2023 Best Online Master's Degrees 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.
Nova Southeastern University
- Locations: Fort Lauderdale (FL)
- Annual Tuition: $34,570
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a 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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
- Avg. Aid Package: $23,747
- Repayment Rate: 97%
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Recommend Rate: 83%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
- Undergraduate Online: 336 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 5,468 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 37 enrolled
University of Cincinnati
- Locations: Cincinnati (OH) (and 1 other)
- Annual Tuition: $27,932
The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a large, public, four-year institution that offers an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, and the aim of this degree is to prepare students in the program for becoming SLPs. The online program is designed for working professionals to continue their employment during the first half of their program if they choose. It takes part-time students approximately three years (eight semesters) to finish. Importantly, a requirement for admission into this master's program is that prospective students must live within four hours of the university.
This online master's program in speech-language pathology delves into various communication disorders and includes some practicum experience, so students can apply the skills they learn. Graduates end up working in a wide array of settings, from hospitals and schools to government health agencies and rehabilitation centers. Some required classes include Syntax of Language, Language Disorders in Early Childhood, Advanced Phonetics, and Neurogenic Speech Disorders.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 85%
- Avg. Aid Package: $6,980
- Repayment Rate: 90%
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Recommend Rate: 86%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 4,382 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 4,691 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 999 enrolled
Texas Woman's University
- Locations: Denton (TX)
- Annual Tuition: $18,186
Texas Woman's University (TWU) is a 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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
- Avg. Aid Package: $8,996
- Repayment Rate: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- . ' >Recommend Rate: 95%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 3,094 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 3,820 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 36 enrolled
University of South Florida Online
- Locations: Tampa (FL)
- Annual Tuition: $17,324
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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
- Avg. Aid Package: $9,965
- Repayment Rate: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Recommend Rate: 93%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 6,434 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 3,379 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 356 enrolled
California State University - Northridge
- Locations: Northridge (CA)
- Annual Tuition: $18,923
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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 85%
- Avg. Aid Package: $10,882
- Repayment Rate: 92%
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Recommend Rate: 92%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 25,438 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 3,179 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 39 enrolled
Baylor University
- Locations: Waco (TX)
- Annual Tuition: $50,232
Baylor University (BU) is a 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 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 a 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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
- Avg. Aid Package: $21,460
- Repayment Rate: 95%
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Recommend Rate: 98%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
- Undergraduate Online: 280 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 2,734 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 48 enrolled
University of Northern Colorado
- Locations: Greeley (CO)
- Annual Tuition: $23,785
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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
- Avg. Aid Package: $8,308
- Repayment Rate: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Recommend Rate: 73%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 440 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 1,397 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 34 enrolled
James Madison University
- Locations: Harrisonburg (VA)
- Annual Tuition: $29,564
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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 58%
- Avg. Aid Package: $9,594
- Repayment Rate: 98%
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Recommend Rate: 98%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 456 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 647 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 35 enrolled
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
- Locations: Eau Claire (WI)
- Annual Tuition: $17,149
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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 80%
- Avg. Aid Package: $3,571
- Repayment Rate: 96%
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Recommend Rate: 94%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 270 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 561 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 27 enrolled
Tennessee State University
- Locations: Nashville (TN)
- Annual Tuition: $21,692
Tennessee State University (TSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences for students who have completed either a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or at least 15 hours of prerequisite coursework in the discipline. Graduating from TSU with this online degree requires completing 53 credit hours, which may take a little over two years of full-time attendance.
TSU delivers its online curriculum via eLearn. Distance learners completing the online master's degree in speech and hearing sciences take courses such as Studies in Language Disorders, Organic Speech Disorders Dysphagia, Multicultural Literacy and Cultural Diversity, and Adult Aphasia. Coursework helps prepare students for career advancement and it's required to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and become a licensed SLP. Students must also complete a practicum before they can graduate.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 73%
- Avg. Aid Package: $11,763
- Repayment Rate: 89%
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Recommend Rate: 82%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 885 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 390 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 428 enrolled
University of Akron
- Locations: Akron (OH)
- Annual Tuition: $11,880
The University of Akron (UA) is a public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati (UC), enabling students to complete courses from each school to fulfill degree requirements. This is a competitive 74-credit program, with each school accepting a maximum of 22 students. It generally takes full-time students three years to graduate. The program is designed to create a pool of culturally-responsive SLPs who are competent in areas of communication, cognition, and swallowing.
UA uses Brightspace to deliver its online coursework and instruction, while UC uses the software Canvas. The online speech-language pathology curriculum includes the following courses: Language Disorders in Early Childhood, Speech Sound Disorders, Neuroscience for Communicative Disorders, and Advanced Phonetics. Students must also complete externships and an externship seminar.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
- Avg. Aid Package: $7,341
- Repayment Rate: 87%
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Recommend Rate: 87%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 935 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 319 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 313 enrolled
Calvin University
- Locations: Grand Rapids (MI)
- Annual Tuition: $38,240
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.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
- Avg. Aid Package: $24,410
- Repayment Rate: 98%
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Recommend Rate: 88%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
- Undergraduate Online: 3 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 85 enrolled
- Certificate Online: N/A
List Of Accredited Online Speech Pathology Schools
School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
---|---|---|
Nova Southeastern University | ||
University of Cincinnati | 4,691 | $27,932 |
Texas Woman's University | 3,820 | $18,186 |
University of South Florida Online | 3,379 | $17,324 |
California State University - Northridge | 3,179 | $18,923 |
Baylor University | 2,734 | $50,232 |
University of Northern Colorado | 1,397 | $23,785 |
James Madison University | 647 | $29,564 |
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire | 561 | $17,149 |
Tennessee State University | 390 | $21,692 |
University of Akron | 319 | $11,880 |
Calvin University | 85 | $38,240 |
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