17 Best Online Masters in Speech Pathology Programs for 2025 (ASHA-Approved)

Job opportunities for speech pathologists are growing at an exceptional rate, making online master’s programs in this field more popular than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an impressive 18% employment growth for speech-language pathologists from 2023 to 2033. This growth rate is four times higher than the average across other jobs.

Students love the mix of quality and convenience these programs provide. The job market looks promising with openings outnumbering qualified candidates in healthcare and educational settings. Speech-language pathologists can earn well too. Those working in nursing facilities receive a median annual salary of $105,030, which is higher than the field’s overall median of $95,410.

The field of speech pathology now includes more than 117,000 professionals nationwide, and 13,200 new positions open each year. We’ve reviewed several online master’s in speech language pathology programs that stand out. These ASHA-approved programs cost about $11,200 before financial aid. New York University leads with its top-ranked program, while James Madison University boasts a 98% recommendation rate. These schools give you the credentials you need in this expanding profession.

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has a respected master’s in speech pathology program with a medical focus. The program sits at the heart of the South Texas Medical Center and gives students specialized skills they need in healthcare settings.

Program Overview

Students at UT Health San Antonio experience a curriculum that blends strong scientific education with intensive clinical training. The program shapes graduates to excel in healthcare environments, particularly acute and rehabilitation hospitals. The faculty involves themselves in scholarly work that covers traumatic brain injury, aphasia, swallowing disorders, bilingual language disorders, and interprofessional education.

Accreditation

The program’s full accreditation comes from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA through June 30, 2027. The program has graduated 129 students from four cohorts since its first class in 2018. Recent statistics show excellent results with a 98.4% on-time completion rate over three years. The Praxis examination pass rates average 96%.

Program Length

Students complete this master’s in speech language pathology online degree program in five consecutive semesters over two years, totaling 66 semester credit hours. Each student must complete a capstone project with a grade of B or better and pass a complete exam before graduation.

Clinical Experience

Students must complete at least 400 supervised clinical hours in a variety of settings to earn ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence. Clinical rotations happen at affiliated sites throughout Texas. The final semester internship might require travel or temporary relocation.

UT Health San Antonio Cost

The total costs for 2024-2025 incoming in-state students reach approximately $64,963. Non-resident students can expect to pay about $87,323. These amounts cover tuition, fees, books, housing, and other expenses for all semesters.

UT Health San Antonio Admission Requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and three recommendation letters. They must earn grades of C or better in prerequisites. The application process happens through CSDCAS with an additional application and fee. Students whose native language isn’t English must prove their English proficiency through standardized tests.

James Madison University

James Madison University started its online masters in speech pathology program in 2006. The program grew independently under JMU’s banner in 2012.

Program Overview

The program helps specialists learn about disorders of human communication and swallowing. Career-changers and non-traditional students can take advantage of its flexible yet rigorous online format. Students learn from the program’s unique experience in virtual education and gain detailed academic and clinical expertise in all areas of SLP practice.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has given full accreditation to the program. Students who graduate meet ASHA certification requirements through the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC). They also qualify for Virginia state’s health professions licensure in speech-language pathology.

Length

Students move through the program in cohorts and finish their degree in three years (nine semesters). Each semester has 2-3 courses, which creates a manageable part-time structure that works well for professionals.

Clinical Experience

Students must complete 375 clinical hours under supervision of ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists who have state licenses. The clinical part has five practica. Students must complete a 6-week placement at JMU’s Harrisonburg campus plus four other placements. Clinical rotations just need 3-4 days per week, but students might have to adjust their work schedules.

JMU Cost

The speech-language pathology master’s program costs about $25,245 for in-state students and $58,095 for out-of-state students. This online program remains one of the most affordable graduate SLP programs in the country.

Admission Requirements

Students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA in their major. The application process has two steps through CSDCAS and JMU’s Graduate School, with a January 15 deadline. Students who apply by November 15 get priority consideration. The program doesn’t ask for GRE scores anymore. Online students can’t get graduate assistantships.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison offers a comprehensive master’s program in speech-language pathology. Students can choose flexible pathways that suit their goals as future clinicians or researchers in communication sciences.

Program Overview

The university provides two distinct tracks in its online masters in speech pathology. Students aiming for clinical practice can take the Speech-Language Pathology track. Those interested in research or doctoral studies can choose the Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing track. Both paths build a resilient foundation in theoretical and applied aspects of communication sciences and disorders. The clinical track meets every academic and clinical requirement needed for ASHA certification.

Accreditation

The program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association through August 2028. This recognition will give graduates the qualifications they need for clinical certification and state licensure requirements.

Program Length

Most students finish the program in four academic semesters and one summer term. The clinical track needs at least 40 credits. Students in the non-clinical research track must complete 33 credits and write a thesis. Students without communication disorders background might need extra prerequisite courses.

UW-Madison Clinical Experience

Students gain practical experience in a variety of settings:

• UW Speech and Hearing Clinic
• Local hospitals and clinics
• Public school districts

Before placement, students must log 25 observation hours. They also need 100 supervised clinical practice hours to qualify for medical or school practica. UW Health’s medical speech-language pathology program includes 8-12 week externships.

Cost

Annual costs change by a lot based on where students live. Wisconsin residents pay about $27,530, while non-residents pay $55,888. Minnesota residents’ costs come to $31,856. These numbers include tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Students with teaching assistantships of 33.3% or more get tuition remission, health insurance, and stipends.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA to apply, though most admitted students have higher grades. The program no longer requires GRE scores. Required prerequisites include specific courses in anatomy, hearing science, language development, phonetics, and audiology. Students also need coursework in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences.

Purdue University

Purdue University excels with its outstanding speech pathology masters program that blends intensive clinical training with research opportunities for future speech-language pathologists.

Purdue Program Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) at Purdue provides detailed academic preparation alongside practical clinical experience. Students get valuable chances to work on faculty-led research in voice disorders, aphasia, dysphagia, and neurogenic disorders. The program shows consistent excellence – about 96% of the 2022-2023 class graduated on time and achieved a perfect 100% pass rate on the Praxis examination. The program blends coursework with clinical experiences to help students develop knowledge and skills needed for evidence-based practice.

Accreditation

Purdue University’s MS education program in speech-language pathology has earned full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA. The program managed to keep excellent outcomes with 100% program completion rates from 2018-2021 and perfect 100% Praxis examination pass rates during this period.

Program Length

Students finish the masters in speech pathology online program across five semesters spanning two years. Graduation requires 62-67 credits, and students progress through a predetermined course sequence in cohorts. Students take one critical thinking course each semester that connects knowledge from other required courses, except during summer.

Clinical Experience

Students develop practical skills at the on-campus M.D. Steer Speech, Language and Swallowing Clinics during their first year. Their second year features clinical rotations at off-campus locations including schools, inpatient and outpatient medical settings, and skilled nursing facilities. Students must complete 25 clock hours of ASHA-certified supervised observation before starting clinical practicum, with online options available.

Tuition Cost

The 2024-2025 tuition for resident graduate students is $4,859 per semester ($9,718 annually). Additional costs include the Student Fitness and Wellness Fee ($117/semester) and Student Activity Fee ($20/semester). The per-credit rate stands at $347 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Admission Requirements

The application deadline is January 15, and candidates must submit materials through both the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science & Disorders (CSDCAS) and Purdue’s online systems. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The application package should include three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a video response to a prompt. International applicants must show English proficiency with minimum TOEFL scores of 100 overall.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill provides exceptional training through its Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences program. The program sits within the prestigious UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Allied Health Sciences.

Overview

The program features a complete 60-credit hour clinical track that prepares students to get professional licensure and ASHA certification. Students focused on research instead of clinical practice can choose a non-clinical option that needs extra research experience. UNC shows great results – 98.5% of students complete the program in the last three years. Every student passes the national Praxis exam. Students find jobs quickly too – 98% get employed right after graduation.

Accreditation

The speech-language pathology master’s program at UNC has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through 2032. The next review will happen in February 2031. This recognition will give graduates everything they need for ASHA certification and North Carolina state licensure.

UNC Chapel Hill Program Length

Students usually finish this masters in speech pathology online program in two years. The well-laid-out curriculum ends with a complete exam. Students must score at least 80% on this exam before taking the Praxis examination.

Clinical Experience

Students need at least 400 hours in clinical settings. They must spend 375 hours working directly with clients. UNC stands out because it doesn’t have an in-house clinic, so the clinical experience works differently. Students start with simulated cases and shadowing in their first semester. They move to part-time school placements in spring, then full-time adult placements in summer. Their final full-time placement in the second spring lets them choose their focus.

Cost

In-state graduate students pay $10,552 in tuition and $1,970 in fees each year, adding up to $12,522. Out-of-state students pay much more – $28,278 in tuition plus the same fees, totaling $30,248. These costs might change based on specific program needs.

Admission Requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The program got 442 applications and accepted 72 students recently. Twenty-three students received funding. Students must apply by December 12 for fall admission. They need to submit materials through both the CSD Central Application Service (CSDCAS) and UNC’s online system. The program asks for three recommendation letters.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University’s masters in speech pathology program earned national recognition when it climbed to #11 in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings—the highest ranking it achieved. This milestone showcases the program’s excellence in speech-language pathology education.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at SDSU prepares students to practice in a variety of settings. Students can choose a bilingual specialization if they know languages besides English, which helps them serve multilingual communities better. The curriculum covers essential areas like articulation, fluency, voice, language, hearing, swallowing, and ways to increase communication abilities.

SDSU Accreditation

The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students who graduate meet every requirement for ASHA certification, state licensure, and school credentialing.

Program Length

Students complete the program in five semesters—two academic years plus one summer. The curriculum runs only as a full-time, in-person program. The structured nature of courses means students cannot take classes part-time or remotely.

Clinical Experience

The program requires 45 academic units and 19 clinical practicum units. Students gain hands-on experience through several practicum courses: Clinical Processes, Speech-Language Screening of Children, Diagnostic Practica, and Advanced Field Clinical Practice. Students who want school credentials need an extra semester of student teaching.

Cost

California residents pay $10,252 in tuition and fees for 2024-2025. Out-of-state students pay an extra $444 per unit. The total yearly costs, including books, housing, and living expenses, range from $25,230 for students who live with parents to $37,614 for those in university housing.

Admission

Students must complete two application steps:

• CalState Apply application due December 1st with transcripts due December 15th ($70 fee)
• CSDCAS application due January 12th ($128 fee)

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The program no longer requires GRE scores, but international students must prove their English proficiency. Students learn about admission decisions by late March.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences runs a master’s in speech pathology program from its campus in Arkansas’s largest metropolitan area. The program makes use of its prime location within a major medical sciences campus.

UAMS Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program combines academic instruction with extensive clinical resources to create a unique educational experience. Each fall semester, the program accepts one cohort of 24 students. Students receive detailed training in evidence-based practice to treat communication disorders effectively. Both undergraduate and graduate students benefit from the department’s reliable clinical and research facilities.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits this residential education program. Graduates will get professional certification and meet state licensure requirements through this accreditation.

Program Length

The full-time program takes two years to complete across five consecutive semesters, including one summer term. Students build their clinical and academic skills step by step throughout their time in the program.

Clinical Experience

Students gain practical experience at various sites across Little Rock:

• Ten major acute care hospitals, including UAMS Medical Center and two VA facilities
• Three school districts in Pulaski County
• Rehabilitation centers including a residential facility for traumatic brain injury patients
• Long-term care facilities and developmental disability centers

ASHA-certified, Arkansas-licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologists supervise all clinical work. Students living outside Pulaski County might get practicum arrangements closer to their homes.

UAMS Cost

Arkansas residents should plan for total program costs of approximately $33,116 during 2024-2025. The first year (fall, spring, summer) costs $19,098, and the second year (fall, spring) costs $14,018. These amounts cover tuition, fees, liability insurance, and health insurance.

Admission Requirements

The program looks at several key factors when selecting students:

• Minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
• Communication Sciences and Disorders course grades carry the most weight
• Three letters of recommendation (at least two from CSD instructors)
• Personal essay and resume

Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.4 in their Communication Sciences and Disorders courses.

Towson University

Towson University’s master’s in speech-language pathology program strikes a perfect balance between academic rigor and hands-on clinical training. Students learn to excel in healthcare and educational settings of all types.

Program Overview

The speech-language pathology program at Towson shines with its faculty credentials. Most professors (90%) have Ph.D.s in their specialties and hold national recognition for their work. The program schedules first-year classes around campus practicum sessions. Second-year classes fit well with off-campus daytime clinical work. This well-laid-out approach works – more than 95% of students pass the National Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology on their first try in the last three years.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits Towson’s residential Master of Science program through February 2027. This accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for professional certification and state licensure.

Program Length

The master’s program runs for two years across five semesters, including summer terms. Students build their skills step by step through a structured curriculum. The program also offers modified study plans for students who just need more flexibility with their schedules.

Towson Clinical Experience

Students start their practical training at Towson’s Speech and Language Center in their first year. They move to off-campus placements in year two. Towson’s location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor lets students work at top-tier facilities. They gain experience in a variety of settings – from major hospitals like Johns Hopkins and Sinai Hospital to school systems in multiple counties. Students also work at rehabilitation centers and specialized places like Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Towson Cost

The 2024-2025 rates show Maryland residents pay $531 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $1,109. Students also pay program fees: $100 for Typhon Clinical Hours Documentation, $15 for clinic name tags, and $240 each semester for off-campus clinical placements.

Admission Requirements

Students must submit their materials through CSDCAS and Towson’s online application by January 15. They need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in both major coursework and last 60 credits. The application asks for three recommendation letters (at least two from professors), a personal statement, and official transcripts.

University of Florida

The University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions offers a complete master’s program in speech pathology. The program focuses on clinical excellence and professional growth for future speech-language pathologists.

Program Overview

UF’s Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders runs as a full-time, campus-based program over five consecutive semesters. Students learn through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical work. This prepares them to deliver evidence-based services in a variety of settings. The program helps students develop clinical skills, and those interested can choose a thesis track to build research expertise under faculty guidance. The program aims to help people with communication and swallowing disorders maintain and improve their abilities.

Accreditation

The Master’s program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through February 2032. This credential will give graduates the qualifications they need for ASHA certification and professional practice. The program is part of UF’s prominent Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Program Length

The five-semester curriculum requires 54 semester credit hours. New classes start each fall with 25-30 students per cohort. These small class sizes allow individual attention and easy access to professors and clinical educators.

Clinical Experience

Students gain clinical experience at various locations:

• UF Health affiliated sites (Magnolia Parke, Shands Rehab Hospital)
• VA Medical Center in Gainesville
• Public schools in Alachua County
• Private practices and skilled nursing facilities

Students can complete externships beyond Gainesville in cities like Atlanta, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, and Tampa.

UF Cost

The 2024-2025 academic year costs about $12,740 in tuition and fees for in-state graduate students. Out-of-state students pay approximately $30,134. Total budgets, including living costs, range from $21,890 for students staying with parents to $35,980 for those living off-campus.

Admission Requirements

You need a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply, but most successful candidates have GPAs between 3.7-4.0. Submit your application by January 15 through both CSDCAS and UF’s graduate school portal. The program no longer requires GRE scores. Required prerequisites include courses in phonetics, speech science, anatomy/physiology, language development, and basic concepts in communication disorders.

Marquette University

Marquette University offers a unique masters in speech pathology program with bilingual specialization. The program equips specialists to help both English and Spanish-speaking patients who have communication disorders.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Marquette blends advanced coursework with hands-on clinical training. Students learn to prevent, identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders in patients of all ages. The bilingual English-Spanish specialization (BIES) stands out as it builds expertise to assess and treat Spanish-speaking patients. Students show strong results and develop professional skills in a variety of clinical settings.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the master’s program. This accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), Wisconsin licensure, and Department of Public Instruction credentials.

Program Length

This 52-credit hour program takes two years to complete with four terms and one summer session. The well-laid-out curriculum helps students build their skills step by step. Completion time might change based on your academic background and interests.

Clinical Experience

Students get valuable practical experience at Marquette’s Speech and Hearing Clinic under certified speech-language pathologists. The program requires 400 clinical clock hours – 375 hours of direct patient contact and 25 hours of observation. These experiences happen in settings of all types, which prepares graduates to work in different professional environments.

Marquette Cost

Graduate students pay $1,408 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program’s total cost ranges from $57,952 to $60,722. Students can apply for merit-based tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Admission Requirements

You need:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completed prerequisite courses including anatomy/physiology of speech mechanism, phonetics, language development, and others
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Proof of English proficiency if you’re an international student

Submit your applications through CSDCAS and Marquette’s online system by January 15.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University offers a flexible yet challenging online master’s in speech pathology program. The program stands out because it makes quality education available to students while upholding high academic standards.

Program Overview

TWU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program teaches students to assess and treat communication disorders throughout life stages. Students learn evidence-based practices through specialized courses in voice disorders, neurogenic communication disorders, and dysphagia. The university’s strong reputation comes from training speech-language pathologists for more than 50 years. Traditional students and working professionals can advance their speech pathologist careers through online learning options.

TWU Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the program. This accreditation means graduates can meet ASHA certification and state licensure requirements to practice professionally right after graduation. TWU’s curriculum follows strict academic standards to keep its accreditation status.

Program Length

Full-time students can complete this online master’s in speech pathology in about two years. The courses follow a structured sequence that builds knowledge step by step. Part-time students can take up to three years to graduate. Summer sessions help students finish their degrees faster.

Clinical Experience

Students start their clinical practicum early and take on more complex cases as they advance. TWU sets up clinical placements in medical settings, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Students must complete 400 supervised clinical hours with different populations and disorder types. Distance learners can use virtual supervision for some placements, which adds flexibility to the program.

Cost

The program’s tuition stays competitive with other nationwide programs. Students can get financial help through scholarships, graduate assistantships, and payment plans. The financial aid office can provide current rates and help with assistance options.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and must meet minimum GPA requirements. They should submit transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and show completion of prerequisite courses in phonetics, language development, and anatomy. Students can apply through the university’s online system or CSDCAS before fall admission deadlines.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), offers a unique online master’s in speech pathology program. The program features cohort-based learning and part-time scheduling that works well for professionals.

Program Overview

Tennessee State University delivers a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Science through distance education. A new cohort of about 30 students starts each January of odd years. The curriculum prepares students to assess and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders in a variety of populations. The department aims to help students gain knowledge, develop intellectual curiosity, understand culturally diverse populations, and maintain ethical behavior.

TSU Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits TSU’s Master of Science program in Speech and Hearing Science. This accreditation will give a clear path to ASHA certification, which allows graduates to practice professionally.

Program Length

The program takes longer than most – eight semesters or about four years as a part-time track. Students need to complete 53 credit hours in a well-laid-out sequence of courses. This timeline makes it possible for students to keep their jobs while studying.

Clinical Experience

The clinical component follows a progressive structure:

• Summer 1: Online practicum via Simucase/Telehealth
• Summer 2: Six-week in-person practicum in Nashville, TN
• Fall 3: School externship placement
• Spring 3: Continued school externship
• Summer 3: Medical externship placement

Cost

Students pay about $286 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The total program cost for 53 credits amounts to roughly $15,158, not including additional fees and expenses.

Admission Requirements

Students need either a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or 15 hours of prerequisite coursework. Applications are due by June 1 of even years. Candidates should have a minimum 3.5 GPA and score at least 146 on GRE-Verbal and 140 on GRE-Quantitative (or 380 on MAT) to qualify for unconditional admission. The application process requires submission through CSDCAS, three recommendation letters, and a letter of intent.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University provides a strong Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Students seeking professional careers in speech-language pathology can choose between residential and distance education options.

Program Overview

ECU’s speech pathology masters program in Greenville, North Carolina maintains high selectivity standards. The program admits only 10-12 students yearly for distance education and 30-32 for campus tracks. Students receive comprehensive training with internship opportunities at local or on-campus clinics. The program’s small cohort sizes give students individual-specific attention throughout their educational experience.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the master’s program. This respected accreditation will give graduates the qualifications needed for ASHA certification, state licensure, and professional practice standards. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges also provides regional accreditation to ECU.

ECU Program Length

Students must complete 54-56 semester credit hours. Campus students usually finish in 5-6 semesters, while the distance education format takes about three years. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options based on their career goals.

Clinical Experience

Students must complete at least 250 clinical clock hours in diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders to meet ASHA requirements. Students without undergraduate clinical experience need 375 hours at the graduate level. Students must also document 25 observation hours before starting any clinical practicum.

Cost

Graduate tuition rates are $289.55 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,020.05 for out-of-state students. North Carolina residents pay around $4,749 annually, while non-residents pay approximately $17,898.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet these criteria:

• Minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
• Minimum 3.2 GPA in speech-language pathology prerequisite courses
• Three letters of recommendation
• Application deadline: January 15
• GRE no longer required

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida stands out by offering two different speech-language pathology tracks – a traditional residential option and a specialized Suncoast track that caters to working school clinicians.

Program Overview

USF’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers two detailed Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program tracks with similar entry requirements. The Residential track runs for six semesters and uses clinical opportunities in Tampa Bay. The Suncoast Consortium track combines distance and on-site teaching over nine semesters. This track specifically helps bachelor’s level professionals who work full-time as Speech-Language clinicians in participating Florida public school districts.

Accreditation

The Masters of Science education program in Speech-Language Pathology at USF has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA through 2029. The program’s next accreditation review will take place in August 2028.

Program Length

Students in the residential program complete their coursework and clinical rotations in six semesters. Suncoast students spread their curriculum across nine semesters through distance learning while they continue working full-time. Both tracks share similar coursework split between core (required) courses and specialty courses based on clinical interests.

Clinical Experience

Residential students build their practical skills through four in-house clinical rotations and two externship placements. The clinical sites include:

• USF’s Speech-Language-Hearing Center
• Veterans Affairs hospitals
• Medical and children’s hospitals
• Public schools and private clinics

Suncoast students get their pediatric experience at work and complete adult-based practicums during summer terms.

Tuition Cost

USF has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. Graduate student tuition depends on residency status and program type, with extra fees for distance courses. Students can access financial support through assistantships, scholarships, and federal FAFSA funding.

USF Admission Requirements

Students need a minimum 3.2 GPA on all coursework after their first 60 hours. Required prerequisites cover language development, speech science, hearing sciences, anatomy/physiology, phonetics, hearing disorders, and neuroanatomy. Students without a CSD background can apply before finishing prerequisites, as long as they complete them before starting the program.

University of Akron

The University of Akron partners with the University of Cincinnati to create a unique online speech pathology education program. This innovative collaboration delivers outstanding distance learning opportunities for students pursuing careers as speech-language pathologists.

Program Overview

The School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology gives students a choice between traditional on-campus learning and collaborative online master’s programs. Students in the online program receive professional education and clinical training to help them diagnose and treat communication disorders in a variety of settings. The program’s success speaks for itself – graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Praxis national exam and a 100% job placement rate for those seeking employment.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA has accredited the Master of Arts education program in speech-language pathology at The University of Akron. This accreditation will give students the qualifications needed for professional licensure by the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board and The Ohio Department of Education.

Program Length

The online master’s in speech language pathology takes eight consecutive semesters to complete, lasting about two years and eight months. Students begin each January and must earn 64 credit hours to graduate. The well-laid-out curriculum helps build knowledge step by step and works well for working professionals.

Clinical Experience

Students can complete their clinical placements close to home. The program provides hands-on experience in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Students must complete 400 clinical clock hours under licensed and certified speech-language pathologists’ supervision.

Cost

The 2024-2025 tuition for resident graduate students is $462.50 per credit hour. Non-resident students pay an extra $320.00 per credit hour. However, students enrolled only in online programs pay just $1.00 per credit hour in non-resident fees.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or completed postbaccalaureate sequence
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from in-field instructor)
• Personal statement and resume

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University offers its master’s in speech pathology program through residential and distance learning options. Students can attend evening synchronous classes, and international students have access to specialized summer practicums.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Western Kentucky University comes in two formats—residential (on-campus) and distance learning worldwide. Both paths allow graduates to apply for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence, which most employment settings require. Students attend daytime classes during their first year on campus. Second-year core classes and distance learning courses meet online from 5:00-10:00 PM Central Time. Students build their expertise in a variety of communication disorders throughout their studies.

WKU Accreditation

WKU’s Communication Disorders Department, 49 years old, earned its accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 1993. This accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for national certification and state licensure.

Program Length

The program requires 60 credit hours in both formats. Full-time students complete their studies in eight semesters, while part-time students might need nine semesters. Most students spend about four years completing their degree. The university accepts new students once a year, with classes starting in fall semester.

Clinical Requirements

Students must complete:

• 25 hours of guided observation before or during the first semester
• A minimum of 400 clinical hours for graduation
• A six-week summer internship (“bootcamp”) in Bowling Green for distance learning students

Students can transfer up to 50 clinical hours from their undergraduate studies with proper documentation.

Tuition Cost

Graduate tuition rates for 2024-2025 are $607 per credit hour for residents and $917 for non-residents. The distance program costs approximately $45,000. The on-campus program costs around $40,000 for residents and $60,000 for non-residents.

Admission

Applicants need a baccalaureate degree with minimum 3.0 GPA. Students must complete eight core classes and four simple science prerequisites before starting graduate courses. Applications go through both CSDCAS and WKU Graduate School, with a February deadline.

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado has spent more than five decades preparing skilled speech-language pathologists. Their programs include both on-campus and distance education options. These programs follow a clinician-researcher model that builds strong foundations in evidence-based practice.

Overview

The University of Northern Colorado provides two distinct Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology paths – a two-year on-campus program and a three-year online program. Students develop critical thinking skills through clinical questions, research understanding, data collection, and outcome evaluation. The program’s excellence shows in its results – graduates achieve a 100% job placement rate and 100% pass rate on the national Praxis exam in speech-language pathology.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits both residential and distance education programs through September 2025. August 2024 marks the next scheduled accreditation review.

Program Length

The residential program takes two years of full-time study. Students should be available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for classes, clinics, and other learning activities. The online program runs for three years and suits nontraditional students who have work or family responsibilities.

Clinical Experience

Students on campus complete clinical practica at the UNC Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinic plus two internships at public schools and medical facilities. Online learners must work as speech-language pathology assistants throughout their studies, with clinical supervision at their workplaces. The program requires online students to visit the Greeley campus for two weeks during summer.

Cost

The online program costs $688 per credit hour. Students need 61-69 credits to graduate.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
• Undergraduate background in Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders (or prerequisite courses)
• For online program: employment as an SLPA or equivalent

Comparing SLP Programs

Start Your Career as an SLP Today

Your path to a rewarding career in speech pathology starts with picking the right online master’s program. This detailed review covers 17 ASHA-approved programs that offer different approaches to speech-language pathology education with high academic standards. Programs range from JMU’s three-year part-time format to UW-Madison’s research-focused tracks. Each program gives you the credentials you need for professional certification and licensure.

These programs prove their worth through impressive numbers. Most schools report near-perfect Praxis exam pass rates and job placement figures that showcase their educational excellence. You’ll find unique opportunities too – Marquette and SDSU offer bilingual concentrations for students who want to work with diverse populations.

Hands-on training is the life-blood of speech pathology education. Students complete 375-400 supervised hours in settings of all types. This practical experience and detailed coursework help graduates build both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills.

Money plays a big role in choosing your program. Tuition ranges from $286 per credit at Tennessee State University to $1,400 per credit at Marquette. You should look into financial aid options to make a smart choice.

Online learning has opened new doors in speech-language pathology education. These programs work for recent graduates and professionals looking to advance their careers while meeting ASHA’s strict standards. Your final choice should match your career goals, priorities, budget, and location. The career outlook is bright – jobs are growing faster than average and median salaries top $89,000 yearly. A master’s in speech pathology is a great investment in your professional future.