Master’s in Speech Pathology Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A Master’s in Speech Pathology or Speech-Language Pathology focuses on teaching and training students, making them competent, qualified, and ethical professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders efficiently. Usually, the program spans two academic years (20 to 24 months) when completed full-time. It takes 3 to 7 years for part-time programs. The program imparts general knowledge on speech and other communication disorders, and specializations dive deeper into a particular field. One must be clear that a speech pathology degree is not classified as a medical program and is considered more clinical.

Curriculum and Skills You’ll Gain

The Master’s in Speech Pathology degree offers students unique clinical and academic opportunities. The curriculum of this degree is crafted around a core of critical competencies and has a broad array of elective courses as well. In many cases, Colleges allow community resources to provide students with an experience in various real-life scenarios. Research opportunities are also available to students in autism, speech-sound disorders, cognitive neuroscience, and more.

In broad terms, there are standard courses in a Master’s in Speech Pathology online program, but they too can vary by college; however, all the courses are aimed at teaching students about neurological, language, and speech disorders. The list of featured Speech Pathology courses/subjects below only indicates what one is expected to learn in this Master’s Program:

• Voice Disorders: In this course, students will delve into the mechanics of vocal production and explore the intricate nuances of vocal health. Students Gain expertise in diagnosing and treating a spectrum of voice-related challenges, equipping individuals with effective strategies for optimal vocal function and expressive communication.
• Motor Speech Disorders: This course explores apraxia and dysarthria, exploring their effects on speech muscle control, articulation, fluency, and clarity. Apraxia disrupts speech movement planning, while dysarthria stems from muscle weakness or coordination issues. Communication is hindered, often necessitating speech therapy for enhancement.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, poses risks to health and nutrition. The course delves into its causes, assessment, and treatment methods, equipping students with essential skills to aid those with swallowing disorders. Graduates can contribute to improved quality of life and healthcare outcomes for affected individuals.
• Audiology: This course explores hearing and balance disorders, encompassing assessment and rehabilitation techniques. Students gain expertise in diagnosing and treating auditory issues, fostering skills to enhance communication and quality of life for individuals. This course empowers graduates to contribute to better-hearing health and well-being.
• Anatomy and Speech: This course examines the intricate connection between human anatomy and speech production. Students gain insights into vocal tract structures, neural pathways, and articulatory mechanisms. This knowledge enriches speech therapy and communication interventions, enabling students to contribute effectively to speech-related fields.

Here are some more examples of courses commonly found in Master’s in Speech Pathology programs:

• Hearing Science
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Stuttering
• Neurogenic Communication Disorders
• Communication Disorders
• Language Development
• Neurology
• Craniofacial Abnormalities
• Phonology
• Language Disorders in Children
• Principles of Intervention
• Assessment and Intervention of Language Impairments in Preschool and School-Age Children

In addition to core courses, students must complete at least three elective courses, 2 in language disorders in children and 1 in adults. Again, these mandates can vary by college and program.

Many Colleges also insist on some Practicum or Internship in Communication Disorders each semester. With the clinical experience one gains through practicum, one can set the experience toward their certifications to become a professional in Speech-Language Pathology. Students may also examine different case studies and finish projects to get an in-depth overview of patterns of speech and language disorders. 

Graduates of a Master’s in Speech Pathology are trained to handle various human communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups. Some of the skills students would have learned by the end of the program include:

• Diagnostic assessment
• Treatment planning and implementation
• Speech and language intervention techniques
• Clinical observation and documentation
• Counseling and communication skills
• Research and evidence-based practice
• Professional ethics and standards
• Case management
• Leadership and supervision

Degree Types

A Master’s in Speech Pathology online is fundamentally a scientific and technical degree. Therefore, the Master of Science or MS in Speech Pathology is generally the most provided program in this domain across different colleges.

Master of Science in Speech Pathology

MS or Master of Science in Speech Pathology is typically a 2-year program with coursework, research, and hands-on training in clinical, educational, or medical environments through Practicum or Internship. In most cases, application for this degree requires additional certification/s or licensing.

Specializations for Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Students

A Master’s in Speech Pathology online is a broad approach to studying speech impairments. Specializations are therefore essential to focus on critical areas and study, research, and work on them. Students who want to research can also choose from a wide range of specific areas of communication disorders, including but not limited to:

Graduation Timeline for Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Programs

Most full-time Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Programs can be completed in about two years. This timeline can be based on the structure of their college’s academic calendar. Some accelerated programs combine a Bachelor’s Degree with a Master’s Degree, which takes five years to complete instead of six years. Colleges emphasizing credits often require a minimum of 48 semester credit hours, not including fieldwork. If time and money are constraints, one can enroll in part-time Master in Speech Pathology online programs that take 3 to 7 years to complete.

There are fewer ways to fast-track a Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Program. The only exception to do so is to take up an accelerated Speech Pathology program or twin program that combines a Bachelor’s Degree with a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. Opting for this will reduce the total duration of the course from six years to five years. The fastest Master’s in Speech Pathology online program will take at least 20 months.  Emerson College¹ is one of the rare colleges in the U.S. that provides an accelerated speech pathology online program that one can complete in 20 months.

Grad school requirements for Speech Pathology vary by program. Therefore, students are advised to conduct their own research on getting into SLP grad school by reading the published program guidelines. However, some standard admission requirements across universities include:

1. A completed application form and its requisite fee.
2. The basis for admission to a Master’s in Speech Pathology online program is a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BS (Bachelor of Science) Degree, usually in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Science and Disorders. 
3. BA or BS in any other field may require certain prerequisite courses to be undertaken, such as:
   • Articulatory Phonetics
   • Anatomical and Physiological Bases for Speech & Language
   • Speech Science: Acoustic Phonetics
   • Language Acquisition Across Life Span: Early Years
   • Audiology – Hearing Science
   • Introduction to Communication Disorders Across the LifeSpan
4. A Personal Statement describing their interest in the field and career objectives, official transcripts,
5. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score
6. Academic or professional Letters of Recommendation
7. Résumé

While most colleges require GRE as an admission requirement, few offer SLP Master’s online no GRE programs, but conditionally. For example, GRE scores taken within the last five years are waived by some Universities, and some others do not require the score if the student holds a Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited institution. Without having to go through its rigors, no GRE programs are popular and sought by many students. Some universities with online speech pathology master’s programs no gre are:

• Idaho State University²
• Emerson College³
• Nova Southeastern University⁴
• James Madison University⁵

Accredited Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Programs

A Master’s in Speech Pathology online program should have the necessary programmatic accreditation. Accredited Speech Pathology programs are important for further specializations and a basic requirement to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Most top universities are accredited by the CAA or Council on Academic Accreditation⁶ in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association⁷ or ASHA. They are designed to meet the academic and clinical requirements of ASHA.

Universities are also usually accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S.:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The comprehensive Accreditation Guide illustrates how and why accreditation is important for students.

In the domain of Speech Pathology, students can participate in complimentary courses for enhanced insights. These courses may provide valuable perspectives on professional practices. Although certificates of completion could be obtained, they might not bear the same recognition as accredited programs acknowledged by relevant organizations. Here are a few free courses available for students in Speech Pathology:

Annual tuition fees for a Master’s in Speech Pathology can cost over $20,000. Adding living and other educational expenses to these figures makes aspiring students feel dizzy! Unfortunately, with every passing year, the cost of Master’s Programs only goes up, making it a financial burden for most students. Scholarships, Grants, and Government Aid such as FAFSA are some of the ways to ease this burden. Here is a quick list of options to explore before applying for a Master’s in Speech Pathology online program:

Federal Loans

Federal loans are government-sponsored financial aid for students, providing funds for education expenses. They typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. These loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, aim to make higher education more accessible, supporting students in pursuing their academic goals.

Payment Plans

Payment plans allow students to divide tuition and related costs into manageable installments. Tailored to academic schedules, these plans ease the financial burden, ensuring students can pursue education without the immediate strain of a lump-sum payment and fostering accessibility and affordability in higher education.

FAFSA

FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a crucial form for students seeking financial aid for higher education. It determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Grants

Grants are financial awards provided to students based on need, merit, or specific criteria. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment, making them valuable resources for funding education.

Access more information on funding through the best Financial Guide and gain insights on avoiding scholarship scams.

Scholarships for Speech Pathology Students

Scholarships are a form of funding provided to students for further education. Master’s Speech Pathology online can be expensive; therefore, many applicants look for scholarships and grants to help them manage the cost of tuition or other expenses. Most candidates prefer scholarships over other financial aid. Some of the graduate school’s speech pathology include:

Graduate Student Scholarship by ASH Foundation¹⁰

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers a scholarship for undergraduate seniors accepted to a Master’s Program or students currently pursuing Master’s or Doctoral (research or clinical) degrees. 

Award/Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association¹¹

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is not a scholarship but a wealth of resources for those looking for Scholarships, Research Grants, Federal and State-Funded Education Programs, Loans, and Training Grants. 

Award/Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

Plural Publishing Research Scholarships¹²

Plural Publishing Research Scholarships, sponsored by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication and Disorders (CAPCSD), support individuals pursuing research excellence in communication and disorders. These scholarships aim to advance knowledge and innovation in the field, fostering academic and professional development among recipients.

Award/Amount: $3,000

Deadline: Varies  

Med Travelers Scholarship Program¹³

As part of Med Travelers’ commitment to attracting the best and brightest to the industry, the $5,000 Med Travelers Scholarship Program (awarded as a check) is offered biannually to current Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and School Psychology graduate students. Recognizing the vital roles these professionals play in community well-being, the program aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing advanced degrees, expressing gratitude to these dedicated individuals.

Award/Amount: $5000

Deadline: May, annually

Graduates of Master’s in Speech Pathology online are typically qualified to work in Clinical, educational, and medical environments as Speech Pathologists. Referred to by the common acronym – SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist(s) – these professionals are trained to treat patients’ communication disorders, some of which include but are not limited to Motor Speech Disorders or Autism. SLPs can also work with people with challenges such as Down Syndrome, Head and Neck Cancers, Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, and many more. Speech Pathology career options are many, and Speech-Language Pathologists can work in many different employment settings: education, research, and healthcare, with varying roles and levels of responsibility.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics^[14],  SLP jobs are expected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. In conclusion, a Master’s in Speech Pathology Program presents tremendous potential for a secure career and enviable remuneration.

Speech-Language Pathology is not a medical degree; however, students who have successfully graduated with a Master’s in Speech Pathology online should have additional certifications, the minimum prescribed clinical experience, and pass a national examination, to qualify as SLPs or Speech-Language Pathologists. One such required certification is the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology¹⁸. Based on the chosen career path, students may have to consider an SLP Certification online, including:

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification¹⁹

The LSVT LOUD Training & Certification course educates speech-language pathology professionals, assistants, and students on an evidence-based, intensive treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, applicable to other neurological conditions.

Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)²⁰

The specialty certification, BCS-S, demonstrates advanced clinical competency in adult or pediatric populations through clinical or academic/administration tracks. After approval, students can choose the pediatric or adult examination, showcasing a commitment to providing high-quality, specialized dysphagia evaluation and management.

To earn state licensure for teaching, taking up and passing the Educational Testing Service²¹ (ETS) Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology Exam²² is necessary. The passing score for this test varies by state. Similarly, licensing is generally required for SLPs to work in certain industries, but again, norms and guidelines for licenses differ from state to state.

Speech-Language Pathology can be a very demanding job. Sometimes, all the study and experience may not be enough for a Speech-Language Pathologist to find the right approach to a sticky situation. Networking and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in Speech-Language Pathology can immensely help when faced with problems that need solving. Joining a community of SLPs and attending virtual events will almost always help one’s career and advance one’s knowledge. Below is a list of resources for Speech Pathology professionals and students of a Master’s in Speech Pathology online program to explore:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association²³

ASHA – American Speech-Language-Hearing Association – is arguably the best repository for Speech-Language Pathologists to quickly find new publications, explore clinical topics and disorders, attend events, connect with special interest groups, join a large community of SLPs, and do a whole lot more.

Yeshiva University Libraries²⁴

Yeshiva University Libraries are well stocked with SLP Journals, Databases, and links to useful websites.

Speechpathology.com²⁵

Speechpathology.com is a website that hosts articles on Speech-Language Pathology, information on State Licensure Boards, and a tool to consult experts on SLP matters.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders²⁶

NIDCD – National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders – provides information on topics ranging from American Sign Language to Stuttering to Apraxia of Speech. There are articles on Research, Funding, and Training for SLPs.