Best Online Speech Pathology Programs
Speech-language pathologists are needed now more than ever. Explore our picks for the best online speech-language pathology master’s programs.
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2025At a Glance: Top Online Speech Pathology Programs
- #1: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio — The university’s program includes coursework in head and neck cancer, fluency disorders, and speech neurological bases.
- #2: James Madison University — The university offers graduate assistantships without requiring any extra application.
- #3: University of Wisconsin-Madison — Students can choose a clinical degree or a non-clinical master’s degree in the normal aspects of speech, language, and hearing.
Speech-language pathologists are needed now more than ever.
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for speech-language pathologists to grow by 18% from 2023 to 2033, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports a critical shortage of speech-language pathologists all over the country — especially in school settings. A 2023 ASHA survey found that there were more job openings for speech-language pathologists than there were job-seekers in both school and healthcare settings.
You can help fill the need — and benefit from flexibility — by enrolling in one of the best online speech-language pathology master’s programs.
Best Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs
How We Rank Schools
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,045-$7,083
Out-of-State | $11,349-$13,203
Credits to Graduate: 66
The master's in speech-language pathology at UT Health San Antonio integrates medical studies with community-based clinical training. The program lasts two years, or five semesters, and includes 400 supervised clinical hours.
In the medical coursework, you will learn about speech neurological bases, research methods, fluency disorders, head and neck cancer, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation.
UT Health San Antonio demands the submission of GRE scores. Meeting the requirements includes having a bachelor's degree, completed prerequisites, and a GPA of at least 3.0.
4%
$ 3,239
N/A
$12,223
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,499
- Institution Type
- Public
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $545
Out-of-State | $1,272
Credits to Graduate: 45
Complete JMU's master's in speech-language pathology degree in just over five semesters, including two off-campus externships. You'll complete 45 credits in two years. If you would like to complete a master's thesis, it could potentially take you an additional semester.
Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, including the Scottish Rite Clinic and JMU Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinics, host clinical placements. Graduate assistantships are available through this program without any extra application required.
You can apply with an undergraduate degree in any major, granted you complete the prerequisites and hold a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
35%
$11,184
91%
$27,888
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,166
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $811
Out-of-State | $1,295-$1,644
Credits to Graduate: 40
When you enroll in UW's master's in speech-language pathology program, you'll complete clinical work on campus and offsite in preparation for a license in Wisconsin. The program lasts about five semesters, including a summer session. You can opt for a thesis or non-thesis track.
Graduate students can get experience at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic, founded in 1914, and area hospitals and school districts. In total, you'll complete at least 125 clinical practicum hours.
The Communication Sciences and Disorders department also offers a non-clinical master's in normal aspects of speech, language and hearing degree. Both tracks help you develop a digital portfolio used for a state license.
27%
$10,728
95%
$24,054
- Acceptance Rate
- 60%
- Students Enrolled
- 47,016
- Institution Type
- Public
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $347
Out-of-State | $347
Credits to Graduate: 62-67
A master's in speech-language pathology degree at Purdue offers the opportunity to contribute to faculty-led research. Graduate students can pursue research opportunities in voice disorders, aphasia, dysphagia, and neurogenic disorders.
The program, which spans over two years and provides clinical work experience at the M.D. Steer Speech, Language and Swallowing Clinics. The foundational courses cover speech disorders in children and adults and evaluating research.
According to Purdue, roughly 96% of the 2022-2023 class graduated on time, and 100% passed the Praxis exam.
47%
$ 9,718
91%
$28,520
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 50,344
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,022
Out-of-State | $2,038
Credits to Graduate: 60
If you want to pursue a clinical track with a focus on diverse and underserved populations, consider UC-Chapel Hill's master's in speech and hearing sciences degree.
This 60-credit degree, which does not require a thesis, incorporates 20 classes, 400 hours of clinical experience, and laboratory time. There's also a non-clinical route that provides advanced research experience.
Over the past three years, about 98.5% of students enrolled in this program graduated on time, according to UC-Chapel Hill.
29%
$10,552
97%
$28,844
- Acceptance Rate
- 20%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,641
- Institution Type
- Public
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Year:
In-State | $9,724
Out-of-State | $9,724 plus $396 per unit
Credits to Graduate: 45
SDSU's master's of arts in speech-language pathology degree is a full-time program to help you to become a certified pathologist. There is an optional bilingualism concentration.
This 45-credit program includes three semesters of clinical work at the SDSU Speech-Language Clinic and two externships in a public school and at an adult or adolescent-served setting, such as an acute care hospital.
The School of Speech, Language and Hearing Services admits students in the fall. On average, 99% of students enrolled in this program graduated on time, according to SDSU.
64%
$ 7,176
90%
$16,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 38%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,484
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,364-$5,122
Out-of-State | $5,1122-$11,076
Credits to Graduate: 54-55
Earning a master's in speech-language pathology degree at UAMS lets you learn and prepare for an Arkansas license in a cohort of about 24 students. This full-time program incorporates classroom and clinical experiences.
The college's location offers ample placement opportunities at school districts, the Arkansas Easter Seal Society, and the United Cerebral Palsy Center. You'll complete 425 hours of clinical experience, including 25 observation hours.
Even without an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, you can apply. However, you will need to take prerequisites and a competitive GPA.
46%
$ 7,934
N/A
$16,124
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,088
- Institution Type
- Public
Towson University
- Towson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $506
Out-of-State | $1,047
Credits to Graduate: 53
TU's master in speech-language pathology degree blends clinical training and practical classroom work to prepare you for a license. Courses operate around your clinical work on-campus at TU's Speech Language Center and off-campus practicums at clinics, schools, and hospitals.
You'll study phonological disorders, language development, and professional issues. The rigorous lessons prepare you to take the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology. According to Towson, students in the last three years boasted a 95% exam pass rate.
38%
$ 8,280
85%
$17,136
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,856
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $448
Out-of-State | $690
Credits to Graduate: 63
UF's master's in communication sciences and disorders degree readies you to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist in health and school settings. You'll study with 25-30 other students over five semesters. During that time, you'll gain classroom learning and complete practicum experiences each semester.
Culturally sensitive coursework explores adult language disorders, multicultural issues in speech-language pathology, and public health concepts. You can complete a thesis or an externship to culminate the program.
UF boasts a three-year 100% pass rate for the Praxis exam.
57%
$10,770
97%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 30%
- Students Enrolled
- 55,781
- Institution Type
- Public
Marquette University
- Milwaukee, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,295
Out-of-State | $1,295
Credits to Graduate: 46
You can get on track to earn your professional license in Wisconsin through Marquette's master's in speech-language pathology program. The two-year program requires completing 46 credits on a full-time basis. You'll learn about various disorders, intervention techniques, and clinical research methodology.
To finish the program, you'll complete a thesis or research project. If you are proficient in Spanish, you can earn a bilingual speech pathology concentration.
Marquette's graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
26%
$21,960
89%
$21,960
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,320
- Institution Type
- Private
Why You Should Get a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree
Speech-language pathologists are in demand. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to grow by 18% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average projected job growth rate for all jobs.- You’ll learn key strategies and pedagogies for how to treat speech impairments and learning disabilities related to speech, allowing you to improve the lives of clients and their families.
- Earning the degree can open the door to other health professions and doctoral studies, should you want to focus further on your area of expertise.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree Online
- BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
- In that same report, 60% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates surveyed said their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
- An online master’s in speech pathology program gives you the flexibility to take courses whenever and wherever you want, as well as letting you complete in-person clinical hours in your area.
How to Choose the Best Online Speech Pathology Program for You
Cost is often one of the biggest factors in determining whether to pursue an online speech pathology master’s degree. But you should also consider program length, accreditation, and earning potential.
How Much Does an Online Speech Pathology Master’s Program Cost?
Online Master’s in Health and Related Fields, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$11,229
Avg. Net Price
$9,621
Source: NCES PowerStats
An online master’s program in a health field — which includes speech-language pathology — costs an average of just over $11,200 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Fortunately, financial aid can help lower this cost. Most students in an online master’s program in health or a related field pay a net price of around $9,600.
Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you can try to get federal financial aid. You may be eligible for grants, scholarships, and/or loans.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s in Speech Pathology
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?
Typical # of Credits
45-70+ Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
An online master’s program in speech pathology typically takes 2-3 years and 45-70 (or more) credits to complete.
But you may be able to shorten your time in school by completing dual undergraduate and graduate classes as an undergrad, taking graduate-level courses before starting your master’s program and/or seeing if you can apply professional exams and certifications toward your program.
While instruction is typically fully online, speech-language pathology, like other health-related degrees, requires you to complete supervised clinical hours in person at a local institution.
Master’s in Speech Pathology Program Application Requirements
Bachelor’s degree, ideally in speech pathology or a related field like biology or health- Letters of recommendation
- Science and audiology prerequisites (varies by program)
- Transcripts
- Personal statement or essays
Accreditation for Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs
Before applying to an online speech pathology master’s program, ensure it’s received programmatic accreditation from ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
The CAA is the leading accreditor for speech-language pathology programs. You must graduate from a CAA-accredited program to qualify for certification and state licensure.
Check to see whether a speech pathology master’s program is accredited on the CAA website.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Speech Pathology?
Most people who earn a master’s in speech pathology degree become speech-language pathologists.
To do this, you must:
- Have a master’s degree in speech pathology
- Complete at least 400 supervised clinical hours
- Meet all other licensure requirements for your state, such as passing the national Praxis exam
Once you’ve earned your license, you can work in a variety of settings and industries, such as private practice outpatient services, early intervention and K-12 schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and colleges.
Speech-language pathologists can earn a six-figure salary or close to that, depending on their experience, location, and work setting.
According to the BLS, speech-language pathologists working in nursing and residential care facilities earned a median annual salary of $106,500 in 2024, compared to the median annual salary for all speech pathologists of $95,410.
| Industry | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $106,500 |
| State, Local, and Private Hospitals | $101,560 |
| Offices of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists and Audiologists | $98,470 |
| State, Local, and Private Educational Services | $80,280 |
Learn More About Speech Pathology Jobs
Is an Online Speech Pathology Master’s Degree Worth It?
Whether earning an online master’s in speech pathology degree is worth it for you will depend on your learning style and academic and career goals.
Online programs are generally more flexible than in-person programs. Your program may offer asynchronous courses that allow you to work and take lessons whenever you like.
Even in-person components like clinical experiences and labs can often be completed in your hometown at a local site.
If you’re still on the fence about an online health degree, know this: 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates BestColleges surveyed in 2024 said they would recommend online education to others.
What’s more, in that same report, 95% of nursing and healthcare students and graduates surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment. After all, speech pathologists can make an impressive income, with many taking home six figures a year, according to the BLS.
Education Beyond a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree
There are two main doctorates speech-language pathologists can earn: a doctor of speech-language pathology (SLPD) — what ASHA calls a “clinical doctorate” — and a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology or audiology.
Earning a clinical doctorate helps prepare you for more advanced clinical roles as a speech pathologist. This program will help prepare you to specialize in a particular area, whether you want to work with a specific client demographic, a particular therapy, or a certain disability.
By contrast, a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology and/or audiology helps prepare you for academic and research roles. While these programs also allow you to specialize, they focus less on clinical practice and more on how you can contribute to the existing body of knowledge.
Two additional options for speech pathology master’s graduates are doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and Ph.D. in clinical psychology programs. These programs focus on treating and researching cognitive disorders and learning disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs
According to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Education Survey, about 45% of applicants across the country were offered admission into a speech-language pathology master’s program for the 2023-2024 academic year.
More than 52,000 applications were received, and the average GPA among accepted applicants was between 3.08 and 3.98.
Explore More College Resources
Guide to Affordable Online Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology Programs
A master’s in speech pathology prepares you to help people — but the degree isn’t always cheap. Discover how to find the cheapest online SLP programs.
Updated December 20, 2019
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