If helping patients address their stutters or speech disorders appeals to your professional dreams, online speech pathology programs deliver the education you’ll need. The right online SLPs programs can help you jumpstart your career as a speech language pathologist in just a few years.
Speech language pathologists (SLPs) are in high demand, with jobs expected to increase 21% between 2021-31. These professionals work with children and adults to assess and treat speech and swallowing disorders, often in schools, hospitals, home care settings, and nursing facilities. You need a master’s level education to become licensed to practice in this special area of health care. Online speech pathology programs make it easy to enter this profession no matter where you live.
Article Navigation: What is Speech Language Pathology? | Careers | Speech Therapist vs. Speech Pathologist? | Program Selection | MS vs. MA in Speech Pathology? | Accreditation | Program Structure | Clinical Field Placements | Full vs. Part-time | Curriculum | Cost & Admission | SLP Master’s Programs No GRE | The Top 10 Graduate SLP Programs | Licensing & Certification | FAQs | Conclusion
What is Speech Language Pathology?
Speech language pathology is a healthcare field that specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders, commonly called speech and language impairments. These can include swallowing disorders, voice disorders, and any other speech impairments a person might have.
Speech language pathology is vital for two populations in particular. It helps adults with developmental speech disorders and children who are having difficulty speaking properly. Speech language pathology can only be practiced by licensed speech language pathologists or SLPs. Speech language pathologists may also be called speech and language therapists or SLTs. Getting your master’s in speech language pathology online is the first step in becoming a licensed SLP.
For example, if a child develops a stutter at an early age, their parents may employ the services of a speech language pathologist. The SLP will then work with the child to prevent the stutter from developing or becoming worse. They will do so by teaching the child speech techniques and using alternative medical/therapeutic methods.
Speech Therapist vs Speech Pathologist
There is no difference between a speech therapist and a speech language pathologist. A speech therapist is simply another term for a licensed SLP. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists focus on common treatment areas such as:
- Speech sounds
- Fluency (which is not the same thing as literacy). Fluency is how smoothly people
- can speak without stuttering or stumbling over words
- Language understanding
- Social communication
- Voice and vocal hygiene
- Feeding and swallowing
Whether you are called a speech therapist or speech language pathologist depends on whether people know the latter title. When you acquire your license to practice as an SLP in your state, that will be your official title. Your patients may still call you a speech therapist, however.
What to Expect in Online Speech Pathology Programs
Enrolling in one of the many online speech pathology programs takes dedication, commitment, and willingness to work hard on both the academic and clinical portions of the program. The training for this rewarding profession is rigorous, but it is very competitive to get into a master’s in speech pathology online program.
When you are searching for the right master’s in speech pathology online program, you should consider cost, time to complete the degree, clinical and on-campus requirements, and whether the program qualifies for licensure in your state. The online SLP program you choose needs to be accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which has stringent requirements for the education you will complete to be able to sit for and pass your praxis exam.
All online speech pathology programs will require 400 hours of clinical observation and practice, completion of prerequisite courses, foundation courses, and some elective or specialty classes. The practice hours are completed as course credits and are required materials prior for graduation.
GetEducated's Picks
- James Madison University Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
- University of Montana Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
- Western Kentucky University Master of Science in Communications Disorders / Speech-Language Pathology
Online SLP Programs: MS vs MA
There are two different degree options for prospective SLPs. Your online speech pathology program may be a Master of Science or a Master of Arts. It depends on where you get your degree from. Scientific schools within a university, like schools of medicine, award MS degrees. Arts or human-oriented schools, like schools of communication, award MS degrees. Both degree types are valuable, and neither should make a difference to your employer.
Put another way, whether you have an MS or an MA in speech pathology will not matter when you seek employment or try to open a practice of your own. What matters is licensure. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require medical licensure for you to legally call yourself and practice as a speech therapist. Both MS and MA online SLP programs will qualify aspiring speech pathologists for eventual licensure.
Accreditation for Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs
When seeking out online speech pathology programs, make sure they are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). The CAA is the most well-known and highly regarded accrediting body in the speech pathology field.
When the CAA accredits a program, it means the degree meets the CAA’s core component standards for:
- Administrative governance and structure
- Faculty
- Students
- Curriculum
- Program resources
- Assessment
An accredited program can be trusted to be academically rigorous, nationally or internationally renowned, and possessing sufficient student resources to provide students with the tools they need to thrive.
When you seek employment as a speech pathologist after graduating, your employer will look for an online speech pathology master’s from a CAA-accredited program. That’s why accreditation is so critical for aspiring speech therapists.
Fortunately, there are CAA-accredited SLP programs in all 50 states. You can check out the CAA’s program accreditation page to determine whether any given university has accredited online speech pathology master’s programs. Note that many programs are only accredited as their in-person versions, such as Alabama A&M University’s program.
While accreditation by the CAA is important, all quality online speech language programs will also be accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This accrediting body ensures that online SLP programs are academically robust and teach students modern speech language pathology concepts and topics.
Suppose an online speech pathology program is accredited by the ASHA. Then it should meet the programs requirements for CCC-SLP certification (which is vital for state licensure – see more below). The ASHA and CAA accreditations are, combined, the most important for all SLP graduate programs.
Structure of Online Programs for Speech Pathology
Most online speech pathology programs operate on the cohort model, meaning that a group of students starts at the same time and then progresses through the coursework together on a set schedule.
The shortest SLP programs may allow for completion in six semesters, while most average approximately nine semesters of coursework and clinical practice hours.
Most programs require some campus visits, which are usually scheduled in the summer, and sometimes entail clinical practicums with faculty. On-campus visits may be short, as for orientation or exams, or they can be six to eight weeks long for intensive clinical practice.
Students will also be required to complete one or more clinical externships, usually in their hometown, to work with different populations. These externships typically happen during work hours, so students may have trouble working full-time while completing a program. Some online speech pathology programs offer more flexible and part-time study, which may be better for those who have work or family obligations that make it difficult to commit to an ambitious schedule.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Online SLP Master’s
Both full-time and part-time online speech pathology master’s programs cover the same course materials as each other. The big difference is purely in how long each degree option takes to complete.
All online speech pathology master’s degrees require around 60 credits to complete. They’re designed to be completed in approximately two years of full-time study. However, many online SLP programs allow you to complete them on part-time schedules. In which case, you typically have between two and six years to complete them from start to finish.
Suppose you take a part-time online speech pathology master’s program. Then you’ll usually only take 1 to 2 courses per semester. If your program requires online meetings via video conferencing software, those meetings will likely happen in the evenings or on the weekends.
Part-time online master’s in speech pathology are ideal for working professionals who can’t devote enough time to their studies to commit to a full-time program. Both part-time and full-time programs require students to complete internship rotations. The internships help students acquire the practical experience necessary to qualify for state licensure.
Curriculum of Online Speech Pathology Programs
The curriculum taught includes neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, various types of speech disorders, cognitive disorders impacting speech, infant swallowing disorders, research, counseling, diagnosis and intervention, and numerous special subjects relating to populations such as the elderly, children, and people with brain injuries and autism. If you have a particular specialty in mind, look for an online speech pathology program with the specific elective courses you are interested in taking.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Online Programs for Speech Pathology
Most master’s in speech pathology online programs have some synchronous courses, meaning that you will have to sign on at a particular time to interact with faculty and peers, but some offer totally asynchronous coursework that you can complete at any time of day.
An “asynchronous” online master’s in speech pathology means that the program’s course materials may be completed and turned in on one’s own schedule. Furthermore, it means that students don’t (normally or mostly) have to meet with professors or peers via video conferencing software.
For example, a professor may assign a worksheet or essay to students. If the class is asynchronous, students don’t have to complete the assignment on the same day it’s assigned. Instead, they must only complete it by the overall due date, such as the end of the week. In an asynchronous class, the student never meets with the professor and students all at the same time. The student schedules are not synchronous with each other.
In contrast, a “synchronous” online master’s in speech pathology requires students to meet with their professor and each other at the same time, such as meeting up for a once-a-week video conferencing lecture. Such programs can still be 100% online. However, they have more schedule limitations and emulate the group learning experiences of in-person classes more directly.
Admission Requirements for Online Speech Pathology Programs
Admission to online SLP programs is very competitive, with few spots available for training in this highly-desired specialty. Some programs will allow international students while many will not. Applicants will need to meet the minimum GPA and GRE scores for most programs with once exception. Nova Southeastern University offers an online speech pathology master’s program no GRE required option. Find out more about this program in the next section.
If the online SLP master’s program has GPA and GRE minimums, they’re usually as follows:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for previous schooling
- GRE score of 295 in the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections
- GRE score of 3.5 and analytical writing section
Most programs participate in the NC-SARA program so that students from almost all states can take their programs, and many also participate in the CSDCAS, which is a centralized application portal for prospective students who want to apply to multiple schools at once. Before you apply, you should check to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the school, and that the school you are interested in will qualify you for licensure in your state.
But remember, taking the GRE is not always necessary; check out the no-GRE SLP program we’ve highlighted below. Since the SLP certificate and exam are overseen by a national organization, ASHA, most states will recognize most schools that are accredited by ASHA.
Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs No GRE
It is rare to find a program that allows an online SLP no GRE option, but Nova Southeastern University is the one program that allows you to skip the test. If you’re searching for affordable online SLP programs no GRE required, pay special attention to this school.
Nova Southeastern University
Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $66,798The Nova Southeastern University online Speech Language Pathology MS degree program is the only program that does not require the GRE for admission. Though this is a challenging 53-credit degree program, much of the knowledge required is very specific to the anatomy and neurology of speech, which is in this very specific realm of knowledge that would not be on the GRE.
The Nova Southeastern program meets the educational degree requirement for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US protectorates. Students who live within 50 miles of one of the Florida campuses would need to take the program on-campus, while everyone else can attend through video conferencing. Applicants to the program need to meet speech pathology prerequisites, 25 hours of clinical observation with a SLP. International applicants are accepted.
Most of the online speech pathology program takes place in live video classes in the evenings and on the weekend. The program includes one clinical lab and two externships that can be arranged near the student’s home. Students must complete 400 hours of supervised practice.
In total, this online SLP program can be completed in eight semesters or just under three years. However, many students choose to complete the coursework and practicum requirements in 12 semesters.
Student outcomes for this program are impressive, with about 90% of online students completing the program within the expected time frame, employment of graduates from recent years at approximately 96%, and pass rates on the challenging Praxis averaging about 88%. The program has a rigorous scientific and clinical curriculum that prepares graduates well for the exam and professional success.
Nova Southeastern’s online SLP program is a great choice for those who want to skip the GRE and dive right into the specialty courses needed to prepare for this highly-respected profession.
10 Most Affordable Master’s in Speech Pathology Online
We have compiled a list of the best affordable speech pathology graduate programs that you can complete mostly online. Costs range from less than $500 per credit to about $900 per credit for the most cost-effective programs. Some of these online speech pathology programs will be more expensive but may have other perks that could make it worth the extra cost. The following is a comprehensive list of colleges that the cheapest online SLP programs.
James Madison University
Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $22,572For adult learners who may be changing careers, the James Madison University online master’s degree in SLP is designed to help you get into this exciting and much-needed profession.
Admission is selective and requires a minimum 3.25 GPA in the CSD coursework, but there is no minimum GRE score for admission.
Students from all states except California are welcome, and the program may accept a limited number of international students. Cohorts begin every other year. There is a two-day on-campus orientation at the beginning of the program, and a six-week residency required for a clinical practicum during the summer after the first year of courses, with four other clinical placements arranged near the student’s home.
Most students who hold jobs will need to re-arrange their work schedules to accommodate these clinical placements. The JMU master’s in speech pathology online is a great deal for in-state students, who benefit from extremely low tuition, and is a great choice for working adults who want to transition into a career in SLP.
Tennessee State University
Degree: Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
Student Fees In-State Total: $28,249The online MS in Speech and Hearing Science from Tennessee State University is an eight-semester, part-time program that begins in January each year. The cohort size for the distance learning program is capped at 30, so admission is competitive.
Students with a 3.5 undergraduate GPA and specific GRE scores can be admitted unconditionally, but students who don’t meet the criteria may be admitted conditionally, meaning that they need to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first nine semester hours of the program.
Online classes meet asynchronously and synchronously, and students may need to come to campus to meet with faculty or take exams on occasion, though faculty work together to limit the number of visits students must make. There are also two on-campus practicum experiences, spanning three weeks in the first summer and six weeks during the second summer of the program. After the two summer on-campus clinicals, students will complete a practicum at a site closer to where they live during the fall and spring of their final year.
In-state students get a terrific tuition rate, and students who reside within 250 miles of the school get a discount on the out-of-state tuition price. Even for out-of-state students, the tuition rates are very low for this highly regarded program.
University of Montana
Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $36,692The CAA and the ASHA fully accredit this distance MS in Speech-Language Pathology. Furthermore, it meets the academic and clinical standards for Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology. Additionally, it meets the licensure requirements for Montana.
Students have the choice between a thesis option and a non-thesis option. The thesis option is 71 graduate credits. 30 credits of which are practicum and six of which are for the thesis. The non-thesis option comprises 65 to 68 graduate credits. 30 credits of which are practicum and three of which are for a capstone or portfolio project).
Regardless, students must complete 32 credits of graduate program courses and 30 credits of clinical practicum experience. The practicum credits have students work with children and adults who have developmental, acquired, or swallowing difficulties. These credits total 375 supervised clock hours.
This is a synchronous distance program. Therefore, all students participate with each other in academic courses. They also collaborate with students on campus. The online and on-campus students are effectively part of the same cohort.
Driven students can complete the program in about 1 ½ years, although most will take two to complete it. To qualify for this program, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for prior coursework. They need a relevant bachelor’s degree. They must also submit three letters of recommendation, a detailed resume, and a two-page essay detailing their intentions.
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Degree: Master of Science in Communications & Disorders
Student Fees In-State Total: $37,800Students in the online SLP master’s degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire must come to campus for three one-week on-campus intensives during the summers. Each accepted cohort of students begins in the summer. Although the rigorous program is considered part-time, students must register for between 2-6 credits each semester to complete the 54-credit program. Students progress through the coursework together as a cohort. However, some students must take extra courses to meet all the prerequisites and may therefore carry a heavier course load some semesters.
The program is highly affordable, and scholarships are available to those who qualify. The program does not accept international students. Minimum requirements for application include a 2.75 GPA on completed degrees, with a minimum of 3.25 on CSD coursework, however, admission is competitive. UW-Eau Claire is a great program for those who seek a cost-effective SLP program that can fit into a busy life, with trips to Wisconsin each summer.
University of Northern Colorado
Degree: Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $38,934The University of Northern Colorado’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year program that prioritizes evidence-based practice principles. Students learn how to formulate clinical questions, present research findings in written and oral formats, and collect data. It’s an ideal degree for future researchers in the speech language pathology field. It has 61 to 75 credits.
In addition to completing core coursework, students must finish two internships. The internships take place at medical facilities and/or public school settings. This is a full-time program, even for distance students, so it is not available for part-time students. There’s also only one application date: February 1 of each year. This program is accredited by both the CAA and the ASHA.
In order to qualify for this program, students must have a 3.0 GPA. They must submit official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation. This program does not require the GRE.
Western Kentucky University
Degree: Master of Science in Communications Disorders / Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $42,420There are two different schedule options for the online MS in SLP at Western Kentucky University: full-time students can complete the program in eight semesters, while part-time students can take a nine-semester schedule. The 60-credit distance education program welcomes international students. However, all online students must come to campus for one six-week summer practicum. All cohorts begin in the fall semester.
Online synchronous courses occur in the evenings, and tuition is the same low price for all online students. Applicants must meet minimum requirements of having an undergraduate GPA above 3.0, specific GRE scores, and students apply through the university and the department for admission.
The program discourages students from working full time during their studies due to the time requirements for both classes and clinical placements. Students will not be able to do their clinical externship in California (except for students who are already employed as an SLP-A) or within 160 miles of Bowling Green.
The program allows for 12 transfer credits from another program, and for those with undergraduate SLP internship experience to transfer up to 50 hours of their practical experience to the program. The WKU SLP online programs offer a choice of schedule, low tuition pricing, availability to international students, and some transfer credits options. Hence, making this an affordable and flexible program.
California State University-Northridge
Degree: Master of Science in Communicative Disorders
Student Fees In-State Total: $52,463At California State University-Northridge, the online MS in Communicative Disorders is a 41-month program, with all clinical externships completed near each student’s home. CSU-N also offers a two-year, pre-SLP online program for those who need to complete the prerequisites for this program. Master’s cohorts begin in the spring semester and interact with peers and faculty throughout the program.
Admission to the university requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. However, it is recommended to have a GPA of 3.5 in SLP courses to be competitive for admission to this selective program. There is a two-week online orientation at the beginning of the program, and students must reside in the United States for the entire program.
The program does accommodate students with jobs, and for those who completed undergraduate SLP clinicals, up to 75 hours may be transferable to the graduate program. As one of the few online speech language pathology programs that does not require campus visits, the California State University-Northridge program is ideal for those who have work or family obligations that make it difficult to travel far from their homes.
Maryville University
Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $53,481Maryville University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology is designed on the “Big 9” areas of expected competency as outlined by ASHA and the CAA. As a result, both organizations accredit this program. Its graduates will be well-equipped and ready to thrive in this field.
The program is asynchronous. It offers a variety of student support resources, like tutoring and counseling. The program uses technology such as Simucase and MBSImP. This technology provides students with dynamic and project-based experiences despite their distance from the university.
Completing the program prepares students for state licensure in Missouri. Therefore, graduates can jump right into the field upon graduation. All students must take the Praxis Exam and acquire their CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence-Speech-Language Pathology) status.
Students benefit from fall or spring start dates. They can complete the program in just five semesters if they participate with a full-time schedule. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and submit three letters of recommendation in order to qualify for this program.
Calvin University
Degree: Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Student Fees In-State Total: $66,240Calvin University’s Master of Speech-Language Pathology is a comprehensive program. It’s 72 credit hours. It takes between two and three years to fully complete the program. Students can transfer up to six credits into the program right off the bat.
During the program, students will complete the academic work they need to thrive thanks to this MA program. They will also complete the clinical practice hours they need to acquire state licensure. The CAA and the ASHA fully accredit this program.
To apply for this program, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. They must have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree plus prerequisite speech language pathology courses. They must also submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of 500 words that addresses personal goals and areas of strength. Students can submit applications for both spring and fall terms.
New York University
Degree: Master of Science in Communicative Sciences & Disorders
Student Fees In-State Total: $100,360New York University offers a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, which prepares students for professional licensure and becoming speech language pathologists. The program is a full-time online experience with 48 credits and one start date in fall each year.
The program focuses on five areas in the speech pathology industry: communication, intellectual-cognitive, sensory-observational, behavioral-social, and motor. These five essential functions ensure that graduates are well-rounded. The program also teaches students how to integrate research principles of clinical practices and treatments.
Alongside completing core coursework, students must complete two off-campus externships in clinics, schools, or hospitals. They must also spend a semester at NYU’s on-site clinic, so it’s not 100% online. The hands-on experiences include lab work and all the hours necessary to qualify for state licensure exams.
To qualify for this program, students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. They must also submit a resume and a personal statement, and two or three letters of recommendation. Two of the letters have to come from academic sources, like professors or clinical instructors.
Clinical Placement After a Speech Pathology Degree Online
Every accredited speech pathology graduate program will have internship arrangements or agreements with local practices or medical institutions. Therefore, the program’s students can acquire practical experience.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the CAA both require all accredited online speech pathology master’s programs to include supervised clinical experience of enough breadth and depth. This enables new speech pathologists to put their skills to work in practical contexts.
Suppose you are admitted to a graduate level speech pathology program. Then you don’t need to worry about finding internship resources as your program will solve that for you.
If you pursue an online speech pathology program, you’ll need to work with your graduate advisor to connect with a local clinic or facility, such as a child speech pathology facility. The local facility must meet the standards required by the CAA for you to be able to complete your internship hours there.
Suppose there are no local facilities that suffice. Then you’ll need to visit your university’s partnered speech pathology facilities/internship organizations to complete your internship rotations.
After graduation, your university may have a job placement page or department that funnels job openings and opportunities to new graduates. In this way, you may be able to acquire an SLP job shortly after graduation at a new facility (or at the facility in which you completed your internship assignments).
Careers & Salary with an Online Speech Pathology Master’s
If you want a career that allows you to help infants with swallowing or speaking problems, people who need help to speak after stroke or brain injury, or people with autism, this is a great career option. Many people need the services of an SLP, and the need for workers in this highly specialized profession is great.
However, with the high demand for trained SLPs to help both adults and children with speech disorders, some states offer scholarship programs to help the best candidates. For example, the Indian Health Service Healthcare Professionals Scholarship is available to Alaska natives and can award hundreds of dollars to full or part-time students.
Plus, the compensation is good, with a median salary of $79,060 per year. The highest-paid setting for SLP practitioners is in long-term care facilities, with a median salary of $99,340.
There are jobs available in elementary and secondary schools, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and at-home care. This specialty is needed in all parts of the country, both rural and urban, and for people who wish to work primarily with children, geriatric, or mixed populations. With few trained professionals available to fill the jobs, once trained and licensed, the prospects for finding work are very good for graduates of distance learning speech pathology graduate programs.
Career Change to SLP
Many people choose to become SLPs as a career change. To begin an online speech pathology program, you need a bachelor’s degree in any subject and then a series of prerequisite courses. For those with a bachelor's degree in communication disorders, most of the prerequisites for a speech pathology master’s program may already be fulfilled.
SLP Licensing & Certification Requirements
All practicing SLPs must have CCC-SLP certification and state licensure for the states in which they practice.
Only SLPs that meet the professional standards laid out by the ASHA receive theCCC-SLP or Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists. Think of CCC-SLP as a nationally recognized credential that may qualify you for state licensure without having to take any additional tests. To acquire CCC-SLP licensure, you must:
- Graduate from an accredited master's program
- Get 1260 hours of practical clinical experience during an approved clinical fellowship
- Pass the Praxis Exam
- Submit your Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form
SLP State Licensure Requirements
While earning CCP-LSP certification is an easy way to qualify for state licensure, it’s not always necessary. You can also follow your state’s specific licensing requirements. States either:
- Require the CCC-SLP for licensure
- Offer alternative paths for getting a license, such as Alabama
For example, to become licensed in Alabama, you must submit an application to the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. In the application, you must submit evidence of a master’s degree or equivalent and evidence of completing supervised clinical practicum experience, plus postgraduate professional experience.
Review state licensing requirements if you wish to become a speech pathologist and get your license quickly.
If states share the same licensing requirements, then you can transfer your license from one state to another. This is similar to license reciprocity for teachers. Essentially, if you have CCC-SLP licensure, then you should be licensed to work as an SLP in any state.
FAQs
Do you need a master’s degree in speech language pathology to be a speech pathologist?
Yes. Even states that don’t require CCC-SLP certification do require you to have a master’s in speech language pathology or a closely related subject, like audiology or speech therapy, to qualify for licensure. Since you have to have state licensure to be a speech pathologist, that means you do need a graduate degree at a bare minimum.
Do you need a doctoral degree to practice as a speech pathologist?
No. However, having a doctoral degree will make it easier for you to be employed as a speech pathologist at a local practice or clinic. A doctoral degree may also make it easier for you to open your own practice. This is because you’ll have more experience and having “Doctor” next to your name could help you attract clients.
Are online speech language master’s degree programs competitive?
Yes. Speech pathology master’s programs online usually have limited class sizes of between 15 and 25-30 students. Furthermore, many programs do not have more than one or two start dates each year. Therefore, you should make sure your program application is as competitive as possible.
What are the easiest SLP programs to get into?
The easiest SLP online programs are those that don’t require GRE scores. It is easier to get into “No-GRE programs” due to the fact you don’t have to take an extra exam. However, practically all SLP programs will require you to have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA from your previous schooling. You’ll also need to complete prerequisite courses covering foundational speech language pathology topics. You will also need to submit letters of recommendation and personal statements.
Nova Southeastern University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology that does not require GRE scores for admission.
What states pay speech pathologists the most?
As of 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that California is the highest paying state for speech language pathologists at an average annual salary of $102,650. Other states that pay speech pathologists high wages. These include Hawaii at $100,120 per year and New York at $98,850 per year. States such as Nebraska and Kansas pay between $43,630 per year and $74,610 per year in contrast.
Apply for Online Speech Language Programs Today!
You are now ready to go into this highly rewarding specialty by enrolling in a master’s in speech pathology online. Online education makes it easy to start your path towards an in-demand career as a Speech Language Pathologist. If you need to take prerequisite courses before you apply, many of these schools also offer online courses to meet the requirements. With many jobs awaiting you, and many people needing these services, now is the time to get your ducks in a row to apply for one of these affordable online speech language programs.