2022 Best Online Master's in Speech Pathology
Like many medical fields of study, speech pathology degrees can be taken online. Speech language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role in the lives of individuals suffering from certain language disorders. They use an understanding of social behaviors and physiology to help patients overcome their hearing, language, and speech impediments. In order to become a professional in this line of health care, students must first obtain their master's degree along with state-specific certifications and licenses.
Speech pathology programs online are widely available and easily accessible for those with a bachelor's degree in speech pathology or a similar field. Below you'll find our list of the best master's degree programs in speech pathology based on alumni salary
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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List Of Accredited Online Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida Online | |||
| Nova Southeastern University | 5,824 | 44 | $54,443 |
| Texas Woman's University | 4,265 | 64 | $57,521 |
| University of Northern Colorado | 1,808 | 58 | $56,601 |
| California State University - Northridge | 1,506 | 98 | $67,866 |
| Baylor University | 1,214 | 71 | $58,714 |
| University of Akron | 996 | 18 | $49,693 |
| James Madison University | 689 | 70 | $58,529 |
| University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire | 652 | 28 | $51,815 |
| Tennessee State University | 456 | 9 | $47,306 |
| Calvin University | 17 | 43 | $54,275 |
University of South Florida Online
- Salary Score: 54
- Median Starting Salary: $56,007
- Locations: Tampa (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of South Florida (USF) Online is a large, public institution offering a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Post-Baccalaureate Track), which has students taking core classes such as Dysphagia, Advanced Vocal Disorders, and Aphasia. On a full-time schedule — over the course of two years, 62 credits, and in-person clinical practicums — students study alongside experienced clinicians and scientists in the field of pathology to identify and assess communication disorders in patients.
USF Online offers coursework through Canvas. While the program is mostly online, the clinical practicums require local, in-person learning. Online students have access to the career resource center as well, where they can learn how to transition into full-time work as an SLP.
Nova Southeastern University
- Salary Score: 44
- Median Starting Salary: $54,443
- Locations: Fort Lauderdale (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a medium-sized, nonprofit institution with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Through 54 credit hours and 400 clinical hours, students learn a variety of technical and social skills to aid those with speech impediments, language disorders, and swallowing issues. The curriculum includes Communication Disorders in Infancy through Preschool, Language Disorders in Adults, and Voice Disorders, among other courses. Students will also have to complete an online capstone project aimed at reviewing important areas of content in the field.
NSU uses Canvas for this fully online program, which can be completed in three years on a flexible schedule. Keep in mind, students must also complete in-person clinical work in order to move forward with certification and become a professional SLP. Online student resources include an online bookstore, writing services, and tutoring.
Texas Woman's University
- Salary Score: 64
- Median Starting Salary: $57,521
- Locations: Denton (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Texas Woman's University (TWU) is a medium-sized, public institution with a two-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Students are required to finish 61 credit hours, which include courses such as Phonetics, School-Age Language, and Audiology. Students must also take a clinical practicum, which helps prepare them for clinical work in language and communication with adults and children.
TWU's online program can be completed in two years on a full-time schedule through their Canvas learning platform. Most work is completed digitally, but some in-person clinical work is also required. Online students have access to TWU's academic and career advising along with mental health counseling. With this degree, alongside the appropriate certificates, graduates can become working SLPs.
University of Northern Colorado
- Salary Score: 58
- Median Starting Salary: $56,601
- Locations: Greeley (CO)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has their own master's pathology program, which requires a minimum of 63 credits over the course of three years. The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the field through a clinical model of teaching. The courses are primarily online through Canvas and require laboratory and clinical practicum experiences among core classes, such as Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Communication and Articulation and Phonological Disorders in Children.
As a medium-sized, public university, UNC offers student resources including digital libraries and career readiness advice. Graduates may go on to accept entry-level work as an SLP.
California State University - Northridge
- Salary Score: 98
- Median Starting Salary: $67,866
- Locations: Northridge (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
California State University-Northridge's (CSUN) Master of Science in Communicative Disorders is a full-time, three year clinical study program requiring pediatric clinical practicums and an externship over the course of 63 credit hours. Students learn the fundamentals of speech pathology alongside scientific studies in related pediatric fields. Foundational classes include Voice and Disorders of Voice, Research in Communication Disorders, and Pediatric Audiology.
As a large, public institution, CSUN uses Canvas for their 100% online programs, including this master's degree. They also provide their online students with access to a range of services, such as academic advisement. Students may go on to pursue SLP certification.
Baylor University
- Salary Score: 71
- Median Starting Salary: $58,714
- Locations: Waco (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Baylor University (BU) is a medium-sized, private institution with a Master of Science in Communication - Sciences and Disorders requiring 45 credit hours. Some of the core classes include Speech and Sound Disorders, Aphasiology, and Dysphagia. Each class is designed to properly train you to become a professional clinician in speech pathology, priming you to assess, diagnose, and treat speech disorders. This program requires time spent in clinical practicum and a clinical internship, which may take students up to three years to complete on a full-time schedule.
At BU, students use Canvas to access their fully online coursework, save for internships and practicums. These require in-person learning. Student resources include tutoring and counseling services.
James Madison University
- Salary Score: 70
- Median Starting Salary: $58,529
- Locations: Harrisonburg (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
James Madison University (JMU) has a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, which focuses on teaching the certification requirements for the Council for Clinical Certification of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Forty-five credit hours are required alongside 375 hours of supervised clinical work as an SLP. Physiological & Acoustical Phonetics, Language Disorders in Adults, and Aging & Communication are all a part of the core curriculum which students can finish in three years on a full-time schedule.
JMU is a large, public university offering all students career and academic counseling. Canvas is their main learning management system, which allows students to take 100% online classes. Graduates of this online program may apply for certification as an SLP.
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
- Salary Score: 28
- Median Starting Salary: $51,815
- Locations: Eau Claire (WI)
- Accreditation: HLC
University of Wisconsin (UW) - Eau Claire is a medium-sized, public university offering a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a focus on speech-language pathology. This is a part-time, 54-credit-hour program that students can complete online within three years. Among the core classes — such as Aphasia and Related Disorders, Motor Speech Disorders, and Fluency Disorders — students must also complete 10 externship credit hours in a clinical setting as well as one residency program on campus.
UW uses Canvas as their primary digital learning management system. As a service, mental health counseling is also available for online students.
Calvin University
- Salary Score: 43
- Median Starting Salary: $54,275
- Locations: Grand Rapids (MI)
- Accreditation: HLC
The Master of Speech-Language Pathology from Calvin University (Calvin U) is a 72-credit-hour program that students can take on a full-time schedule over the course of three years. It offers real clinical experience through a practicum, which participants can set toward their certification to become a professional SLP. Core classes for this fully online program include Phonetics, Speech Science, Hearing Science, and Aural Rehabilitation — all of which are aimed at teaching students about language, neurological, and speech disorders.
Calvin U is a medium-sized, nonprofit, Christian university, which utilizes Moodle for its online learning coursework. Online students have access to a 24-hour technical support service.
Overview of Online Master's in Speech Pathology Degrees
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with both children and adults to resolve many types of communication disorders. Those who aspire to become speech professionals will need to earn a master's degree in the field, which they can accomplish through on-campus or online grad school for speech pathology. The degree may be called a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders, or something similar.
Most colleges that offer master’s degrees for speech pathology online require completing 61-64 credit hours, which typically includes about 18 credit hours of clinical practice courses. Some online SLP master’s programs are designed to be completed in one and a half years of full-time study, while others cater to working adults and are meant to be completed in two to three years of part-time study.
To be admitted into most SLP programs, applicants must have the following:
- A bachelor's degree
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
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- Letters of recommendation
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- Up to nine prerequisite courses in language development, phonetics, speech and hearing science, and diagnostics
Expert Advice
Expert Contributor
Throughout this guide to online speech-language pathology master's degrees, we've included expert analysis from Carrie Clark, who is the founder and owner of Speech and Language Kids, a website focused on the pediatric side of speech-language pathology. She has worked with children of all ages and ability levels for 13 years and has experience working in early intervention, early childhood education, private practice, and teletherapy. Through her membership program at The SLP Solution, Carrie helps thousands of speech-language pathologists by researching various topics or therapies in the field and creating quick and simple resources that break them down. Carrie and her team of mentors further support members by answering questions in the exclusive member groups and brainstorming ideas and solutions for challenging cases and situations.
Common Courses for an Online Speech Pathology Master's
In general, SLP master's students learn about anatomy, physiology, and the many types of communication disorders that can affect hearing, swallowing, and speech. Additionally, students learn about early intervention, assessment, diagnosis, and the development and implementation of treatment plans.
Early in an online program, they can expect to take the following core classes:
Language Disorders
This course introduces students to normal and disordered speech, hearing, writing, and language among adolescents and adults. Students may examine case studies and complete projects to get a more in-depth overview of the patterns of language disorders.
Pediatric Audiology
This course explores the various methods to work with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. In addition, students often learn the history of pediatric audiology and the experts who have contributed to EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention).
Articulation
This introductory course provides a basic overview of advanced speech and sound production studies among adolescents. Students also examine articulation disorders' etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Voice Disorders
This course provides real-life examples of what speech therapists and speech pathologists may encounter when providing therapy to patients with voice disorders. Students examine various case studies and learn the proper methods for assisting patients with speech-language disorders.
Evaluation and Diagnosis in Speech Pathology
In this course, students can expect to learn the principles and practices for performing in-depth diagnostic evaluations for patients with speech and language disorders. In addition, students examine intervention methods, diagnostics, and much more.
Later, students take elective courses, such as the following examples:
Pediatric Dysphagia
This comprehensive course provides students with the knowledge and skills to properly assess infants and children showing signs of feeding and swallowing challenges. In addition, students research case studies on pediatric dysphagia and engage in lab practices.
Autism
This course gives students an overview of what autism is and how it applies to speech pathology or speech therapy. In addition, students will learn about the latest autism research and practices or interventions to address mental health conditions.
Augmentative Communication
This course allows aspiring speech pathologists to get an overview of augmentative communication. Students can expect to learn about the various communication tools used to provide therapy to adolescents and adults with speech and language disorders. At some schools, students may use this course to obtain the Augmentative and Alternative (AAC) certificate.
Accredited speech pathology programs online also require students to complete hours of real-world experience. These experiential learning activities — known by different names, including clinical internships, clinical externships, practicums, or field experience — are invaluable opportunities to put theory into practice. In addition, students enhance their listening, diagnostic, and collaboration skills by working with children and adult clients. Many programs involve a part-time clinical practicum each academic term, plus a one-term, full-time practicum experience, which serves as a capstone to the program.
The Clinical Practice Requirement
When students complete online master’s degrees in speech-language pathology, they'll work with program staff to make arrangements for field placement. The objective is to find a recognized health care or educational facility where the student can work under the supervision of licensed speech pathologists.
Upon completing their clinical experience, students may be asked to pass an exam or complete a project to document that they have gained the appropriate skill level to become an SLP.
What To Know Before Entering the Speech Pathology Field
It can be hard to understand an SLP's potential education and career choices outside the field. However, as an experienced practitioner, Carrie Clark offers insight into her journey and those of her classmates and colleagues. Below are a few of the key points that Clark thinks prospective students should consider:
Patience and resilience are the most important skills for an SLP to develop and nurture. Clark notes, "Everyone is so unique. And even if they have the same disability or disorder, they present differently." SLPs may need to attempt multiple interventions before finding one that works, which requires patience and the fortitude not to get discouraged: "It's about trying something and failing and then trying something different and then failing and trying something different.".
For a flavor of what speech-language pathology involves, Clark says "the best thing you can do is get some real-world experience as early as possible." She suggests asking to shadow an SLP or volunteer to work with special needs children and adults. Because the demand for SLPs is outpacing supply, many in the profession are happy to introduce potential SLPs to the job. Clark recommends observing multiple SLPs who work within different settings and populations because "you might find your preferences are actually different from what you thought, and then you can guide your study in terms of which electives you take earlier on."
Speech-language pathology needs more diverse practitioners, starting with recruiting more diverse students to these programs. The field is 92% white and 96% female, which doesn't reflect the potential client pool. Clark offers, "We can't treat diverse populations if we are not a diverse workforce." Students from underrepresented backgrounds can seek support from minority student groups, trusted faculty members, and current practitioners. They can also contact professional groups, such as the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which hosts the Minority Student Leadership Program as a way to diversify the SLP workforce.
"When I see new speech-language pathologists coming into the field, what they struggle with is thinking that they should have all the answers. And you don't, you don't know what that client's going to need when they sit down in front of you. You really have to have patience with yourself and with your clients and then be able to try multiple things and not get discouraged when something doesn't work the way you thought it would right off the bat."
Accreditation
Students planning to earn a speech pathologist master’s degree online will want to enroll in an online program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The CAA is part of ASHA , the leading professional organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
A degree from a CAA-accredited SLP program is a requirement for licensure in most states, and it assures students they're enrolled in a credible, quality higher education program.
For a list of accredited online programs, students can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
Careers With an Online Master's in Speech-Language Pathology
Even an entry-level position as an SLP requires a master's degree and some type of state licensure or certification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the demand in this field is expected to increase by 29% through 2030, a projected growth rate much higher than that of other professions. The median annual income for speech-language pathologists is $79,060, with the highest-paid practitioners earning more than $125,560 annually.
The best-paying opportunities for SLPs are in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals, but there are many additional openings in private practices and schools.
Unfortunately, SLPs in schools tend to earn the least. Clark says these SLPs usually earn salaries and raises on the same schedule as a school's teaching staff. "The mean salary for this profession is great," she says. However, addressing the pay variance, she notes that "the medical setting pushes it up because you can work in a nursing home for $90,000 a year right out of the gate, but the schools are going to start you with $30,000 or whatever's the range for your area."
Clark acknowledges the differences in duties among patient care settings, which may influence where students apply for jobs once they graduate. For example, SLPs in hospitals "may be evaluating someone to see if they've had a cognitive change or if they're having language problems. They also may be working with somebody who has hearing loss. So it's very different based on who's in the hospital that day." SLPs generally don't treat hospital patients longer than a few weeks, whereas school SLPs "have the same set of clients for maybe the entire school year. You might have some clients that you even see for multiple school years, so you have much more consistency."
An online speech pathology master's program prepares graduates for many other occupations as well.
For example, SLPs can work as voice coaches and teach executives, politicians, and entertainers to speak well and use their voices frequently without straining their vocal cords.
Those who enjoy working with children may want to become special education teachers.
Graduates willing to pursue doctoral degrees can become academic professors, researchers in university or commercial laboratories, or audiologists, who treat hearing and balance problems.
ASHA notes that bilingual SLPs are in demand and may find additional job opportunities working as or in conjunction with interpreters.
What State Pays Speech Pathologists the Most?
According to the BLS, the state that pays the highest salary for SLPs is California. In this large coastal state, there are currently 14,150 employed speech pathologists, with the median annual wage being $102,650 among these professionals.
To plan for your financial future, read our article all about the salary of SLPs.
Licensure and Certification
To legally practice as a speech-language clinician, individuals must obtain a license from their state.
Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree or higher in speech-language pathology and 375-400 hours of supervised clinical experience. Some states also require applicants to complete a six- to nine-month full-time, paid clinical internship after earning their master's degree. Finally, applicants must pass the national Praxis exam in speech-language pathology, usually within one year of graduation. The fee for the initial licensing application also varies by state, ranging from about $105 to $220, and the Praxis exam fee is $146.
Licensed SLPs may also seek ASHA certification, known as the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). ASHA certification is an additional signal to clients and employers that an SLP has undergone rigorous training and demonstrated academic excellence. Certification fees vary from $286 to $511, depending on the applicant's circumstances.
Is There a Difference Between Speech Therapist and Speech Pathologist?
No, there isn’t any difference between speech therapists and speech pathologists. The terms are used interchangeably in this field, as they hold the same job responsibilities. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists require the same educational background and certifications to work. However, some professionals in this field prefer to be called speech therapists, as they provide forms of speech therapy.
Should You Get an MA or MS?
When pursuing speech-language pathology, you may want to consider whether you want your diploma to read as a Master of Arts or a Master of Science. These delineations typically mean that your degree focused more on the humanities or the sciences, respectively. If you want to take more language courses, a Master of Arts may be your best bet. But if you prefer to take more science classes, a Master of Science in Speech-language Pathology may be more relevant to your interests.
In general, your future employers likely won't be looking at your diploma's official title this closely, so it may not make a difference to them in terms of credibility. However, it will affect the emphasis of your chosen program's coursework as well as the school department you'll be affiliated with.
Usually, if you are earning a Master of Science, the program is part of your school's health sciences department. If the department is in special education or human services, on the other hand, the degree may read as Master of Arts instead.
Overall, it may be most helpful in this case to focus on the school you want to attend rather than the degree's exact title.
Do I Need a Doctoral Degree to Practice as a Speech Pathologist?
No, graduate students don't need to earn doctoral degrees to practice as speech pathologists. However, depending on their career goals, students who have earned master's degrees may want to consider pursuing one of the two types of doctoral degrees available in speech-language pathology:
A clinical doctorate prepares speech pathologists for advanced leadership roles in clinical settings, such as master clinician or a clinical administrator.
By contrast, a Ph.D. in speech pathology prepares students for research and teaching positions in academia.
Is a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology Worth It?
For students who want to make a difference in people's lives by becoming licensed speech-language pathologists, a master's degree from an accredited graduate school is essential. But is entering the profession worth the effort? Clark says she thinks it's "so worth it" but advises prospective students to examine the data around SLP education and employment.
For her part, Clark describes therapy breakthroughs as the most rewarding aspect of her work: "I can still remember every time that a child has spoken their first word in my session, because it moves you. I love being able to experience the joy that they experience."
"The breakthroughs make everything worth it because communication is key to life. If you're having trouble with it, or if you can't communicate, it breaks down everything. So being able to help people improve such a big, important part of their life is incredibly rewarding."
The worst part of the job, says Clark, is the tendency for employers to assign too many clients and the hefty workload that comes with this practice. SLPs usually have extra administrative hurdles depending on their care setting. "If you're a school SLP, there's paperwork and the IEP (Individualized Education Program) and bus duty and lunch duty and all of the other things that come along with working in a school setting," most of which don't involve speech therapy at all. "In the medical field, SLPs have certain kinds of paperwork and billing and insurance" along with other administrative tasks. "I typically see that described as the worst part of our profession," she says.
Before choosing a program, and particularly an online program in speech-language pathology, prospective students may want to weigh some of the pros and cons of earning a speech pathologist master's degree online:
Potential Benefits
SLPs earn considerable salaries. Once they've obtained a license to practice, SLPs can expect to earn salaries from approximately $51,310 to upwards of $125,560, which includes the lowest and highest 10% of earners in the field. Depending on where they live, they could earn even more.
SLPs face a bright job outlook. Due primarily to an aging population needing treatment for speech impairments following medical emergencies, like strokes, as well as medical advances improving survival rates, the BLS predicts that about 14,000 openings for SLPs will emerge over the next decade.
Online SLP programs give prospective students more options. By opting to pursue a speech-language pathology degree online, full-time working students can choose from a broader selection of SLP programs and price points without having to relocate and find a new job.
Potential Drawbacks
Connecting with peers can be more challenging in online programs. Due to the constraints of the distance learning environment, some online students may find it challenging to build a professional network that can be useful later in their careers.
Completing practicum requirements may require extra effort. Some online SLP students may have to work more diligently with program staff to find appropriate venues for meeting their supervised clinical practice requirements close to home.
SLPs usually don't have one single work environment , as their job often requires daily travel, like going from school to school. This may not be a good fit for those who like stability and their own workspace.
Bottom Line
An online master’s degree in speech pathology is designed to help students develop the skills to become speech therapists or speech pathologists. Each program explores language disorders, audiology, and articulation, to name a few areas. A career in speech pathology is not only a fulfilling role for those who aspire to help deaf or hard-of-hearing patients, but it can also be a lucrative profession.
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