Best Master’s in Audiology and Speech Pathology Programs

A master’s program in audiology and speech pathology can prepare students to become certified speech-language pathologists or go on to doctoral programs. Students complete coursework, clinical practicums, and research projects to learn more about how to treat speech and language disorders.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), graduate school cost an average of $19,792 in yearly tuition during the 2019-2020 academic year. Those looking to cut down on these costs might be interested in an online audiology and speech pathology program. By choosing an accredited online college, it may be possible to save money and earn a degree on your own schedule.

A master’s program in audiology and speech pathology typically takes 2-3 years to complete and consists of a 30-60 credit hour curriculum. The time commitment and the possibility of student debt may have prospective students wondering if they should go to graduate school.

However, a healthcare degree can be valuable, particularly a degree in speech pathology and audiology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), speech-language pathologists earned a median annual salary of $79,060 in May 2021. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 29% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average growth rate across all occupations.

Graduates in this field are likely to have access to jobs that offer higher-than-average salaries and opportunities for growth. Check out the programs we’ve identified as the best for a master’s in audiology and speech pathology.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Audiology and Speech Pathology ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 99 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

When preparing for graduate school, it is important to consider the requirements of the program and your own academic and professional goals. A master’s in audiology and speech pathology program typically requires students to complete 30-60 credits of classes in linguistic and cognitive development and communication disorders. In addition, students must complete required fieldwork and practicums.

Speech-language pathologists must be comfortable working with clients of all abilities and ages, have an inclusive mindset, and care about health and research.

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Admission requirements may make students question how to prepare for graduate school. Although requirements vary, many programs ask applicants for the same basic information. For example, prospective students almost always need to have a bachelor’s degree.

Some programs may be selective about coursework and require applicants to have majored in certain subjects or completed certain courses in communicative disorders. Other programs accept applicants from any academic background.

Institutions almost always ask potential enrollees to submit admission essays and resumes. Some schools require students to submit GRE scores and possess a certain GPA or higher.

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A person holding a degree in speech-language pathology can expect to make approximately $79,060 a year. According to the BLS, there were 158,100 jobs for these professionals in 2020, and by 2030, there are projected to be 45,400 more job openings. Speech-language pathology is one of the fastest-growing careers that require a master’s. The BLS reports a 29% job growth rate for these professionals between 2020 and 2030, a much higher growth rate than the average 8% across occupations during the same period. Most speech pathologists work in schools or hospitals and hold titles such as speech-language pathologist, rehabilitation director, pathology assistant, and pediatric pathologist.

Source: Payscale

Learn More About Audiology and Speech Pathology Careers

Many people who complete master’s programs pursue degrees to obtain a certification or license in that area of expertise. The majority of master’s in audiology and speech students seek speech-language pathology (SLP) certification after graduation. SLP certification is a requirement for the majority of professionals in this field.

After students complete their programs and fellowships, they can apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through ASHA.

Prospective students who wonder about the worth of a master’s degree should know that it requires an investment of 2-3 years and tens of thousands of dollars. However, for many students, a master’s in audiology and speech pathology is worth it.

According to the BLS, speech-language pathologists earned an above-average median salary of $79,060 in May 2021. The organization also projects increased demand for these professionals between 2020 and 2030, indicating opportunities for professional growth and increased job security.

Students can also consider pursuing their degrees online to cut costs and keep working while attending school. Online degree programs can be worth it because of the flexibility, reduced costs, and accessibility.

Master’s in audiology and speech pathology degree-holders usually go on to become certified speech pathologists. They often have titles like speech pathologist, language pathologist, and speech therapist. With years of experience, these professionals can assume directorial and managerial positions, overseeing teams of speech therapists.

Regardless of their titles, most speech pathologists’ responsibilities include diagnosing, treating, and counseling patients who have speech and language disorders. Reporting progress and new findings to the speech therapy community can also be an important aspect of the job, depending on a person’s position. They usually work in schools or health facilities, like hospitals, clinics, or assisted living facilities.

Although a master’s degree can qualify a graduate for speech pathology jobs, some graduates choose to continue their education and pursue a doctorate in the field. Doctorates can qualify speech pathologists for career advancements and higher salaries.

Speech pathologists with doctoral degrees may become administrators, master clinicians, supervisors, or professors. A doctorate in this area of study is not required in order to have a successful career, so potential candidates should consider whether or not this higher degree will be worth the personal investment.

A person with a master’s in audiology and speech pathology can expect to make $79,060 a year, according to the BLS. However, with additional years of experience and more education, these workers can earn over six figures per year.

The highest-paying jobs for professionals with master’s degrees in audiology and speech pathology are generally managerial or directorial positions.

Speech pathologists can also earn more money in certain fields. Home health services and private enterprises typically pay high wages. In general, working in medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics also yields higher salaries. Depending on a professional’s level of experience and education, they can earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year.

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