Speech-language pathologists (SLP) work in diverse settings and come into direct contact with various patients suffering from speech and language problems. Speech pathology professionals work in hospitals, schools, home care settings, and nursing facilities.
The average annual wage of SLPs is $79,120, and jobs are expected to increase to 27% (2018-2028). Like other professionals, Speech-language pathologists also have some educational requirements to enter the field and pursue their careers.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has set some standards for SLP professionals. The essential requirements are:
- Master’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders
- Compulsory Post-graduate experience
- Passing a competency exam
If you want to pursue your SLP career, online speech pathology programs can be an accessible option for you. The online program demands your dedication and willingness to work on the academic and clinical portion and prepare you for professional practice.
We have arranged a list of the best online speech pathology programs with average credits, costs, and other requisites that you can take online and get your degree to start a professional career.
Five university options with a speech-language pathology program
California State University Northridge
- Program: Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
- Credit Hours: 60
- Time length: 3 years
- Cost: $52,463(in-state, out-state)
- Options: Full and part-time
- Accreditation: By the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology(CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Mode: 100% online, asynchronous
- Field Placement: Supervised clinical practice near to students’ areas of residence
- Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE Scores
California State University Northridge offers a three-year master’s degree in speech pathology program and is completely online. Students can complete the supervised clinical practice at settings nearest to their residence.
Eastern Carolina University
- Program: Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Credit Hours: 54-60
- Time length: 3 years
- Cost: $249.26/credit for in-state students; $893.82/credit for out-of-state students
- Concentrations: Speech-language pathology; Speech-language audiology
- Options: Full and part-time
- Accreditation: CAA
- Mode: 100% online, asynchronous
- Field Placement: Supervised clinical practice near to students’ areas of residence or on-campus practicum
- Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.5 and GRE Scores
The university has an online speech pathology program and requires onsite practice in the clinic to analyze and apply the learned skills.
➡LEARN MORE: Speech Therapist • Job Description, Salary & Benefits
James Madison University
- Program: Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
- Credit Hours: 45-47
- Time length: 3 years
- Cost: $21,340 (in-state students)
- Concentrations: Speech-language pathology; Speech-language audiology
- Options: Full and part-time
- Accreditation: CAA
- Mode: 100% online, asynchronous
- Field Placement: 6-week clinical placement JMU’s Harrisonburg, VA campus and 4 clinical placements
- Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.25, No GRE
This master’s program focuses on both academic and practical work. Students take 2-3 courses every semester in 3 years.
Tennessee State University
- Program: MS in Speech and Hearing Science
- Credit Hours: 53
- Time length: 4 years
- Cost: $26,394(in-state)
- Options: Part-time
- Mode: Online, asynchronous through eLearn@Tnstate, synchronous through Zoom
- Field Placement: 2 on-campus summer clinical practicum experiences, 3 weeks in the first summer and 6 weeks in the second summer, a practicum near to where student lives
- Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.5
This program is specifically for students who want to learn part-time in an online format. The program allows the students to complete it online, but sometimes, professors may require you to come on-campus for necessary tasks.
Nova Southeastern University
- Program: MS in Speech-Language pathology
- Credit Hours: 53
- Time length: 4-6years
- Cost: $66,07(in-state/out-state)
- Options: Full-time and Part-time
- Accreditation: CAA
- Mode: Online and hybrid
- Field Placement: 400 supervised clinical practice
- Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0, No GRE
This master’s program is the best choice for those who don’t want to take GRE and jump on specialty courses. The program has different options based on location and availability and enables the students to learn a range of services.