SLP Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor's Degrees at Schools with CAA-Accredited Master's Programs

Written by Sarah Keller, Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Quick Answer

While you don’t need a bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) to apply to SLP master’s programs, earning one from a school with CAA-accredited graduate programs streamlines your path. These programs cover required prerequisites and often offer 5-year accelerated BS/MS options, saving time and money on your journey to CCC-SLP certification.

Featured Programs:

Starting your path toward a career in speech-language pathology as an undergraduate sets a strong foundation for graduate success. A bachelor’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders prepares you with essential coursework, clinical observations, and the prerequisites you’ll need for a master’s program—the minimum educational requirement to become a certified and licensed SLP.

If you’re considering your undergraduate options and already know you want to become an SLP, choosing a CSD major is a strategic decision. It provides the foundational knowledge in speech and hearing sciences that will carry through your entire career, while positioning you for a seamless transition into graduate study.

Why Choose a Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Degree

Most SLP graduate programs accept students from various academic backgrounds, not just CSD majors. However, earning your bachelor’s in this field offers distinct advantages that can simplify your educational journey and strengthen your graduate school applications.

Seamless Transition to Graduate Study

When your undergraduate program is housed within a department that offers a CAA-accredited master’s degree, you’ll benefit from curriculum alignment. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) is the semi-autonomous accrediting arm of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. While CAA only accredits master’s programs that meet the curriculum requirements for CCC-SLP certification, schools with CAA-accredited master’s programs structure their undergraduate curricula to prepare students for graduate study directly.

This alignment means you won’t scramble to complete missing prerequisites as a graduate student. You’ll have already covered anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, language development, and other foundational courses that graduate programs require.

Time and Cost Savings Through Accelerated Programs

Some schools offer 5-year accelerated SLP programs that combine undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years instead of six. This approach saves an entire year of tuition and living expenses while getting you into the field faster to serve clients who need your expertise.

These integrated programs streamline your education by allowing graduate-level courses to count toward both degrees. You’ll often secure your spot in the master’s program early, eliminating the stress of competitive graduate admissions.

Building Your Professional Network Early

Studying CSD as an undergraduate connects you with faculty who are active researchers and clinicians in the field. These relationships become valuable as you pursue graduate study, clinical fellowships, and your first professional positions. You’ll also build connections with peers who share your career goals, creating a professional network that extends throughout your career.

How to Choose the Right CSD Undergraduate Program

Not all undergraduate CSD programs are structured the same way. Consider these factors when evaluating your options:

Accreditation of the Graduate Program

Your best option is earning your bachelor’s degree from a school that also offers a CAA-accredited master’s program in speech-language pathology. This ensures the undergraduate curriculum is designed to prepare students for graduate-level study and eventual CCC-SLP certification.

Degree Type and Program Format

Understanding the differences between degree types and delivery formats helps you choose a program that fits your learning style and schedule:

Program TypeDescriptionBest For
Bachelor of Arts (BA)Broader liberal arts foundation with CSD core coursesStudents who want flexibility for double majors or diverse electives
Bachelor of Science (BS)More intensive focus on sciences and CSD courseworkStudents who wish for deeper preparation in biological sciences and clinical applications
Traditional 4-YearStandard undergraduate timeline with the option to apply to any graduate programStudents who want to explore multiple graduate school options
5-Year Accelerated BS/MSCombined undergraduate and graduate coursework, completing both degrees in five yearsStudents committed to SLP who want to save time and money
Online/HybridSome or all coursework completed remotely; clinical observations still required in person.Working students or those needing schedule flexibility

Clinical Opportunities and Observation Hours

Strong undergraduate programs provide early exposure to clinical settings through observation hours. These experiences help you confirm your career choice and build familiarity with the clinical process before graduate school.

Location and Cost Considerations

In-state tuition at public universities can significantly reduce your overall education costs. If you’re considering out-of-state or private institutions, weigh the benefits of specific program features against the higher tuition investment.

Speech-Pathology Bachelor’s Programs at Schools with CAA-Accredited Grad Programs Organized by State

The directory below lists undergraduate programs in communicative sciences and disorders at schools that also offer CAA-accredited master’s programs. These institutions provide the strongest pathway from undergraduate study to graduate education and eventual SLP certification.

Programs are available in various formats—traditional campus-based instruction, fully online options, and hybrid models that combine both. Regardless of delivery method, all programs include clinical observation placements, teach foundational principles of speech and hearing sciences, and prepare you for the master’s degree required for state licensure and CCC-SLP certification.

School profiles in the ASHA EdFind searchable database are updated annually based on information collected through the CSD Education Survey.

CAA does not accredit undergraduate programs. As of November 2025, the bachelor’s programs shown here are housed in schools with CAA-accredited master’s programs or programs in the application or candidacy phase of the accreditation process.

Alabama

Alabama A&M University—Normal

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Auburn University—Auburn

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Samford University—Birmingham

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa—Tuscaloosa

  • BA in Communicative Disorders

University of Montevallo—Montevallo

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

University of South Alabama—Mobile

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Alaska

There are no SLP undergraduate programs offered by institutions with accredited master’s programs in Alaska at this time.

Arizona

Arizona State University—Tempe

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Science

University of Arizona—Tucson

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Arkansas

Arkansas State University—Jonesboro

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Harding University—Searcy

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders—Clinical
  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders—Non-Clinical

University of Arkansas Fayetteville—Fayetteville

  • BSE in Communication Disorders

University of Arkansas at Little Rock—Little Rock

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Central Arkansas—Conway

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

California

Biola University—La Mirada

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

California Baptist University—Riverside

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

California State University—Chico

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

California State University East Bay—Hayward

  • BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology

California State University Fresno—Fresno

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology

California State University, Fullerton—Fullerton

  • BS in Communicative Disorders

California State University Long Beach—Long Beach

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology

California State University, ty Los Angeles—Los Angeles

  • BA in Communicative Disorders

California State University Northridge—Northridge

  • BA in Speech Language Pathology

California State University, Sacramento—Sacramento

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

California State University San Marcos—San Marcos

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Loma Linda University—Loma Linda

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

San Diego State University—San Diego

  • BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

San Francisco State University—San Francisco

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

San Jose State University—San Jose

  • BA in Communicative Disorders and Sciences

University of Redlands—Redlands

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of the Pacific—Stockton

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder—Boulder

  • BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

University of Northern Colorado—Greeley

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Connecticut

Sacred Heart University—Fairfield

  • Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Minor
  • Accelerated BS/MS

Southern Connecticut State University—New Haven

  • BS in Communication Disorders

University of Connecticut—Storrs

  • BA in Speech, Lan, and Hearing Sciences

Delaware

There are no SLP undergraduate programs offered by institutions with accredited master’s programs in Delaware at this time.

District of Columbia

George Washington University—Washington, DC

  • BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  • Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Minor
  • BS in Cognitive Science of Language

Florida

Florida State University—Tallahassee

  • BS in Communication Science and Disorders

Jacksonville University—Jacksonville

  • BS in Communication Sciences

Nova Southeastern University—Ft Lauderdale

  • BS in Speech Language & Communication Disorders
  • Fully online BS program offered

University of Central Florida—Orlando

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Language Development and Disorders

University of Florida , Gainesville

  • BHS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Fully online BHS program offered

University of South Florida—Tampa

  • BA Speech-Language-Hearing Science
  • BA Interpreter Training
  • BA Deaf Studies

Georgia

Georgia Southern University (Formerly Armstrong State University)—Savannah

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Georgia—Athens

  • BSEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of West Georgia—Carrollton

  • BSEd in Speech Pathology

Valdosta State University—Valdosta

  • BSEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Hawaii

There are no SLP undergraduate programs offered by institutions with accredited master’s programs in Hawaii at this time.

Idaho

Idaho State University—Pocatello

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Year one of pre-professional CSD courses offered online

Illinois

Eastern Illinois University—Charleston

  • BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences
  • BA in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Elmhurst College—Elmhurst

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Governors State University—University Park

  • BHS in Communication Disorders

Illinois State University—Normal

  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Northern Illinois University—DeKalb

  • BS in Communicative Disorders

Northwestern University—Evanston

  • BS in Human Communication Sciences

Southern Illinois University—Carbondale

  • BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

St. Xavier University

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—Champaign

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences with Concentrations in Audiology, Cultural-Linguistic Diversity, Neuroscience of Communication, or Speech-Language Pathology

Western Illinois University—Macomb

  • BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Indiana

Ball State University—Muncie

  • BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology
  • BS in Pre-Audiology

Indiana State University—Terre Haute

  • BA in Communication Disorders
  • BS in Communication Disorders

Indiana University Bloomington—Bloomington

  • BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences
  • BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Purdue University—West Lafayette

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Saint Mary’s College-Notre Dame

  • BA in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Iowa

University of Iowa—Iowa City

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Northern Iowa—Cedar Falls

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Kansas

Fort Hayes State University—Hays

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Kansas State University—Manhattan

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Kansas—Kansas City

  • BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences & Disorders
  • BGS in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences & Disorders

Wichita State University—Wichita

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Deafness and Hard-of-Hearing Concentration

Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University—Richmond

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Murray State University—Murray

  • BS in Communication Disorders
  • BA in Communication Disorders

University of Kentucky—Lexington

  • BHS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Western Kentucky University—Bowling Green

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Louisiana

Louisiana Technical University—Ruston

  • BA Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

Louisiana State University and A&M College—Baton Rouge

  • BA in Communication Disorders

Southeastern Louisiana University—Hammond

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Southern University and A&M—Baton Rouge

  • BS in Speech Pathology

University of Louisiana at Lafayette—Lafayette

  • BA in Speech Pathology & Audiology

University of Louisiana Monroe—Monroe

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Maine

The University of Maine, Orono—Orono

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Maryland

Loyola University Maryland—Columbia

  • BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Towson University—Towson

  • BS in Speech-Language-Pathology and Audiology
  • BS in Deaf Studies

University of Maryland, College Park—College Park

  • BA in Hearing & Speech Sciences

Massachusetts

Boston University—Boston

  • BS in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
  • BS in Deaf Studies

Bridgewater State University—Bridgewater

  • BSE in Special Education with Communication Disorders Concentration

Emerson College—Boston

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Northeastern University—Boston

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

University of Massachusetts Amherst—Amherst

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Worcester State University—Worcester

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Michigan

Andrews University—Berrien Springs

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Calvin College—Grand Rapids

  • BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Central Michigan University—Mount Pleasant

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Eastern Michigan University—Ypsilanti (currently on probationary status)

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Grand Valley State University—Grand Rapids

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Wayne State University—Detroit

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Western Michigan University—Kalamazoo

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Minnesota

Minnesota State University, ty Mankato—Mankato

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Minnesota State University Moorhead—Moorhead

  • BS in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Cloud State University—St. Cloud

  • BS Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BES Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Minnesota Duluth—Duluth

  • BAS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Minnesota—Minneapolis

  • BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Mississippi

Jackson State University—Jackson

  • BS in Communicative Disorders

Mississippi University for Women—Columbus

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

University of Mississippi—University

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of Southern Mississippi—Hattiesburg

  • BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Missouri

Fontbonne University—St. Louis

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Maryville University—St. Louis

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Missouri State University—Springfield

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Rockhurst University—Kansas City

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Saint Louis University—St. Louis

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Southeast Missouri State University—Cape Girardeau

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Truman State University—Kirksville

  • BA in Communication Disorders
  • BS in Communication Disorders

University of Central Missouri—Warrensburg

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

University of Missouri—Columbia

  • BHS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Montana

University of Montana—Missoula

  • BA in Communicative Sciences & Disorders

Nebraska

University of Nebraska Kearney—Kearney

  • BSEd in Communication Disorders

University of Nebraska Lincoln—Lincoln

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Nebraska Omaha—Omaha

  • BSE in Communication Disorders

Nevada

Nevada State College—Henderson

  • BA in Speech Pathology

University of Nevada, a Reno—Reno

  • BS in Speech Pathology

New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire—Durham

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

New Jersey

Kean University of New Jersey—Union

  • BA Speech-Language Hearing Sciences

William Paterson University—Wayne

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University—Portales

  • BS in Communicative Disorders

New Mexico State University—Las Cruces

  • BS in Communication Disorders

University of New Mexico—Albuquerque

  • BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences

New York

Adelphi University—Garden City

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Buffalo State College—Buffalo

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

City University of New Yo, Brooklyn—Brooklyn

  • BA Communication Sciences and Disorders

City University of New York Lehman College—Bronx

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

City University of New York Queens College—Flushing

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Hofstra University—Hempstead

  • BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
  • BA-MA Dual Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology

Iona College—New Rochelle

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

Ithaca College—Ithaca

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Long Island University Post—Brookville

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Mercy College—Dobbs Ferry

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Molloy College—Rockville Centre

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Nazareth College—Rochester

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

New York University—New York

  • BS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

St. John’s University—Queens

  • BA Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

Yeshiva University—New York

  • BA in Speech Pathology/Audiology

The State University of New York at Buffalo—Buffalo

  • BA in Speech and Hearing Science

State University of New York Cortland—Cortland

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Science

State University of New York Fredonia—Fredonia

  • BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences

State University of New York New Paltz—New Paltz

  • BA in Communication Disorders

State University of New York Plattsburgh—Plattsburgh

  • BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Syracuse University—Syracuse

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Touro College—Brooklyn

  • BS/MS in Speech-Language Pathology Dual Degree Program

North Carolina

Appalachian State University—Boone

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

East Carolina University—Greenville

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

University of North Carolina Greensboro—Greensboro

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Western Carolina University—Cullowhee

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

North Dakota

Minot State University—Minot

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Mary—Bismarck

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of North Dakota—Grand Forks

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University—Berea

  • BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • Integrated BS/MS in SLP

Bowling Green State University—Bowling Green

  • BS in Communication Science and Disorders

Case Western Reserve University—Cleveland

  • BA in Communication Sciences

Cleveland State University—Cleveland

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Kent State University—Kent

  • BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Miami University—Oxford

  • BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Ohio State University—Columbus

  • BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Ohio University—Athens

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Akron—Akron

  • BA in Speech-Language Pathology

University of Cincinnati—Cincinnati

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

University of Toledo—Toledo

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Oklahoma

Northeastern State University—Tahlequah

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Oklahoma State University—Stillwater

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Central Oklahoma—Edmond

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Oklahoma—Oklahoma City

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of Tulsa—Tulsa

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Oregon

Portland State University—Portland

  • BA Speech and Hearing Sciences
  • BS Speech and Hearing Science

University of Oregon—Eugene

  • BS in Communication Disorders & Sciences
  • BA in Communication Disorders & Sciences

Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg University—Bloomsburg

  • BS in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

PennWest University—California

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Duquesne University—Pittsburgh

  • BHS/MS in Speech Language Pathology Dual Degree Program

East Stroudsburg University—East Stroudsburg

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Geneva College—Beaver Falls

  • BA in Communication Disorders

Indiana University of Pennsylvania—Indiana

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology

LaSalle University—Philadelphia

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BS/MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders Dual Degree

Marywood University—Scranton

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders (accelerated pathway to MS in SLP)

Misericordia University—Dallas

  • BS/MS Speech-Language Pathology Dual Degree

Pennsylvania State University—University Park

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Temple University—Philadelphia

  • BA in Speech-Language-Hearing

Thiel College—Greenville

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh

  • BA in Communication Science

West Chester University—West Chester

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Accelerated BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders (to MA in SLP)

Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island—Kingston

  • BS in Communicative Disorders

South Carolina

South Carolina State University—Orangeburg

  • BA in Speech Pathology & Audiology

South Dakota

University of South Dakota—Vermillion

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Tennessee

University of Tennessee—Knoxville

  • BS in Audiology and Speech Pathology

Texas

Abilene Christian University—Abilene

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Baylor University—Waco

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Lamar University—Beaumont

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Our Lady of the Lake University—San Antonio

  • BA in Communication and Learning Disorders

Stephen F. Austin State University—Nacogdoches

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Texas A&M University—Kingsville

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Texas Christian University—Fort Worth

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology
  • BS in Habilitation of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Texas State University—San Marcos

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Texas Tech University—Lubbock

  • BS in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences

Texas Woman’s University—Denton

  • BS in Communication Sciences
  • Emphasis in Deaf Education
  • Emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology

University of Houston—Houston

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of North Texas—Denton

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

University of Texas at Dallas—Denton

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

University of Texas at Austin—Austin

  • BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  • Specializations available in Audiology, Deaf Education/Deaf studies, and Speech-Language Pathology

University of Texas at El Paso—El Paso

  • BS/MS in Speech-Language Pathology Dual Degree
  • Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley—Edinburg

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

West Texas A&M University—Canyon

  • BS in Communication Disorders

Utah

Brigham Young University—Provo

  • BS in Communication Disorders

University of Utah—Salt Lake City

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Science

Utah State University—Logan

  • BS in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education
  • BA in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education
  • Programs offered online

Vermont

University of Vermont—Burlington

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Speech-Language Pathology Pre-Master’s Track Certificate Program Offered Online

Virginia

Hampton University—Hampton

  • BA in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

James Madison University—Harrisonburg

  • BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Longwood University—Farmville

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Online prerequisites for a Speech-Language Pathology graduate program

Old Dominion University—Norfolk

  • BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Radford University—Radford

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Virginia—Charlottesville

  • BSEd in Speech Communication Disorders

Washington

Eastern Washington University—Spokane

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Washington—Seattle

  • BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Washington State University—Spokane

  • BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Western Washington University—Bellingham

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

West Virginia

Marshall University—Huntington

  • BS in Communication Disorders

West Virginia University—Morgantown

  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Wisconsin

Marquette University—Milwaukee

  • BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire—Eau Claire

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • American Sign Language Certificate

University of Wisconsin-Madison—Madison

  • BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee—Milwaukee

  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders

University of Wisconsin River Falls—River Falls

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders Education Track
  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders Liberal Arts Track

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point—Stevens Point

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Wisconsin Whitewater—Whitewater

  • BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Wyoming

University of Wyoming—Laramie

  • BS of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science

  

Featured Programs:

  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders to become an SLP?
 

No, you don’t need a CSD bachelor’s degree to apply to SLP master’s programs. Most graduate programs accept students from any major as long as you complete the required prerequisites. However, a CSD undergraduate degree provides all these prerequisites in a structured curriculum, eliminates the need to take additional courses later, and often makes you a stronger graduate school candidate. Students who major in CSD typically have a smoother transition into graduate study since they’re already familiar with the field’s foundational concepts.

What’s the difference between a BA and a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
 

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) typically includes more liberal arts coursework alongside your CSD core classes, giving you flexibility for double majors or diverse electives. A Bachelor of Science (BS) focuses more intensively on science courses and technical CSD content. Both degrees prepare you equally well for graduate programs in speech-language pathology. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a broader educational experience or a more specialized focus on the sciences.

Are 5-year accelerated SLP programs worth it?
 

Five-year accelerated programs that combine bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be excellent options if you’re sure about pursuing an SLP career. They save a full year of tuition and living expenses while guaranteeing your spot in the graduate program early, eliminating the stress of competitive graduate admissions. You’ll complete both degrees faster and enter the workforce sooner. The primary consideration is that these programs require commitment to the field before you complete your bachelor’s degree, so make sure speech-language pathology is the right career path for you.

Can I complete a CSD bachelor’s degree online?
 

Several universities offer fully online or hybrid CSD bachelor’s programs, including the University of Florida, Gainesville, Nova Southeastern University, and Utah State University. These programs provide flexibility for students who need to work or have other commitments. Keep in mind that even online programs require in-person clinical observation hours, so you’ll need to arrange local placements. Online programs work best for self-motivated learners who are comfortable with remote learning formats.

What GPA do I need for SLP graduate school admission?
 

Most competitive SLP master’s programs look for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, though many accepted students have GPAs closer to 3.5 or higher. Your CSD major GPA often matters more than your overall GPA, so focus on excelling in your core courses. Strong clinical observation experience, compelling letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal statement can help compensate for a lower GPA. If your GPA is below 3.0, consider taking post-baccalaureate courses to demonstrate your academic ability before applying.

How many clinical observation hours do I need as an undergraduate?
 

Requirements vary by program, but ASHA requires 25 observation hours before you begin a graduate-level clinical practicum. Many undergraduate programs build these hours into their coursework. It’s strategic to accumulate more than the minimum during your bachelor’s degree, as diverse observation experiences strengthen your graduate school applications and help you confirm your interest in specific clinical populations or settings. Aim for observations across different age groups and disorder types.

Should I attend an in-state or out-of-state undergraduate program?
 

In-state public universities typically offer the most affordable undergraduate education, which is essential since you’ll need to fund graduate school afterward. The cost difference can be substantial—often $20,000-$40,000 per year between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Unless an out-of-state program offers unique opportunities like a guaranteed admission pathway to their master’s program or a 5-year accelerated option, staying in-state for your bachelor’s degree makes financial sense. You can explore out-of-state possibilities for graduate school when you have more clarity about your career goals.

Key Takeaways

  • A bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders isn’t required for SLP master’s programs, but it provides all prerequisites in a structured curriculum and strengthens your graduate school applications.
  • Choose programs at universities with CAA-accredited master’s degrees—the undergraduate curriculum aligns with graduate requirements and prepares you for the CCC-SLP certification path.
  • Five-year accelerated BS/MS programs can save a full year of time and tuition while guaranteeing admission to graduate school, making them ideal for students committed to the field.
  • Both BA and BS degrees in CSD prepare you equally well for graduate study—choose based on whether you prefer a broader liberal arts education or an intensive science focus.
  • In-state public universities typically offer the most affordable undergraduate education, an important consideration since you’ll need to fund graduate school afterward.
  • Strong academic performance in CSD coursework, diverse clinical observation experiences, and relationships with faculty mentors position you competitively for admission to graduate programs.

Featured Programs:

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Sarah Keller
Sarah M. Keller, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience in pediatric clinics and university training programs. She earned her master’s in speech-language pathology from a CAHPS-accredited program in the Midwest and supervised clinical practicums for online and hybrid SLP cohorts. Sarah now advises students on graduate school applications, clinical fellowships, and state licensure. She lives in Colorado with her family and golden retriever.