Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are both rewarding healthcare careers working with children and adults. SLPs focus on communication and swallowing disorders using therapeutic approaches, earning a median of $95,410 annually (2024 BLS data). BCBAs use applied behavior analysis to modify behavior patterns, particularly for autism spectrum disorder, with median salaries ranging from $70,000-$75,000. Both require master’s degrees and professional certification, though specific requirements differ.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
If you’re considering a career helping children and adults overcome developmental challenges, you’ve probably encountered two distinct paths: speech-language pathology and applied behavior analysis. While both professions work in similar settings and serve overlapping populations, they approach intervention from fundamentally different perspectives.
This guide breaks down the key differences between SLPs and BCBAs, including education requirements, salary expectations, therapy approaches, and dual certification options. Whether you’re a prospective student, career changer, or practicing professional considering additional credentials, you’ll find the information you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: SLP vs BCBA
Before diving into details, here’s a side-by-side overview of both professions to help you understand the fundamental differences at a glance.
| Factor | Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Communication, language, speech, and swallowing disorders | Behavior modification and applied behavior analysis |
| Typical Clients | All ages with speech, language, cognitive-communication, or swallowing issues | Primarily, children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities |
| Degree Required | Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders | Master’s or doctorate in behavior analysis, education, or psychology with ABA coursework |
| Clinical Hours | Minimum 400 supervised clinical hours (requirements may vary by program) | 1,500-2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (varies by pathway) |
| National Certification | Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-SLP) from ASHA | BCBA certification from BACB |
| State Licensure | Required in all 50 states (as of 2024) | Required in 38 states (as of 2024) |
| Median Salary | $95,410 nationally (2024 BLS data) | $70,000-$75,000 nationally (varies widely by source and location) |
| Therapy Hours/Week | Typically 30-60 minutes per client per week | 10-40 hours per week (for intensive early intervention programs) |
| Therapy Style | Flexible, naturalistic, client-responsive approach | Structured, data-driven, systematic approach |
What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists are healthcare professionals who prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. SLP careers span across diverse settings, from schools and hospitals to private practices and rehabilitation centers.
Conditions SLPs Treat
SLPs work with clients experiencing a wide range of communication and swallowing challenges. Their expertise covers both pediatric and adult populations.
Language disorders involve difficulty understanding others or expressing thoughts and feelings. Clients with language disorders often have limited vocabulary, struggle to form sentences, or have trouble using language appropriately in social situations.
Speech disorders include articulation problems (difficulty producing proper speech sounds), fluency issues like stuttering, and voice disorders affecting volume, tone, or quality.
Social communication disorders are common in children with autism spectrum disorder and individuals with traumatic brain injury. These involve difficulty with social interaction, following conversational rules, and understanding nonverbal cues.
Cognitive-communication disorders often occur after stroke, traumatic brain injury, or with dementia. They affect memory, attention, problem-solving, and organizational skills as they relate to communication.
Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) are common in premature infants and patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. These issues can affect safety during eating and drinking.
SLP Therapy Methods
The therapeutic approach varies significantly based on the client’s age and needs. When working with children, SLPs often use play-based therapy with toys, books, and games to stimulate language development through repetition and natural interaction.
Articulation therapy involves exercises that teach clients how to move their tongue, lips, and jaw to produce specific sounds. SLPs model correct sounds and syllables, encouraging clients to practice and refine their skills.
Feeding and swallowing therapy typically includes facial massage and exercises to strengthen the jaw, tongue, and lips. SLPs introduce foods with varying temperatures and textures to improve oral awareness and safe swallowing patterns.
What Is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst?
Board-Certified Behavior Analysts are professionals who use applied behavior analysis (ABA) to understand and improve socially significant behaviors. ABA is grounded in the science of learning and behavior, focusing on how environmental factors influence actions and how behavior can be systematically changed.
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?
ABA therapy works to increase helpful behaviors while decreasing behaviors that interfere with learning or cause harm. The approach has been extensively researched and validated, particularly for treating autism spectrum disorder.
BCBAs use ABA techniques to help children with ASD improve their language and communication skills, reduce problematic behaviors, and enhance performance in academics, social skills, memory, and attention. The therapy extends beyond autism to address developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, and skill acquisition across various populations.
The ABCs of ABA Therapy
ABA operates on a fundamental framework: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence. The antecedent is the situation or circumstance that triggers a behavior. The behavior is the observable action. The consequence is what follows the behavior.
By systematically modifying antecedents and consequences, BCBAs can create meaningful behavior change. Positive reinforcement has become central to ABA therapy. When a client demonstrates the desired behavior, they receive a meaningful reward such as praise, toys, or access to preferred activities. This encourages continued use of the learned skill or behavior.
BCBA Therapy Methods
BCBAs develop individualized treatment plans with clearly defined, measurable goals. They collect data throughout each session to track progress objectively. This structured, evidence-based approach differs from the more naturalistic methods often used in speech therapy.
For intensive early intervention programs, particularly for young children with autism, sessions may range from 10 to 40 hours per week, depending on the client’s needs and treatment plan. Other ABA applications may involve fewer hours. This contrasts with the 30 to 60-minute weekly sessions common in speech-language pathology.
Education and Certification Requirements
Both professions require master’s-level education, extensive supervised practice, national certification, and, in most states, licensure. The specific pathways differ in their focus and clinical hour requirements. Requirements may vary by state and program, so prospective students should verify current standards with their state licensing board and intended graduate programs.
| Requirement | Speech-Language Pathologist | Board-Certified Behavior Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Level | Master’s or doctorate required | Master’s or doctorate required |
| Degree Focus | Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders from a CAA-accredited program | Behavior analysis, education, or psychology with BACB-approved ABA coursework (225 graduate hours) |
| Clinical Experience | Minimum 400 supervised clinical hours across the lifespan and various disorder types (requirements may vary) | 1,500 hours supervised independent fieldwork OR 1,000-hour practicum OR 750-hour intensive practicum |
| Postgraduate Clinical Fellowship | 36-week Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) with mentorship | Fieldwork hours may be completed during or after the graduate program |
| National Exam | Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology (passing score 162) | BACB BCBA certification examination |
| National Certification | Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-SLP) from ASHA | BCBA certification from BACB |
| State Licensure | Required in all 50 states (typically recognizes CCC-SLP as a pathway) | Required in 38 states as of 2024 (regulations vary and continue to evolve) |
| Typical Timeline | 6-7 years total (4-year bachelor’s + 2-3 year master’s + CFY) | 6-8 years total (varies by fieldwork pathway and completion timing) |
Both career paths require significant educational investment. State requirements and licensure regulations may change, so prospective students should research accredited graduate programs and verify current requirements with their state licensing boards before committing to either path.
Salary and Job Outlook Comparison
Compensation differs notably between these professions, with SLPs generally earning higher salaries according to available data. Geographic location, work setting, and experience level significantly impact earnings for both careers.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earned a median annual salary of $95,410 as of May 2024. The profession shows strong geographic variation in compensation.
| Location | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| California | $116,000+ | $140,000+ |
| New Jersey | $105,000+ | $130,000+ |
| District of Columbia | $100,000+ | $135,000+ |
| Connecticut | $99,000+ | $128,000+ |
| National Average | $95,410 | $132,850 |
Work setting also impacts SLP salaries significantly. According to BLS data, residential care facilities offer the highest median compensation at $106,500 annually, followed by hospitals at $101,560. School-based SLPs typically earn less but often enjoy better work-life balance and benefits. See detailed SLP salary data by state and setting for more information.
BCBA Salaries
Board-Certified Behavior Analysts earn median salaries that vary widely across different sources and locations. According to various 2024-2025 salary surveys, BCBA compensation ranges from approximately $70,000 to $86,000 nationally, with some sources reporting higher averages. BCBAs working in clinical settings or private practice often earn more than those in school systems.
Entry-level BCBAs typically start between $50,000 and $65,000, while experienced practitioners in high-demand markets can earn $90,000 or more. Some BCBAs who own their own ABA therapy practices report six-figure incomes. Salary data for BCBAs varies significantly by source since the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track this profession separately.
Job Outlook
Both professions show strong employment growth projections. The BLS projects 15% growth for speech-language pathologists from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations (3%). This growth is driven by increased awareness of speech and language disorders and an aging population requiring rehabilitation services.
Demand for BCBAs continues to rise as autism diagnosis rates increase and insurance coverage for ABA therapy expands. According to BACB data, many states face significant shortages of qualified BCBAs, creating excellent job prospects for certified professionals. Job growth in behavior analysis has been estimated at over 20% annually in recent years, though this varies by region and state insurance mandates.
Career Paths and Work Settings
Both SLPs and BCBAs work in diverse settings, with significant overlap in some environments. Understanding where each profession typically works can help you envision your daily professional life.
SLP Work Settings
Speech-language pathologists find employment across healthcare, education, and private practice settings. Schools employ the largest percentage of SLPs, providing services to students with communication disorders as part of special education programs.
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers hire SLPs to work with patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or surgery. Skilled nursing facilities need SLPs for residents with swallowing disorders and communication challenges related to dementia.
Private practice offers SLPs autonomy and flexibility. Many experienced practitioners open their own clinics or provide mobile therapy services. Home healthcare is growing rapidly as an SLP employment sector.
BCBA Work Settings
BCBAs work primarily in settings serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Schools employ BCBAs to develop and oversee behavior intervention plans for students with significant behavioral challenges.
Dedicated ABA therapy centers provide intensive services to children with autism. BCBAs in these settings typically supervise behavior technicians while working directly with clients to design and monitor treatment plans.
Home-based ABA services are increasingly common. BCBAs travel to clients’ homes to provide therapy in the natural environment where behaviors occur. Some BCBAs also work in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or as consultants to various organizations.
Collaborative Practice
In many settings, SLPs and BCBAs work together to serve clients with complex needs. A child with autism might receive speech therapy to improve communication skills while simultaneously participating in ABA therapy to address behavioral challenges.
This collaborative approach can be highly effective. SLPs bring expertise in alternative communication methods like sign language and picture exchange systems. BCBAs contribute data collection methods and behavioral strategies that can enhance speech therapy outcomes.
Therapy Approaches: Key Differences
While both professions aim to improve clients’ quality of life, their therapeutic philosophies and methods differ substantially. Understanding these differences helps clarify which approach aligns better with your professional interests and working style.
Philosophical Approaches
Speech-language pathology takes a naturalistic, responsive approach to therapy. SLPs often adapt strategies in the moment, trying different techniques to maintain client engagement and interest. Sessions tend to feel organic and play-based, particularly when working with children. This flexibility allows SLPs to meet clients where they are developmentally and emotionally.
Applied behavior analysis follows a structured, systematic methodology. BCBAs develop detailed treatment plans with specific, measurable objectives. They collect data throughout sessions and make adjustments based on quantitative results. This data-driven approach provides clear documentation of progress and informs treatment decisions.
Session Structure and Intensity
The time commitment differs between the two therapies. SLP sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes once or twice weekly. This allows clients to attend multiple therapies and activities without overwhelming their schedules.
ABA therapy for intensive early intervention programs, particularly for young children with autism, often requires 10 to 40 hours per week. This intensive approach is based on research showing that more hours of intervention lead to better outcomes when started early. Not all ABA cases require this intensity; other applications may involve fewer hours based on individual needs and goals.
Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring
Both professions set goals and track progress, but their approaches differ in specificity and measurement. SLPs typically set functional goals focused on improving communication in real-life situations. Progress is measured through observation, informal assessment, and standardized testing at intervals.
BCBAs break down skills into specific, measurable components and track progress on each component session by session. Every behavior targeted for increase or decrease is defined operationally and measured through systematic data collection. This provides clear, objective evidence of progress or the need for treatment adjustments.
Client Engagement Styles
The client’s role differs somewhat between approaches. In speech-language pathology, clients are viewed as active participants in their learning. SLPs encourage clients to problem-solve, make choices, and take ownership of their communication goals. This collaborative approach emphasizes the client’s agency.
Traditional ABA therapy positions clients as learners responding to systematic teaching procedures. More recent developments in ABA, particularly naturalistic approaches, emphasize client choice and naturalistic teaching methods. The field continues to evolve toward more client-centered practices while maintaining the data-driven foundation.
Can Approaches Be Combined?
Many professionals recognize value in both approaches. Some speech-language pathologists incorporate behavioral principles like positive reinforcement and environmental modification into their practice. This doesn’t require BCBA certification but can enhance therapy effectiveness.
If you’ve ever modified a client’s environment during therapy or offered praise when they reached a milestone, you’ve already applied basic behavioral principles. The structured techniques used by BCBAs can complement the communication-focused goals of speech therapy in collaborative settings.
Dual Certification: Becoming Both SLP and BCBA
A small but growing number of professionals hold both CCC-SLP and BCBA credentials. This unique combination allows professionals to bridge both disciplines and offer comprehensive services. Dual certification requires completing the full requirements for each credential independently.
Benefits of Dual Certification
Holding both certifications expands career opportunities significantly. Dual-certified professionals can serve as clinical directors in settings that provide both speech therapy and ABA services. They’re uniquely positioned to develop integrated treatment plans that address both communication and behavioral needs.
The combination is particularly valuable when working with children with autism spectrum disorder. These children often need both communication intervention and behavioral support. A practitioner who understands both disciplines can create more cohesive, effective treatment plans.
Dual certification also enhances professional credibility. Employers value practitioners who can collaborate effectively across disciplines because they understand the language, goals, and methods of both professions.
Pathway to Dual Certification
There are no significant shortcuts to earning both credentials. You’ll need to meet the full requirements for each certification independently. Most professionals complete one certification first, then work toward the second while practicing.
Starting as an SLP: If you’re already a certified SLP considering BCBA certification, you’ll need to complete the required behavior analysis coursework (typically through a master’s program or post-master’s certificate), accumulate 1,500-2,000 supervised fieldwork hours, and pass the BCBA exam.
Starting as a BCBA: If you’re a BCBA considering SLP certification, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program, complete required clinical hours (typically 400+), finish your Clinical Fellowship Year, pass the Praxis exam, and obtain state licensure.
Challenges and Considerations
Pursuing dual certification requires significant time and financial investment. Completing both sets of requirements typically takes 8 to 10 years total, including undergraduate education.
Maintaining both certifications requires separate continuing education for each credential. ASHA requires continuing education for CCC-SLP renewal, and BACB requires 32 Continuing Education Units (including ethics hours) for BCBA recertification every two years. You’ll need to stay current with professional development in two distinct fields, which can be demanding.
Insurance reimbursement and scope of practice regulations vary by state. Some states require separate licenses for each profession, while others may have restrictions on how dual-certified practitioners bill for services. State regulatory requirements may also change over time, so it’s essential to verify current rules in your state before pursuing dual certification.
Is Dual Certification Right for You?
Consider dual certification if you’re passionate about both communication and behavior, want to work specifically with populations who need both types of intervention, or plan to take on leadership roles in multidisciplinary settings.
It may not be necessary if you’re satisfied with collaborative practice. Many SLPs and BCBAs work effectively together without needing dual certification. The collaborative model allows each professional to contribute their specialized expertise while learning from their colleagues.
Which Career Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between SLP and BCBA depends on your interests, strengths, preferred work style, and career goals. Both professions offer rewarding opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Neither path is inherently “better”—they serve different needs and suit different professional interests.
Consider Speech-Language Pathology If You:
- Enjoy working with diverse populations and conditions. SLPs serve clients from infants to elderly adults with a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders.
- Prefer flexibility in your therapeutic approach. SLP practice allows for creative, responsive intervention that adapts to client needs in the moment.
- Are interested in biological and physiological aspects. If you’re fascinated by the physical mechanisms of speech production and swallowing, SLP aligns well with this interest.
- Value work-life balance. Most SLP positions offer reasonable schedules without requiring the intensive hours characteristic of some ABA therapy programs.
- Are interested in medical settings. SLPs have strong opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities.
Consider Applied Behavior Analysis If You:
- Appreciate structure and systematic approaches. If you thrive with clear protocols, measurable outcomes, and data-driven decision-making, ABA may be an excellent fit.
- Want to specialize in autism intervention. BCBAs are the primary professionals providing evidence-based autism treatment using ABA principles.
- Enjoy intensive client relationships. The higher hour requirements of some ABA programs create deep connections with clients and families over extended periods.
- Are motivated by observable behavior change. If you find satisfaction in tracking quantifiable progress and seeing concrete improvements, ABA provides this consistently.
- Are interested in research or program development. Behavior analysis has strong research traditions and opportunities to develop new interventions.
Personality and Work Style Considerations
Beyond clinical interests, consider your personality and preferred work environment. SLPs who enjoy the profession tend to be creative, adaptable, patient, and comfortable with flexibility. They often describe themselves as relationship-oriented and appreciate the personal connections formed during therapy.
BCBAs who thrive in their careers are typically analytical, detail-oriented, consistent, and comfortable with systematic approaches. They value clear structure and find satisfaction in objective measurement and data-based decision-making.
Both approaches have merit and serve important functions in healthcare. They simply suit different professional temperaments and interests. Some practitioners find themselves drawn to elements of both perspectives, which is where dual certification becomes appealing.
Job Market and Mobility
Both professions offer strong job prospects, but market conditions differ somewhat. SLPs enjoy more geographic flexibility because licensure is required in all states and the scope of practice is relatively consistent nationwide.
BCBA job availability is growing rapidly, but may be more concentrated in certain regions. States with strong insurance mandates for autism services typically have more BCBA positions available. Licensure requirements also vary more significantly by state for BCBAs.
Consider where you want to live and work when making your decision. Research salary data by state and job availability in your preferred locations, and verify current licensure requirements as regulations continue to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can speech therapists do ABA therapy?
Speech therapists can incorporate basic behavioral principles into their practice without BCBA certification, such as using positive reinforcement and environmental modification. To provide formal ABA therapy services eligible for insurance reimbursement and to use the BCBA credential, speech therapists must complete the full BCBA certification requirements, including BACB-approved coursework (225 graduate hours), supervised fieldwork hours (1,500-2,000 hours), and passing the BCBA examination. State requirements may vary.
Which pays more, SLP or BCBA?
Speech-language pathologists typically earn higher salarie,s according to available data. SLPs earn a median of $95,410 annually according to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, while BCBAs earn approximately $70,000-$75,000 nationally based on various salary surveys. BCBA salaries vary widely by location and setting, with experienced BCBAs in high-demand markets or private practice potentially earning $90,000 or more. Top-earning SLPs in skilled nursing facilities or high-paying states like California can exceed $106,000 annually.
Is it better to be a BCBA or an SLP for working with autism?
Both professions play important but different roles in autism intervention. BCBAs specialize in behavior modification and skill acquisition for individuals with autism, providing intensive therapy focused on reducing problematic behaviors and teaching new skills through applied behavior analysis. SLPs focus on communication challenges common in autism, including speech production, language comprehension, and social communication. Many children with autism benefit from both types of therapy working in coordination. Your choice should depend on whether you’re more interested in behavioral intervention or communication development. Neither approach is inherently “better”—they address different needs.
How long does it take to become an SLP vs. a BCBA?
Both careers require similar timeframes. Becoming an SLP typically takes 6-7 years: a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a 2-3 year master’s program, and a 36-week Clinical Fellowship Year. The BCBA path also takes approximately 6-8 years: a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a master’s program in behavior analysis or a related field with BACB-approved coursework, and 1,500-2,000 supervised fieldwork hours that can be completed during or after graduate school. The exact timeline depends on whether you complete fieldwork hours concurrently with your graduate program or afterward, and individual program requirements may vary.
Can I work as both an SLP and BCBA?
Yes, you can obtain dual certification as both an SLP (CCC-SLP) and BCBA by completing the full requirements for each credential independently. A small number of professionals currently hold both certifications. This requires earning appropriate graduate degrees, completing all clinical/fieldwork hours, passing both national examinations, obtaining necessary state licensure, and maintaining separate continuing education for each credential (ASHA requires CEUs for CCC-SLP; BACB requires 32 CEUs every two years for BCBA). State regulations regarding dual practice vary, so verify requirements in your state before pursuing this path.
Do SLPs and BCBAs work together?
Yes, SLPs and BCBAs frequently collaborate when serving clients with complex needs, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder. SLPs contribute expertise in communication development, alternative communication systems like sign language and picture exchange, and strategies for language acquisition. BCBAs offer data collection methodologies, behavioral strategies, and systematic approaches to skill building. This interdisciplinary collaboration often produces better outcomes than either therapy in isolation, as it addresses both communication and behavioral needs comprehensively.
Is ABA therapy better than speech therapy?
Neither therapy is inherently “better” because they address different needs. The appropriate choice depends on whether the issue is primarily behavioral or related to communication and biological/physiological factors. ABA therapy is most effective for behavior modification, skill acquisition, and autism-related challenges. Speech therapy is most effective for communication disorders, speech production problems, language development, and swallowing issues. Many individuals benefit from both therapies simultaneously, as communication and behavior often influence each other. The best choice depends on your specific goals, needs, and the recommendations of qualified professionals.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- SLPs and BCBAs serve overlapping populations but address different needs: SLPs focus on communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan, while BCBAs primarily work with autism and developmental disabilities using behavior modification approaches. Neither profession is inherently “better”—they serve different purposes.
- Both careers require master’s-level education and certification, but differ in clinical requirements: SLPs complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours plus a 36-week Clinical Fellowship, while BCBAs need 1,500-2,000 supervised fieldwork hours. State requirements may vary and continue to evolve.
- SLPs typically earn higher documented salaries with a national median of $95,410 (2024 BLS data) compared to BCBAs at approximately $70,000-$75,000 nationally (various sources). Both professions show strong job growth, with SLP projected at 15% growth from 2024-2034.
- Therapy approaches differ in style and intensity: SLP therapy is naturalistic and flexible (typically 30-60 minutes weekly), while ABA therapy is structured and data-driven. Intensive ABA programs for early autism intervention may involve 10-40 hours weekly, though not all ABA applications require this intensity.
- Dual certification is possible but demanding, requiring full completion of both credential pathways independently. This includes separate continuing education requirements and may involve complex state regulatory considerations that vary by jurisdiction.
- Your choice should align with your interests and work style: Consider SLP if you prefer flexibility, diverse populations, and addressing biological factors. Consider BCBA if you value structure, measurable outcomes, and intensive behavioral intervention. Always verify current state licensure requirements as regulations continue to change.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Ready to Start Your Career in Speech-Language Pathology?
Whether you’re drawn to communication sciences or applied behavior analysis, the first step is choosing an accredited graduate program that aligns with your career goals. Explore your options and take the next step toward a rewarding career helping others.
Professional Guidance Disclaimer: This article provides general information about SLP and BCBA career paths for educational purposes. Career decisions should be based on thorough research of accredited programs, current licensure requirements in your state, and consultation with academic advisors and practicing professionals. Requirements, regulations, and salary data presented reflect information available as of November 2024 and may change. Always verify current certification requirements with ASHA, licensure requirements with BACB, and state-specific regulations with your state licensing board before making educational or career commitments.