The right online speech pathology graduate degree is different for everyone- it depends on your schedule, where you live, and how you learn best. To help make the decision on what program is best for you easier, we have compiled a list fully online speech pathology master’s programs as well as information on some of the factors you should take into consideration when choosing a program.
Featured Online Speech Pathology Programs
Earn your Online Master’s in Speech Pathology from Emerson College
Complete your Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in as few as 20 months.
Sponsored Program
Earn your Online Master’s in Speech Pathology from Baylor University
Complete your Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in as few as 20 months.
Sponsored Program
Earn your Online Master’s in Speech Pathology from NYU
Prepare for SLP licensure from anywhere in the country using a state-of-the-art online platform.
Sponsored Program
Accredited Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Programs
Below is a table comparing all of the ASHA accredited online graduate speech pathology programs.
| School | Live Classes1 | Mobile App (Offline Capable) |
Field Placement Services | Nationwide Availability2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| California State University, Northridge | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| East Carolina University | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Emerson College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Florida State University | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Idaho State University | No | No | No | Yes |
| James Madison University | Some | No | Yes | Yes |
| New York University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nova Southeastern University | No | No | Yes | No |
| Tennessee State University | Both | No | Yes | Yes |
| University of Akron | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| University of Cincinnati | No | No | Yes | No |
| University of Montana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| University of Northern Colorado | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| University of St. Augustine | No | No | Yes | No |
| University of Wisconsin Eau Claire | No | No | No | Yes |
| Western Kentucky University | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Last Updated: 1/10/20
1 Live classes are defined as classes where there are specific class times each week where students are able to log on and communicate with each other and the professor as the professor delivers a live lecture.
2 Programs that are considered nationwide may be unable to operate in specific states. Always check to make sure that you can enroll in an online program from the state you are in. Local programs are designed for students who live in state or within a certain radius of the school, often to address an SLP shortage in that area.
Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Program Descriptions
Emerson College, Online Master of Science in Communication Disorders
Program Length: This is a part time program that is completed over the course of 20-36 months. The total number of semester hours required is 54. There is both a 5 term and a 9 term track option.
GPA Requirement: Unspecified
Program Format: Classes for the online master’s are synchronous- students are able to speak with one another and the professor during live classes in a virtual “classroom”. The only on campus requirement is two immersions.
Online Prerequisites Offered: Yes
About the Program: Emerson’s Online master of Science of Communication Disorders brings the same curriculum as the school’s on-campus program online to prepare students to be generalists in the field who are able to work with both children and adults who experience communication challenges. With a 15 to 1 student to teacher ratio, this top ranked program has a 100% employment rate post graduation.
Sponsored Program
Program Length: This program can be completed in 5-10 semesters on a full or part time basis. A total of 45 semester hours are required.
GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher preferred
Program Format: Classes for this program are fully synchronous- students log into live lectures where they can see and speak to the professor and their classmates.
Online Prerequisites Offered: Yes
About the Program: Speech@Baylor offers online students the same curriculum that they would find right on the Baylor campus, preparing students to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults through innovative clinical work and an emphasis on evidence based practice.
Sponsored Program
New York University, Steinhardt, Online Master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Program Length: Full and part time options available that can be completed in 6-10 semesters, not including “foundation” or prerequisite courses. A total of 48 semester hours are required.
Important Dates: Start dates are offered in January, May, and September
GPA Requirement: 3.0, 3.2 in Communicative Sciences Disorders courses
Program Format: Classes for the online master’s in CSD are fully synchronous- students log into live lectures where they can see and speak to the professor and classmates. For this program, you are only required to be on campus for two 3-4 day clinical immersions that will serve as your first 2 practicum requirements.
Online Prerequisites Offered: Yes
About the Program: Speech@NYU’s curriculum prepares you to become a well-rounded speech-language pathologist and treat clients with a variety of communication disorders across the life span. With a diverse set of elective courses available, you have the opportunity to increase your knowledge in areas such as craniofacial anomalies, aphasia, and more.
Sponsored Program
Program Length: This is a part time program that takes 3.5 years to complete. A total of 63 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Applications are due in June. Program begins in the spring
GPA Requirement: 2.5, but above a 3.5 in CSD related coursework is suggested
Program Format: Classes for the online master’s in speech pathology are asynchronous. There are no on campus requirements
About the Program: CSUN’s Online Master of Science in Communicative Disorders allows you to complete practicum and clinical requirements within your community while completing your degree online. During the program, you will work with both adult and child populations, learning to treat a wide variety of communication disorders
Program Length: This program is only available full time and takes 3 years to complete. 54 total semester hours are required
Important Dates: Applications are due in January
GPA Requirement: 3.0, 3.2 in the area of study
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. Only on campus requirement is July orientation. If not matched to a clinical residency, some practicum may be completed on campus
About the Program: The ECU Online MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the same degree as the on-campus program in an online, asynchronous format. The program prepares students to treat patients for a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders in both children and adults
Florida State University, School of Communication Science and Disorders, Online Master’s Program
Program Length: This is a part time program that takes 3 years to complete. 61 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Applications are due in November. Program begins in the fall
GPA Requirement: 3.0 for “upper division classes“
Program Format: Classes are synchronous and there are no on campus requirements. One must be a resident of Florida to enroll in this program
About the Program: The FSU Online Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders was created specifically to address the speech-language pathologist shortage in Florida communities. The program prepares students to work as SLPs in a variety of settings and treat a variety of populations for a wide range of speech, language, and communication disorders
Program Length: This is a part time program that takes 3 years to complete. 60 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Applications are due in February. Program starts in August
GPA Requirement: 3.0 on most recent 60 credits
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. On campus requirements include 8 weeks during the first summer of the program and 1 week during the second summer
About the Program: Idaho State’s Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology teaches students the information and skills they need, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, to treat across settings, populations, and a variety of disorders
Program Length: This is a part time, 3 year, 45 semester hour program
Important Dates: A new cohort starts every other summer (odd years), with the application process opening the preceding fall
GPA Requirement: 3.25 in the major
Program Format: There is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes. On campus requirements include orientation and a practicum during the second summer
About the Program: The JMU online master’s offers students an opportunity to earn the education needed to become certified as an SLP while having the ability to take classes at home. The program has been around since 2013. The school offers a variety of clinical practicum experiences
Program Length: This is a full or part time program that takes 3 to 6 years to complete. 53 semester hours are required
Important Dates: There are summer, fall, and winter cohorts. Application due dates have changed year to year so it is best to check with the school
GPA Requirement: 3.0, B- or better in prerequisite courses
Program Format: Synchronous chats in GoToMeeting. On campus 3 day kickoff
About the Program: The Nova Southeastern University Online Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology trains future SLPs to work in a variety of settings with patients with a wide variety of speech and communication disorders. Must live further than 50 miles from campus to complete the program online
Program Length: This is a part time program that takes 8 semesters to complete. The total semester hours required is 53
Important Dates: Applications are due in July. Program begins in January of every odd year
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Program Format: Classes are either synchronous through Zoom or asynchronous through eLearn@Tnstate. Students may be required to go to campus for exams or activities best completed on campus. Two summer clinical practicum experiences are completed on campus as well
About the Program: Tennessee State’s online speech pathology program is designed for students who wish to become speech-language pathologists to be able to complete their education in an online format. While students may need to come to campus in instances where the professor deems in necessary, the program largely grants students the flexibility to complete the program where it is convenient for them
Program Length: This is a part time program that takes 8 semesters to complete. A total of 74 semester hours are required.
Important Dates: Applications are due in June. Program begins in January
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. There are no on campus requirements. Students may be enrolled from anywhere in the country.
About the Program: The online SLP program at the University of Akron is delivered in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati. Program outcomes include understanding theories and applications of speech-language pathology, learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat speech and language disorders, understanding research principles and evidence-based practice, understanding ethics, and awareness of professional issues in the field
Program Length: This is a full or part time program that takes 2 years to complete if done full time. 61 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Preliminary application due date is in March and full application is due in June. Program begins in January
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. Only on campus requirement is orientation at start of program. Must live within a few hours of the program
About the Program: The online SLP program at the University of Cincinnati is delivered in collaboration with the University of Akron. The program prepares students to treat of speech and language disorders across various settings and populations.
Program Length: This is a full or part time program that takes 2 or more years to complete. 68 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Applications are due in January. The program starts in the fall
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Program Format: Synchronous classes are completed at the same time as on campus students. You are able to interact with the class during lectures. Students must be on campus for the first clinical practicum
About the Program: The Online Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders at University of Montana allows students to participate in the on-campus program without being on the campus itself, thanks to web-broadcasting technology. Students can choose one of two plans of study, either focusing on developmental or acquired disorders
Program Length: A 3 year, 61 semester hour, part time program where you fulfill the requirement of working as an SLPA as you complete the program
Important Dates: Applications are due in February. The program begins in the fall
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. Students must be on campus for two weeks in July during the first summer
About the Program: University of Northern Colorado’s online speech pathology program gives students the skills they need to be speech-language pathologists, with emphasis on research design, evidence-based practice, and data analysis. According to the university, this program is especially a fit for speech-language pathology assistants working in public schools
Program Length: The program can be completed in 20 months. 53 credit hours are required
Important Dates: There are start dates in both the spring and fall. For spring, applications are due in October and classes start in January. For fall, applications are due in February and classes start in September.
GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher is preferred
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. Students must attend a 4-5 day campus requirement each term. Must live in the states listed here.
About the Program: While classes at the University of St. Augustine’s online SLP program are asynchronous, interactive activities, and video discussion, and on-campus requirements allow for many opportunities to collaborate with peers and speak with professors. The program also focuses on interprofessional learning, allowing opportunities to learn alongside students of other professions.
Program Length: This is a part time, 3 year program. 54 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Program begins in summer (June). Applications are due in the fall
GPA Requirement: 2.75, 3.25 in CSD coursework
Program Format: Classes are asynchronous. Students must attend 3 one-week residencies, 1 per summer, on campus
About the Program: The EWEC SLP program offers students more flexibility but the same rigorous education that is offered through the university’s on campus program. The program will prepare you to be a generalist in the field who can treat across populations, settings, and conditions
Program Length: The program that can be completed in 8-9 semesters. 60 semester hours are required
Important Dates: Applications are typically due in February. Classes start in the fall semester (August)
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Program Format: Classes are synchronous. Students are required on campus for 1 six week clinical internship and for a clinical externship as well
About the Program: Western Kentucky University’s Online Master of Science in Communication disorders evolved from a collaborative distance master’s degree launched between 5 schools back in 1999. Today, the WKU program is delivered through Blackboard and Adobe Connect Pro so that coursework can be completed in a synchronous manner.
Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Program Admissions Requirements
Before you start applying to online slp programs, make sure you meet the program’s admissions requirements. Requirements will vary by school, but will often include:
- Prerequisite coursework (many programs have either a separate program for completing prerequisites, or offer them as past of the master’s program).
- Bachelor’s degree
- GPA: online slp programs are competitive and many require a 3.0 GPA
- GRE test scores
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Resume
- Personal statement
Learn more about how to become a speech-language pathologist.
Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Accreditation
A majority of states require an aspiring speech-language pathologist SLP to get his or her master’s in speech pathology from a program accredited by or equal to standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and its accrediting body, the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). It is important to know what your state requires in terms of accreditation so that you can choose a program that is valid for licensure in your state.
Also, if you are interested in earning ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), you will need to attend a CAA accredited graduate SLP program. This certificate is only required by a handful of states, but according to ASHA it can make you eligible for salary supplements in some states and school districts even if it is not required.
Not all online speech-language pathology master’s programs are created equal, so accreditation or pending accreditation is a good indicator that the program you are applying to is high quality.
Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Classes: Live vs Non-Live
Are you looking for classes where you can watch lectures in real time and ask professors and classmates questions? Some online master’s in speech pathology programs will offer synchronous courses like this, while others will be taught in an asynchronous format where you watch pre-recorded lectures or learn in a way that is not lecture based at all. There are also a few hybrid options available, where online learning and in class lectures are both part of the program. Think about how you learn best and choose an online SLP program accordingly.
Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Field Placement Services
The practicum is an integral part of a master’s in speech pathology, often requiring 400+ hours of work in clinical settings. Depending on the program, placement services typically offered to on campus students may not always extend to online speech-language pathology students living further away from campus. Online SLP programs offer varying levels of field placement services to help secure clinical sites for online students. Some programs will require that these students find placements on their own. Other programs will use the connections they have to find placements for online SLP students who are geographically close to the school, but may not have the ability to place students who are further away. There are also programs that are able to place students in a practicum site no matter where the student is located.
Some online SLP graduate programs require that some practicum hours are completed at on-site clinics, so students may need to travel to the school for up to several weeks to complete those portions of the practicum. Think about what level of assistance you will want when securing your placements, and how much you are able to travel if you do indeed need to go to campus for portions of the online program.
Full vs Part Time Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs
Part time online SLP master’s programs spread coursework out over more semesters as a way to allow you more time for work or other commitments. Remember that no matter what type of online program you choose, there is usually less flexibility during practicum components. You may need to either be away from work for several weeks at a time to get clinical hours in, or be able to work at a practicum site multiple days per week over a semester. Each program is different.
Is the Online SLP Master’s Program Offered in Your State?
Some online master’s in speech pathology programs are only offered to in-state students, usually designed to address a shortage of speech professionals in the area. Other times, a program may be offered nationwide but might not be able to operate in a few areas due to legal reasons. Make sure you are eligible to participate in the programs you apply to based on your location.
Why Get a Master’s in Speech Pathology Online?
Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs Offer Flexibility
Online speech pathology master’s programs offer you the flexibility to go to class wherever you are. During semesters where there are no clinical hours, online SLP curriculums often make it easier to balance work and class. Many programs have options to go to school full or part time so you can choose a schedule that works best for you.
Online Master’s Programs in Speech Pathology are Competitive
Accredited online speech pathology graduate programs have to meet the same standards as on campus programs- meaning that they will offer curriculums with the same rigor required by both ASHA and many state licensure boards. These programs often have on campus counterparts, sourcing the same curriculums and even faculty. Aside from the fact that you can be in class and in your home at the same time, some programs are essentially the sames one that you would experience on campus.
Demand for Speech Pathologists is High
It is a good time to become a speech pathologist, with demand for the profession predicted to grow 27% between 2018 and 2028 (5 times the national average), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is due to a number changes occurring across all age groups as identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- The baby boomers are growing older, and strokes, dementia and other illnesses associated with aging will increase the occurrence of speech-language disabilities in older Americans.
- The increase in autism diagnoses has led to a need for more SLPs to treat social communication disorders in schools.
- A higher awareness of stuttering and other speech impairments in children has increased the need for SLPs in school aged children.
- Medical advancements are improving survival among premature babies and stroke victims, two populations who are more likely to have speech disorders.
Because of the high demand, a speech pathology graduate degree may offer job security.
Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs Lead to a Wide Range of Career Options
Speech pathology careers offer a variety of experiences – you can work in different settings, with different populations, and can choose to focus on a wide or narrow range of communicative science disorders. A master’s in SLP is certainly a degree where you can either see something new every day, or choose to master a specialty that interests you.
Speech Pathology is a Rewarding Field
Communication is an essential part of life – how we express feelings, bond with others over conversation, and create plans to work towards our goals and dreams. It can be very rewarding to help others who are not able to speak so easily to communicate in ways they previously weren’t able to, or recover lost communication abilities. With every client in speech pathology, you are helping someone speak, swallow, organize their thoughts, or improve communication in another way that greatly impacts his or her life.
SLPs Need a Graduate Degree
To become an SLP in any state, you need at least a master’s degree in the field, so pursuing this degree is essential.
Interviews With Online Speech Pathology Masters Programs Professors
- Professor Sherry Foldvary, CSU Northridge
- Dr. Carol Dudding, James Madison University
- Professor Nicole Kolenda, NYU
- Dr. Abby Hemmerich, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
- Dr. Jean Neils-Strunjas, Western Kentucky University