As Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), skilled individuals can employ their knowledge and expertise towards fostering a tight-knit association with people coming from varied backgrounds while assisting them in overcoming speech and communication challenges. Additionally, they are accustomed to developing close connections with patients and families as they work in collaboration to set up therapy programs tailored to the needs of each individual. For these reasons, the demand for SLPs has risen to new heights in the US. To become a skilled professional in this domain of allied health sciences, students must go for a Master’s degree in addition to working certifications and licenses. Like many domains in the health sciences, Master’s degree programs in SLP can also be pursued online. Let’s dive deep into the realm of communication and online degrees!
Online Master’s Degree Programs in Speech-Language Pathology in the US
Mentioned below are some of the top-ranked colleges and universities in the US offering online Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Sciences to distance learners and working professionals. Click here if you are interested in a speech pathology program that doesn’t require the GRE!
Tennessee State University – Online Master’s Program in Speech and Hearing Science
Forming a niche in the buzzing city of Nashville, Tennessee University is a state-sponsored public university thriving in the field of allied health sciences with an online Master’s of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences offered to students with either a Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or students who have completed their 15 credits of prerequisite coursework in the concerned discipline. The University has set up a learning management system where classes are delivered via eLearn.
Distance learners are given instruction in courses like Adult Aphasia, Speech Dysphagia, Language Disorders, and Multicultural Literacy. Coursework for this degree is designed to prepare students for licensure exams and clinical certification grants. To foster operational learning, students must take up on-site practicum courses. Furthermore, this degree encompasses 53 credit hours which must be studied for the successful completion of the degree. If you are interested in kickstarting your professional career while studying with a flexible schedule, this degree is the right option for you. For further information and details, visit the university website now!
Texas Woman’s University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology SLP
To facilitate distance learning, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has set up an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology which can be completed in two years’ time. Enrolled students are expected to take instruction in courses like Audiology, Phonology, Phonetics, School-Age Language, etc. Apart from theoretical courses, students must take practicum courses to gain the practical knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. A total of 61 credit hours must be studied to master this program.
The university has collaborated with an online learning management system, Canvas, to give instructions in a smooth and steady manner. Distant learners are given facilities like mental health counseling and career advisors. Graduates exiting this program can apply for state-specific certificates and licenses needed to start practicing in a clinical setting. Attention all aspirants, grab this opportunity and make your skills marketable with this degree.
East Carolina University – Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
East Carolina University (ECU) extends its virtual educational paraphernalia every year to distant learners aiming at bagging a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This 60-credit-hour program must be completed online. However, for experiential learning and skills, taking in-person courses in a clinical setting stands crucial for skill development and professional excellence.
The university offers 10-12 seats for this program. Applicants are requested to submit three letters of recommendation to be considered for admission. This program has reserved a quota for veteran military personnel. The study plan puts ample focus on courses like Language and Aphasia, Cranio-Facial Abnomalies, Cognitive Disorders, etc. Visit the university website for program-wise details and information.
University of South Florida Online – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of South Florida Online (USF) is an online learning platform within the university offering an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a Post-Baccalaureate Track. Enrolled students can major in courses like Aphasia, Dysphagia, and Advanced Vocal Disorders. As a full-time learner, students can complete their 62 credit hours over the duration of two years.
In-person clinical rotations must also be practised to hone skills needed to work in clinical settings. The university takes service from Canvas for scheduling and effective disposal of classes. Online students are given ready access to career resource centres for streamlining their career choices if the need arises. If you are aiming to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist, this program will prove a charm for you.
University of Akron – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Working in collaboration with The University of Cincinnati, The University of Akron has developed an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology for students holding a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and communication sciences. It’s a competitive program accepting only 22 students for its online degree. As a full-time student, learners can complete their 74-credit-hour coursework in three years’ time.
The program aims to create well-equipped and skilled SLPs who are competent in their professional application and diagnosis in the fields of communication, swallowing, and cognition. The university employs Brightspace for the delivery of lectures. Major courses that are offered include Speech Sound Disorders, Communicative Disorders, Language Disorders in Early Childhood, and Advanced Phonetics. Along with academics, gaining practical experience through an internship is highly crucial.
James Madison University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Designed to meet the requirements of the Council for Clinical Certification of the American Speech-Language Association, James Madison University has opened its doors to distant learners aiming to pursue an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. To meet the requirements to become an SLP, students must take a total of forty-five credit hours in addition to 375 graduate credits of supervised clinical rotatory work in a clinical setting. As full-time virtual learners, students can fulfill the course prerequisites in three years.
The core curriculum offers a concentration on Aging and Communication, Speech Disorders in Adults, Acoustical Phonetics, and Physiological Development. Furthermore, students can seek help through career resource centers and mental well-being clinics. The university works in collaboration with the learning management system offered by Canvas. This allows students to take online classes in a virtual setup. Graduates exiting this program can apply for SLP certification exams to bag a license needed to practice in a clinical setting.
Western Kentucky University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Providing a concentration in Early Intervention, Child Language Disorders, Motor Speech Disorders, and Rehabilitation Audiology, Western Kentucky University (WKU) has set forth a carefully curated learning management system to facilitate distant learners aiming to obtain an online Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. As full-time students, learners can take up to eight semesters to complete the pre-requisite coursework. Part-time students can stretch up their scholarly track to nine semesters, as per their availability and ease.
The coursework for this program is divided into 60 graduate credit hours. For international students, taking an extra six-week on-site summer practicum stands essential for skill development and issuance of a degree. The program offers online classes in a synchronous format. Coursework focuses majorly on the Neurology of Speech-Language Pathology and Cultural and Social Foundations in SLP. Students are given an opportunity to transfer up to 12 credits to complete a 50-credit-hour undergraduate internship as part and parcel of the curriculum. If this appears strong enough a push, grab the opportunity now!
University of Northern Colorado – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Situated in the heart of Greeley is a medium-sized state-sponsored university, The University of Northern Colorado, contributing to the vast realm of allied health sciences with its online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. The coursework for this degree is designed by accommodating the clinical model of pedagogy to strengthen theoretical and practical knowledge. A minimum of 63 graduate credit hours must be studied as a full-time student over a duration of three years. The online mode of teaching takes assistance from Canvas which offers a streamlined virtual experience.
Coursework is done online. However, students must take clinical rotations and practicum courses to hone up clinical and interactive skills. The course content is curated to provide instructions in subjects like Neurophysiology of Communication, Neuroanatomy, Articulation, and Speech Disorders in Early Childhood. The university does not only facilitate student learning, it also helps students through virtual libraries and online career counseling seminars. After exiting the degree program, students can take up a job as an SLP in any clinical setting.
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire – Master’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Taking virtual services from Canvas’s digital learning management system, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, takes pride in extending its historical educational landscape to distance learners interested in doing their Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration on Speech-Language Pathology. The Master’s program is offered to part-time students. The degree can be completed in three years as per one’s convenience and ease.
A total of 54 graduate credit hours are divided between different courses like Aphasia, Fluency Disorders, Motor Speech Disorders, etc. All these courses are offered online. However, for successful completion of the degree, taking a 10-credit-hour externship in a clinical setup is crucial to fulfill degree requirements. Moreover, students are expected to take one residency program in person. In addition to a multitude of facilities available to the students, the program conducts online counseling sessions for the wellness and well-being of a student. Interested students can apply online by visiting the university website.
California State University – Northridge – Master of Science Communicative Disorders
California State University-Northridge is a public university imparting quality education to the students of allied health sciences. The university, keeping the tradition alive, is now offering a 100% online Master of Science in Communication Disorders. Learners aiming to become speech-language pathologists can enroll as full-time students in this clinical study program. The curriculum comprises major courses and minor subjects. In this three-year program, virtual learners must also take pediatric clinical practicums and an internship to nourish the skills needed to conduct speech therapy sessions.
The coursework provides necessary instruction in the fundamentals of speech-language pathology along with the pediatric courses. Preliminary courses focus on pediatric audiology, communication disorders, and voice disorders. Students are facilitated with the services of Canvas, an online learning management system. Graduates exiting this program can go for an SLP certification. If you want to kickstart your professional career, enrolling can prove a boon!
New York University – Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the New York University at Steinhardt puts forward an online Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders to provide well-rounded and comprehensive training to individuals aspiring to be speech-language pathologists. This program omits the compulsion of GRE scores and opens the platform to all individuals coming from varied backgrounds. The coursework is divided into digestible chunks for the convenience of virtual learners.
To provide a top-notch educational landscape, trailblazing faculty and administrators are employed as instructors for guidance. With the on-site clinical practicums, students are made responsive and informed to tend to the needs of patients with speech disorders and language impairments. The university website adds to the convenience with a quick question-and-answer session designed for aspiring SLPs. This session helps in choosing the area of interest as per one’s liking and disposition. Visit the university website and discover if SLP is the right option for you or not.
Emerson College – Master of Science in Communication Disorders
Ranked #32 in the category of Best Speech-Language Pathology Program, Online Master of Science in Communication Disorders at Emerson College equips prospective SLPs with avant-garde skills needed to address a range of speech and language challenges their clients face. At Emerson College, students are given entry freedom by omitting the compulsion of GRE test scores. They are committed to taking passionate and skillful individuals. A total of 20 months are required to fulfill the degree requirements.
Graduates exiting this program stand eligible for ASHA certification. In addition to traditional coursework offered online, this degree program also encourages clinical practice by putting a compulsion on fulfilling 400 hours of clinical rotational experience. The coursework for this program provides instruction in courses like Early Intervention for Children Speech Disorders, Cognitive Disorders, and Aphasia. If you are interested in becoming a part of Emerson’s close-knit community, join this program now!
Baylor University – Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Adorning the educational landscape of Waco, Texas, Baylor University propounds an opportunity to distance learners with its online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. With this online Master’s degree requiring 45 credit hours, enrolled students can carry on with their jobs while studying. The coursework is designed to give instruction in majors like Aphasiology, Dysphagia, Sound Disorders, and Speech Impairments. Every course has prerequisites needed to train an individual for evaluating, assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech and language disorders.
On a full-time schedule, students can complete all degree requirements in three years’ time. For hands-on experience and operational learning, students are made to take clinical practicums and an internship at a clinical setting close to one’s residence. Employing the services of Canvas, an online learning management system, students can take their classes in a synchronous format. Practicum courses and Internships require on-site presence. Furthermore, to facilitate holistic development, students can benefit from online counseling and tutoring sessions. Visit the university website, and avail yourself of this opportunity now!
Nova Southeastern University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
An online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University requires 400 clinical hours and 54 credit hours of theoretical and practical instruction for the successful completion of the degree. Designed to instruct individuals studying to become SLPs, the students are made skilled by technical assistance to cater to the needs of clients with speech impediments, voice disorders, and swallowing issues. The curriculum gives priority to courses like Voice Disorders, Communication Disorders, Disorders in Infancy through Preschool, etc.
To polish the pragmatic approach, students are sent for capstone projects which allow learners to specialize in their area of interest. Virtual classrooms are set up on Canvas. The course duration varies. However, students can complete their coursework in three years as a full-time student. In-person clinical experiences are part and parcel of this degree. The university manages to give freedom of locality by allowing the students to work in their nearby clinical setting. Online tutoring and Online bookstore are some of the resources offered to accommodate the well-being of students.
University of Nebraska Kearney – Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of Nebraska Kearney offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology to equip aspiring speech-language pathologists with the necessary expertise needed to tackle the critical work demands of the field. Enrolled students are given instruction in technological tools to enhance their proficiency and credibility as SLPs. Accredited by ASHA, this master’s degree program fulfills all the requisites required to work at a hospital or any other clinical setting in need of an SLP.
A total of 56 credit hours must be studied for the successful completion of the degree. As a part-time student, students can complete their coursework in 9 semesters. Major coursework involves majoring in subjects like Diagnostic Methods, Augmentative Alternative Communication, Bilingualism and Cognition, Pediatric Dysphagia, Phonological Disorder, etc. This degree holds significance as it allows non-slp undergraduates to take leveling coursework to substantiate the requirements of a Master’s degree. More information can be sorted by contacting university advisors.
Longwood University – Online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
To kickstart your career as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), a master’s degree and certification is required. To expedite a career in speech-language and communication sciences, Longwood University has extended its educational landscape to distant learners with its online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students who are seeking certification can complete the prerequisites for a Master’s degree by studying for additional semesters. This degree allows students to collaborate with top-notch faculty members. Moreover, enrolled students have ready access to the Speech, Hearing, and Learning Services center. The university offers a hybrid format to students who can’t attend in-person classes. The course duration is two years. Students are given a long list of majors to master during their coursework. These include Phonetics, Syntax and Morphology, Hearing Mechanisms, Audiology, Aural Rehabilitation, Clinical Practice, Competencies, etc. If you are ready to get started, you can apply online through the website. More information about fee schedules, financial aid, and course outlines can be searched on the site.
Delaware Valley University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)
Students holding any bachelor’s degree who wish to develop a career in Speech-Language Pathology do not need to worry. Delaware Valley University has opened its doors to individuals of varied backgrounds. Students can now complete five semesters as full-time students over two academic years making this degree a fast track to excellence and professionalism. The university claims its multi-modal coursework to be one of its kind as it is designed by highly-trained professionals by consider modern techniques and skills required to make a mark in the field of speech-language pathology.
The curriculum holds utmost precedence to major courses like Fluency, Dysphagia, Interpersonal Development, Articulation Disorders, and Child Language Disorders. Courses are offered via web broadcasting through Zoom. Course material can be accessed via BlackBoard. If you are aiming to seek a job at hospitals and nursing centers, this degree can prove as a necessary milestone for climbing up the ladder of success. Interested students can seek guidance by visiting the university website or chatting with a bot available 24/7.
University of Cincinnati – Online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of Cincinnati is a state-sponsored educational institution building up a diversified academic landscape by offering an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. The aim of this degree is to produce professionals and well-equipped SLPs. Primarily, this program is curated for working professionals enabling them to continue their jobs during the first half of their degree. For these part-time students, the duration can be extended to three years. However, there is a compulsion; only those applicants are eligible who live four hours away from the vicinity of the university.
Apart from traditional majors, students are made to gain hands-on experience with clinical courses and practicums. Graduates on leaving the university can bag jobs at hospitals, school facilitation centers, rehabilitation centers, and government health agencies. Furthermore, during the regular coursework, students are given instruction in Syntax of Language, Advanced Phonetics, Neurogenic Speech Disorders, and Speech Disorders in Children. To facilitate students in times of inflation, the university has set up financial aid for deserving students. Grab the opportunity and enroll now!
Calvin University – Online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
The Online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Calvin University is a full-time Master’s program that students can complete in three years by studying 72 credit hours. The core curriculum for this program gives undue importance to courses like Hearing Science, Phonology, Phonetics, Speech Sciences, and Aural Rehabilitation. The course design is set to give instruction in neurology, language, and speech disorders. To hone their pragmatic approach and practical skills, the university has designed a practicum for students that will enable them to tailor therapy sessions according to each client.
This program takes the services of Moodle which has proven to be an excellent learning management system with its easy-to-access and smooth functioning. In case of any application malfunction, students can contact the technical service department which is available 24/7 to fix any problem that may arise during the sessions. Students can apply for financial aid. For further information and particulars, click on the site link!
Maryville University – Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Facilitating children with autism, stroke patients, trauma survivors, and the ageing population has now become uncomplicated with Maryville University’s 100% Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The course pattern for this program is designed by considering the Big 9 areas of research as proposed by American Speech-Language-Association (ASHA). Studying at Maryville University promises a rewarding career in communication sciences and speech-language pathology. Prospective students can seek guidance from online support and guidance facilities available on the site.
During the course of studies, students can also build advanced speech-language competencies via synthetic patient interaction. Designed by considering working professionals as chief student turnout, the course pattern is made flexible. Starting in spring or fall, students can finish their coursework in as few as 5 semesters. Clinical coursework can be completed in a clinical setting near one’s residence. Undergraduates with 50 hours of clinical experience stand eligible to transfer credit hours to their Master’s program. Further information can be obtained by visiting the university website.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
School of Health and Human Sciences at The University of North Carolina-Greensboro offers an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. The institution adheres to its celebrated reputation of providing skilled professionals and clinicians with the top-quality research and academic training needed to assess, treat, and prevent speech and swallowing disorders. Curated by keeping 66 credit hours, this master’s degree can be completed in five semesters as a full-time student in an asynchronous format.
Students after graduation can seek employment in clinical settings, hospitals, health agencies, special needs schools, or early intervention programs. Moreover, students after clearing their licensure exam can also open a private practice. The credibility of this program is seconded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Graduates can take up Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) by appearing in the exams. The university is open to all individuals. If you find this program fit for your liking, enroll now!
University of Montana – Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of Montana has put forward a breakthrough in the domain of distance learning with its online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This program is designed to produce the next generation of professional and skilled clinicians for assessing and diagnosing infants, adolescents, and adults with acquired communication or speech disorders. This degree has two pathways: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The thesis Option can be taken by individuals aiming to study 71 graduate credit hours. Non-thesis option allows students to study 65-68 graduate credits with a capstone project in place of a thesis.
Apart from the regular coursework, the university allows 30 credits of clinical practicum experience for operational learning. Before starting the practicum, a student needs to complete 375 clock hours of supervision. Classes are set in a synchronous format. Enrolled students can finish their degree in four semesters as a full-time student. Major coursework aims to instruct in Swallowing Disorders, Anatomy of Speech, and Phonological Development.
Conclusion
For individuals striving to make a mark in the field of allied health sciences as a speech-language pathologist, a master’s degree in the area of research from an accredited university is significant. Before choosing an online Master’s degree program in communication sciences and speech-language pathology, prospective students are requested to make a detailed analysis of all the pros and cons of earning an online Master’s degree. One of the potential benefits of an online master’s degree in SLP lies in its wider array of research areas to choose from. Secondly, an online master’s degree in SLP promises a bright job outlook with a significant salary package.
Considering the essential trade-offs of this program, a career in speech-language pathology can be rewarding in terms of salary and job benefits. Working in close coordination with clients coming from a wide array of socio-economic backgrounds and problems can help develop critical skills and problem-solving strategies required to step forward in the domain of research.