The best online speech pathology programs – 2024

Cat got your tongue? The ability to express oneself through language is something most people take for granted, but struggling to do so can have serious repercussions in all aspects of life. That’s where speech-language pathologists (SLPs) come in.

SLPs diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders for people of all ages, particularly children and the elderly.

A career as an SLP can be both personally rewarding and economically lucrative; even better, many top-notch master’s problems are available mostly online.

To help you earn an SLP master’s without taking on more debt than you need, we have ranked the best online speech pathology programs in 2024 by value for money.

These top online SLP master’s programs provide the optimal combination of affordability and high earning potential.

Speech pathologist education

Schooling for speech-language pathologists involves a master’s degree.

Most speech pathologist master’s programs last 2 or 3 years, although you may need 4 years to complete your degree if you study part time.

Note that you may have to take some prerequisite “leveling” courses before beginning your master’s program.

You will also need to pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and complete a 9-month post-graduate clinical fellowship, after which you can apply for state licensure and ASHA certification.

Note on CAA accreditation for SLP programs

SLP programs should be accredited by the CAA, a subsidiary of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). All programs on our list of best online SLP master’s programs are CAA accredited.

Graduating from a non-accredited program may make it impossible to achieve state licensure as a speech-language pathologist after graduation.

How “online” are online SLP programs?

The online programs on this list allow you to complete coursework, listen to lectures, and participate in seminars from home.

However, all SLP programs have a practical, hands-on component that you can’t do from your couch.

As such, many ostensibly online programs may require you to come to campus for several weeks during the summer for a practicum. For others, you will be able to complete externships or practica in your local community.

Some universities may even want you to come to campus to take exams.

All “online” SLP masters involve some degree of hybrid learning.

Are online SLP master’s degrees respected?

Yes. Online SLP degrees command just as much respect on the job market as on-campus programs. 4 years after graduation, earnings outcomes for online vs on-campus degrees are almost identical.

According to IPEDS data, graduates of online programs earn $61,961 per year on average 4 years out, whereas graduates of traditional programs earn $62,384.

» Also read: 20 online degrees that pay well

Are online SLP master’s degrees cheaper?

There isn’t much of a price difference compared to traditional degrees. The average online SLP grad leaves their master’s program with a debt burden of $64,183, compared to $54,079 for on-campus programs according to IPEDS.

Admission requirements for online SLP programs

A typical application package for an online SLP mater’s program looks something like this:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Many universities also have the following admissions requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (most programs look for a much higher GPA)
• Observation hours completed before the program’s start
• GRE scores
• TOEFL scores for international students

Completion of undergraduate coursework in statistics, biological science, physics or chemistry, and social or behavioral science

Do I need a bachelor’s in SLP to apply for a master’s program?

No, but if you majored in something else, you will probably have to complete pre-requisite “leveling” courses before you begin your program (but not necessarily before you apply).

This may cost extra money or extend the program’s length.

Leveling courses could include introductions to phonetics, audiology, and anatomy, among others.

Online SLP programs – no GRE required

More and more online SLP programs are dropping the GRE requirement. Below is a list of the top online SLP programs that do not require you to submit your GRE scores.

• James Madison University 
• Misericordia University 
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro 
• Calvin University 
• Baylor University 
• West Virginia University 
• Florida State University 
• Texas Woman’s University 
• Emerson College 
• Idaho State University 
• University of Akron 
• Eastern New Mexico University 
• East Carolina University 
• Minot State University 
• University of Nebraska at Kearney 
• California State University, Northridge 
• University of Cincinnati 
• New York University 
• Nova Southeastern University 

» Also read: The test optional movement goes to graduate school

Should I submit my GRE school even if it’s not required?

Carefully read the admissions page for the SLP program you’re considering. Many programs make it explicitly clear that they do not consider GRE scores at all. Others are silent on the issue.

For programs where the GRE is optional, you may want to consider taking it anyway, in case there is a subconscious bias among admissions officers to favor candidates with GRE scores.

Typical speech-language pathologist classes

A typical speech-language pathology master’s program will include some of the following courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Swallowing Mechanisms
• Phonetics
• Aphasia
• Speech and Language Development
• Language Disorders in Children
• Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)
• Motor Speech Disorders
• Voice and Resonance Disorders
• Fluency Disorders
• Research Methods
• Professional Ethics

How to become a speech-language pathologist

To become a speech-language pathologist, you need to complete the following steps:

1. Get a bachelor’s degree (majoring in communication disorders or SLP will save you time and money later)
2. Get a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program.
3. Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
4. Complete a 9-month post-graduation fellowship
5. Apply for state licensure.

We explore this process in more detail in our guide to becoming a speech-language pathologist.

Graduates of online SLP programs earn $61,961 per year 4 years after graduation on average.

However, the average salary for all speech-language pathologists, regardless of where they’re at in their career, is $89,290 per year, or $42.93 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How much speech-language pathologists earn depends on their work setting, as shown in the following table sourced from the BLS:

According to the BLS, SLP jobs are expected to grow by 19% by 2032, which is much faster than average. That means you have a very good chance of finding employment soon after getting your degree.

Final thoughts

A career in speech-language pathology can be both rewarding and lucrative. Most speech-language pathologists earn enough money to pay back the loans they took out for grad school.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think carefully about the economic value of the program you’re considering. Why take on more debt than you need?

By ranking the best-value online master’s degrees in speech-language pathology, we help you find a program that won’t compromise your financial security.