Founded as a credentialing association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a nationwide professional and scientific authority curated for affiliates and members who are professional speech-language pathologists, audiologists, hearing scientists, language professionals, and speech-language pathology assistants serving individuals with speech and hearing disorders in the domain of language sciences. 

Providing its first accreditation in 1964, ASHA shows a staunch commitment to providing accredited and licensed speech-language pathology degrees to keep quality and credibility under check. Since then, institutions have strived to collaborate with ASHA to gain the “accredited” status that makes it mandatory to work as licensed speech pathologists. This article features an extensive list of ASHA-accredited SLP programs from master’s to doctoral levels.

ASHA-Accredited SLP Programs: On-Campus

If you’re looking for an ASHA-accredited SLP program operating on campus, continue reading to explore top-notch colleges and universities offering degrees from bachelor’s to doctoral level. This accreditation is a foundational requirement for most programs, and graduates are generally required by state of employment to have a degree from an accredited institution for work

ASHA-accredited Master’s Degree Program in SLP 

Here’s a list of ASHA-accredited Master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology offered in various states of the US. 

Michigan State University – Masters of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Designed according to the criteria suitable for a career-oriented track, Michigan State University opens its door to graduate students with a Master of Arts M.A. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. This university houses renowned and top-level faculty members who have designed the coursework by considering avant-garde curriculum and fieldwork, and it is accredited with ASHA. Students opting for a thesis track can hone their research skills. Those going for a non-thesis track are instructed in clinical coursework and practice. The scheme of studies primarily focuses on subjects like descriptive phonics, auditory assessment, rehabilitation, and clinical observation. To gain a license, students must take courses in social sciences, statistics, physical sciences, and biology. 

Boston University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

If you possess a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and are now striving for a master’s degree in SLP, Boston University has its top-notch educational landscape ready to serve you. Boston University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Enrolled students must take a minimum of 67 graduate credits, out of which 54 must be taken as full-time students for the successful completion of the degree. Students are instructed in prerequisite courses like Resonance Disorders, Cognition and Neural Bases, School-Age Language Disorders, Aphasia, etc. Graduates, after completing their degrees, can seek jobs in schools, hospitals, nursing facilities, etc. Boston University is an ASHA accredited institution.

George Washington University – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

George Washington University has curated a 42-credit-hour Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology for edifying students according to a comprehensive and insightful curriculum. During a course trajectory of five semesters, enrolled students are expected to complete six practicum courses and two externships at a nearby sub-clinic. Students can seek specialization in the following research areas: pediatric speech, accent modification, literacy and social communication disorders, hearing care, and acquired neurological disorders. Enrolled students can choose between a thesis track and a non-thesis track. The program is proudly ASHA-accredited.

University of Wisconsin-Madison – Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Promising a teacher certification in the state of Wisconsin along with a license, the University of Wisconsin-Madison takes pride in offering a two-year Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. The coursework meets the criteria set by ASHA and CAA. To hone experiential learning, students are offered clinical rotations both on-site and off-campus. As a non-clinical track, the university offers an M.S. in Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing. The students gain instruction in courses like acquired language disorders, motor speech disorders, assessment voice disorders, and a myriad of other SLP focused classes.

Worcester State University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Keeping up with the high market demand for SLPs, Worcester State University has designed an ASHA-accredited Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. The university has formatted the class schedule in a flexible manner. Classes can be taken by part-time, full-time, or fast-paced students. Along with traditional coursework, the students enjoy world-class fieldwork courses to gain valuable real-world experience, which is crucial to establishing professional connections. Completing 375 hours of on-field experience is mandatory for each individual. There are three different tracks available to an enrolled student: the part-time track, which takes nine semesters; the full-time track, which takes eight semesters; and the accelerated track, which requires six semesters of study. The programs is accredited by ASHA.

Utah State University – Master’s of Arts (MA) or Master’s of Science (MS) in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology

Utah State University delineates its educational landscape by offering a Master of Arts M.A. and a Master of Science M.S. in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology. This program incorporates two years of study as a full-time student. Students must complete 57–58 credit hours, out of which 25 are clinical coursework and 32–33 are academic coursework. Students can study extra credit hours if they want to add on specializations. Graduates exiting this program can provide their services to clients with speech, sound, and swallowing disorders. To join the program, students need to submit their bachelor’s degree transcript along with other credentials at the time of admission. This is the only ASHA-accredited program in the state of Utah.

ASHA-accredited Ph.D. Degree Programs in SLP

ASHA has accredited doctoral programs in SLP to assist Ph.D. scholars aiming to research in their area of interest. Following are universities offering a Ph.D. in SLP in the US:

The University of Kansas – Clinical Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

If you hold an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology and want to pursue a post-master’s degree, the University of Kansas has got you covered with its Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology degree. Admission to this degree is granted on merit. The university gives academic preference according to the previous CGPA. A minimum of 33 credit hours must be completed to fulfill the requirements of the degree. Enrolled researchers take clinical practicums, theses, and dissertations to foster the skills and expertise needed to master the domain. 

The University of Arizona – Ph.D. In Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

To develop excellent independent researchers and scholars, the University of Arizona extends its accredited platform by offering a Ph.D. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Before admission, a mentor is assigned to each research project who can be looked upon as a supervisor for guidance and research. The research areas include courses like Hearing, Healthy, and Society, Acoustics for the Speech, Scientific Thinking, Language Science, and Neurobiology, etc. For further information and queries, the program’s “cactus book” can be consulted.

Vanderbilt University – Ph.D. program in Hearing and Speech Sciences

Vanderbilt School of Medicine administers a Ph.D. program in Hearing and Speech Sciences to instruct in communication disorders and audiology for a rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist. This degree requires 72 graduate credits. Ph.D. students enrolled in this program are given opportunities to share their findings with national and international audiences through seminars, meetings, and talks. This department works in close coordination with other departments of health sciences to ensure the interdepartmental harmony necessary for broadening narrow horizons. Students finish their degree with a thesis and a dissertation. 

Wayne State University – Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

To assist individuals in their careers in research, advanced clinical settings, or academics, Wayne State University has devised a ASHA accredited Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The areas of concentration offered to the students include speech-language development in infants, child language and literacy, stuttering, neuroimaging of brain structure, speech perception and production, cognitive-linguistic impairment in individuals, and cross-linguistic analyses. Students coming from any educational background in speech, language, linguistics, anthropology, biology, and communication sciences can join this program. This degree intends to equip individuals with the research knowledge needed to master the skills of audiology and speech-language pathology. Interested students can find the application forms online. 

Idaho State University – Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)

Idaho State University offers a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) to research students aiming to gain clinical training in the areas of balance function assessment, educational audiology, auditory evoked potentials, rehabilitation, and auditory processing. To enhance operational grip and hands-on experience, research students are relocated to Idaho State University’s Meridian Campus in their 2nd and 3rd years of study. This program focuses on evidence-based practice, interprofessional education, ethical training, and lifelong learning. Interested students can join this program by submitting their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech-related subjects, three letters of reference, a video introduction, and a personal statement. International students need to pass the TOEFL exam. The university website has a step-by-step procedure that can be followed to join this program. 

ASHA-accredited SLP Programs Offered Online

Distance learners and working professionals can carry on with their studies by joining an online ASHA-accredited SLP program. Online programs offer more flexibility and allow students to work through the programs slowly as they continue to work. Alternatively, students can take a full course load from the comfort of their own homes to complete the programs more quickly.

ASHA-Accredited Online Master’s Degree Programs in Speech-Language Pathology

Enlisted below are some high-in-demand ASHA-accredited master’s degree programs in SLP that are offered online:

Emerson College – Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology online

Emerson College Online proposes an excellent opportunity for aspiring speech pathologists with an online Master of Science M.S. in Communication Disorders. This degree is mapped out to address communicative concerns individuals with speech disorders are facing. Entrance to this program does not require GRE test scores. Graduates need to study a total of 20 months as a part-time student. Along with foundational courses, students are also offered hands-on experience through clinical site practice and fieldwork courses. Prospective students can submit their applications online. 

NYU Steinhardt – Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online

New York University advances its supportive learning environment to students aiming to pursue an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This degree works on comprehensive guidelines given by ASHA. With the foundational courses, students are also made to take on-site clinical practicums to polish the clinical practices needed to evaluate and diagnose speech disorders. If you want to study in a closely knit community made exceptional with highly skilled and trained faculty members, this degree can do wonders in your professional career!

Tennessee State University – Online Master’s Program in Speech and Hearing Science 

Tennessee State University offers a distance learning format with its online Master of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology to working professionals who want to pursue a master’s for licensure. It’s a 53 graduate-credit-hour program that offers a Master’s program in the spring of every odd year. Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and 15 hours of prerequisite coursework to be eligible for this program. The study plan for this graduate program trains graduates in courses like Adult Aphasia, Stuttering, Audiology, Neurogenic Disorders, and Multicultural Literacy. 

Idaho State University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the Idaho State University introduced an ASHA accredited online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology to facilitate distance learners and working professionals. The degree takes a total of 36 months of study to complete. In the first year, students are given instructions in early language development, speech-sound disorders, school-age language development, neurogenic disorders followed by clinical practicum courses. In the second year, students are guided to take off-campus practicum courses. In the final year, students are taught fluency disorders in adults and infants followed by an externship program. For further information and queries, individuals can follow the instructions given on the university website. 

University of Northern Colorado – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Online Program

If you are looking forward to a future of working professionally in the field of speech sciences, the University of Northern Colorado is offering an online Master of Arts M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology. The coursework for this degree has been designed to give three years of instruction necessary to become an entry-level speech-language pathologist. To hone operational skills, students are insturcted to formulate research questions, collect data, evaluate outcomes, examine research, and present their clinical findings in journals and research conferences. Students take clinical practicum courses in collaboration with clinical partners. Practicum hours are accounted for by certified clinical practitioners who supervise the clinical practice of students. Graduates exiting this program can appear for National Examination in Speech-Language Sciences. The next application processing will open on 23rd of October, 2023. 

ASHA Accredited Online Ph.D. Degree Programs in SLP

Earning a doctoral degree online can save time and resources. Working professionals and adult learners can carry on with their studies in speech-language pathology at the top-ranked colleges and universities.

Rocky Mountain University – Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

An SLPD earned at a credible online university can help you advance your career to new heights. Keeping this in view, Rocky Mountain University offers an online Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology designed on a limited residency model. The core courses for this program are structured to inculcate leadership and communication skills. The online model of teaching is designed flexibly to assist working professionals in studying 40 credit hours. The institution requires an applicant to possess a CGPA of 3.2 in a Master’s degree along with letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a Certificate of Clinical Competence CCC. Researchers can visit campus to strengthen professional capabilities and network forming. 

Nova Southeastern University – Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology SLPD

For working SLPs, reaching the highest practice levels has now become easier than ever with Nova Southeastern University’s online Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This research program has been designed by incorporating an evidence-based learning model and problem-solving skills. The university has adopted a hybrid instructional model that provides an online study format along with a one-week training on-campus. A total of 53 credit hours must be studied to complete the degree successfully. The university offers this program every year in August during the fall. Researchers learn a great deal in analyzing and applying research-based theory to their work environment. 

Loma Linda University – Online Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

Loma Linda University offers an ASHA Accredited Professional Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology to working professionals willing to serve approximately three years to study two classes a quarter for 9 to 11 quarters. In case students need time, they can serve extra months to complete their Research Capstone Project. Graduates of the Master’s program with a CGPA of 3.3 are eligible to apply alongside three letters of reference, official transcripts, and a resume. Researchers can serve in rehabilitation centers, adult day care centers, government agencies, and private clinics. Aspiring Pathologists can fill out an online application form to enroll. 

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What is the importance of earning an ASHA-accredited SLP degree?

When it comes to pursuing a career in speech pathology, selecting the right program is crucial. Opting for an accredited program has several benefits.

Accredited programs offer quality education that meets or exceeds ASHA’s standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical education, and student outcomes. This means that as a student, you can trust that you will receive comprehensive training and education that prepares you for the demands of the profession. 

Furthermore, graduating from an accredited program is often a requirement for obtaining state licensure and professional certification. State licensing boards and certifying agencies typically require applicants to have completed a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Therefore, accreditation is essential for pursuing licensure and certification. 

Also, employers, including hospitals, schools, clinics, and healthcare organizations, prefer to hire speech-language pathologists who have graduated from accredited programs. Accreditation serves as a mark of credibility and ensures that graduates have received comprehensive training and education in the field. 

These programs often have close ties with the speech pathology community, which provides students with valuable opportunities to gain internships, job placement support, and networking opportunities. Therefore, it’s important for you to carefully research and evaluate each approved program to ensure that it aligns with your academic and career goals. Ultimately, selecting the right program can set the foundation for a successful career in the field.

Conclusion 

Earning an SLP degree from an ASHA-accredited institution can promise a fruitful career in speech and communication sciences. Getting an accreditation from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requires a detailed scanning of courses offered at respective colleges and universities. As mentioned, universities can be the right choices for aspiring speech pathologists. University officials can be contacted with further information and queries!