Individuals pursuing a career in speech-language pathology and audiology are licensed to evaluate, assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They are mostly found in hospital settings offering their services through one-on-one therapy sessions. To become a part of this fraternity, earning a master’s degree in SLP is mandatory for licensure and a practicing certificate.
A master’s degree in various states of the US generally takes two years on average to complete. This degree holds a conglomeration of theoretical and practical foundational courses necessary to hone the required expertise and skills. This article features 20 top-ranked colleges and universities offering a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in a face-to-face on-campus setting to aspiring speech pathologists in the US. Click here for a list of Online Masters in Speech Pathology Programs.
On-Campus Masters in Speech Pathology (MSLP) Programs in the US
Enlisted below are some of the well-established and renowned colleges and universities extending their well-rounded educational setup to individuals seeking a Master’s in SLP. Let’s get started!
Northwestern University – Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (residential)
Located in the heart of Evanston, Northwestern University advances its state-of-the-art academic landscape to graduate students with its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This degree promises a well-rounded instruction manual on modern language disorders and present-day practices employed to treat them. This program takes two years to master 36 credit hours. Applicants are requested to submit their bachelor’s degree and pre-requisite coursework along with their online application. Alongside traditional instruction, enrolled students get to complete their practicums scheduled every quarter of their degree. If you are interested, visit the university website now!
Vanderbilt University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Established after receiving a present from Vanderbilt in 1873, Vanderbilt University ranks at the top of the list of public research universities. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine revels in jubilation by offering a Master of Science in Speech Pathology through a course comprising 49-59 credit hours. As full-time students, individuals can fulfill all the necessities of this degree in approximately 20-22 months. This degree has two possible pathways; one has been designed for individuals who are new to communication sciences, and the other for students of deaf sciences and communication. Study tracks can also chosen according to one’s interest and whim.
Boston University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Situated in Boston, Massachusetts, and home to 35000 students, Boston University enjoys a credible position in the academic fraternity for its master’s programs. Among these, the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology tops the chart. It’s a two-year program extending avant-garde theoretical coursework along with one-on-one clinical experience. Students must take a total of 65-70 credit hours. As per the records, 100% of graduates remained successful in securing employment and passing the PRAXIS. To enroll, the university considers an applicant’s bachelor’s degree and the CGPA earned.
New York University – Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Speech-Language Pathology, New York University extends its historical learning landscape to deserving students aiming to pursue a Master of Science M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Enrolled students take a total of 48 credit hours as full-time students. Students are instructed in courses like Communication Disorders, Motor-Speech Disorders, Sensory-Observational Sciences, and Cognitive Impairment. The coursework gives a contextual analysis according to psychological, acoustic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. In the final year, the university provides an added opportunity to work with a mentor to carry out research at a professional level.
Case Western Reserve University – Master of Arts M.A. In Speech Language Pathology
Case Western Reserve University holds a golden opportunity for students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree in speech-related subjects with its Master of Arts in Communication Disorders. The length of the program is two years. Students must accomplish semester milestones to complete 45 credit hours. Enrolled students must maintain their CGPA at 3.0. Along with the core curriculum, graduates are also offered 375 hours of supervised clinical work in the field. Those who are waiting for a practicing certificate issued by ASHA need to complete supplementary undergraduate courses to proceed. Interested students can apply online by filling out a form along with their required credentials.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences
Well-known as a public research university in Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina pledges with its world-class educational facilities to provide quality education. One of those programs is a Master of Science in Speech Pathology, which requires 60 semester credits. The degree can be completed in two years as a full-time student. The clinical track affords instructions necessary to pass North Carolina Licensure and ASHA Certification. The non-clinical track aids those who are interested in pursuing research. International students usually join the non-clinical track. To enroll, the admission office requires a bachelor’s degree transcript with a CGPA of 3.0.
George Washington University – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at George Washington University takes five full semesters of fellowship to complete 42 graduate credits. During this program, students go on clinical rotations through eight different sub-clinics along with two full-time externships. These practicums enhance operational and experiential learning. Graduates exiting this program enjoy a 100% PRAXIS pass rate. The degree employs a cohort system. Students aiming to pursue a master’s at GWU must produce their GRE scores alongside their previous qualifications and transcripts.
University of Virginia – Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology
Unlike most of the institutions, The University of Virginia offers a Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology instead of a regular master’s degree. To support inclusivity, the university has designed two separate pathways for students with and without a bachelor’s degree in SLP. Both of these tracks take five and eight semesters. The second track can join the first track after a year’s study of prerequisite courses. Students can complete an optional thesis if they want to. In the last semester, students are expected to take a full-time internship. After completing their thesis, students take a detailed exam along with a viva voce. This master’s program offers courses in subjects like Phonology, Motor-Speech Disorders, Anatomy, Physiology, and Communication Disorders, among others.
Northeastern University – Master of Science M.S. In Speech-Language Pathology
A Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at Northeastern University features operational learning and hands-on experience as prime components of the degree. The program advocates for technological integration along with the research. Coursework can incorporate various software applications and learning aid programs to switch modes of teaching when required. Students take 60 credit hours in two years. Learners can also complete an optional early intervention certificate program if they want to. The non-thesis track compenses with a comprehensive examination. The thesis track demands a researched thesis at the end of the program.
Purdue University-Main Campus – Master of Science M.S. In Speech-Language Pathology
Curated according to the necessary instructions imparted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Purdue University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The course content provides ample focus on subjects like Phonetics, Normal Language Development, and Acoustics, in addition to elective subjects such as behavioral sciences, physics, and biology. Learners won’t be asked to join a practicum unless they have completed 25 hours of ASHA-certified guided observation. To apply, students must submit their official transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, additional essays, and a video response to the question prompt.
University of Wisconsin-Madison – Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
Complying with the certification standards of ASHA, the University of Wisconsin at Madison offers a Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. This two-year professional program has two pathways: clinical and non-clinical. Clinical Route students seek instructions by taking on-field courses to gain the experiential experience necessary for ASHA certification. The non-clinical route provides the information and knowledge needed to carry on detailed and evidence-based research. The university has its online portal open till the 15th of January. Don’t miss out on the opportunity!
Marquette University – M.S. program in Speech-Language Pathology
Marquette University is a Jesuit University situated in the bosom of Milwaukee, Wisconsin providing liberal education to contemporary learners and scholars. The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology extends its services to aspiring speech pathologists with a Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. This master’s degree incorporates coursework necessary to pass state licensure exams and certification. Learners take 46 credit hours which can be completed in two years’ time. The final semester students engage in clinical practice to hone operational skills. As a side treat, this degree also offers a bilingual certification for Spanish native speakers.
Loyola University Maryland – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Located in Baltimore, Loyola University Maryland offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology to prospective speech pathologists. As full-time students, this degree can be completed in two years’ time. Throughout the degree, learners are expected to take 400 hours of on-field coursework. Through its multifarious contributions, the university offers places for internships in nearby counties and states. Graduates exiting this program usually pass their PRAXIS within three years. At the time of admission, students have to submit their official bachelor’s transcript along with personal statement and letters of recommendation. During the course of studies, students take instructions in courses like Articulation, Phonology, Fluency, Resonance, Cognition, Language, Communication Modalities, and Hearing sciences.
University of Florida – Master’s of Arts Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Known for its outstanding educational paraphernalia and extensive building, the University of Florida asserts duty and loyalty to next-generation speech-language pathologists with a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After taking supplementary clinical experience at some nearby sub-clinical landscape during the early semesters, students in their final semester undertake clinical externships to stand eligible for the certification examination. Aspirants seeking admission need to hand in their official bachelor’s transcripts, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. It should be noted that enrollment in this program requires taking the GRE Test. The motto faculty members stick to speaks for unconditional service, better functioning, and accurate diagnosis of individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
University at Buffalo – MA in Speech-Language Pathology
University at Buffalo is a public research university located in the hub of New York. With over 1,000 study-abroad programs, the university jumps on the bandwagon of allied health sciences with a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders and Sciences. This degree takes two whole years of study as a regular student. The major specializations offered include aural rehabilitation, phonetics, audiology, articulation, and pervasive developmental disorders. First-year students take lab practicums on campus. However, the final-year students are expected to join externship programs organized out of campus. Learners must complete a total of two externships before graduation. To earn a degree, writing a thesis and dissertation are mandatory. 40 credit hours of study is a must. Applicants can apply online with their GRE scores and bachelor’s degree transcripts.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus – Master of Science M.S. In Speech-Language Pathology
Available as both Master of Arts M.A. and Master of Science M.S., The University of Pittsburg at the main campus is offering a major in speech-language pathology with side concentrations in articulation, aphasia, dysphagia, motor speech disorders, communication, and resonance. Students require a total of 60 credit hours which are equally split between clinical coursework and traditional course content. Both degrees require an additional 10 credit hours worth of clinical practice as an apprentice at a nearby sub-clinic. This university is searching for applicants who have a CGPA of 3.0 and higher. The admission criterion doesn’t hold a compulsion for GRE test scores. Graduates exiting this program usually take certificate examinations for the grant of a state license.
University of Maryland-College Park – Master of Arts M.A. In Speech-Language Pathology
Offered through the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Maryland offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology to aspiring speech pathologists aiming to become licensed professionals. Applicants are required to submit their official transcript of their bachelor’s degree along with GRE test scores and letters of recommendation at the time of admission. This 35-credit-hour degree can be completed in two years’ time. Graduates with financial issues can seek financial aid by applying for graduate fellowships offered by the university. As a Master of Art’s degree, students can pursue a Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Track. Alongside traditional curriculum, bilingual certification can also be earned. Interested students can visit the university website for further information and queries.
Texas Christian University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
The Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Texas Christian University advances state-of-the-art pedagogical methods through its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, which takes 2 years of study as a full-time student to complete. This graduate program aims to prepare aspirants for positions in allied healthcare sciences and education. Learners are instructed in foundational courses necessary to pass state licensure exams and ASHA certification. Practicum courses can be taken in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Applicants who have their bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 CGPA along with a passed GRE test are eligible to apply. Interested candidates can apply through the university portal.
Michigan State University – Masters of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Michigan State University sets the bar high with a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders designed according to a modern curriculum and innovative syllabus. This degree offers two distinct tracks both of which can be completed by studying 51 graduate credits. The first track demands a thesis with most of the courses studied independently. The second track includes a comprehensive final exam and mastering two specialized courses in communication. Students can complete the entire course in two years’ time. The university accepts bachelor’s students who have a CGPA of 3.0 and above. Applicants can apply online by submitting three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
University of Tulsa – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Founded in 1894, The University of Tulsa enjoys its historic landscape by extending its learning facilities to over 4400 students in different programs. Serving full-time students, the university offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology sketched out to prepare students for licensure examinations. This 40-credit-hour program can be completed in two years. Students are given options to either write a graduate research paper or a thesis for their final submission. Learners are instructed in courses like audiology, acoustic sciences, and swallowing disorders, along with practical demonstrations through clinical rotations. Interested students can consult the strategic plan available on the university website. Graduates after qualifying for the course can work in schools, early-intervention agencies, or can simply open up a private practice where they can offer their services.
Conclusion
If the domain of assessing, evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication and speech disorders impresses your professional endeavors, doing a master’s in SLP can open up a world of opportunities and possibilities for you. Mentioned above are some of the top-ranked graduate programs offered at top-notch colleges and universities in the different states of the US. After completing a master’s degree and required practicum courses, graduates appear in PRAXIS exams and apply for a Certificate of Clinical Competence to offer their services as a certified SLP. Hope this article served you in just the right ways!