North Carolina is a fantastic state for pursuing a career in speech-language pathology. There are five respected MSLP programs available, offering different types of learning modalities such as in-person, hybrid, and online formats. North Carolina is home to five respected master’s programs in speech-language pathology—available in in-person, hybrid, or online formats. Organizations like North Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provide helpful information for aspiring SLPs.
Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) in North Carolina
Speech-language pathologists are part of a growing healthcare need across the country. A master’s degree is required to achieve clinical status, take and pass the national exam, and apply for different licensures.
North Carolina has a large academic pool to choose from when searching for the right program. With different styles of education (in-person, hybrid, and online) along with the size of the school and classrooms, it is important to find the best university program for the student’s learning style.
North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC – Master of Communication Science and Disorders
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at North Carolina Central University offers a comprehensive program with teachers who work and research in their focused area of speech pathology. As a bonus, the program offers online courses for those who need to complete the prerequisites for the program, to assist with the admission process.
- Located in Durham
- In-person program
- This program is located on campus
- Tuition for in-state students is roughly $12,253.99 per year and for out-of-state students roughly $23,709.00 per year.
Students learning at North Carolina Central University are gaining education at a school within the Research Triangle region. This is an area in North Carolina that is labeled as an area of economic growth due to being triangulated by three universities. This creates an area of focus, diversity, and inclusion at the city level.
With a low student ratio (15:1) and the first university within the NCCU system to require community service for graduation, North Carolina Central University is a class act.
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC – Masters of Communication Science and Disorders
The program at East Carolina University is a focused degree plan with both academic knowledge and clinical experiences. Coursework can be completed on campus in person, with their distance learning platform. Clinical experience and work can be completed within the geographic area where the student is located.
- Located in Greenville
- In-person and distance learning may be possible
- This program is located in the Health Science Building
- Tuition for in-state students is roughly $27,026 and out-of-state students are roughly $37,729.
Students attending East Carolina University will be part of a program that believes in their core values of Excellence, Integrity, Advocacy, and Collaboration. Enriching students within their program while learning their chosen career field develops strong, engaged professionals.
North Carolina University at Greensboro, NC – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
The long-standing speech pathology program at North Carolina University at Greensboro provides a dynamic, lifespan approach to speech and language development. With a deep connection to the community, students who attend this program are immersed in the community and help to improve their understanding of brain injury and other clinical disorders.
- Located in Greensboro
- Classes are available in person and online in some instances
- This program is located in the School of Health and Human Sciences and takes 2-3 years to complete.
- Tuition for in-state students is roughly $20,960 and out-of-state tuition is roughly $35,674, with lower costs for online attendance
North Carolina University at Greensboro is a strong part of the North Carolina school system. With an ever-expanding list of clinical and research opportunities available at Greensboro, students are given the option to partner with a rounded group of educators and professors to reduce barriers. Creating an inclusive learning environment is incredibly important to the school, the program, and the students, in hopes that they will carry on that legacy into their careers.
Western Carolina University, City, NC – Master of Science in Communication Disorders
Along with a program of strong clinical, educational, and research-based programming, the students and faculty at West Carolina University follow the mission of “engaging jointly in the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions to address communication and its disorders.”
- Located in Culowee
- Classes available in person, with some online for prerequisites
- This program is located on the West Campus and takes 2-3 years based on undergraduate credits taken
- Tuition for in-state students is roughly $5,750.28 per semester and for out-of-state students $11,079.78 per semester.
The program at Western Carolina University is unique in its placement on the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountain ranges, which avails itself of a limitless opportunity for recreation and adventure. With outdoor and indoor activities to spur growth and well-being, and opportunities to engage in online, asynchronous, and in-person educational options, Western Carolina University creates a strong, bold, exciting place to pursue educational degrees.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC – Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences
Chapel Hill North Carolina is a beautiful and open city with a strong dedication to public service. This University was first chartered in 1789, which lends itself to a long history of research, education, and creating opportunities for students to create new life experiences. With a rich TarHeel community and campus activities, students at UNC-Chapel Hill gain lifelong friends along with those experiences.
- Located in Chapel Hill
- In-person with additional options
- This program is located in the School of Medicine and takes 2-3 years based on credits taken
- Tuition for in-state students is roughly $5382.00 plus fees per semester and out-of-state students are roughly $14,710.50 plus fees per semester
The speech pathology program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is unique in that it offers both a clinical and non-clinical tract. The non-clinical track allows students to petition the school to not complete clinical hours and instead adds research time to the program. This program strives to create a strong connection between the communities and the school. With more healthcare professionals needed for the aging population, along with the development of young children, speech pathology is a great way to enter the healthcare field.
North Carolina MSLP Programs that do not require the GRE.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a tool used to assess an individual’s readiness to attend graduate school. The GRE was created by a set of universities, alongside the Carnegie Foundation, in the early 1900’s. This allowed for schools with advanced education programs to review skills that are deemed important to the schools. The value placed on the scores varies per program, with some using it to weigh significantly on admission, while others use the GRE as part of an overall assessment.
The skills assessed by the GRE include Verbal Reasoning (evaluating relationships, and arguments and analyzing written information), Analytic Writing (the ability to evaluate concepts and arguments effectively), and Quantitative Reasoning (problem-solving and information analysis). Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored at 130-170 points, with average scores ranging from 150 to 155 accordingly. The Analytical Writing score is created in half-point increments and then combined with the other scores, creating an overall score of 260 to 340. One notable point is that there are no wrong answers, so answering every question is in the best interest of individuals taking this assessment.
These three schools in North Carolina currently do not require the GRE:
- North Carolina Central University
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- East Carolina University
(Be aware that there are changes in status and certifications each year and it is up to the student to verify the current information in each situation.)
Most Affordable SLP Programs in North Carolina
Education is often a path used to create a career and a future for individuals. Although education can be an important tool, the cost of that education can be overwhelming. Most schools accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and many offer grants, financial aid, scholarships, and other options for paying for education.
Several schools in North Carolina have a lower cost than others:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- North Carolina Central University
- University at North Carolina at Greensboro
- Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Speech Pathology Programs in North Carolina
The state of North Carolina has several schools that offer an undergraduate program in speech pathology. These programs start the process toward a master’s degree and the title of a speech pathologist.
It is recommended that you always double-check school information for the most accurate and timely information. Currently, the following schools offer bachelor’s degree programs:
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC – Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology
The University of North Carolina Greensboro speech pathology and audiology program creates a bridge to a master’s degree program. This program is the first step to learning about complex professional careers by satisfying some of the educational requirements for the next step to gain licensure.
- Located in Greensboro
- Classes in person
- The program takes 3-5 years based on credits taken, semesters, and observation hours
- Tuition costs for in-state students are roughly $17,797 per year and for out-of-state students roughly $34,148 per year.
The program offers a degree that prepares students to move forward to a Master’s at UNC-Greensboro, or to move on to another program designed to complete a master’s in speech pathology. Although programs may be similar, it is important to review the areas of focus and opportunities at each university on your own.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC – Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
The two-track program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers students a choice when deciding on how to pursue a degree related to communication. The degree in speech communications is a foundation for business, law, and communication specialists while the speech pathology tract gears more towards a speech pathology degree. The Communication tract may require additional coursework if a student is focusing on a future master’s in speech pathology.
- Located in Greensboro
- Classes are offered in person with some online/distance classes
- The program takes 4-5 years depending on the credits taken per semester
- Tuition costs for in-state students are roughly $25,622 per year and for out-of-state students roughly $39,282 per year
North Carolina A&T has a strong reputation as a STEM school with a high level of focus on achievement and hands-on learning to provide academic growth and social prosperity. With a rich campus life and endless ways to spur new interests, North Carolina A&T offers both academic and intellectual opportunities.
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC – Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Appalachian State University is a top public school that offers individual growth along with academic achievement. Located in Boone, NC, the students interact with the community, can become part of sustainability for the state, and explore new passions with an over 400+ club list to explore.
- Located in Boone
- Classes offered both online and in-person, may vary per semester
- The program takes 4-5 years based on classes taken per semester
- Tuition for in-state students is roughly $4,067 per term while out-of-state tuition is roughly $12,884 per term
The App, as the school is known, combines education, community sustainability, and excellence to help students find themselves. Creating a sense of inclusion allows students to explore new ideas, life options, and meaningful life experiences.
How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist
The growth in healthcare jobs across North Carolina is strong – there is expected to be a 15-20% increase in the need for speech-language pathologists throughout the state according to the US Board of Labor and Statistics. Whether looking at schools, hospitals, home care or children in early intervention programs, speech pathologists are highly sought after in most clinical environments.
Becoming a speech-language pathologist requires several steps, including a bachelor’s degree that meets the prerequisites for a master’s degree program. A clinical speech pathologist requires minimal clinical hour practice under supervision; someone not seeking to participate in clinical therapy programs may choose research instead. Once the master’s program is completed, a student must then pass the national exam, and apply for several licenses depending on the work environment.
Whatever path is chosen, speech pathologists are a strong and important part of the healthcare system.
North Carolina Speech-Language Pathology Programs
| Program | University Name | City | State | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS) | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee | NC | ASHA |
| Doctorate in Audiology (AuD) | East Carolina University | Greenville | NC | ASHA |
| Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS) | East Carolina University | Greenville | NC | ASHA |
| Master's in Audiology (MS) | University of North Carolina | Greensboro | NC | |
| Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS) | University of North Carolina, Greensboro | Greensboro | NC | ASHA |
| Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS) | Appalachian State University | Boone | NC | ASHA |
| Doctorate in Audiology (AuD) | University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill | NC | ASHA |
| Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS) | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill | NC | ASHA |
| Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS) | North Carolina Central University | Durham | NC | ASHA |
