The land called “Mother of Presidents,” or Virginia, as you may know it, is deeply rotten in the annals of American history. It is the birthplace of eight American presidents and the seat of the Confederacy. Wouldn’t it be wrong to say that it is a state whose narrative is closely linked with the basis and evolution of this whole nation? Let’s place its historical significance aside and discuss its educational history. Virginia stands out as a lighthouse of academic excellence. One can trace its commitment to academia back to its colonial roots, with esteemed educational institutes like the College of Willian and Mary, which is the second oldest in the country, second to Harvard College, which testifies to its long-standing tradition of educational pursuit. 

In the health and rehab sciences arena, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) has been gaining lots of traction across the whole country, especially in Virginia. SLP focuses on assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing speech, language, voice, swallowing, and fluency disorders. Moreover, it is foundational in boosting communication skills across diverse populations, including individuals of all ages. 

Speech-language Therapy Programs in Virginia 

Virginia has a rich and comprehensive educational infrastructure and has always stood at the vanguard of the Speech-Language Pathology movement. Several prestigious institutions across the state offer extensive programs that arm students with the necessary skills and educational and clinical knowledge to succeed in the field. The programs range from the foundational bachelor’s to more advanced master’s and doctorate degrees. Each academic level has its purpose; the bachelor’s degree is supposed to equip students with all the basics and foundational concepts of this field so that they can use this knowledge during their master’s degree, which is an essential degree if they want to work in clinical setups.

A simple B.S. or B.A. doesn’t make you eligible to work in clinics and hospitals. On the other hand, if you are a research fanatic and want to improve your field, you can always opt for a doctorate, which will pave the way for innovation and leadership in SLP. So, if you want to learn more about these programs, specifically in Virginia, you are at the right place. Keep reading to find the program that best suits your requirements. 

Virginia Bachelors in SLP and Speech Therapy 

James Madison University (JMU)- Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

James Madison University (JMU) is a well-known and highly esteemed Virginia institute offering a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This program is a part of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and it is designed to provide students with pre-professional training, which is essential in pursuing graduate work in speech-language pathology. Research is integral to understanding the basics of human communication and the problems faced while conversing with others. This is why JMU encourages its students to research these critical topics and provides opportunities to pursue honors projects and theses. Additionally, students can present their research at regional and national conferences with their academic mentors. 

It takes four years and 120 credit hours to complete this degree. There is a nationwide scarcity of speech-language pathologists. So, you don’t have to worry about not getting a job after doing this degree. If you have a degree from such an esteemed institution, every clinic and hospital would love to take you in because the learning and experience you can get at JMU are unmatched by any other institute in Virginia. Communication sciences and disorders provide an outstanding background for students who intend to work in fields like special education, deaf education, medicine, or dentistry and offer an exciting course of study for students who simply wish to study the area as a major.

Longwood University- Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) Program from Longwood University provides a comprehensive education in human communication processes and the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders across the lifespan. The program offers students in the undergraduate program extensive pre-professional academic and observation experiences for admission to a graduate degree in audiology, speech-language pathology, deaf education, or related fields. Just like other institutes, Longwood University also has admission criteria that must be fulfilled by all candidates who wish to enroll themselves in this program: 

• 45 credit hours
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Demonstration of competency in written and verbal English 
• An earned grade of no less than “B” in BIOL 101.
• An earned grade of no less than “B” in CSDS 285 

Moreover, you need 120 credit hours to complete this degree. 

Old Dominion University (ODU)- Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

The Old Dominion University B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is a thorough program created to give undergraduates the academic experiences required to comprehend typical processes involved in speech, language, and hearing abilities and recognize symptoms of communication disorders. In classes, students are also introduced to professional techniques for diagnosing and treating communication issues. 

So, what makes ODU different from other institutes? 

ODU has three affiliated student organizations, and students of the SLP-A develop expertise in communication and its disorders as they are given observation experiences to expose them to professional practice in SLP. You might think of the SLP-A program as a stepping stone to a graduate program in speech-language pathology that satisfies ASHA requirements for job certification and licensure. Additionally, it prepares students to apply for professional graduate degrees and graduate audiology programs at other universities.

After getting this degree, you can enroll in graduate-level programs in SLP and audiology. Afterward, you can work as an audiologist, rehabilitation counselor, special education teacher, and speech-language pathologist. Before enrolling in this program, just make sure that you have completed one year of coursework with an overall grade point average of at least 2.50 and must have an interview with a program advisor. The minimum number of hours required for the degree is 120 credits. The bachelor’s-level students are not eligible for employment as a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist in any professional setting.

Radford University- Bachelor of Science/Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The goal of Radford University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COSD) is to train professionals who can operate autonomously and in conjunction with clients, families, and other professionals. These professionals must also be ethical, informed, skilled, and able to adhere to professional standards. Communication Sciences and Disorders (COSD) grants a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. 

Undergraduate programs take four academic years to complete. Pre-COSD majors enroll in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services with the intention of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in COSD. Students typically finish the requirements of the Core Curriculum in their first two years. Students who are COSD majors in their junior and senior years complete their major and related courses as well as other degree requirements and electives. Students must be admitted as COSD majors and have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 in order to take the majority of major requirements. Junior class standing is defined as having completed 56-semester credits. 

The best part about this program is that the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (RUSLHC) provides on-site clinical internships for graduate students in speech-language pathology. Undergraduates can observe sessions in the clinic to learn about the field and complete the observation hours for SLP certification.

Virginia Masters in Speech-language Pathology (MSLP) Programs 

James Madison University (JMU)- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The M.S. degree in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University (JMU) prepares students for the field of speech-language pathology. It is a two-year, full-time program consisting of five semesters. The program aims to provide a wide range of academic and practicum experiences required for the education of specialists who deal with human communication and swallowing disorders. 

Clinical practicum opportunities abound in a variety of professional contexts, including the JMU Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinics, numerous hospital and rehabilitation programs, and public schools. The academic and clinical components of the program are per the requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) and the Commonwealth of Virginia for health and education licensures in speech-language pathology.

If you are a bright student, you would be happy to know that graduate students enrolled full-time may apply for graduate assistantships on a competitive basis, and you don’t need any additional applications for GAs. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits this program, which speaks for its authenticity. Everyone would love to be a part of such an esteemed institute that cares for its students.

Longwood University- Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Longwood University’s full-time speech-language pathology graduate program is one of a kind. While keeping the modern graduate in mind, they created their forward-thinking structure, emphasis on cooperation, and commitment to educating our students via hands-on clinical experiences. For the first year, they provide a traditional on-campus, face-to-face environment; for year two, they offer a more flexible hybrid style.

Longwood will help you discover a route to your professional interests by providing the tools and preparation you need to succeed as a speech-language pathologist in both medical and educational settings. You’ll get to know your professors well in this program and benefit from their advice and knowledge. The small class sizes provide personal interactions and mentorship possibilities that frequently last long beyond graduation.

Because we value cooperation, you’ll collaborate closely with Longwood’s professors and clinical supervisors to achieve the information, hands-on training, and skills required for entrance-level practice. Spending your first year on campus and your second year as a hybrid will provide you with experience cooperating both in person and digitally, which is necessary in current practice. If you enroll in this program, you will have access to the cutting-edge Speech, Hearing, and Learning Services (SHLS) building, which serves as a one-stop learning center for pupils. This clinic is housed in the beautiful SHLS building, which also has therapy and observation rooms, an audiology suite, a telepractice suite, a feeding lab, a classroom, a student practice room, and professors’ offices—all under one roof.

Old Dominion University (ODU)- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Old Dominion University. The ODU MS in Speech-Language Pathology program satisfies the educational criteria for professional speech-language pathology licensing in the Commonwealth of Virginia and certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in accordance with federal disclosure standards. 

The master’s program consists of a minimum of 38 hours of coursework in varied areas such as stuttering, AAC, aphasia, child language disorders and voice disorders, evidence-based research, and 15 credits of clinical practica/externships. All program graduates complete the clinical practicum requirements stipulated by ASHA in various schools, clinics, hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation institutions, and private practice settings that provide plentiful and high-quality clinical experiences. The graduate program also requires completing a written comprehensive examination as a summative assessment.

To be eligible to apply, applicants to the Speech-Language Pathology M.S. Program must have an earned degree anticipated in the next semester with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.80. Applicants who have an undergraduate degree in some field are welcome to apply and, if accepted, will be required to complete at least two semesters of additional prerequisite coursework. Also, for the 2023 admissions, you don’t need any GRE scores. If you have completed leveling courses to meet undergraduate core course requirements, it will take you six semesters to complete this course, and if you are a non-SLP major student, you will take eight semesters to complete this program. 

Radford University- Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology concentration)

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Radford University has two different options for students: the two-year track and the three-year leveling track. If you have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, you will go for the two-year track, but if you don’t, then you will have to do the three-year leveling track. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accredits the master’s program, which speaks for its credibility. 

The program provides an academic and clinical curriculum that trains students for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This nationally recognized professional certificate is awarded to those who can deliver independent therapeutic services to people with communication problems. The program’s curriculum also allows students to satisfy the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology standards for licensure in speech-language pathology.  

The three-year leveling track for this degree enables students to finish supporting coursework with 28 credit hours in the first year of study before transitioning into the graduate course sequence. Students accepted into the three-year track have graduate student status and must follow the College of Graduate Studies and Research policies to remain in good standing. After completion of prerequisite coursework, “levelers” will transition into their graduate course sequence for either the Master of Science track or the Master of Arts track.

Students accepted into the three-year track have graduate student status and must follow the College of Graduate Studies and Research policies to remain in good standing. After completing prerequisite coursework, “levelers” transition into their graduate course sequence for either the Master of Science track or the Master of Arts track. 

University of Virginia (UVA)- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Communication Disorders

The M.Ed. in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) from the University of Virginia (UVA) program consists of academic preparation and clinical training. In order to pursue a career as a practicing speech-language pathologist (SLP), both elements aid in the knowledge and skill development required. 

The Sheila C. Johnson Centre (SJC), the university’s in-house multidisciplinary clinic, serves patients from central Virginia and all over the Commonwealth who are seeking screening or treatment services from speech-language pathologists, audiologists, counselors, or literacy specialists. Students begin the graduate program by enrolling in classes at the University of Virginia and starting their clinical training at the same time. Core clinical competencies are taught at SJC to CSD graduate students. 

Students who already have a foundation in communication sciences and disorders, as well as those who do not, will find that the design of this program matches their demands. Students complete a full-time “internship” five days a week during the last semester of their graduate program of study in addition to the national Praxis exam and comprehensive exams. Students can choose the practice setting (health care, education, private practice) in any geographic location in the United States where they can complete their internship semester. 

Those with an undergraduate SLP degree can complete this program in five semesters, while those who don’t have an undergrad SLP degree can complete this program in seven semesters. 

Online Masters in Speech-language Pathology in Virginia 

James Madison University (JMU) – Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The online Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) program intends to offer a wide spectrum of academic and practical experiences required to train experts who deal with swallowing and communication issues in people.

The academic and clinical components meet the criteria for Virginia’s health and education licensures in speech-language pathology and the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s certification in speech-language pathology. Before being admitted to the online program, applicants must complete the necessary undergraduate coursework in speech-language pathology and allied fields of study. 

The program aims to make speech-language pathology a professional option for people, especially “career changers” and non-traditional students. Admitted students follow the prescribed curriculum and make progress as a cohort. Online academic coursework is available on JMU’s website. Over three years, students will enroll in two to three courses every semester. Students admitted to the online program should know that they must adjust their personal and professional schedules to accommodate clinical placements. Full-time employment while enrolled in clinical placements may not be possible in all circumstances.

Doctorate in Speech-language Pathology (SLPD) 

James Madison University (JMU)- Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP.D.)

The Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology program aims to provide graduate students with or without clinical backgrounds in speech, language, or hearing sciences and disorders with advanced mentored study in specialized areas of communication sciences or communication disorders. The program emphasizes refining critical thinking skills to scientifically respond to the many unanswered questions within the Communication Sciences and Disorders field. To this end, students will experience a stimulating intellectual surroundings where the ability to conduct research is considered an essential skill.

Doctoral-level seminars in and outside of the program’s focus area are offered, as are courses on research tools like instrumentation and measurement techniques, clinical trial design and execution, grant writing for federal research funding, strategies for building a research career, statistical methods, experimental research designs, quantitative and qualitative methods, and research ethics. The integration of upper airway systems, experimental phonetics, neurolinguistics, and other exciting subjects are all covered in PhD level lectures.

You must meet the following requirements to apply for this esteemed program: 

• Three letters of recommendation
• A curriculum vitae,
• Transcripts from all previous academic institutions and Grade Point Average (GPA) from undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• GRE scores
• A personal written statement and a personal interview

University of Virginia- Speech Communication Disorders: Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The Ph.D. program in Education with a concentration in Speech Communication Disorders at the University of Virginia offers a comprehensive curriculum with close mentorship between faculty and students. Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills for conducting rigorous research and advancing knowledge in the discipline, making them well-suited for careers as scientists and academics.

To apply, prospective students are encouraged to hold a master’s degree in Speech Communication Disorders and preferably possess the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Additionally, applicants must submit a letter of research interest and a writing sample, participate in an interview, and complete a Clinical Fellowship (CF) with possession of ASHA CCC-SLP.

The program is offered full-time and is conducted in person on the UVA campus. Students can expect to complete the program in 3-4 years, with 78 credits required. They provide departmental fellowships and assistantships to several applicants each year, covering nine months of funding in wages and stipends, tuition, mandatory fees, and student health insurance costs. Competitive fellowships are also available for which students enrolled in Ph.D. programs may apply.

For inquiries and application procedures, prospective students can contact Dr. Randall R Robey, Associate Professor, at rrr7w@virginia.edu or 434-924. If you’re ready to take your education and research in Speech Communication Disorders to the next level, the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. program in Education may be the perfect place to start.

Conclusion

The state of Virginia has a lot to offer when it comes to Speech-Language Pathology. It has several well-known institutes and programs in the nation, and people from other states move here to follow their dreams of becoming SLP experts. No doubt, the quality of the programs here is unmatched. Moreover, these programs excel in quantity, too; not many states in the U.S. currently offer so many degrees in this field as it is still in its growing phase. From bachelor’s to master’s and doctorate, it doesn’t matter which academic level you want to excel in; the distinguished institutes of Virginia are here to help you. If you have chosen Virginia to be your alma mater, your future in SLP is definitely bright.

Virginia Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Program	University Name	City	State	Accreditation
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Hampton University	Hampton,	VA	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	James Madison University	Harrisonburg	VA	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	James Madison University	Harrisonburg	VA	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Longwood University	Farmville	VA	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Old Dominion University	Norfolk	VA	ASHA
Master's in Audiology (MS)	Radford University	Radford	VA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Radford University	Radford	VA	ASHA
Master's in Audiology (MS)	University of Virginia	Charlottesville	VA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of Virginia	Charlottesville	VA	ASHA