Best Online Speech Pathology Programs of 2024
2024The demand for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is high as the U.S. population ages and more children are evaluated for communication disorders. With a master’s degree in speech pathology, you can pursue careers in medical, rehabilitative, and school settings.
Find out what speech pathologists do, where they work, how much they make, and what to look for in online speech pathology programs (also known as communication sciences and disorders).
Popular Online Speech Pathology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Programs
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,232
- Out-of-state$19,420
- In-State$3,239
- Out-of-state$12,223
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,499
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,460
- Out-of-state$23,800
- In-State$11,184
- Out-of-state$27,888
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled22,166
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,273
- Out-of-state$37,161
- In-State$10,728
- Out-of-state$24,054
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled47,016
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,718
- Out-of-state$28,520
- In-State$9,718
- Out-of-state$28,520
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled50,344
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$34,882
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled31,641
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled36,484
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,708
- Out-of-state$14,448
- In-State$7,934
- Out-of-state$16,124
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,088
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Towson University
- Towson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,100
- Out-of-state$22,152
- In-State$8,280
- Out-of-state$17,136
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled20,856
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Marquette University
- Milwaukee, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,970
- Out-of-state$44,970
- In-State$21,960
- Out-of-state$21,960
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled11,320
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?
With a master’s degree, you can work as a speech pathologist and help people of all ages with communication disorders. As an SLP, you work with children and adults struggling with autism spectrum disorders, deafness or hard of hearing, language and literacy challenges, and swallowing problems.
Common workplaces include hospitals, private practice, residential facilities, and schools. Your duties include evaluating clients, formulating treatment plans, and helping clients improve their voices, vocabulary, and sentence structure. You also work with clients to strengthen muscles for swallowing.
With a master’s degree, you can qualify for state licensure and certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Where Can I Work With a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?
- Private Practice Offices: Self-employed speech pathologists run their own practices and hire speech pathologists in group practice environments. They may specialize in a particular communication disorder or population group, such as children or older adults.
- Hospital Systems: Speech pathologists help hospital patients with communication conditions arising from medical issues, such as head injuries, respiratory issues, and strokes. They work as part of a larger healthcare team alongside physicians, audiologists, and respiratory therapists.
- School Systems: School speech pathologists evaluate students for language and speech disorders, counsel students, and support classroom activities. They also work with school staff and parents to develop and implement individual and group programs.
- Residential Facilities: Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers employ speech pathologists to help older patients recover from medical issues with communication disorders.
How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?
Speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $89,290 (or $42.93 an hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of earners make less than $57,910, and the highest 10% make $129,930.
Salaries vary based on workplace, geographic location, and experience. For example, speech pathologists in nursing and residential care facilities earn median salaries of nearly $110,000 a year, while those working in schools make just over $83,000.
The BLS-projected job growth rate for speech-language pathologists is 18% for 2023-2033, much higher than the national average. High demand can lead to an increase in salary.
What to Look for in a Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Program
Consider several factors when researching online speech pathology programs. Accreditation is one of the most important factors. Other considerations, such as the curriculum, program length, and learning formats, speak to individual academic and professional goals.
Program Curriculum
Ensure the coursework aligns with the speech pathology areas and populations you’re interested in. While not required, some speech pathologists specialize in their careers. A program’s concentration options can help you decide your path.
Accreditation
All the best online speech pathology programs listed above hold accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology — an organization within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This credential signifies that the program meets educational and industry standards.
Program Length
Determine how many credits a master’s in speech pathology online program requires and the estimated timeframe for graduation. Your graduation timeline depends on whether you enroll full or part-time and if you need to complete any prerequisites.
Field Experience
If you have a particular population or specialization in mind, look for programs offering field experiences in those areas. Find out whether the school assists with finding and securing clinical placements.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs offer synchronous courses at scheduled times or asynchronous recorded lectures that you can access anytime. Some courses feature assignment deadlines, while others are self-paced. Make sure the format fits your learning style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Speech Pathology Programs
A master’s in speech pathology can lead to careers working with patients in hospitals, private practices, residential facilities, and schools to help with communication disorders. These include fluency, language, speech, and voice conditions and disorders.
Explore More College Resources
How to Choose Your College Class Schedule
Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.
by Steve Bailey
Updated March 22, 2023
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?
Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.
by Marisa Upson
Updated October 12, 2023
Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?
School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.
by Anne Dennon
Updated March 20, 2023