The ability to communicate effectively is one of life’s many gifts, and it’s something that makes us human. Speech and language pathologists help people with communicative disorders to live normal lives. However, life can be highly challenging for those suffering from a speech or language disorder. Individuals can acquire speech and language problems and communicative disorders in many ways. They may happen because of injury or illness, or they may be genetic or congenital. But no matter how they are acquired, they affect the sufferer’s mental, physical, and social well-being.
A master’s in communication sciences and disorders trains students to intervene for those suffering from communication disorders. And by enrolling in a graduate SLP program, students will be ready to seek licensure and work as speech pathologists in a clinical setting.
Featured Programs
If you’re considering a master’s program in speech and language pathology, we’ve got you covered. This article features the most affordable speech pathology graduate programs available now. And not only are they affordable, but they are also rated among the best in the nation.
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Methodology for the Most Affordable Speech Pathology Graduate Programs
The SLP programs on this list are ranked according to graduate tuition costs per academic year. Information about costs comes from NCES College Navigator. Note that the listed tuition prices are for in-state students and do not include any additional fees the school may charge. Therefore, those who reside out of state or are taking online speech pathology programs may be charged differently.
These programs have all been regionally accredited and verified to be non-profit institutions. And each is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. CAA accreditation is an important ranking factor. That’s because this organization uses a peer-review process to establish standards for SLP programs. Graduates of CAA-accredited programs will have acquired a specific set of skills needed to practice SLP in a clinical setting.
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NPCO Ranking of Speech Pathology Graduate Programs
| University | Tuition | Score |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $6,138 | 100.00 |
| University of Utah | $6,970 | 99.75 |
| San Diego State University | $7,176 | 99.50 |
| University of South Florida | $8,350 | 99.25 |
| University of Georgia | $8,878 | 99.00 |
| Edinboro University | $9,288 | 98.75 |
| Florida State University | $9,684 | 98.50 |
| Purdue University | $9,718 | 98.25 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | $9,909 | 98.00 |
| University of Kansas | $9,989 | 97.75 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $10,552 | 97.50 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10,728 | 97.25 |
| University of Florida | $10,770 | 97.00 |
| University of Alabama | $10,780 | 96.75 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $12,050 | 96.50 |
| University of Arizona | $12,106 | 96.25 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $12,168 | 96.00 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $14,635 | 95.75 |
| University of Texas at Dallas | $15,088 | 95.50 |
| University of Maryland | $15,360 | 95.25 |
| University of Virginia | $17,674 | 95.00 |
| Michigan State University | $19,714 | 94.75 |
| University of Pittsburgh | $24,118 | 94.50 |
| Northeastern University | $25,801 | 94.25 |
| George Washington University | $32,850 | 94.00 |
| New York University | $35,982 | 93.75 |
| Case Western Reserve University | $49,358 | 93.50 |
| Vanderbilt University | $51,600 | 93.25 |
| Northwestern University | $56,067 | 93.00 |
| Boston University | $58,560 | 92.75 |
Top 30 Affordable Master’s in Speech Pathology Programs
#1. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Lincoln, Nebraska
This MS in Speech Pathology is available at the UN Lincoln. This is the cheapest online speech-language pathology program on our list at just over $6,000 per academic year. The program teaches valuable skills needed to become practitioners and researchers of SLP. In addition, students will learn how to help individuals with communication disorders improve their condition.
The program takes two years to complete, and a total of 45 credit hours are needed. It takes two years, which also includes two summer semesters. Applicants to this speech pathology program should have a bachelor’s degree in SLP or a related field to apply.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $6,138
Score: 100.00
#2. University of Utah
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Salt Lake City, Utah
Students at the University of Utah can enroll in a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. This is a 55-credit-hour program that takes place on campus. It’s five semesters long and takes approximately one year and nine months to complete. Students will have 36 credit hours of study and 19 credit hours of full-time clinical experience.
This speech pathology program has both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Students in the non-thesis program will have ASHA-mandated coursework and clinical experience. Those in the thesis program will have additional research experience. The clinical practicum takes place at Utah Health’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Two or more full-time externships for this communication sciences and disorders degree are also required. The University of Utah has the second most affordable speech pathology graduate program on our list.
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $6,970
Score: 99.75
#3. San Diego State University
MA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Diego, California
Another one of the cheapest speech pathology graduate programs is at SDSU. San Diego State University offers a Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences degree. Graduate students can expect to complete this master’s degree in about five semesters. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to finish the program. Students are admitted only in the fall to the program. And they must complete specific undergraduate requirements to be eligible.
The speech pathology program at SDSU is intensive, and most students do not hold a job while completing the MA degree. Instead, they rely on financial aid, which is available for graduate students. This is a full-time program, and there are no options to enroll part-time. The master’s degree involves multifaceted preparation for a career in the field. And there is a strong theoretical and research component.
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $7,176
Score: 99.50
#4. University of South Florida
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Tampa, Florida
USF offers another one of the most affordable online speech pathology graduate programs on our list. The University of South Florida offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. A limited number of students are admitted to this competitive speech pathology program each year. It is designed to train students to be skilled professionals in SLP.
This master’s of speech pathology has two tracks. The first track is a Residential Track. It is a six-semester program with clinical opportunities in and around Tampa Bay. The second track is called the SunCoast Track. It’s designed for bachelor’s degree students to earn their master’s degrees. Candidates must be working in one of the Suncoast Consortium school districts. This nine-semester program is a combination of distance and on-campus education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete either speech pathologist program. Both take at least two years to complete.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $8,350
Score: 99.25
#5. University of Georgia
Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia offers a Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to work in clinical SLP. Students who complete this master’s degree also have the opportunity to pursue ASHA certification. The University of Georgia is one of the cheapest SLP grad schools on our list with a low tuition rate of under $9,000 a year.
This is a full-time, two-year speech pathology program that is a non-thesis master’s degree. Students who wish to pursue a research-focused program can opt for the MA program instead. A few topics covered in the curriculum include:
- Dysphagia
- Multicultural issues
- Speech sound disorders
- Language and literacy assessment
- Hearing science
- Voice and resonance disorders
Students can also opt for specialized training in diversity, equity, and inclusion or dyslexia.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $8,878
Score: 99.00
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#6. Edinboro University
Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Edinboro University offers a terrific Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. This master’s degree in SLP requires 54 credit hours to complete. In addition, students will complete five clinical rotations during this speech pathology program. It takes about two years to complete.
Students will be prepared to be client-focused SLP practitioners by completing the program. Edinboro University maintains partnerships with many SLP practices. And the school boasts a 100% job placement for its students. Additionally, most students are eligible for financial support through graduate assistant awards. This allows them to have an excellent EU education at a reasonable cost.
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $9,288
Score: 98.75
#7. Florida State University
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Students in this speech pathology program focus on advanced studies in speech-language pathology. Additionally, they will develop the skills to work in SLP in a clinical setting.
A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this master’s degree. Clinical experience is gained through FSU’s in-house clinic. Plus, students work at other sites in and around Tallahassee. Students will have core classes and individualized electives. Some of these electives include:
- Artic & Phonological Disorders
- Motor Speech Disorders
- LLD in School-Aged Children
- Nature of Autism
- Advanced Aural Rehab
- Medical Speech-Language Pathology
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $9,684
Score: 98.50
#8. Purdue University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. This is an on-campus 24-month speech pathology program. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this master’s degree. Students will develop the skills and competencies required for a career in SLP.
Graduates will meet all the requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This includes academic programs, licensure, and clinical certification. Some of the required courses include:
- Neural Bases of Speech and Hearing
- Auditory Perception
- Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Introduction to Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
- Introduction to the Vestibular System
- Speech Disorders In Children
Eligible students may also pursue a combined clinical and research dual-track program.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $9,718
Score: 98.25
#9. Indiana University Bloomington
MA in Speech-Language Pathology
Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University Bloomington currently offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology degree. It is a two-year speech pathology program designed to be completed on campus. Students can also choose to pursue a Bilingual Track.
All SLP master’s students must enroll in four semesters of clinical practicum. The sites include off-campus centers around Bloomington and the Indiana University clinics. Students will learn to diagnose and treat communication disorders in children and adults. After the fellowships year, students can receive a Certificate of Clinical Competency. This certificate allows them to obtain licensure in any state, including Washinton, D.C.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $9,909
Score: 98.00
#10. University of Kansas
MA in Speech-Language Pathology
Lawrence, Kansas
An MA in Speech-Language Pathology is offered on campus at the University of Kansas. Students can complete the program in four full-time semesters and one or two summer semesters for a total of about 24 months. A total of 50 credits are needed to graduate.
Some of the courses for this speech pathology program include:
- Evaluation of Speech and Language
- Multicultural Considerations in Speech-Language Pathology
- Clinical Processes
- Professional Issues
Students may take the speech language pathology program full- or part-time. Financial aid is available. The program satisfies the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association‘s certification standards. KU also has one of the cheapest online SLP programs.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $9,989
Score: 97.75
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#11. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
UNC-Chapel Hill offers a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. It is an on-campus program involving 60 semester hours of study. Students should expect to spend at least two years completing this speech pathology program.
The program will help students develop the skills needed to become clinical speech pathologists. Each student initially enrolls in five core courses, a clinical practicum, and an elective. In total, there are ten core courses. In addition, the program includes one semester in the summer before the second year. A few of the courses include:
- Language Impairments in School-Age Children
- Neuroanatomy
- Pediatric Speech Disorders
- Culturally Responsive Practices in SLP
- Adult Aural Rehabilitation
- Aging and Communication
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $10,552
Score: 97.50
#12. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. The program is offered with two tracks. The first is a Speech-Language Pathology track. The second is a Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing track. The Speech Pathology track provides students with the clinical requirements for ASHA certification. The second track is a non-clinical master’s degree for students planning to enter an SLP doctoral program.
The speech pathology program takes two years to complete. Some of the courses in the program include:
- Neural Mechanisms of Speech, Hearing, and Language
- Acquired Language & Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Adults
- Sign Language
- Language and Learning Disorders of Children
- Motor Speech Disorders/Augmentative & Alternative Communication
- Swallowing Disorders
- Management and Assessment of Voice Disorders
- Introduction to Medical Speech Pathology
Students who would prefer to take SLP online can check out the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The college also offers one of the cheapest online speech language pathology programs.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $10,728
Score: 97.25
#13. University of Florida
MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida offers a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This SLP master’s degree is an excellent option for students who want to become speech-language pathologists. It’s a full-time campus-based program that is five semesters long. The program combines on-campus learning with various hands-on clinical opportunities. These are completed at practicum sites near the UF campus.
A total of 64 credit hours are needed to complete the speech pathology program. Some of the topics covered include:
- Phonological Disorders
- Dysphagia Management
- Adult Language Disorders
- Speech Motor Control Disorders
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $28,672
Score: 97.00
#14. University of Alabama
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
This MS in Speech-Language Pathology is offered on campus at the UA. In this program, students will study different communication disorders. And they will gain a better understanding of human communication sciences. In addition, they will learn to work with patients to assess their needs and help them work on their communication issues.
A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the speech pathology program. Some of the required courses include:
- Neurology
- Language Development
- Fluency Disorders
- Acquired Motor Speech Disorder
- Dysphagia in Children
- Dysphagia in Adults
Students will complete the program through research, academic coursework, and clinical experience.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $10,780
Score: 96.75
#15. University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science in Speech-Language and Hearing Studies
Austin, Texas
UT Austin students can enroll in a Master of Science in Speech-Language and Hearing Studies. The speech language pathology program provides students with the skills needed for ASHA certification. A total of 57 credit hours are required, and students can finish the program in five semesters if taken full-time. The university also offers this degree in a bilingual specialization. Some of the courses in the speech pathology program include:
- Preschool Language Disorders
- Developmental Speech Disorders
- Knowledge and Skills in Clinical Science
- Fundamental Principles in Clinical Practicum
- Acquired Cognitive-Communication Disorders
- Voice Disorders
- School-Age Language Disorders
Students gain clinical skills at the University of Texas Speech and Hearing Center (UTSHC). They also have two or more externships during the program.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $12,050
Score: 96.50
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#16. University of Arizona
Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Tucson, Arizona
The University of Arizona offers a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences degree. This master’s is a great option for students to advance their knowledge of communication issues. And it’s designed to teach the skills needed for a career as a speech pathologist.
A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this speech pathology program. It is an on-campus program that will take at least two years to finish. Clinical training takes place at various clinical practicum sites in the community. Plus, students will also gain hands-on skills at the UA Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $12,106
Score: 96.25
#17. University of Colorado Boulder
MA in Speech-Language Pathology
Boulder, Colorado
CU Boulder currently offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology degree. A total of 36 credit hours are required to complete this degree. If taken full-time, students can expect to finish this degree in just 24 months. Students can also choose to earn a certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program gives students both clinical and theoretical knowledge of speech-language pathology.
Students will complete one or two internships and a thesis or comprehensive example. In addition, there is one initial summer intensive before the first year and one after the second year. Students can expect to obtain certification from ASHA. And they can also apply for Colorado licensure for work in the state’s public schools.
There is also an option to design your own master’s degree in any SLHS topic. However, this speech pathology program does not lead to clinical certification.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $12,168
Score: 96.00
#18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Arts in Speech & Hearing
Champaign, Illinois
A Master of Arts in Speech & Hearing is available to students at UIUC. There are two speech language pathology programs students can choose. The first is the MA Speech and Hearing Science clinical program. This can either be taken as a terminal degree or as preparation for a doctoral program. The second is a nonclinical MA Speech and Hearing Science program. This program is for students who do not wish for certification yet still want a career in the industry.
The clinical speech pathology program requires a total of 60 credit hours. And the nonclinical program is 40 credit hours. Both are designed to teach students communication sciences. This will help them better understand the various communication disorders that people face. By the end of this communication sciences program, students will be equipped to be speech-language pathologists.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $14,635
Score: 95.75
#19. University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Dallas, Texas
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the entire program. The clinical placements and courses are designed around the core requirements. They take place during the first two terms. After that, students choose electives while they develop their specific goals in the field.
Students pursuing the program with an undergraduate degree can complete it in five semesters. However, prospective students from other fields must complete prerequisite courses first. In this case, the program will take six semesters. It is designed to be taken full time. Since practicum takes place during the day, part-time study is not advised. Non-degree students are not admitted to this speech pathology program.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $15,088
Score: 95.50
#20. University of Maryland
Master of Arts in Speech/Language Pathology
College Park, Maryland
The University of Maryland offers a Master of Arts in Speech/Language Pathology. It’s available to prospective students who have completed the required prerequisites. This is a two-year, 50 credit hours program that takes five semesters.
Students can select a Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Emphasis track with this program. They can also pursue a Bilingual Certificate Program in Speech-Language Pathology simultaneously. This program is both academically and clinically based. And it is designed to prepare students for a professional career in SPL.
After completing the program, students are eligible for ASHA certification. They can also pursue licensure in Maryland and other states. A dual M.A. to Ph.D. speech pathology program is also available.
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $15,360
Score: 95.25
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#21. University of Virginia
Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Charlottesville, Virginia
The University of Virginia offers a Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This M.Ed.is a full-time clinical program requiring 60 credit hours. Students attend classes at UV. And at the same time, they complete clinical training at the Sheila Johnson Center. SJC is the school’s audiology and speech center that provides assessment and intervention for communication disorders. And it is where graduate students gain core competencies in communication sciences and disorders.
The graduate speech pathology program has two tracks. The Blue Track is designed for students who already have a Communication Sciences background. The Orange Track Curriculum is for those who do not have a background in SLP. The Blue Track is five academic semesters, including one summer. The Orange Track is seven semesters, and students must be in residence for two years.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $17,674
Score: 95.00
#22. Michigan State University
Master of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
East Lansing, Michigan
Students at Michigan State University can enroll in a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. It is designed for students to deepen their understanding of communication disorders, and to learn intervention strategies to help those suffering from them. A total of 51 credit hours are needed to complete this on-campus program.
There are two career-oriented tracks. One is a thesis track, and the other is a non-thesis track. Those who choose the thesis track will complete original research under faculty mentoring. The non-thesis track involves comprehensive elective clinical coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
Scholarships are available for those who choose the thesis track. And financial aid is available for both speech pathology programs for all qualifying students.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $19,714
Score: 94.75
#23. University of Pittsburgh
Master of Arts/Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania
The University of Pittsburgh offers a Master of Arts/Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This speech pathology graduate program requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in just two years. Some of the courses in the program include:
- Fluency Disorders
- Augmentative Communication
- Dysphagia
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Child Language Disorders
- Pediatric Audiological Rehabilitation
- Neurogenic Language and Cognitive-Communication Disorders
- Hearing Science
The University has a 100 percent job placement rate for students who complete the graduate program. And U.S. News & World Report ranks it third in the nation.
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $24,118
Score: 94.5
#24. Northeastern University
Master of Science in Speech-Langauge Pathology
Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the program. Students can earn the degree in approximately two years. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice. And the internationally recognized faculty focuses on teaching theory plus hands-on clinical work. All have extensive experience in communication sciences and disorders.
This speech pathology program has about 50 to 60 incoming graduate students each year. In addition, departmental Graduate Scholarships may be offered to incoming students. And some Dean’s Scholarships are offered based on academic performance. Students of this Northeastern SLP master’s program may also be eligible to work with faculty on research grants. By the end of this communication sciences program, students will be equipped to be speech-language pathologists.
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $25,801
Score: 94.25
#25. George Washington University
Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Washington, DC
George Washington University offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. However, this speech pathology program is specifically for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in SLP. It is an on-campus program.
The program consists of five semesters. And each student rotates through all six practicum sub-clinics at the school’s Speech and Hearing Center. Students also complete two externships. In addition, there are six specialty tracks to choose from:
- Accent Modification
- Acquired Neurological Disorders
- Literacy & Social Communication Disorders
- Hearing Health Care
- Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders
- Voice Disorders
For those students who do not have a related bachelor’s, GWU offers a post-baccalaureate option.
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $32,850
Score: 94.00
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#26. New York University
Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
New York, New York
Students at NYU can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders program. It’s a full-time, on-campus, 48-credit-hour speech pathology program.
The program is designed to ready students for professional licensure in SLP. Students will learn assessment and intervention methods in patients with communication disorders. As a result, they will become proficient in the five essential functions in communication sciences and disorders:
- Communication skills
- Motor skills
- Intellectual-cognitive skills
- Sensory-observational skills
- Behavioral-social skills
There is a thesis option for students who want to pursue advanced research. By the end of this communication sciences program, students will be equipped to be speech-language pathologists.
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $35,982
Score: 93.75
#27. Case Western Reserve University
Master of Arts – Speech Language Pathology
Cleveland, Ohio
Case Western Reserve University offers an MA in Speech-Language Pathology degree on campus. To complete this degree, students must complete 45 credit hours or coursework. And they must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout the program. They will also undergo 375 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Students in the speech pathology program will also need to complete a thesis or pass oral and written exams. The thesis option requires six hours of thesis credit and an oral defense. In addition, each student will work with an advisor to create an individual plan of study based on their professional goals. Prospective students must have taken at least one biology, statistics, and physics or chemistry course for admission.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $49,358
Score: 93.50
#28. Vanderbilt University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Nashville, Tennessee
Vanderbilt University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. It is administered through the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. A total of five semesters and 49 credits are needed to complete the program. Students can generally earn this degree in 20 to 24 months.
Specialty tracks are available to eligible students who want to work with special populations. For example, some students want to work with children with profound hearing loss. Others are interested in working with patients with autism spectrum disorders. You’ll work with an advisor to design a speech pathology program specific to your goals.
Interested students can also conduct a research project in communication sciences and disorders leading toward their master’s thesis if they desire.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $51,600
Score: 93.25
#29. Northwestern University
Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning
Evanston, Illinois
Northwestern University offers a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning degree. Students can expect to complete this speech pathology program in its entirety in just over 24 months. A total of 63 credit hours are needed. Northwestern has an innovative seven-quarter curriculum that focuses on:
- Scientific decision‐making
- Critical thinking
- Self‐awareness
- Professional leadership
- Engagement in intellectual dialogue
Students in the program have many relevant clinical opportunities. During the first part of the program, they gain experience at the on-campus clinic. Then, they complete two full-time 11-week externships. These externships take place in private practices or facilities, depending on the student’s interests. By the end of the communication sciences program, students will be equipped to be speech language pathologists.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $56,067
Score: 93.00
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#30. Boston University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University offers a two-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. This full-time speech pathology program is completed on campus and requires 60 credit hours. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any area of study are encouraged to apply.
The program aims to prepare students for ASHA certification. And it also meets the MA licensure requirements for clinical practice. The program is a combination of academic, clinical, and research opportunities. Some of the courses include:
- Voice and Resonance Disorders
- Cognition and Neural Bases
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Dysphagia
- School-Age Language Disorders
- Hearing Science
US News & World Report Rates BU’s SLP program as #10 in the nation out of 261 similar master’s programs. Additionally, the school boasts a three-year first-time passing rate on the certification exam of 100 percent! It’s not the most affordable college on our list, but it is one of the best SLP grad schools in the country.
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- CAA Accreditation in Audiology and SLP
Tuition: $58,560
Score: 92.75
This concludes speech pathology grad schools rankings.
NPCO Staff
