Celebrated for its Research Triangle Park, which is a high-tech research and development park encompassing the land area of three major universities, North Carolina is a paragon of exceptional academic faculty and an educational landscape striving for excellence in the sphere of allied health sciences. One of the blooming sectors is speech-language pathology, which has caught the attention of academic scholars due to its contemporary need and necessity. North Carolina is home to multifarious educational programs in speech-language pathology and communication sciences ranging from associate to doctoral level. This article features a list of degree programs offered in North Carolina to aspiring speech pathologists. A degree in speech sciences confers a firm foundation to assess, evaluate, and treat language, swallowing, and speech disorders. Let’s get started!

Speech-language Therapy Programs in North Carolina

Earning a degree in speech-language pathology and communication sciences is a prerequisite to establishing yourself as a certified speech pathologist. A license is needed to tend to patients with communication, swallowing, or speech disorders. Mentioned below are degree programs offered by top-notch colleges and universities in North Carolina. Let’s dig in!

North Carolina Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Speech Therapy 

Here’s a list of all the bachelor’s degree programs in North Carolina offered by top-ranked colleges and universities in the state:

University of North Carolina at Greensboro- Bachelor of Science B.S.  in Speech Pathology and Audiology

To provide a firm preprofessional foundation in the domain of speech-language pathology, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is extending its booming educational landscape with a Bachelor of Science B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Offering all the courses on-campus, this degree aims to satisfy all the necessities for a North Carolina license in audiology or speech-language pathology. Although licenses are offered after the Master’s program, this degree has rudimentary coursework to foster practical and theoretical skills in an individual. All the prerequisite coursework is designed to meet the standards as set by the parent organization, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 

This degree program stands out from the rest as it has recently been awarded a Golden Chapter Hours Award. This program allows the intermingling of undergraduates with certified graduates and clinical practitioners as it helps nurture expertise through observational learning and practical experience. Enrolled students are recommended to take designated observation hours with research scholars and certified audiologists. Students exiting this program hold strong educational explanations for normal communication phenomena. Additionally, students can also identify expressive written, oral, and receptive disorders in a patient. Conducting hearing examinations and analyzing the intensity of the problem is something they are adept at. 

Interested individuals can apply online by filling out a form given on the website. This degree incorporates 300+ level courses in the major. Prospective students can transfer up to 55 credit hours from a previous qualification in relevant subjects. Furthermore, a student must hold a minimum of 3.0 CGPA and submit official transcripts online. After completing this degree, students can enroll in a Master’s degree. Upon completion of a master’s degree, taking the SLP licensure exam is mandatory to become a practicing SLP. Interested students can read information online given on the university website. Follow the link to explore!

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University- Bachelor of Science B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University advances its state-of-the-art educational landscape with two bachelor’s degrees in speech-language pathology and communication sciences. A bachelor of arts in communication sciences and disorders encompasses 120 credit hours with major subject lineup walling in Speech Fundamentals, General Psychology, Ethical Issues, bargaining and Negotiation, Rhetoric in American Thought, and Argumentation, among others. A Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology focuses on clinical facets of speech and communication preparing individuals to take up major clinical jobs in the domain of speech-language pathology. 

The former degree emphasizes subject matter related to business, law, and communication. It provides instruction in areas of research related to research, advocacy, education, and business leadership. The latter prepares the next generation of prospective speech pathologists to enable them to gain admittance to a graduate school where they can study for two years. After completion, passing graduates can sit for the state licensure examination needed to become a certified speech-language pathologist. It provides a vast field to assess, prevent, and treat language or hearing disorders, which can be prevalent among children and adults coming from varied backgrounds. Students of this specific domain can seek employment in schools, colleges, and clinical settings such as hospitals, early intervention programs, and trauma centers. 

Further information and queries can be forwarded to the university admission office, which is highly responsive and usually replies within a day. Follow the link to proceed and enroll now!

East Carolina University- Bachelor of Science B.S. in Speech & Hearing Sciences

The Bachelor of Science B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at East Carolina University is sketched out to edify students for pursuing interests in the domains of audiology, speech-language pathology, and communication sciences. This degree is a perfect amalgamation of research participation and clinical observations. Students take coursework that efficiently connects clinical aspects of communication with foundational knowledge in speech pathology. Upon completion of the degree, the passing batch can seek admission in graduate programs of their own or can take a speech pathology licensure exam for an assistantship. The choice of career lies solely with the individual, who can seek employment either in a clinical setting or a school. 

To apply for the BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences program, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

• You need to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• You need to complete a digital interview as part of the application process. This interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to learn more about your interests, experiences, and motivation for pursuing a degree in SHS.
• You need to fulfill the general education course requirements outlined by the university. You can find more details about these requirements on page 9 of the program’s website.
• You also need to complete the cognate course requirements specified by the program. You can find more details about these requirements on page 9 of the program’s website.
• You need to achieve a grade of B or better (excluding B-) in CSDI 2100, which is the introductory course to Communication Disorders.
• You must list Speech and Hearing Sciences as your intended major and meet with an SHS Academic Advisor to discuss your academic and career goals.
• You must submit your application for admission to the Speech and Hearing Sciences Program by the deadline specified on the program’s website.

All those students aiming to pursue a semester abroad can contact the Office of Global Affairs for information and queries. As a speech major, the best time to study abroad is the freshman or sophomore year of college. The SHS undergraduate degree program supports employment in various fields such as marketing and sales, employment agencies, deaf education, speech teachers, speech-language pathology assistants, and communication sciences, among others. In allied health sciences, students exiting this program can strive for a job in therapeutic agencies, social work, pharmacies, nursing, or human development. Enroll now for a promising career in speech-language pathology and communication sciences at ECU!

Appalachian State University- Bachelor of Science B.S, in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Appalachian State University is a public sector university in North Carolina offering a Bachelor of Science B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders through its exemplary learning zone which masters the art of pedagogy and learning. This degree has been designed to instruct individuals to pursue a career in audiology, communication, or speech pathology depending on their area of interest and specialization. Academic requirements include 46 credit hours of coursework, 3 credit hours of essential electives, and 15 credit hours in an area of specialization. In the final year of four years long degree, students take clinical experiences at App State’s Communication Disorders Clinic or any other clinical setting. 

The major coursework for this program encompasses two upper-division courses. These courses must be passed with a minimum of Grade B to fulfill the degree requirements. After completion of major courses students take up senior honors thesis. This research thesis is mentored by the student’s supervisor. After completion, students can put their thesis on display at various colleges, universities, and clinical settings for further scrutinizing and investigation. This degree program provides ample co-curricular and extra-curricular learning zones. For instance, enrolled students can join various speech clubs such as American Sign Language Club, Dementia Awareness Club, Delta Zeta Sorority, etc. Interested individuals can join this program by filling out an online application and submitting it.

North Carolina Master’s Degree Programs in Speech-language Pathology (MSLP)

To establish yourself as a practicing speech-language pathologist and communication therapist, earning a master’s degree and taking a licensure exam is a must. Mentioned below are all the master’s degree programs in speech sciences offered to aspiring speech pathologists in the domain of SLP. 

North Carolina Central University- Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

North Carolina State University modulates exceptional learning facilities with its Master of Science M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This degree program encompasses clinical and educational components to meet the requirements as set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the North Carolina Department of Instruction, and the State Licensure Program. The Department regulates its master’s program every year. However, certain major courses like Anatomy, Physiology, Aural Rehabilitation, Phonetics, Audiology, and Language Development are prerequisites that remain mandatory in every session. Every subject incorporates specific observation hours for honing hands-on experience. 

This Master’s degree program has ample services that enable students to learn professionalism and learning opportunities in specific areas of interest. Each area of interest is assigned by the mentor considering a student’s interest and eligibility. Upon selection, students are asked to take practicum courses and professional development programs to master an area of concentration. Areas of specialization for this program include a Bilingual Program and a Collaborative Approach to Training Special Educators Program. A two-year course sequence is designated for undergraduates who have expertise in speech-related subjects. Three-year course sequence is specified for individuals who haven’t done their bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders. For more information, contact the university department now.

East Carolina University- Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

East Carolina University has always remained top drawer with its extraordinary academic instructions and course lineup mapped out by considering contemporary standards and modern appeal. ECU has come up with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders which is designed to propound a wide array of academic and training experiences related to the treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. The coursework is planned according to ASHA standards for fostering a firm educational and clinical background. This program can be taken on-campus or online depending upon a student’s convenience. This degree encompasses two pathways: A Speech-Language Pathology Track and a Non-Clinical Track. 

As the title suggests, the Speech-Language Pathology Track extends over two years where a student must complete 54-60 credit hours both on-site and on-campus. North Carolina has a multitude of clinical settings where enrolled students can apply for practicum courses to take operational experience and hands-on learning. The Non-Clinical Track terminates with a researched thesis and a detailed physical examination. All those students who are striving for an educational area should enroll in this program. Applicants need to submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a writing prompt, and a professional resume. Interested applicants can apply to this program through an online portal. 

Appalachian State University-  Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 

Appalachian State University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology takes precedence over other master’s programs with its innovative creative practice and evidence-based learning. This master’s program prepares the next generation of speech specialists to assess, prevent, evaluate, and treat various language and swallowing disorders. The curriculum for this program centers on robust research opportunities and clinical experiences that meet the required criteria of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The university has set up a Communication Disorders Clinic, which is a non-profit organization situated on campus, for edifying students according to avant-garde requirements and needs. 

Graduates exiting this program can apply for licensure by taking licensure exams as scheduled by the state. The university, although has courses packed with essential majors and minors, can’t guarantee a sure admittance to a licensure program. Students need to prepare along with their degree to ace their licensure exam. The university website has a Professional Licensure Program designated on the webpage which can be contacted for further information and queries, if any. Applicants need to pass their GRE test for admission to this program. The scheme of study focuses on subjects like Fluency Disorders, Resonance Disorders, Preschool Language Disorders, Dysphagia, and Speech-Language Disorders. Students can either go for a thesis or a detailed traditional examination. 

University of North Carolina School of Medicine – Master of Science M.S. In Speech Sciences and Disorders

Department of Health Science at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine offers a Master of Science M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences designed to instruct prospective speech-language pathologists and communication therapists. This degree program is mapped out by considering all the standards put up by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students who are not interested in going down the clinical track can stick to their coursework without any need to attend practical coursework. However, the non-clinical track requires additional research experience. The clinical track on the other hand holds practicum courses at a nearby clinical setting. The course of study includes two years of learning. 

Going down the clinical track allows students to take 60 credit hours with a comprehensive curriculum along with operational learning experiences. This line of study is accredited by ASHA. After graduation, the passed-out batch can take the licensure examination to become a certified speech pathologist. The coursework for this track focuses on the code of conduct and ethical training needed to seek a job in this domain. The Non-Clinical Track, on the other hand, allows students to work in the educational sector. This line of action offers educational groundwork to foster firm research-based learning and qualitative inquiry. International students who do not require an ASHA certification can go down this lane. Research-oriented students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in SLP can also choose this option.

Online Master’s Degree in Speech-language Pathology in North Carolina

To facilitate working professionals and distance learners, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro has set up an online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology for the speech therapists of tomorrow. Let’s do an in-depth probing of this degree program!

University of North Carolina at Greensboro- Online Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the UNC School of Medicine extends its virtual learning environment with a Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. This degree program is committed to instructing clinicians on modern requirements needed to evaluate and assess a speech or communication disorder. This program incorporates scrupulous research and clinical training to prevent and treat high-risk swallowing and language impairment disorders. With robust instructions to uphold the quality of the degree program, the university has put up quality check programs so that real-time clinical practice knows no incongruity or discrepancy. This degree program enjoys accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in SLP and Audiology. 

The coursework is propagated in an asynchronous format which is extended online. Students can take up to two and a half years to complete their 66 graduate credit hours throughout five semesters. Upon graduation, students can seek employment in outpatient sectors in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special needs centers, and nursing facilities. Students can also open up private clinics for personal practice after taking a licensure exam. Applicants aiming to pursue a career in speech-language pathology can apply online through the university portal. Admission status can be checked through email and by contacting university officials. For further information, the university has formed an admission portal to facilitate aspirants.

Doctoral Degree Programs in Speech-language Pathology (SLPD) 

Mentioned below are doctoral degree programs in SLP offered at some of the top-ranked universities in North Carolina.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro- Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro enjoys excellent faculty and curriculum through its innovative educational strategy. This university offers a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders to extend advanced research in speech pathology and audiology. Students who have an academic background in speech-language pathology can explore new frontiers with this degree’s extensive scientific knowledge and future study. Students can pick courses either as a part-time or a full-time student. Applicants are requested to submit their official transcripts, GRE scores, current vita, and three letters of recommendation to be considered for admission. 

The Director of the program sets up a panel of certified research scholars who conduct interviews with prospective students to grant admission on merit. The CSD coursework comprises 15 credit hours, intersecting discipline studies take 12 credit hours of study, the tools courses are usually wound up by studying 21 credit hours, while professional seminars may take up to 3 credit hours of research. In the final year, research scholars map out a dissertation that comprises 12 credit hours. All of this combined makes a total of 63 credit hours which must be studied to complete the degree successfully. Enrolled students can seek guidance from the university mentor to sketch a plan of study that works for both of the individuals involved. 

The University of North Carolina – Ph.D. In Speech and Hearing Sciences

A Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina contributes to establishing the leadership and cognitive abilities needed to master the domain of audiology and speech-language pathology. This program provides direct training in service delivery, technology, teaching, and research. The primary goals of this program incorporate a promise to instill a pragmatic and evidence-based approach to conduct quality research for revolutionizing the field of SLP. This program enables students to develop effective procedures needed to diagnose problems in real life and then suggest a viable treatment for those pathologies. 

Enrolled students complete a total of 48 credit hours in this doctoral degree. Four years are needed to complete this degree. However, if a student has no speech-related background, the duration may increase to three years. The plan of action comprises a physical exam followed by an oral assessment. After that students can start their dissertation process with an assigned supervisor. Interested researchers can apply to this Ph.D. program to further their academic trajectory. Applications can be filled out online. If you are interested, probe through the available information to equip yourself with all the requisites needed to enroll in this program.

Conclusion

North Carolina affords endless possibilities when it comes to providing research-based qualitative inquiry in the realm of allied health sciences. The state has sanctioned degree programs from Bachelor’s to Doctoral level to provide instructions needed to gain expertise in the sphere of concentration. The aforementioned degree programs are accredited by ASHA to check on quality and credibility.

North Carolina is a state that values education and professional growth, particularly in the field of speech-language pathology (SLP). There are many alternative paths available for clinicians looking to pursue additional training and specialization.

One of the most exciting aspects of the SLP field in North Carolina is the abundance of opportunities for ongoing education. Over the years, professional associations like the North Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NCSHA) have hosted conferences, webinars, and online courses. These events provide clinicians with a chance to network, learn from subject matter experts, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

North Carolina also boasts several esteemed fellowship programs and clinical residencies in collaboration with top healthcare institutions. These immersive experiences provide in-depth instruction in specialist fields like dysphagia treatment, voice problems, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Through these programs, students can acquire the cutting-edge knowledge and abilities they need to excel in their careers.

If you are aiming to seek a career in this field, wait no more, and enroll now!

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