Compare speech-language pathology (SLP) online programs

Gain the education and clinical experience to help diverse populations with speech-language disorders. Compare online master’s in speech pathology to find a program that meets your academic and professional goals.

Explore SLP programs

Browse accredited online SLP programs

Coding Boot Camp

University of Dayton

course

10 courses • 1.5-3 years • $10,000

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

University of Minnesota

course

10 courses • 1.5-3 years • $10,000

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Syracuse University

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10 courses • 1.5-3 years • $10,000

Master’s Degree in Computer Science

The University of Texas at Austin

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10 courses • 1.5-3 years • $10,000

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Admission requirements for speech pathology degrees online

Both traditional and online SLP programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university to apply. While admissions requirements vary by university, common requirements include:

• Official transcripts

• Résumé

• Personal statement/essay(s)

• Letters of recommendation

• GRE scores

• Application fee

Depending on the master's program, your application fee may be waived or reduced if you meet certain deadlines. Additionally, some programs do not require GRE scores.

Online SLP curriculum

Online speech pathology master’s programs generally offer the same curriculum as their on-campus equivalents, meaning, you will earn the same degree as on-campus students. A typical speech-language pathology curriculum includes both academic and clinical coursework.

Online coursework

Academic courses will explore graduate-level communication disorder topics such as aphasia, language and literacy disabilities, social communication development and disorder, speech sound disorders, and fluency disorders. If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), most online SLP programs offer foundational courses to prepare you for graduate-level courses.

Clinical experiences

All accredited speech-language programs include supervised clinical experiences that allow you to apply your learnings from the online classroom to real-world settings. Clinical practicum hours vary by state, but some SLP programs will defer to ASHA requirements.

On-campus immersions

Most of our online SLP programs offer on-campus opportunities as well. In these on-campus immersions, you will connect with your peers and faculty while practicing hands-on application of concepts in supervised settings.

Online master’s in speech pathology jobs

When you complete your online SLP degree program, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and advance into leadership roles.

SLPs employed in educational settings — such as early intervention, preschool, K-12, and college — conduct screenings and diagnostic evaluations for individuals and small groups. In healthcare settings, SLPs serve as members of multidisciplinary treatment teams and provide counseling to patients and their families. SLPs in private practice work with clients of their choice, allowing for flexibility and specialization. In corporate settings, SLPs help clients with presentation skills, social communication, accent modification, and more.

Graduates could go on to assume leadership positions such as director of rehabilitation, senior speech-language pathologist, staff speech-language pathologist, clinic/field placement director, and clinical supervisor.

Which states have the highest speech pathologist salaries?

The median annual SLP salary in 2022 was more than $84,000. Hawaii offers the highest paying salary for a speech-language pathologist at an annual wage of just over $110,000, followed by California at nearly $109,000. ¹

How to become a speech pathologist online

Speech-language pathologists play a significant role in cognitive, social, and language development of their clients. An online SLP master’s program will prepare you to step into this critical role. Here are the technical skills you will need to master as an SLP:

• Prevention

• Evaluation

• Intervention

• Advocacy

• Reimbursement

• Research (basic and evidence-based)

• Collaboration with other professionals

While you can learn these technical skills through coursework and clinical practice, it is also necessary to embody the appropriate soft skills for a long-lasting, impactful career. Here are ideal qualities of an SLP:

• Teachable

• Good communication skills

• Empathetic

• Ethical

• Socially conscious

• Technologically savvy

• Entrepreneurial

• Patient

• Curious

• Objective

• Analytical

A combination of these hard and soft skills will take you far in your career as a speech therapist. And more importantly, they will help you improve the lives of your clients.

Find the best speech therapy online programs for your speech pathology career

With some research, you will be able to find the online SLP program that works best for you. Here are factors to you may consider before you apply to the program of your choice:

• School prestige: Decide if the mission, values, and reputation of the university and its online SLP program aligns with you.

• Accreditation: Make sure you choose a program that is accredited and valid for SLP licensure in your state.

• Length of study: Choose an online master’s program that suits your schedule. Search for programs with full-time and part-time options.

• Clinical placements: Gain hands-on SLP experience with supervision from expert SLPs and unlimited guidance from mentors.

• Graduation rates: Compare graduation rates to find the highest quality SLP program for you.

• Career outcomes: Explore the future of speech-language pathology and discover current employment rates.

1. Occupational Employment and Wages. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on December 12, 2022.

2. Occupational Employment and Wages. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on December 12, 2022.