The online Master of Science in Communicative Disorders degree at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a 41-month program that prepares students to go into the field of speech-language pathology. A clinical practicum and externship are also part of the program, and online students are placed at sites near their communities. A total of 63 semester units are required,
Best Online Speech Pathology Master's Programs
By the OnlineU team | Updated 11/18/2021
The 9 schools offering top online master's degrees in speech pathology have ROIs ranging from $440,200 to $658,300. We calculated ROI by looking at earnings among graduates over 10 years and subtracting student debt payments. By evaluating income and debt over time, ROI indicates whether earning a degree may be profitable in the long term. California State University-Northridge is the top-ranked school on our list with an ROI that is higher than the national average by $137,800.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge | $17,472 | $68,931 | $41,244 | $658,300 | |
| James Madison University | $23,389 | $59,756 | $30,500 | $577,200 | |
| Texas Woman's University | $19,445 | $58,823 | $41,000 | $554,500 | |
| Baylor University | $41,055 | $57,318 | $42,950 | $536,600 | |
| University of South Florida Online | $23,945 | $57,149 | $50,160 | $525,900 | |
| University of Northern Colorado | $12,600 | $52,733 | $48,152 | $482,900 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $12,600 | $50,717 | $36,438 | $476,800 | |
| University of Akron | $14,147 | $47,520 | $34,495 | $446,300 | |
| Nova Southeastern University | $25,977 | $53,384 | $87,796 | $440,200 |
Best Master's Degrees in Speech Pathology Rankings Details
#1
California State University-Northridge
Northridge (CA)
- 10-Year ROI: $658,300
- Median Salary: $68,931
- Annual Tuition: $17,472
- Median Debt: $41,244
#2
James Madison University
Harrisonburg (VA)
- 10-Year ROI: $577,200
- Median Salary: $59,756
- Annual Tuition: $23,389
- Median Debt: $30,500
The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree at James Madison University (JMU) is a three-year program composed of two to three courses each semester. Through coursework and clinical practicums, students learn how to diagnose and address communication disorders in children and adults. In addition to coursework, online students are required to attend a two-day
#3
Texas Woman's University
Denton (TX)
- 10-Year ROI: $554,500
- Median Salary: $58,823
- Annual Tuition: $19,445
- Median Debt: $41,000
Texas Woman's University (TWU) offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. During this 61-credit hour online program, students will study prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common speech and auditory issues in children and adults. The program, which includes 18 practicum hours, can be completed in as little as 27 months. Students in the program
#4
Baylor University
Waco (TX)
- 10-Year ROI: $536,600
- Median Salary: $57,318
- Annual Tuition: $41,055
- Median Debt: $42,950
Baylor University (BU) offers an online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Students learn best practices in assisting patients with disorders associated with hearing, swallowing, and speaking. Students are required to complete 45 credit hours, including required courses and electives. The online program
#5
University of South Florida Online
Tampa (FL)
- 10-Year ROI: $525,900
- Median Salary: $57,149
- Annual Tuition: $23,945
- Median Debt: $50,160
The College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida (USF) offers a nine-semester online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The program's Suncoast track is geared toward working speech-language professionals in the Suncoast Consortium school system. Students in the online Suncoast program must remain employed with one of the collaborating
#6
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley (CO)
- 10-Year ROI: $482,900
- Median Salary: $52,733
- Annual Tuition: $12,600
- Median Debt: $48,152
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) offers an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. This program requires 63-75 credits and takes three years to complete. To participate in the online program, students also must be employed as an SLPA or have a Temporary Teacher Endorsement. Students who complete the master’s in speech pathology online program can go on to earn
#7
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire (WI)
- 10-Year ROI: $476,800
- Median Salary: $50,717
- Annual Tuition: $12,600
- Median Debt: $36,438
The online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a part-time, three-year program designed to give speech pathologists the tools and academic pedagogy needed to advance their careers. The program requires 54 graduate credit hours in total, including 40 hours of coursework and 14 hours of clinical application.
#8
University of Akron
Akron (OH)
- 10-Year ROI: $446,300
- Median Salary: $47,520
- Annual Tuition: $14,147
- Median Debt: $34,495
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Akron is a 74-credit hour online degree program. Students who have completed post-baccalaureate coursework in speech-language pathology and audiology from an accredited university can enter the program, which spans eight semesters. Beginning in the third semester, students must complete five clinical practicums.
#9
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale (FL)
- 10-Year ROI: $440,200
- Median Salary: $53,384
- Annual Tuition: $25,977
- Median Debt: $87,796
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The online program requires 53 credits for completion, including 42 credits for core courses. The program curriculum includes an array of courses on speech disorders and language disorders. Students take related electives chosen from a range of options, and they participate in clinical
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 graduate programs. The degree may be called a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders, or something similar.
Most SLP master's programs require the completion of 61-64 credit hours, which typically includes about 18 credit hours of clinical practice courses. Some online speech pathology 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 years to three years of part-time study. Accredited master's programs in speech-language pathology prepare students to meet licensing and certification requirements after graduation.
To be admitted into most SLP programs, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and will need to submit transcripts from their undergraduate institution, as most schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Other application requirements may include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Many online programs also require students to have taken up to nine prerequisite courses in language development, phonetics, speech and hearing science, and diagnostics. If these courses were not taken while earning a bachelor's degree, graduate applicants may need to fulfill these course requirements before enrolling in a master's degree program.
In this guide to online speech-language pathology master's degrees, we've included expert analysis from Carrie Clark, a licensed SLP and founder of Speech and Language Kids.
Meet Our Expert
Carrie Clark
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Carrie Clark 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. She loves the challenge of problem-solving, but her superpower is breaking down complex topics into step-by-step plans that are easier to follow. Through her membership program at The SLP Solution, Carrie helps thousands of speech-language pathologists by digging through the research on various topics or therapies in the field and creating quick and simple resources that break it all down. Carrie and her team of mentors further support members by answering questions in the exclusive member groups and brainstorming ideas and solutions for tough cases and situations.
Curriculum
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 classes such as:
- Language disorders
- Pediatric audiology
- Articulation
- Voice disorders
- Evaluation and diagnosis in speech pathology
Later, students take required and elective courses such as:
- Pediatric dysphagia
- Autism
- Fluency disorders
- Aphasia
- Augmentative communication
- Neuromotor speech disorders
Accredited speech pathology programs also require students to complete a minimum number of 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. By working with children and adult clients, students enhance their listening, diagnostic, and collaboration skills. 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.
How Do I Fulfill the Clinical Practice Requirement for an Online Master's in Speech Pathology Program?
When students are completing SLP degrees online, they'll work with program staff to make arrangements for field placement. The objective is to find a recognized healthcare 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 level of skill.
What to Know Before Entering the Speech Pathology Field
It can be hard to understand an SLP's potential education and career choices from outside the field. As an experienced practitioner, Carrie Clark can offer 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 to not get discouraged: "It's about trying something and failing and then trying something different and then failing and trying something different," she adds.
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, which starts by recruiting more diverse students to these programs. Currently, 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."
Carrie Clark
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Accreditation for Master's in Speech Pathology Programs
Students planning to earn a graduate degree in speech-language pathology will want to enroll in an online program that has been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The CAA is part of the ASHA , which is the leading professional organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. To become accredited, an online speech-language pathology program must undergo a comprehensive analysis of its curriculum, learning outcomes, and faculty. All aspects of the program must meet national standards for academic rigor and quality.
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.
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.
Licensing requirements typically include a master's degree or higher in speech-language pathology and 375-400 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Licensed SLPs may also want to 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.
Careers with a Speech-Language Pathology Degree
Even an entry-level position as a speech-language pathologist requires a master's degree, as well as some type of state licensure or certification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand in this field is expected to increase by 29% through 2030, a projected growth rate that is much higher than that of other professions. The median annual income for speech-language pathologists is $80,480, with the highest-paid practitioners earning more than $122,000 per year.
| The demand in this field is expected to increase by 29% through 2029, a projected growth rate that is much higher than that of other professions. |
The best-paying opportunities for speech pathologists are in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals, but there are many additional openings in private practices and schools. SLPs in schools tend to earn the least. Clark says that 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 degree in speech-language pathology prepares graduates for a number of 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.
Will I Need to Get a Doctoral Degree to Practice as a Speech Pathologist?
No, it is not necessary for graduate students 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 a master clinician or clinical administrator. By contrast, a Ph.D. in speech pathology prepares students for research and teaching roles in academia.
Is an Online Speech-Language Pathologist Degree 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," she says. "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."
Carrie Clark
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
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 this degree:
Potential Benefits
- SLPs earn considerable salaries. Once they've obtained a license to practice, SLPs can expect to earn salaries in the range of $71,410 to $95,010.
- 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 the survival rate of these patients, the BLS predicts that 45,400 new jobs will emerge in 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 difficult 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 completing their supervised clinical practice requirements that are close to home.
In the end, after considering the advantages and disadvantages of the career itself and the educational paths for obtaining an SLP degree, prospective online students must make a decision based on their own circumstances, resources, and goals.
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