Mikeie Reiland, MFAEducation Writer
Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.
Mikeie Reiland, MFA
Mikeie Reiland, MFAEducation Writer
Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.
Education Writer
Brenna SwanstonDeputy Editor
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Reviewed
Brenna Swanston
Brenna SwanstonDeputy Editor
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Deputy Editor
Reviewed
Updated: Mar 8, 2024, 2:25pm
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Speech-language pathologists help patients dealing with communication disorders. These highly qualified professionals work with children and adults, often practicing in schools, healthcare facilities and private practices. They need patience, empathy, enthusiasm and a great deal of specialized knowledge.
Before practicing in the field, speech-language pathologists must earn licensure in their home states, which generally requires a master’s degree. Online degrees make this career path more accessible, as online speech pathology programs only require a limited amount of in-person clinical and internship experiences.
Read on to learn more about which accredited, nonprofit colleges in the U.S. offer online speech pathology master’s programs. We provide an overview of each school and program, including tuition and course requirements.
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Show Summary
- Top Online Speech Pathology Grad Programs
- Featured partners
- Should You Enroll in an Online School for Speech Pathology?
- Accreditation for Online Speech Pathology Schools
- How To Find the Best Speech Pathology School for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Speech Pathology Programs
Top Online Speech Pathology Grad Programs
- James Madison University
- University of South Carolina
- Idaho State University
- Western Kentucky University
- University of Akron Main Campus
1
James Madison University
Graduate Tuition
$545/credit (in-state)
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
47%
Overall Graduation Rate
83%
$545/credit (in-state)
47%
83%
Editor's Take
Based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, James Madison University offers an online Master of Science in speech-language pathology. Students can complete the part-time program in three years. Distance learners must fulfill significant in-person practicum requirements: a minimum of 375 clinical hours. The 45-credit curriculum also delves into topics like pediatric dysphagia and neuromotor speech disorders.
The program boasts a 100% PRAXIS pass rate in recent years. It holds accreditation through the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
What To Know
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $60
- Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Pediatric dysphagia, neuromotor speech disorders
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, typically during summer months
2
University of South Carolina
Graduate Tuition
$573/credit
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
44%
Overall Graduation Rate
73%
$573/credit
44%
73%
Editor's Take
Headquartered in the state’s capital city, the University of South Carolina features an online Master of Science in speech-language pathology that admits only part-time students. Distance learners with an undergraduate background in speech-language pathology can complete the program in three years, while those without experience graduate in four years.
The program’s curriculum comprises 76 to 78 credits, including observation hours and 24 credits of clinical experience.
What To Know
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 76 to 78 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Language theory and phonetics; introduction to language development
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes
3
Idaho State University
Graduate Tuition
$964/credit
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
79%
Overall Graduation Rate
45%
$964/credit
79%
45%
Editor's Take
Based in Pocatello, Idaho State University’s M.S. in speech-language pathology allows students to choose between a thesis track and a non-thesis track. The degree includes a virtual clinical program that prepares learners for in-person placements in their area. Students complete multiple practicum experiences, labs and an externship.
Distance learners can complete the program in three years by taking fall, spring and summer courses. ISU discourages students from working full time while enrolled in the program.
What To Know
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $55
- Degree Credit Requirements: 60 to 63 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Early language development and disorders; speech sound disorders
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, for a practicum
4
Western Kentucky University
Graduate Tuition
$707/credit
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
69%
Overall Graduation Rate
47%
$707/credit
69%
47%
Editor's Take
A state school based in Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers an online SLP program that requires 60 credits. All students complete a six-week, in-person summer internship and take theory-based coursework in areas like aphasia, fluency disorders, speech sound disorders and rehab audiology. All learners accumulate at least 400 hours of clinical experience by the time they graduate.
WKU’s program is accredited by the CAA and meets requirements set by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.
What To Know
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $65
- Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Social and cultural foundations in SLP, cognitive-communication disorders
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, for internship
5
University of Akron Main Campus
Graduate Tuition
$463/credit
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
42%
Overall Graduation Rate
40%
$463/credit
42%
40%
Editor's Take
The University of Akron and the University of Cincinnati collaborated to create an online M.A. in speech-language pathology. The degree includes a school-based externship that distance learners complete at placement sites in their local communities. The curriculum also covers augmentative communication, developmental disabilities, dysphagia and research methods.
This program boasts a 100% PRAXIS pass rate in recent years. Out-of-state online students pay the same tuition rate as Ohio residents.
What To Know
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $45
- Degree Credit Requirements: 74 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Developmental disabilities, public school issues in speech-language-hearing program
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an externship
Should You Enroll in an Online School for Speech Pathology?
Whether an online speech pathology degree is a good fit for you depends on your unique goals and circ*mstances. To clarify your decision, ask yourself a few key questions:
- What are your other commitments? If you are a parent or plan to work while earning your speech pathology degree, a flexible online program can help you manage your commitments. You may want to enroll in a program that delivers coursework asynchronously, or without scheduled class times. However, even online SLP programs require in-person experiences.
- What’s your budget? Online learning is often more affordable than on-campus learning, as distance learners generally avoid costs associated with housing and transportation. Some state schools also allow out-of-state students to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates as long as they enroll only in online courses.
- What’s your learning style? Online learning requires organization, discipline and time management. If you rely on a peer group or classroom structure to help you exhibit those qualities, on-campus learning might provide a better fit.
Accreditation for Online Speech Pathology Schools
When researching the best schools for speech pathology, look for two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.
Regional agencies award institutional accreditation to entire schools. With approval from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education (CHEA), accrediting organizations vet schools for the quality of their programs, finances and faculty, among other factors. You should enroll only at an institutionally accredited school. Otherwise, you will be ineligible for federal student aid, and some employers may not recognize your degree.
To verify a prospective school’s accreditation status, visit their website or check CHEA’s directory.
Specific programs can earn programmatic accreditation. Not every field requires this type of accreditation, but it’s fairly common in speech-language pathology. Look for accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This indicates the program meets high standards and will prepare you for state licensure.
How To Find the Best Speech Pathology School for You
Consider Your Future Goals
An online master’s degree in speech pathology leads to a limited set of career opportunities. Before enrolling in this highly specialized program, evaluate your long-term goals. Look into salary expectations, job opportunities and day-to-day responsibilities to make sure you want to pursue this role.
If you’re enthusiastic about a career in speech-language pathology, enrolling in a CAA-accredited program will prepare you to excel. These programs include clinical experience through practicum experiences, internships and externships, which you need to qualify for state licensure.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the five speech-language pathology programs in our guide ranged from $463 to $964, while credit requirements ranged from 45 to 76. Total tuition for our tanked programs totaled $24,525 to $60,732.
The National Center for Education Statistics found that graduate tuition and fees averaged $20,513 annually as of the 2021–22 academic year. Since most SLP programs take around three or four years to finish, this rate translates to approximately $62,000 for a full master’s degree in speech pathology. Comparatively, many of the programs on our list cost less.
Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) as your first recourse for financial aid. The FAFSA can help you access scholarships, loans, grants and work-study programs. Many of these opportunities are also available through schools and nonprofit organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Speech Pathology Programs
What is the best major for a speech pathologist?
The best major for a speech pathologist is typically speech-language pathology. This specialized degree can lead directly to state licensure and entry-level employment.
What kind of speech therapist makes the most money?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2022, speech-language pathologists working in nursing and residential care facilities earned $101,320, more than in any other work environment. Overall, speech-language pathologists earned a median salary of $84,140.
What state is the best for speech pathology?
As of May 2022, according to the BLS, California employed the most speech-language pathologists, with 17,100 total. California workers earned the second-highest mean annual wage: $108,960. Hawaii paid the highest mean salary, at $110,470.
How long does it take to become a speech pathologist?
Most of the programs in our guide take three or four years to complete. After earning your master’s degree, you must earn state licensure, which often involves taking the PRAXIS.
In what field do speech pathologists make the most money?
The BLS found that speech-language pathologists working in nursing and residential care facilities earned the most in any speech-language field as of May 2022.
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