The 2020 Guide to Online Masters in Speech Pathology Programs (SLP)

Helping people communicate is just one of the many rewarding aspects of being a speech-language pathologist. Earning a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (sometimes referred to as SLP) allows you to work in the vast field of speech, communication and swallowing disorders, and to specialize in different components of speech and language development. Since these skills are developed during infancy and childhood, speech therapists are commonly hired in school settings.

Finding the Best Online Master's in Speech Pathology For You

In searching for the best online speech pathology programs across the United States, it’s important to take into account the instruction method, the type of degree, and the credit requirements necessary to complete the program.

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SponsoredLive Online Speech Pathology Programs
School Name Instruction Method Type of Degree Credit Requirement
Emerson College Live - Asynchronous and Synchronous Master of Science in Communication Disorders 72
New York University Live - Asynchronous and Synchronous M.S in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 48
Baylor University Live - Asynchronous and Synchronous M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) 45

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All Online Speech Pathology Programs

We’ve compiled a list of the online speech pathology programs across the United States along with instructional and curriculum information. The difference between asynchronous and synchronous is that synchronous coursework takes place in a live classroom as opposed to a video lecture recording.

Online speech pathology programs in the United States
School Name Instruction Method Type of Degree Credit Requirement
Baylor University Asynchronous and Synchronous M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) 45
California State University Northridge N/A Master's in SLP 3 Year Program
Eastern Carolina University Synchronous M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders 60
Emerson College Synchronous and Asynchronous Master of Science in Communication Disorders 72
James Madison University Synchronous and Asynchronous Master's in SLP 49
New York University Synchronous and Asynchronous M.S in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 48
Nova Southeastern University Synchronous Master's of Science in Speech Pathology 53
Idaho State University Asynchronous Master's in SLP 60-61
Texas Women's University Synchronous M.S. in Speech Language Pathology 61
University of Akron N/A M.S. in Speech Language Pathology 3 Year Program
University of Northern Colorado Asynchronous M.A. in Speech Pathology 65-82
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire N/A M.S. in Communication Science and Disorders 54
Western Kentucky University Synchronous Graduate Program in SLP 60

What is Speech Pathology?

Speech Language Pathologists, also commonly called SLPs for short, are healthcare professionals who work with people from varying populations to improve communication techniques and treat swallowing disorders. What do Speech Pathologists do? SLPs can work in many different settings but one of their main job responsibilities across all environments is to conduct a speech language assessments aimed at coming up with a treatment plan for any speech disorders within a particular patient. Learn more about what SLPs do on a day-to-day basis and discover the path professionals typically take to a career in speech therapy.

Speech Therapist vs. Speech Pathologist: Is There a Difference?

The job titles speech therapist, speech pathologist, and even speech-language pathologist are all technically interchangeable, although those within the field sometimes have a preference for one over the other. It is common for patients to refer to professionals in speech pathology as their “speech therapists”, however many maintain that the title that best encapsulates the career field is speech-language pathologist, often abbreviated as SLPs.

Speech Pathologist vs. Audiologist

Perhaps a more interesting comparison is between the career fields of speech pathology and audiology. What’s the difference between a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist? Check out the career profiles below to learn more!

Speech Therapist

Job Description: Speech-Language Pathologists work with patients in assessing, diagnosing, and coming up with treatment plans for disorders of communication and swallowing in patients of all ages.

Typical Education Requirements: Master's degree

Salary: The median annual salary for speech-language pathologists was $76,610 in 2017.

Work Environment: Around 40% of speech pathologists work in school settings, with other common environements including hospitals and private health facilities.

Audiologist

Job Description: Audiologists work with patients to manage and asses issues with hearing, balance, and problems occuring within the ear.

Typical Education Requirements: A doctoral degree or a professional degree

Salary: The median annual salary for audiologists was $75,920 in 2017.

Work Environment: Audiologist's typically work in doctor's offices, audiology clinics, and other healthcare facilities but some may work within school districts.

Online Speech Pathology Master’s Curriculum

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete an online SLP programs vary widely depending on your school and specialization. A typical program includes foundation coursework, practice dealing with language disorders, clinical practicums, and elective courses. Standard online SLP programs might include courses in:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the speech and swallow mechanism: An in-depth look at the mechanisms and physiological reasoning behind speech production and swallowing.
  • Language Development: An examination of the language learning processes and how it relates to other components of a child’s development
  • Dysphagia: Addresses the science behind feeding and swallowing mechanisms and dives into procedural and management options for problems in the field.
  • Principles of intervention with speech-language disorders: Discusses principles of problem solving and decision making that aid in future SPL’s ability formulate goals and treatment plans.

Another important component of SLP education and the path to starting your career is obtaining your certificate of clinical competence in speech language pathology’ (CCC-SLP). This certification, managed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA) helps provide credibility to aspiring speech pathologists. Learn more about certification for SLPs

Bilingual Speech Therapy Programs Online

Some speech pathology graduate programs offer specializations for students who would like to concentrate on a particular topic within the field. One of the many specializations offered is a certificate in bilingual speech language pathology, where an emphasis is placed on wbaerbaerbaseb. Bilingual SLPs are equipped with the language skills to cross cultural barriers in performing their professional duties.

Online Speech Pathology Master's Admissions Requirements

Each online speech pathology master’s program has its own prerequisites, so you should contact your accredited institution for detailed information regarding its policies. Depending on your school, you will be required to submit some or all of the following:

  1. Application: Fill out an initial application, which you can find on the website of the accredited institution of your choice. Paper and online forms are both generally accepted.
  2. Bachelor’s degree: You should have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution prior to applying to an online speech pathology master's program
  3. Transcripts: Request transcripts in advance of the application deadline, and upload one official copy of each transcript from any postsecondary schools you have attended.
  4. Personal statement: Write a personal statement, which is typically in the form of an essay. You may be required to submit multiple essays to fully express the intent and purpose of your application and explain what attracted you to this particular online slp program. Below are some common topics that should be mentioned in a statement.
    • Your main academic and personal interests
    • Experiences in school or work that have helped to prepare you for this course of study
    • Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen
    • Why you wish to study at the university
    • Your plans for the future after you earn your degree
  5. Resume/CV: Upload a copy of your most recent resume or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
  6. Letters of recommendation: Submit your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies with each school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.
  7. Test scores: Mail in copies of your test scores. Many online SLP programs require GRE General Test scores or TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students; however, some programs do not require test scores at all.

It’s also worth noting that many speech pathology masters degree programs require prerequisite courses. SLP prerequisite courses might include biology, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences, to name just a few.

Online Speech Pathology Programs Accreditation

In searching for the online speech pathology program that meets your needs and requirements, two factors that must be considered are the program’s accreditation status and their ability to prepare you for SLP licensure.

Often, online slp programs that have been accredited and properly examined by the authoritative accrediting body, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), will be the best suited to prepare you for certification and licensure.

The CAA operates under the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) as the accrediting branch that oversees many degree programs - online speech pathology programs included. ASHA is the overarching organization that oversees both program accreditation and clinical certification in the field of speech language pathology. ASHA issues Certificates of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), a standard licensing requirement and professional credential, to worthy SLP professionals.

ASHA Accreditation

One highly important factor to consider when looking for online speech pathology programs is whether or not the program is certified by ASHA. Discover information about ASHA directly from their website and discover an accredited top tier online speech pathology program with Speech@NYU from NYU Steinhardt.

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Why Earn Your Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Online?

There are many benefits to gaining a speech pathology masters degree online as opposed to the more traditional on campus format. For one, online slp degrees allow for the flexibility to take classes on your own schedule, often integrating class times that allow for students to hold full or part-time jobs on the side. Other reasons include being to access top tier universities regardless of location and commuting time savings.

Clinical Field Placements Where You Live

One of the main concerns students might have about enrolling in an slp program online is their inability to gain clinical training due to not being “on-location”. However, with the recent advances in online education, many programs now offer clinical field placement support systems that will work to place you in clinical settings near where you live. This is vital to developing competencies as a speech therapist and towards getting certified.

Certified Speech Language Pathologist Jobs and Career Outlook

After completing an online master’s degree in speech pathology, the next step is to get certified. The speech pathology certification will enable you to work with individuals who experience difficulty with verbal communication, disorders with fluency or swallowing and addressing speech impediments. Speech pathologists can work in elementary and secondary schools, occupational therapist practices, hospitals, nursing facilities or in their own private practice. Every state has its own certification requirements to become a speech therapist.

In addition to these common speech therapist roles, there are also specializations and different roles that a graduate from an online slp program can pursue, including:

  • Child language disorders
  • Fluency disorders
  • Swallowing disorders
  • Audiology

Discover more about how to start your career in Speech-Language Pathology and learn about the career outlook and earning potential for SLPs.

Speech Pathology Salary

The median annual salary for a speech therapist was $77,510 in 2018, according to the BLS. A variety of factors might influence the salaries of speech pathologists including location of practice, years of experience, and education level.

California State University Northridge

Overview:

California State University Northridge (CSUN)’s Doctor of Education in Speech Pathology is a three-year long program done with a cohort. This cohort program is 100% online and can be completed via distance learning. A supervised clinical education will also be required but can be done where the student resides.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 60
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Spring and Fall only
  • Program Options: Full and part-time options
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Program Format: 100% online, asynchronous coursework
  • Field Placement Information: Supervised clinical education is completed in the students’ areas of residence
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: GRE Scores Required

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Eastern Carolina University

Overview:

East Carolina University offers an online program in speech pathology with an onsite clinic to practice skills learned. Students will analyze and apply skills to the audio anatomy and work through clinical rotations. The research conducted in this program is guide through a mentorship with faculty as students progress to teach in a college or a university. The research learned is also utilized in their apprenticeship program.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 53
  • Concentrations/Specializations: Speech language pathology; Speech language audiology
  • Program Start Dates: Spring and Fall only
  • Program Options: Full and part-time options
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Program Format: 100% online, asynchronous coursework
  • Field Placement Information: Apprenticeship with a faculty member to guide and implement research; doctoral dissertation
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.5
  • GRE Requirements: GRE Scores Required

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James Madison University

Overview:

James Madison University offers an online cohort program for Speech Language and Pathology. This program focuses on academics as well as practical experience to help with communication and swallowing. This cohort allows students to take 2-3 courses per semester with the entire program completed in a three-year period. Full time employment is possible during coursework but may not be possible when involved in clinical rotations.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 45-47
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Summer
  • Program Options: Full and part-time options
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Program Format: 100% online, asynchronous coursework
  • Field Placement Information: Participate in a 6 week clinical placement on JMU’s Harrisonburg, VA campus; Participate in an additional 4 clinical placements under the supervision of a qualified SLP
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.25
  • GRE Requirements: No GRE Required

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Nova Southeastern University

Overview:

Nova Southeastern University’s SLP program has different options for delivery based on your location and availability. This program may be completed in eight terms but preferably within 12 semesters. Also, the program should be completed within six years. Students will learn to provide a full range of services to those who are communicatively disordered. Clinical labs and externships allow the students to put their research and skills into practice. Nova will make sure placements are within the residence of the student.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 53
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Winter
  • Program Options: Full and part-time options
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology
  • Program Format: Online and hybrid options
  • Field Placement Information: 400 supervised clinical contact hours
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: No GRE Required

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Idaho State University

Overview:

Idaho State’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program is evidence-based with a focus on clinical experience. Their online coursework takes 36 months to complete and includes a thesis option. The program also combines academic studies and research with their clinical rotations. Two on-campus rotations are required for completion of the degree.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 60-64
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Fall
  • Program Options: Full and part-time options
  • Accreditation Status: ASHA-accredited
  • Program Format: Online and hybrid options
  • Field Placement Information: Two on-campus clinical practicum experiences held during the summers
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: GRE "highly recommended"

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Texas Woman's University

Overview:

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) offers an online opportunity to obtain a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. The program allows students to work in Texas schools after graduation. This online program is cohort-based with meetings every other summer. Students are required to complete 43 hours plus six semesters of clinical practicum. Also, students must complete a comprehensive exam before obtaining a degree.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 43
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Summer
  • Program Options: Full and part-time options
  • Accreditation Status: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Program Format: Online
  • Field Placement Information: Six successful semesters of clinical practicum
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: GRE scores required

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University of Akron

Overview:

The University of Akron assists students in working with people in a variety of settings. Their distance learning option consists of eight consecutive semesters beginning each January. The next program begins January 2019. In addition to the coursework, a clinical rotation is required, and students must complete 400 hours of work. The hours will be monitored by a licensed pathologist.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: Not Available
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Winter
  • Program Options: Part-time option only
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Program Format: Online
  • Field Placement Information: 400 hours of clock hours supervised by licensed pathologists
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: GRE scores required

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University of Northern Colorado

Overview:

The University of Northern Colorado’s SLP program takes three years to complete. This program uses a clinical/researcher model to assist students in their studies. This part-time program allows students to continue working in their current setting as they assume responsibilities as a speech pathologist. Students are also required to meet on campus during the summer for 2-3 weeks during the first year. A full-time, 12-week clinical rotation is required during the final summer.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 63-75
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Winter
  • Program Options: Part-time option only
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
  • Program Format: Online
  • Field Placement Information: For each credit hour a student registers for, he/she must complete 25 hours of therapy in a clinical setting
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: GRE scores required

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University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Overview:

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers two different formats for completing the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students can complete the program full-time through residency or part-time through the online courses. The goal is for students to work independently as speech pathologists within the communication disorders field. There are three required residency summers sessions that are one week in length. Students also receive 2-6 credits per term. The required 54 credit hours are composed of 36 hours from courses taken and 18 hours from clinical rotations.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 54
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer (online cohorts begin in the summer)
  • Program Options: Part-time option only
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Program Format: Online
  • Field Placement Information: 18 credit hours of clinical coursework. Full-time clinical rotations completed in the final semester where the hours are split between schools and in medical environments
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 2.75
  • GRE Requirements: GRE scores required

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Western Kentucky University

Overview:

Western Kentucky University’s Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology can be completed on-campus or through distance learning (also cohort-based). The online option consists of all academic courses being presented via distance learning with clinical requirements that must be done onsite. This program is full-time including a 6 week summer internship during the second year and into the third. Following the internship, students are required to complete 2-3 externships that each last 16 hours or a semester long. The entire program can be done in 8-9 semesters.

Contact Information:

Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 60
  • Concentrations/Specializations: N/A
  • Program Start Dates: Fall
  • Program Options: Full-time option only
  • Accreditation Status: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Program Format: Online
  • Field Placement Information: Must be at externship site for a minimum of 420 hours within a 16 week semester time period for each externship
  • Minimum GPA to Apply: 3.5
  • GRE Requirements: GRE scores required

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