for academia) and less professionally-oriented (i.e. simply to churn out SLP practitioners) exist? I'm a linguist (experimental phonetics: articulatory and acoustic) and would like to gain SLP experience to occasionally approach linguistic issues from a clinical perspective.

[@MariellaMendez]

I recommend looking at different masters programs, and their plan of studies to see what best suits you.

[@daniellaa4715]

Hello! I am going into my senior year of undergrad and have been trying to find somewhere I can intern or observe an SLP to get more experience in this field. Are there any places you know of or would recommend that offer something like this? Broward area.

[@kristaalles3359]

Hi Mariella! I absolutely love your channel, it has been really insightful. I am currently studying my undergrad not in CSD (I am studying business), however I have a growing interest in SLP (I took an introductory course once, loved it..and have SLPs in my family). What is your opinion on post-bacc programs and being a graduate student from a non-traditional background? Thanks.

[@vanessaguevara7181]

Would you say getting the Bachelor then master is a good route?

[@WassimKhalife11]

Just came across your channel and found it very valuable. However, my question to you is, would it be possible for me to obtain a Master's degree in SLP if I already acquire a BS in Finance and a Master's degree in Business Management. Do I have to go back to school and get a second BS degree in a related field to SLP such as Communication sciences and disorders for example. Thanks, in advance.

[@jennifergarcia5013]

Where is your back pack from? It’s so cute!

[@MariellaMendez]

@stelgal

[@thesapphirechilddevelopmen1795]

Great job.

[@jessicabraden78]

Does school ranking matter when applying for a masters program in SLP? I’m not looking to move right now and there are only two options in my area, excluding possible online program opportunities ( I need to research this more). Of my two options..one is ranked in the top ten and the other is 200th. Both programs are accredited by ASHA. Any advice? Thanks for taking the time to make these videos! They have helped me a lot. ☺️

[@MariellaMendez]

I would take into consideration the ranking

[@nzaragoza7]

I think this depends on who you talk to + what area/setting you'd like to specialize/work in. My professors say it DOESN'T MATTER because, in the end, you'll be an SLP! For example, if you'd like to be an SLP in a school, it doesn't matter. It does help with connections/ networking if you'd like to be an SLP at an amazing, highly-ranked hospital but that also comes with YEARS of being in the field. I am not in a highly ranked school but one of my professors has connections with a REALLY well known SLP researcher and I am now collaborating with her team! Plus, these schools are highly competitive so I wouldn't only reach for them.

[@jessicabraden78]

@@nzaragoza7 Thank you so much!! The higher ranked program in my area is extremely expensive/competitive so this makes me feel better that my other option should be just fine if I can get in.

[@lauranoejovich4675]

I'm late to the game but what are the rules regarding your appearance in the workplace as an SLP? Can you have piercings, tattoos, colored hair, etc.? This is very informative by the way, thank you :)

[@stevengeorgiev9590]

Hello, I’m a male student who is interested in going into the field of speech language pathology but I’m nervous to go into this field since it is fully female focused. What do you recommend for a male going into the field of speech language pathology?

[@haley2121]

I am almost a senior in college, have been working towards a BA in psych, and I am just now realizing my passion for SLP. I found a masters program that has an option for out-of-field students, which basically says it offers the courses i would need to catch up, within the actual program. but I'm confused -- does this mean i don't have to take any slp courses to get in? I know this may be a question for the school itself but I thought I would check here first...any insight would be deeply appreciated. I have so much anxiety about this new-found goal and I hope there is a way to reach it..

[@npjm.99]

Im in the same situation. Any advice??

[@savanahhoward6985]

Are you required to have a master's to work in the field? What did you do for work between graduating with your bachelor's and getting your masters?

[@NatalieGrant26]

Savanah Howard to be a certified SLP, yes you have to have a Master’s. You can be an SLP Assistant with just a Bachelor’s Degree, but some states don’t want SLP assistants...for example, I live in Texas and assistants are rare.

[@elliebigham]

where did you go to college at?? for undergrad and graduate

[@MariellaMendez]

Saint Thomas university and nova southeastern university

[@victoriaedwards8048]

I am late to finding your channel. Going back to school and have decided on this path. Any suggestions on Undergrad majors if Comm Science & Disorders isn’t available near me? Something that could still be helpful in the field?

[@NPabon]

Check the Linguistics curriculum and compare it to the SLP Masters curriculum to see if it’s helpful in my case it was!

[@jass3640]

How many years is this in schooling?

[@snoopsie]

Hi, Im considering this major and Im just wondering if anyone can tell me if you have to continue going to school even after you finally achieve your lcense. ..like to keep up with the latest things. Can anyone tell me if there are tests involved with this.. or is there much reading material needed on a yearly basis? Thank you!

[@sincerelyme6178]

What is the salary for an slp ? I am tired of making 36,000$ not being stable enough is giving me a headache 😒 I already know I love this career !! Deciding between bcba or slp but bcbas deal with aggressive behaviors more

[@laurachamblee7588]

I am interested in going to Nova Southeastern and their site is a bit confusing. I know it says that all students who live within 30ish miles from the campus must attend classes on campus. And other students who live further away can attend the online classes. But is this offered to only Florida residents? Or is the online offered to every state?

[@MariellaMendez]

Do you live in Florida? For students who live more than fifty (50) miles from a Florida Campus, online course delivery is offered through GoToMeeting in synchronous chats

[@yadiracastillo2229]

Mariella, do you have any GRE study tips? I will be taking the GRE for the second time in December

[@MariellaMendez]

Yadira Castillo the university I attended did not require the GRE. Sorry I didn’t have to take it

[@Natali0825]

Yadira Castillo the Magoosh GRE videos are super helpful! I’d also take the practice test on the ETS site

[@laurachamblee7588]

I studied solely from the free magoosh free study questions and did great yesterday!

[@kyleighasencio1438]

Is there lots of math in the bachelors or masters program?

[@MariellaMendez]

In the master program no.

[@sweekritishetty322]

Iam an Indian and in India there is an intermediate master degree course of both audiology and speech language pathology (MASLP).So my doubt is after completing this degree, pursuing AU.d and then working as both slp and audiologist is possible??? Do we get certification for both??

[@steeephyyboo]

I didn’t major in speech pathology for undergrad, do you think I could take pre reqs at community college?

[@MariellaMendez]

yes, if the community college offers the prerequisite courses.

[@emmariemay8222]

Hi! I just wanted to ask which BA you would recommend to take for someone planning to pursue an SLP career, Special Ed or English Language? I'm gonna be a freshman in college soon so I hope to get your opinion on it 😊 thanks

[@itsfernandaivette8643]

Hi! It would be best to pursue a major in communicative disorders or speech, language & hearing sciences (whatever your college calls it) :)

[@emmariemay8222]

@@itsfernandaivette8643 hello! Yeah that was actually my first plan. But then there aren't a lot of colleges offering the course from where I'm from. The closest I have is Special Ed so I might just take that then take a master's program

[@bluemotion4575]

Thank you for the video but voice not very clear.

[@ginasantos1219]

Are you going back to University for a Doctorates degree? Love the video!!!

[@MariellaMendez]

Something to consider 😊

[@brandiebarron2185]

Is the clinical fellowship paid?

[@MariellaMendez]

Yes! It is your first actual job in the real world.

[@noelleticman3475]

Wait, is the academic year tuition fee a typo? $1219?

[@noelleticman3475]

Per credit hour****

[@jamiegarcia7863]

Wait it's only $1,210+? I don't get it that's cheap.

[@MariellaMendez]

1210 a course. There a many fees attached.

[@christopherford6225]

Love you too baby 😘💏💝❤💕💋🌹💗