A master’s in speech-language pathology typically requires 2 years of full-time study, including 48-60 academic credits and at least 400 supervised clinical hours (including 25 observation hours). You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework in communication sciences to qualify for admission to CAA-accredited programs. Some programs require GRE scores, while many have made them optional or eliminated the requirement. Graduates can work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice.
- 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.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- 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.
Speech-language pathologists don’t just care for people with disorders related to language, cognition, communication, swallowing, and fluency—they also contribute to patient advocacy, research, and education. This unique level of commitment to both patients and the broader professional community requires remarkable depth of knowledge that can only be gained through a quality education program.
The educational standard for entry-level practice remains consistent among all state licensing boards: a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communicative sciences and disorders. A master’s in speech pathology not only provides the robust education needed to treat patients effectively, but also satisfies the educational requirement for the professional Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association—the most widely recognized and respected credential in the SLP field, required by most—but not all—state licensing boards.
Whether you’re already searching for an SLP master’s program or just beginning to consider a career as a speech-language pathologist, there are plenty of quality programs that will help you step into this rewarding field. Let’s look at how to earn your master’s in speech pathology, what it costs, and what you can do with your degree.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Speech Pathology?
Before dedicating years of effort toward a master’s in speech-language pathology, you may be wondering what you can do with a master’s in SLP. The most common settings for SLPs are schools and other educational environments, as well as clinical settings.
Traditional SLP Career Settings
Speech-language pathologists work across diverse environments, each offering unique opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. Here are the primary settings where you’ll find SLPs:
- Special education classrooms: Working in a school setting with special needs students allows you to offer early intervention for several treatable issues. You’ll work with students of all grades with disorders that affect their learning and communication capabilities, including kids with articulation issues, swallowing disorders, language challenges, and more.
- Hospitals: In a hospital setting, you’ll work with patients who have suffered injuries or a stroke, or those with an undiagnosed medical issue that needs diagnosis and treatment. You’ll work as part of a larger care team offering speech therapy in conjunction with other medical treatments, often continuing patient care on an outpatient basis after discharge.
- Residential care facilities: Speech-language pathologists are in high demand. Patients in these settings may have transitioned from an inpatient hospital setting to continue their recovery at assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, or they may be long-term residents with cognitive disorders like dementia.
- Rehab centers: Much like those in residential care facilities, many patients in outpatient rehab facilities have transitioned from hospital care and will have had many of the same initial issues or injuries. Speech pathologists at rehab facilities continue the patient’s treatment plan to reestablish their full skills and faculties.
Alternative Career Paths for SLPs
There are also many non-traditional ways to apply your SLP education outside of schools or medical facilities. These alternative career paths can offer unique challenges and rewards:
- Vocal coach: Their expertise in vocal mechanics makes an SLP perfect for coaching actors, orators, and business professionals on using their voices properly. This could include dialect and accent coaching, vocal projection, and injury prevention or healing.
- Translator or interpreter: Speech-language pathologists who speak multiple languages can find dynamic work interpreting for clients or offering written translation services. You may find yourself working for government agencies, multinational corporations, or private clients in business or entertainment. Your responsibilities may also include coaching clients on speaking additional languages properly.
- Social worker: Using your speech-language pathology education for a career in social work allows you to make a massive difference in the lives of those typically underprivileged and underserved, including children and adults who have been victims of trauma, neglect, or abuse. You may be able to help diagnose and treat individuals who haven’t had access to quality medical care or offer therapy to patients working through physical injuries.
- Corporate communication specialist: Many companies hire SLPs to develop communication training programs, coach executives on presentation skills, or consult on accessibility initiatives for employees with communication disorders.
How to Get a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
Both traditional (in-person) and online speech pathology master’s programs can be competitive and have stringent admissions requirements. Most programs require:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- GRE scores (though many programs have made this optional or eliminated the requirement as of 2025)
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
- An admissions essay and personal interview
- A resume or CV showing work or volunteer hours in SLP settings
- Prerequisite coursework in communication sciences (if not completed during undergraduate studies)
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
Many students enter a master’s in speech-language pathology program with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), allowing them to begin graduate coursework immediately upon admission.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another area of study, you can still apply to master’s speech pathology programs. However, you’ll need to complete the necessary undergraduate courses (called foundational courses) in subjects such as biological science, behavioral science, phonetics, and anatomy. The good news? Many master’s programs cater specifically to students with diverse educational backgrounds.
These programs allow incoming students to take the required foundational courses upon admission into the program before transitioning to graduate-level SLP coursework and clinical practicums. Other programs may require you to complete some or all of the necessary undergraduate coursework before admission. Check with individual programs about their specific requirements for out-of-field applicants.
Take the GRE (If Required)
Not all CAA-accredited programs require GRE scores as of 2025. Many schools have made the GRE optional or eliminated the requirement, recognizing that standardized test scores don’t always predict graduate school success. However, if your target programs do require the GRE, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
For programs that still require it, competitive GRE scores typically fall in the 150+ range on the verbal section and 145+ on the quantitative section. Some schools don’t specify a passing score but offer a percentile range within which students generally score.
You have five attempts to take the GRE within one year, and only your highest score will typically be considered by the schools you’re applying to. To guarantee your best chance at achieving a higher score, consider joining study groups and structured GRE prep programs. Many successful applicants invest 2-3 months in GRE preparation before taking the exam.
Check individual program requirements carefully, as GRE policies vary widely. If you have a strong GPA and relevant experience, you may want to prioritize programs that don’t require the GRE.
Accumulate Work or Volunteer Experience
Though you can’t officially work as an SLP until you’ve completed your master’s in speech pathology and earned your state license, you’ll want to gain some firsthand experience to make your speech pathology program application more competitive. Most successful applicants have accumulated 50-100 hours of observation or volunteer experience before applying.
You can do this by finding entry-level work or volunteering in the speech pathology field. Internships and research assistant opportunities are two of the best ways to get your foot in the door. Look into openings at nonprofits, research facilities, and even the college or university where you studied for your bachelor’s degree.
You can also reach out to different organizations and ask if they’ll allow you to shadow one of their SLPs for a period. Not only does this provide practical experience of what your day-to-day tasks might be, but it also offers an opportunity to network with professionals in your field—some of whom may be instrumental down the road when you need letters of recommendation to apply to speech pathology programs.
Research Accredited Speech Pathology Programs
Applying to multiple speech pathology programs takes a lot of work (not to mention the expense of numerous application fees, which typically range from $50 to $100 per program). It’s critical to do your research to find the right program that fits your career goals, whether that’s a traditional master’s degree or an online SLP master’s program.
The Council on Academic Accreditation should accredit your program in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This body provides program-level accreditation for degrees in communication sciences and disorders. This accreditation is essential for meeting ASHA certification requirements and state licensure eligibility.
Depending on the school, your master’s in speech pathology may be structured as any of the following degree types:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Make sure your school offers the appropriate speech pathology curriculum. These M.A. and M.S. programs go by several titles that include:
- Communicative Sciences and Disorders
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, Specialization in Speech-Language Pathology
Your coursework should be research-oriented and clinically based, grounded in the psychological, linguistic, physiological, and physical sciences that together make up the field of communication sciences and disorders. CAA-accredited master’s degrees are designed to prepare students to gain valuable hands-on experience, collaborate with leaders in the field, and integrate research principles in evidence-based clinical practice.
Your master’s in speech-language pathology may include courses such as:
- Speech science and acoustics
- Motor speech disorders
- Fluency disorders and stuttering
- Voice disorders and laryngeal function
- Language disorders in children and adults
- Dysphagia (swallowing disorders) in adults and children
- Augmentative and alternative communication
- Neurogenic communication disorders
What Does a Master’s in SLP Cost?
Understanding the financial investment required for your master’s in speech-language pathology is crucial for planning your educational journey. Costs range from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on institution type, with some private programs exceeding this range. Your total price will vary significantly depending on whether you attend a public or private institution, study in-state or out-of-state, and choose an on-campus or online program.
Tuition Cost Breakdown
| Program Type | Average Total Cost | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Public University (In-State) | $30,000 – $50,000 | $500 – $800 |
| Public University (Out-of-State) | $50,000 – $75,000 | $800 – $1,300 |
| Private University | $60,000 – $90,000 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Online Programs | $40,000 – $75,000 | $650 – $1,200 |
Note: Some elite private programs may exceed $90,000 in total costs, but these represent exceptional cases rather than the norm.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Beyond tuition, you’ll need to budget for several additional expenses throughout your program:
- Books and materials: $1,500 – $2,500 total
- Technology fees: $500 – $1,000 per year
- Clinical supplies: $300 – $600 total
- Professional liability insurance: $50 – $150 per year
- ASHA membership (student rate): $115 per year
- Praxis exam fee: $150 (taken during final year)
- Clinical placement transportation: Variable based on location
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Don’t let the sticker price discourage you. Many students finance their master’s degree through a combination of these resources:
- Federal student loans: Most students qualify for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per year)
- Graduate assistantships: Many programs offer teaching or research assistant positions that provide tuition waivers plus a stipend ($10,000 – $20,000 per year)
- Scholarships: ASHA Foundation, university-specific awards, and private organizations offer scholarships specifically for SLP students.
- Employer tuition assistance: If you’re currently working in a healthcare or education setting, check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement
- State loan forgiveness programs: Many states offer loan repayment assistance for SLPs who commit to working in underserved areas
It’s worth noting that the return on investment for an SLP master’s degree is substantial. With median starting salaries of $60,000-$70,000 and the potential to earn $80,000+ with experience, most graduates can comfortably manage their student loan payments.
How Long Is a Master’s in Speech Pathology?
With all the hoops to jump through before admission, it’s natural to wonder how long you’ll spend studying once you’ve been accepted to a speech pathology program.
Speech-language pathology master’s degree programs typically require 48 to 60 academic credits and two years of full-time study. That said, this number can fluctuate based on several factors. For example, online SLP master’s programs are often self-paced, meaning you can complete them faster or slower than traditional programs that follow a set structure.
Typical Program Timeline
Here’s what you can expect during your two years of study:
| Semester | Focus | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Year 1 | Foundational coursework, begin clinical observation (25 hours) | 12-15 |
| Spring Year 1 | Core courses, first clinical practicum (50-75 hours) | 12-15 |
| Summer Year 1 | Optional coursework or clinical experience (75-100 hours) | 3-6 |
| Fall Year 2 | Advanced coursework, clinical practicum (100-125 hours) | 12-15 |
| Spring Year 2 | Specialization courses, final clinical practicum (100-125 hours) | 9-12 |
You’ll also need to factor in the clinical component of your master’s in speech-language pathology, which requires at least 400 supervised clinical hours, including 25 hours of observation and work with a variety of populations. Clinical practicums are comprised of supervised experiences where you provide diagnostic and therapeutic services in at least three different settings, such as hospitals, schools, and rehab centers.
These clinical hours are integrated throughout your program, not added at the end. By your final semester, you’ll be managing a caseload of clients while completing your final coursework.
How Competitive Is Admission to a Master’s in SLP?
Understanding the competitive landscape of SLP graduate admissions can help you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations about your chances of acceptance.
Admission Statistics
Speech-language pathology master’s programs are among the most competitive healthcare graduate programs. Here’s what the numbers look like:
- Average acceptance rate: 20-40% (varies widely by program)
- Top-tier programs: 10-15% acceptance rate
- Applications per spot: Most programs receive 3-5 qualified applications for every available seat
- Average cohort size: 20-40 students per incoming class
Competitive Applicant Profile
While requirements vary by program, successful applicants typically have the following credentials:
| Credential | Competitive Range | Highly Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.3 – 3.6 | 3.7+ |
| GRE Verbal | 150 – 155 | 156+ |
| GRE Quantitative | 145 – 150 | 151+ |
| Observation Hours | 50 – 100 | 100+ |
| Related Experience | Volunteer work | Paid position or research |
What Makes an Application Stand Out
Beyond the numbers, admissions committees look for these qualities in successful applicants:
- Compelling personal statement: Clearly articulate why you want to become an SLP, including specific experiences that influenced your decision
- Strong letters of recommendation: At least one from an SLP or faculty member in CSD who can speak to your clinical potential
- Diverse clinical exposure: Experience with different populations (pediatric and adult, various disorders)
- Research experience: Participation in research projects shows intellectual curiosity and academic preparedness
- Commitment to the field: Membership in NSSLHA (National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association) demonstrates a serious interest
Strategies to Strengthen Your Application
If your credentials don’t yet match the competitive range, consider these strategies:
- Take post-baccalaureate courses to raise your GPA and complete prerequisites
- Gain additional observation and volunteer hours
- Study intensively for the GRE and retake if needed
- Apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools (typically 6-10 programs)
- Consider programs that don’t require the GRE or have holistic admissions processes
Expected Salary After Graduation
One of the most common questions prospective students ask is about earning potential after completing their master’s degree. The good news? Speech-language pathology offers competitive salaries, strong job security, and growth potential.
National Salary Overview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earned a median annual wage of $84,140 in 2024. However, your actual salary will depend on several factors, including geographic location, work setting, experience level, and specialization.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,250 | $29.45 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,630 | $34.92 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $84,140 | $40.45 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,380 | $47.78 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,780 | $59.99 |
Salary by Work Setting
Where you choose to work significantly impacts your earning potential:
| Work Setting | Mean Annual Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities | $97,090 | High demand |
| Home Health Services | $93,830 | Rapidly growing |
| General Medical/Surgical Hospitals | $89,150 | Stable |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $86,530 | Growing |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $74,380 | Steady demand |
Career Growth and Advancement
Your salary will typically increase as you gain experience and potentially pursue specializations or leadership roles:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): $60,000 – $70,000
- Mid-career (3-7 years): $75,000 – $90,000
- Experienced (8-15 years): $85,000 – $105,000
- Senior/Specialist (15+ years): $95,000 – $125,000+
Additional factors that can increase your earning potential include obtaining your CCC-SLP credential, pursuing specialized certifications (such as LSVT for Parkinson’s disease or VitalStim for dysphagia), taking on supervisory roles, or working in private practice.
Job Market Outlook
The job outlook for speech-language pathologists remains strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, well above the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of speech and language disorders in children, and better survival rates for stroke and trauma patients who need rehabilitation services.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Programs
Deciding between full-time and part-time study is an important consideration that affects not only how long you’ll be in school, but also your ability to work, manage other responsibilities, and maintain work-life balance.
Program Comparison
| Factor | Full-Time Program | Part-Time Program |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 3-4 years |
| Credits per Semester | 12-15 | 6-9 |
| Time Commitment | 40+ hours/week (classes + clinical + study) | 20-25 hours/week |
| Work Compatibility | Difficult to maintain a full-time job | Possible to work part-time or full-time |
| Clinical Placement Flexibility | Daytime hours required | May have evening/weekend options |
| Cohort Experience | Strong peer bonds, traditional student life | More diverse student backgrounds |
| Availability | Most programs offer this | Limited availability |
| Total Cost | Lower (due to shorter duration) | Higher (more semesters of fees) |
Who Should Choose Full-Time?
Full-time programs work best if you:
- Can dedicate yourself fully to your studies without working
- Want to complete your degree quickly and enter the workforce sooner
- Prefer an immersive, intensive learning experience
- Are you coming straight from your bachelor’s degree
- Have financial support or sufficient financial aid to cover living expenses
- Want the traditional graduate school experience with strong peer connections
Who Should Choose Part-Time?
Part-time programs are ideal if you:
- Need to continue working while earning your degree
- Have family obligations that require flexible scheduling
- Want to ease into graduate-level coursework
- Are changing careers and need income during the transition
- Learn better at a slower, more manageable pace
- Have other commitments that prevent full-time study
Important Considerations
Keep in mind that not all programs offer a part-time option. Online programs tend to have more flexibility for part-time study. Also, if you’re receiving financial aid, you may need to maintain a specific credit load each semester to remain eligible. Check with your program’s financial aid office about the minimum enrollment requirements.
Can I Earn My Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology Online?
Many students have turned to online SLP master’s degrees to better fit their coursework into their schedule and lifestyle. Online speech pathology master’s programs allow students to complete most or all of the didactic components through interactive, online study. The standards for accreditation are the same as those set for traditional on-campus programs, with the flexibility of being able to study and work around your current schedule. This makes an online master’s in speech pathology ideal for students who may be changing careers and need to study around their current work schedule.
Note that because of the practical requirements of a speech pathology master’s degree, an online SLP master’s program won’t be 100% internet-based. You’ll still generally need to complete several campus-based clinical immersion experiences before your clinical practicum experiences. These immersion experiences provide an opportunity to meet your professors and fellow students and engage in informative seminars regarding your future clinical practicum.
How Online Programs Work
Online SLP master’s programs typically follow this structure:
- Asynchronous coursework: Watch recorded lectures, complete readings, and participate in discussion boards on your own schedule
- Synchronous sessions: Attend live virtual classes for specific courses or discussion sections
- On-campus immersions: Brief intensive sessions (typically 1-2 weeks per year) for hands-on skill development
- Local clinical placements: Complete your 350-400 clinical hours at sites near your home
Benefits of Online Programs
- Study from anywhere without relocating
- Continue working while earning your degree
- Learn at your own pace (in many programs)
- Save on housing and commuting costs
- Access programs that may not be available in your geographic area
Challenges to Consider
- Requires strong self-discipline and time management
- Less face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty
- Needa reliable internet connection and an appropriate study space
- Must arrange your own clinical placements (though programs typically provide support)
- On-campus immersions require travel and time away from work
Other Requirements for Getting a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
Beyond the core admission components discussed earlier, there are a few additional requirements you’ll need to meet to be accepted into an in-person or online SLP master’s program.
Letters of Recommendation
Many schools will require at least two letters of recommendation, typically from your professors or faculty at your undergraduate program. Some may also accept letters from supervising SLPs whom you shadowed or volunteered with. The strongest letters come from people who can speak specifically to your clinical potential, work ethic, interpersonal skills, and commitment to the field. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your abilities.
Essay and Personal Statement
Your program will want to know what drew you to a career in speech pathology, as well as what sets you apart from all the other applicants who wish to study there. Your personal statement or essay is your opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and convince the admissions board that you’re worthy of a place in their program.
A compelling personal statement typically includes:
- A specific story or experience that sparked your interest in SLP
- Evidence of your understanding of what SLPs do and the challenges of the field
- Your relevant experiences (volunteer work, observation hours, related employment)
- Your career goals and how this particular program will help you achieve them
- Personal qualities that will make you a successful clinician
Personal Interview
Depending on your school, you may be asked to meet with faculty for an in-person or virtual interview. This is often a good sign, as it shows you’ve met the entry qualifications and that the admissions board thinks you may be a worthy candidate for the program. Make sure to prepare for questions about your undergraduate studies, volunteer work, career goals, and why you’re interested in their specific program. Be ready to discuss current issues in the field and your understanding of what speech-language pathologists do in various settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a master’s in speech pathology?
With a master’s in speech pathology, you can work in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, residential care facilities, and private practice. You can specialize in treating specific populations (children or adults) or specific disorders (such as stuttering, dysphagia, or aphasia). Alternative career paths include vocal coaching, corporate communication training, research, and university teaching.
How long is a master’s in speech pathology?
Speech-language pathology master’s degree programs typically require 48 to 60 academic credits and two years of full-time study. Part-time programs take 3-4 years to complete. You’ll also complete at least 400 supervised clinical hours (including 25 observation hours) throughout the program. Online SLP master’s programs are often self-paced, meaning you can complete them faster or slower than traditional programs.
How many credits is a master’s degree in speech pathology?
Most speech-language pathology master’s programs require 48-60 academic credits to graduate. This includes core coursework in communication disorders, clinical practicum credits, and sometimes thesis or capstone project credits. The exact number varies by program, but all CAA-accredited programs must meet ASHA’s academic and clinical requirements.
Can I get into an SLP master’s program without a CSD bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can get into an SLP master’s program with a bachelor’s degree in any field. However, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework in communication sciences and disorders. Many programs offer these foundational courses as part of the master’s program or through post-baccalaureate programs. Expect to complete courses in areas like anatomy, phonetics, language development, and hearing science.
How much does a master’s in speech pathology cost?
Tuition for a master’s in speech pathology ranges from $30,000-$50,000 at public universities (in-state) to $60,000-$90,000 at private institutions, with some elite programs exceeding this range. Online programs typically cost $40,000-$75,000. Additional expenses include books ($1,500-$2,500), fees ($500-$1,000/year), and clinical supplies ($300-$600). Financial aid options include federal loans, graduate assistantships, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.
What GPA do I need to get into SLP graduate school?
Most SLP graduate programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.3-3.6 or higher. Top programs often see successful applicants with GPAs of 3.7 or above. If your overall GPA is lower, a strong GPA in your last 60 credit hours or in prerequisite CSD courses can strengthen your application.
Is the GRE required for SLP programs?
Not all SLP programs require the GRE as of 2025. Many programs have made it optional or eliminated the requirement. For programs that still need it, competitive GRE scores typically fall in the 150+ range on the verbal section and 145+ on the quantitative section. Check individual program requirements, as policies vary. If a program requires the GRE, strong scores can offset a lower GPA or strengthen an already competitive application.
Key Takeaways
- A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is the entry-level requirement to practice as an SLP in any state. It is necessary for ASHA certification (CCC-SLP), which is required by most—but not all—state licensing boards.
- Programs typically take 2 years of full-time study (or 3-4 years part-time), include 48-60 academic credits, and require at least 400 supervised clinical hours (including 25 observation hours) across diverse settings and populations.
- Admission is competitive, with acceptance rates of 20-40% at most programs. Successful applicants typically have a 3.3+ GPA, observation hours, and strong letters of recommendation. Many programs no longer require GRE scores as of 2025.
- Tuition ranges from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on whether you attend a public or private institution, with some elite programs exceeding this range. The investment pays off with median salaries of $84,140 and strong job growth projected at 15% through 2034.
- You can earn your master’s online through CAA-accredited programs, though you’ll still need to complete on-campus immersions and local clinical placements to fulfill hands-on training requirements.
- SLPs work in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, and non-traditional roles such as corporate communication training or research positions.
- 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.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- 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 SLP Career?
Explore CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs that match your career goals, learning preferences, and location. Find the right program to launch your journey toward helping people communicate better.
20US US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Speech-Language Pathologists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.