Find the Best Speech Pathology Schools For You

With hundreds of accredited speech pathology master’s programs available across the country, figuring out which is right for you may be a challenge. You want to make sure a program meets your standards. Is it competitive? Will it adequately prepare you for your future career? Is it full time or part time? Are classes held online or in person? Will you be able to fit other obligations into your schedule?

Here, we’ll explore the best speech pathology schools around the country to help you narrow down which programs would be the best fit for you. This page is for informational use only. Please contact each university for the most up-to-date information. Program data was collected from ASHA EdFind, a query tool on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website.

This page was last updated in January 2022.

How to Choose the Best SLP Programs for You
Are There Less Competitive Speech Pathology Graduate Programs?
Speech Pathology Master’s Programs, No GRE Required
Speech-Language Pathology Schools by State
Distance Learning and Part-Time Speech Pathology Master’s Programs
Speech Pathology Programs for Prospective Bilingual Speech Pathologists
Master’s in Speech Pathology FAQ

Explore These Master of Speech Pathology Programs

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How to Choose the Best SLP Programs for You

The path to becoming a speech pathologist comprises several steps, and choosing the best speech-language pathology (SLP) program for you is an important one. There are more than 300 options to choose from across audiology, speech-language pathology and speech, language and hearing science—so researching different avenues is key to mapping out your journey.

Beyond noting program costs, financial aid resources and differences in curriculum, you may also want to consider:

Your need for flexibility. Do you plan on studying full-time or part-time? Would you prefer to enroll in an online program or an in-person course of study?
Your desired career path and salary.
Your preferred work setting or area of specialization.
SLP licensure requirements for your state.
Optional certification requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).
Skills you want to develop, and how the program will help in this process.
Prerequisite courses or degree program requirements.
Admissions requirements including GPA minimums and GRE scores.

CAA-Accredited Speech Pathology Graduate Programs

When selecting an SLP program, program admissions counselors recommend that you focus on programs that are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). The CAA helps ensure that graduate programs for audiologists and speech-language pathologists provide quality education at the highest standards. CAA-accredited programs equip their students with the knowledge and core set of skills they’ll need when practicing professionally. Accreditation can also ensure that your teachers are highly qualified.

While schools are also accredited by independent bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, SLP programs are accredited individually. This is something to keep in mind when comparing different programs.

Are There Less Competitive Speech Pathology Graduate Programs?

Not all speech pathology programs are the same. When deciding between more and less competitive SLP graduate programs, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. Some SLP programs receive more applicants than others, which could affect your chances of being accepted. Learning about the basic admission requirements for each program you’re applying to can inform the steps you take to make your application stand out.

You must complete a bachelor’s degree program before applying to a master’s program. ASHA reports that although a specific degree isn’t required, individuals interested in becoming speech-language pathologists often obtain a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. If you choose a different major, you may have to complete prerequisite courses.

Some traditional and online SLP programs require a GRE score. Studying independently or through a structured program may help increase your likelihood of receiving a strong score.

While also an ASHA requirement for obtaining optional certification in the field, shadowing an SLP—or simply volunteering in the field—could be useful to aspiring SLPs as they prepare to apply to the program of their choice. Specifically, experience allows you to gain relevant knowledge and skills before officially starting your program, potentially making your application stand out from others.

Master of Speech Therapy Programs, Minimum GPA Accepted

It’s important to know the GPA requirements for different SLP programs, and whether or not candidates in your GPA range have historically been accepted into the program. Broaden your options by applying to multiple schools with different GPA requirements.

Speech Pathology Master’s Programs, No GRE Required

Traditionally, advanced degree programs have been known to require applicants to take the GRE test. But some have stopped requiring test scores for admission. Studies have shown that GRE scores and student success aren’t directly linked, as was once believed. Some schools allow prospective students to waive test results if they have previous relevant work experience or meet minimum GPA requirements.

Here is a list of universities with SLP programs that don’t require GRE scores, according to ASHA EdFind:

Andrews University
Calvin University
College of Saint Rose
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, San Marcos
Florida International University
Fontbonne University
Illinois State University
Loma Linda University
Nova Southeastern University
San Francisco State University
St. Ambrose University
Texas State University
Universidad Ana G. Mendez – Recinto de Gurabo
University of Central Oklahoma
University of Kansas
University of Minnesota, Duluth
University of Puerto Rico, San Juan

Speech-Language Pathology Schools by State

Speech pathologists make positive differences in the lives of those with speech and swallowing problems. They are licensed to diagnose, treat and work to prevent language or swallowing disorders—often working in hospital settings and schools to provide one-one-one treatment.

Depending on the speech pathology program, you can enroll as a part-time or full-time student and complete the program at your own pace. In addition to the required courses, supervised clinical training is expected as well as the passing of an exam for your license, depending on the state.

Once you have decided between speech pathology schools and which type of program you want to enroll in, you can decide where to apply. Here’s a list of SLP programs by state:

Alabama	Alabama A&M University Auburn University Faulkner University Samford University University of Alabama Tuscaloosa University of Montevallo University of South Alabama
Alaska	There are no graduate programs in SLP at this time
Arizona	Arizona State University Midwestern University Arizona Northern Arizona University University of Arizona
Arkansas	Arkansas State University Harding University University of Arkansas Fayetteville University of Central Arkansas
California	Biola University California Baptist University California State University Chico California State University East Bay California State University Fullerton California State University Long Beach California State University Los Angeles California State University Monterey Bay California State University Northridge California State University Sacramento California State University San Marcos Chapman University Loma Linda University Sacramento State University San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University University of Redlands University of Southern California University of the Pacific
Colorado	University of Colorado Boulder University of Northern Colorado
Connecticut	Sacred Heart University Southern Connecticut State University University of Connecticut
Delaware	University of Delaware
District of Columbia	Gallaudet University George Washington University Howard University University of the District of Columbia
Florida	Florida Atlantic University Florida International University Florida State University Gannon University Jacksonville University Nova Southeastern University University of Central Florida University of Florida Gainesville University of South Florida
Georgia	Georgia Southern University Georgia State University University of Georgia University of West Georgia Valdosta State University
Hawaii	University of Hawaii at Manoa
Idaho	Idaho State University
Illinois	Augustana College DePaul University Eastern Illinois University Elmhurst College Lewis University Governors State University Illinois State University Midwestern University Illinois Northern Illinois University Northwestern University Rush University Saint Xavier University Southern Illinois University Carbondale Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Western Illinois University
Indiana	Ball State University Indiana State University Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University South Bed Purdue University Purdue University Fort Wayne Saint Mary’s College
Iowa	Ambrose University University of Iowa University of Northern Iowa
Kansas	Fort Hays State University Kansas State University University of Kansas Wichita State University
Kentucky	Eastern Kentucky University Murray State University University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University
Louisiana	Louisiana State University New Orleans Louisiana State University Shreveport Louisiana State University and A&M College Louisiana Technical University Southeastern Louisiana University Southern University and A&M College University of Louisiana Lafayette University of Louisiana Monroe Xavier University of Louisiana
Maine	University of Maine Orono
Maryland	Loyola University Maryland Towson University University of Maryland College Park
Massachusetts	Boston University Bridgewater State University Emerson College MGH Institute of Health Professions Northeastern University Regis College University of Massachusetts Amherst Worcester State University
Michigan	Andrews University Calvin University Central Michigan University Eastern Michigan University Grand Valley State University Michigan State University Wayne State University Western Michigan University
Minnesota	Minnesota State University Mankato Minnesota State University Moorhead St. Cloud State University University of Minnesota Duluth University of Minnesota Minneapolis
Mississippi	Jackson State University Mississippi University for Women University of Mississippi The University of Southern Mississippi
Missouri	Fontbonne University Maryville University Missouri State University Rockhurst University Saint Louis University Southeast Missouri State University Truman State University University of Central Missouri University of Missouri
Montana	University of Montana
Nebraska	University of Nebraska Kearney University of Nebraska Lincoln University of Nebraska Omaha
Nevada	Nevada State College University of Nevada Reno
New Hampshire	University of New Hampshire
New Jersey	Kean University Monmouth University Montclair State University Rutgers University Seton Hall University Stockton University William Paterson University
New Mexico	Eastern New Mexico University New Mexico State University University of New Mexico
New York	Adelphi University” Buffalo State College College of Saint Rose CUNY Brooklyn College CUNY Hunter College CUNY Lehman College CUNY Queens CollegeHofstra University Iona College Ithaca College Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn and Post Mercy College Molloy College Nazareth College New York Medical College New York University, Steinhardt Pace University St. John’s University Syracuse University Teachers College, Columbia University Stony Brook University SUNY at Buffalo SUNY at Cortland SUNY at Fredonia SUNY at New Paltz SUNY at Plattsburgh Touro College Yeshiva University
North Carolina	Appalachian State University East Carolina University North Carolina Central University University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of North Carolina Greensboro Western Carolina University
North Dakota	Minot State University University of Mary University of North Dakota
Ohio	Baldwin Wallace University Bowling Green State University Case Western Reserve University Cleveland State University Kent State University Miami University Ohio State University Ohio University The University of Akron University of Cincinnati University of Toledo
Oklahoma	Northeastern State University Oklahoma State University University of Central Oklahoma The University of Oklahoma The University of Tulsa
Oregon	Pacific University Portland State University University of Oregon
Pennsylvania	Bloomsburg University California University of Pennsylvania Carlow University Clarion University Duquesne University East Stroudsburg University Edinboro University Indiana University of Pennsylvania LaSalle University Lebanon Valley College Marywood University Misericordia University Moravian University Pennsylvania State University Salus University Temple University Thiel College Thomas Jefferson University University of Pittsburgh West Chester University Widener University
Rhode Island	University of Rhode Island
South Carolina	Francis Marion University Medical University of South Carolina South Carolina State University University of South Carolina
South Dakota	University of South Dakota
Tennessee	East Tennessee State University Tennessee State University University of Tennessee University of Memphis Vanderbilt University
Texas	Abilene Christian University Baylor University Hardin-Simmons University Lamar University Our Lady of the Lake University Stephen F. Austin State University Texas A&M University, Kingsville Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Women’s University The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University of Houston University of North Texas University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas Health San Antonio University of Texas, Austin University of Texas, El Paso West Texas A&M University
Utah	Brigham Young University Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions University of Utah Utah State University
Vermont	University of Vermont
Virginia	Hampton University James Madison University Longwood University Old Dominion University Radford University University of Virginia
Washington	Eastern Washington University University of Washington Washington State University Western Washington University
West Virginia	Marshall University West Virginia University
Wisconsin	Concordia University Wisconsin Marquette University University of Wisconsin Eau Claire University of Wisconsin Madison University of Wisconsin Milwaukee University of Wisconsin River Falls University of Wisconsin Stevens Point University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Wyoming	University of Wyoming

Distance Learning and Part-Time Speech Pathology Master’s Programs

Distance learning speech pathology graduate programs typically offer scheduling flexibility to balance an education and full-time job. If you have other obligations during the week, a part-time program may be easier to fit into your busy schedule. Note that in many SLP programs, classes can be taken part time but practicum requirements may be full time.

The following universities offer distance learning speech pathology graduate programs or the option for full-time or part-time learning:

University	Location	Enrollment Type	Format	Study Length
Alabama A&M University	Alabama	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Arizona State University	Arizona	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Ball State University	Indiana	Full-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
California State University at Chico	California	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
California State University at Long Beach	California	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Calvin University	Michigan	Full-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
Lehman College	New York	Full-Time	Online	2.3 years
East Stroudsburg University	Pennsylvania	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Eastern Michigan University	Michigan	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Eastern New Mexico University	New Mexico	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
Eastern Washington University	Washington	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Florida Atlantic University	Florida	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
Hampton University	Virginia	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
Idaho State University	Idaho	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
James Madison University	Virginia	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Long Island University Brooklyn	New York	Full-Time	On-Campus	2.5+ years
Long Island University Post	New York	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Marywood University	Pennsylvania	Full-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
Mercy College	New York	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Northern Arizona University	Arizona	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
Oklahoma State University	Oklahoma	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Our Lady of the Lake University	Texas	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Rockhurst University	Missouri	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Samford University	Alabama	Full-Time	Hybrid	2 years
Southeastern Louisiana University	Louisiana	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Southern Connecticut State University	Connecticut	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale	Illinois	Full-Time	On-Campus	1.5+ years
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville	Illinois	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
St. Johns University	New York	Full-Time	On-Campus	3 years
State University of New York – New Paltz	New York	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Texas Woman’s University	N/A	Full-Time	Online	2 years
Truman State University	Missouri	Full-Time	On-Campus	N/A
University of Central Missouri	Missouri	Full-Time	On-Campus	3 years
University of Cincinnati	Akron, Ohio	Part-Time	Online	2 years
University of Houston	Texas	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	3 years
University of Kansas	Kansas	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2 years
University of Kentucky	Kentucky	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Marquette University	Wisconsin	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
University of Montana	Missoula, Montana	Full-Time	Online	2 years
University of New Mexico	New Mexico	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
University of Rhode Island	Rhode Island	Full-Time	On-Campus	2+ years
University of South Carolina	Columbia, South Carolina	Full-Time	Online	2+ years
University of South Florida	Florida	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
University of Texas at Dallas	Texas	Full-Time	On-Campus	1.5+ years
University of Texas at Dallas	Ohio	Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	N/A
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire	Eau Claire, Wisconsin	Full-Time	Online	3 years
Western Carolina University	North Carolina	Full-Time	On-Campus	2 years
Worcester State University	Massachusetts	Accelerated Full-Time Part-Time	On-Campus	2+ years

Speech Pathology Programs for Prospective Bilingual or Multilingual Speech Pathologists

If you plan to be a speech pathologist in a location where many of your patients may speak another language, a program with a bilingual or multicultural track may be beneficial for you. Bilingual speech pathology programs prepare students to understand the unique needs of bilingual patients. Similarly, multicultural SLP programs prepare professionals to understand how cultural aspects can influence patient needs.

Speech Pathology Programs with Bilingual Options

University	Location	Study Length
Abilene Christian University	Texas	2 years
Florida State University	Florida	2 years
Long Island University Brooklyn	New York	2.5+ years
Indiana University – Bloomington	Indiana	2 years
Marquette University	Wisconsin	2 years
San Diego State University	California	2 years
San Francisco State University	California	2 years
St. Johns University	New York	3 years
Stockton University	New Jersey	2 years
Texas Christian University	Texas	2 years
Texas Christian University	Texas	2 years
University of Redlands	California	2+ years

Speech Pathology Programs with Multilingual Options

University	Location	Study Length
Alabama A&M University	Alabama	2 years
Arkansas State University	Arkansas	1.5 years
Baldwin Wallace University	Ohio	2 years
Queens College	New York	2 years
California State University at Fullerton	California	2+ years
Florida Atlantic University	Florida	2+ years
Hampton University	Virginia	2+ years
Howard University	Washington, D.C.	2+ years
Maryville University	Missouri	2 years
Molloy College	New York	2 years
Moravian College	Pennsylvania	2 years
New Mexico State University	New Mexico	2 years
New York Medical College	New York	2 years
Oklahoma State University	Oklahoma	2 years
State University of New York – Fredonia	New York	2 years
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	Texas	3 years
University of Central Florida	Florida	2 years
University of Hawaii at Manoa	Hawaii	2 years
University of Northern Colorado	Colorado	2+ years
University of Rhode Island	Rhode Island	2+ years
University of the District of Columbia	Washington, D.C.	2 years
Wayne State University	Michigan	1.5 years

Speech Pathology Programs with Bilingual and Multilingual Options

University	Location	Study Length
Arizona State University	Arizona	2 years
Brooklyn College	New York	2 years
Lehman College	New York	2.3 years
California State University at Long Beach	California	2 years
California State University in Los Angeles	California	2 years
Elmhurst University	Illinois	2 years
Florida International University	Florida	2 years
Gallaudet University	Washington, D.C.	2 years
Harding University	Arizona	2 years
Hofstra University	New York	2 years
Kean University	New Jersey	2 years
Mercy College	New York	2 years
Nazareth College	New York	2+ years
North Carolina State University	North Carolina	2+ years
Our Lady of the Lake University	Texas	2 years
Portland State University	Oregon	2 years
Southern University	Louisiana	2 years
St. Ambrose University	Iowa	2 years
Columbia University	New York	2 years
Temple University	Pennsylvania	N/A
Texas Woman’s University	N/A	2 years
Touro College	New York	2 years
University of Arizona	Arizona	2 years
University of Delaware	Delaware	2 years
University of Houston	Texas	3 years
University of Maryland	Maryland	2 years
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis	Minnesota	2 years
University of New Mexico	New Mexico	2+ years
University of Oregon	Oregon	2 years
University of Texas at Austin	Texas	1.25 years
Western Illinois University	Illinois	2 years

Master’s in Speech Pathology FAQ

You may have questions even after you’ve chosen the best speech pathology school for you. Here are some common questions about SLP programs:

Is speech pathology graduate school competitive?

While applying for SLP programs may be competitive, there are various strategies that could help your application stand out. Be sure to put a lot of effort into your personal statement, ask for letters of recommendation from people who know you well and create a CV that demonstrates relevant experiences (especially hands-on experience in speech-language pathology). Start working on your application well in advance before it’s due so you have ample time to perfect it—this way, you can work toward having a higher likelihood of getting into the best speech pathology schools.

How long does it take to become a speech language pathologist?

To become a speech pathologist, an undergraduate degree and master’s degree are required in most states. Generally, undergraduate programs last four years. The majority of SLP master’s programs typically take two years to complete if you study full time. Hands-on training is also required to become a speech pathologist. After earning your degree, additional time will be needed to become certified by applying to ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.

How much does it cost to get a Master of Speech Pathology?

Costs can vary widely depending on the program. State schools may offer lower cost programs for in-state students. More competitive private schools or top speech pathology schools may cost more. This is something to keep in mind when weighing the potential salary of positions and speech pathology career locations you’re considering.

Do SLP programs offer master’s degree specializations?

Some SLP programs offer specializations. If you choose a concentration, you’ll take additional coursework to specialize in a certain area of the speech pathology field. Common concentrations and specializations include dysphagia, voice disorders and bilingual speech pathology. In addition to distinct concentrations or specializations, you may also study a variety of topics during your degree program, including autism, brain injuries, stuttering, developmental disorders and neurologic conditions.

Last updated January 2022.