Better program for masters in Chicago area?

[Aguas-14]

Good morning everyone! 
 

I am originally from the Chicago area, but have lived in Virginia for 9 years where I have completed my bachelors in speech. I’m moving back to the Chicago area for grad school but unaware of the quality of certain programs/schools like I am here. I applied to Midwestern university, elmhurst college, Marquette and University of Wisconsin-whitewater. So far I have been offered a spot at elmhurst college and I currently have an on campus interview mid March for midwestern. I’m trying to get insight on whether some programs are better than others? 
 

thanks!

[heyheyhey42]

Hey, I can’t speak for the “quality” of the program, but I’m from Milwaukee and applied to Marquette. I went on a tour a few months ago, and the program seemed really nice! The graduate coordinator seemed committed to making sure each student had a plan that worked for them, and the on-campus clinic seemed really nice! If I’m accepted, I will definitely consider attending. I think “better” really depends on what you’re looking for. What schools have placements you’re interested in? What research is being done that you’re drawn to? Rankings don’t mean much, as long as the program is ASHA certified. Good luck!

[futurespeechpath1]

I'll list all the one's in the Chicago area, I hope this helps!

Midwestern is a very strong program but it's a little expensive. It has a gorgeous clinic that's 10 minutes from campus. Midwestern also has really good connections with placements!!  They also have a swallowing lab.

Elmhurst has a very pretty campus and I know the academics are pretty good there. There are a few professors with strong opinions but everyone means well. The client load is manageable and they also have a multicultural emphasis as well as on campus multi-speciality clinic.

Rush and Northwestern are probably the absolute best programs in the Chicago area but they're very competitive both have on campus clinics (Rush actually has a hospital)

SXU is a good program too, but there materials room is disorganized and their materials are just old, broken, or missing pieces sometimes all the above and the client load does get ridiculous some semesters since you'll have 3-7 clients, be taking 3-4 classes+no credit modules but it's still a good program with great professors and supervisors with an on campus clinic. You won't get any swallowing hours until your medical placement.

Lewis is brand new they'll be having their first cohort this coming summer but the program director also created both Midwestern's.

Governors State is also a good program you can go part time or full time, very cheap, flexible classes, but there is no cohort style since everyone is taking different classes at different times. Their program is 7 semesters so it could go from 2.5-3 years depending on how you schedule your classes. Clinic also isn't until the final year or final semester so you take all your classes first. No on campus clinic.

I haven't heard much about NIU, SIU, WIU, EIU, and UIUC. I just know NIU and UIUC are very competitive, SIU isn't that competitive, and I haven't heard anything about WIU or EIU. Augustana is brand new too I haven't heard anything about it but their first cohort starts fall 2020. Most of these aside from Augustana have on campus clinics.

Edited March 7, 2020 by futurespeechpath1

[Aguas-14]

Heyheyhey42 unfortunately I was waitlisted for Marquette, just got notification today. It’s a bummer because that one was going to be the closest commute! Thanks for the feedback, I will look into areas of study/research :) 

 

futurespeechpath1 THANKS for the in depth response!! Looks like as of now it’s between elmhurst and midwestern. Price isn’t a huge factor to me because I have the VOC rehab paying for it! Hopefully all goes well with the interview at midwestern! 
 

Great feedback! 

[heyheyhey42]

2 hours ago, Aguas-14 said:

Heyheyhey42 unfortunately I was waitlisted for Marquette, just got notification today. It’s a bummer because that one was going to be the closest commute! Thanks for the feedback, I will look into areas of study/research

Congrats on your other acceptances! I am still waiting to hear from Marquette. I'm glad I could help a little bit. Good luck!

[futurespeechpath1]

2 hours ago, Aguas-14 said:

Heyheyhey42 unfortunately I was waitlisted for Marquette, just got notification today. It’s a bummer because that one was going to be the closest commute! Thanks for the feedback, I will look into areas of study/research

 

futurespeechpath1 THANKS for the in depth response!! Looks like as of now it’s between elmhurst and midwestern. Price isn’t a huge factor to me because I have the VOC rehab paying for it! Hopefully all goes well with the interview at midwestern! 
 

Great feedback! 

No problem! I'm glad i could help!

[AlwaysaFalcon]

I currently attend Governors State University so please message me if you have any questions!  

 

[koalalover1]

I did my undergrad at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Went elsewhere for my Masters but I graduated in 2016!

I believe they have gone through some changes/improvements since I have been there, but Whitewater is a smaller town! It is nice because it's right between Milwaukee and Madison. Whitewater focuses a lot on their graduate program compared to undergrad (at least when I was there). In all honesty I felt ill prepared for graduate school leaving there, but I know the people who got their Masters from there left with a much better sense of mind than we had in undergrad and are doing well. The cohort is always super small there, which can be good or bad!