Find the Best Speech Pathology Schools for You

With several accredited speech pathology master’s programs across the country, figuring out which is right for you may take some time. You want to make sure a program meets your standards. To do that, you can ask yourself the following questions: 

  • Is the program competitive? 
  • Will it adequately prepare you for your future career? 
  • Does the program offer full- and part-time enrollment options? 
  • Are classes held online or in person? 
  • Will you be able to fit other obligations into your schedule? 

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

The program cards, lists and tables featured on this page were last updated in January 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.   

Explore These Master of Speech Pathology Programs

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How To Choose the Best SLP Program 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 many 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. 

In addition to taking note of 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. 
  • Admission 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 instructors are highly qualified. 

While schools are also accredited by independent bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, it’s important to note that SLP programs are accredited separately. This is something to pay attention to when comparing different programs.

Are There Less Competitive Speech Pathology Graduate Programs?

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 candidates within 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. However, 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. Check your desired school’s website for information on prerequisites.

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 compared 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 master’s 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- or part-time learning:

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

Speech Pathology Programs With Multilingual Options

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:

Is speech pathology graduate school competitive?

When applying to competitive SLP programs, 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 résumé/CV that demonstrates relevant experiences (especially hands-on experience in speech-language pathology). Begin your application well ahead of the deadline to allow ample time for refinement and review.

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 may 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. Competitive private schools or highly ranked speech pathology schools may cost more.

Do SLP programs offer master’s degree specializations?

A number of 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. Apart from specific concentrations or specializations, you may study a variety of topics as part of your degree program, including autism, brain injuries, stuttering, developmental disorders and neurologic conditions.

Last updated October 2023