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 |
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 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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.