Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Browse Reputable Online Master’s Programs

As a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), you’ll have the power to help children and adults struggling with non-verbal and verbal activities, including articulation, literacy, social communication, cognitive communication and swallowing. 

To pursue national certification and licensure as an SLP, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree from a program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 

BACHELOR’S DEGREE REQUIRED TO APPLY

ASHA-ACCREDITED PROGRAMS

These programs are operated by 2U

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Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Emerson College, a respected leader in the communications field for more than 100 years, is dedicated to shaping the lives of children and adults facing speech, language and swallowing challenges — and addressing the needs of their families and caregivers. 

  • Time to Complete: 20 months (five-term track) or 36 months (nine-term track) 
  • In-Person Learning: Two weekend on-campus immersions 
  • Placement Requirements: 400 hours of clinical placement 

GRE scores are not required for the upcoming cohort. 

Learn More About Emerson’s SLP Program

SPONSORED

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Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

World-renowned New York University (NYU) offers an online master’s program from NYU Steinhardt, integrating education, communication, health and the arts for social change. The program is designed for aspiring SLPs who want to serve in a global society and provide person-centered care to diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders. 

  • Time to Complete: Six terms (full time) or eight terms (part time)
  • In-Person Learning: Two on-campus clinical immersions 
  • Placement Requirements: 400 hours of clinical placement 
  • Study Abroad Opportunity: Two options — Ghana or Sweden  

No GRE Required

Learn More About NYU Steinhardt’s SLP Program

SPONSORED

Why Speech-Language Pathology?  

SLPs have the opportunity to provide immediate life-changing support, in a variety of settings, to those struggling to communicate or swallow. There is a real need for SLPs: Life expectancy is increasing as baby boomers age, and early intervention for children with communication and cognitive disorders is becoming more prevalent. 

Speech-language pathologist is ranked No. 9 on U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs list.1 U.S. News uses common attributes such as pay, stress level, career advancement opportunities and work-life balance to rank the best jobs of 2025.

33,300

projected jobs2

$95,410

median salary2

18%

projected employment growth from 2023 to 20332

Become an SLP and work in private and public schools, and healthcare facilities including private practices, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. You can make a difference in your community.

Image block above represents 13,300 projected job openings per year, a median salary of $95,410 and a projected employment growth of 18% from 2023 to 2033.

1 100 Best Jobs. (2025). U.S. News & World Report. Accessed May 22, 2025.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

2 Speech-Language Pathologists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed May 22, 2025. Return to footnote referencearrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference