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Audiologist & Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Programs

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“The scope of practice for speech-language pathologists is huge! There’s a common misconception that we just work on fixing speech sounds with children, and while that is a portion of what we do, there’s really so much more. Anything pertaining to communication falls to our expertise and licensure.”

Leanne Sherred, MS, CCC-SLP, President and Founder of Expressable

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in the medical complexities of communication. Audiologists focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating hearing and balance problems. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Although these are two separate professions, they’re strongly connected.

When hearing is impacted, often language is, too—and vice versa—meaning audiologists and SLPs collaborate and refer to one another frequently. At the undergraduate level, aspiring audiologists and SLPs may even major in the same subject (e.g., speech and hearing sciences). The links extend to several stages of an audiologist or SLP’s career, from pooling scientific and academic research to holding the same public policy agendas.

Differences remain, however. For example, nearly half of all speech-language pathologists work in education-affiliated settings, where they may work with students throughout a school district. However, only one in ten audiologists work in educational settings, with the majority instead working in healthcare settings. Further specialization in both fields leads to nuanced pockets of practice that further differentiate themselves.

Audiologists may specialize in several different areas, including:

  • Balance
  • Cochlear Implants
  • Geriatrics
  • Pediatrics
  • Tinnitus

Speech-language pathologists may specialize in one of the following areas:

  • Child Language and Language Disorders
  • Fluency and Fluency Disorders
  • Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

The most critical difference between these two professions is that audiologists will need a doctoral degree to practice, while SLPs may need only a master’s degree. While the professions remain closely aligned, very few people simultaneously practice speech-language pathology and audiology. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), only 785 of its 211,000 members are certified to work as both audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Arizona State University
Speech and Hearing Science (BS)
Emerson College (Speech@Emerson)
Online MS - Communication Disorders
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Whether you’re considering becoming an audiologist or a speech-language pathologist, the future is bright. Read on to learn about educational programs in these two intertwined professions.

Meet the Expert: Leanne Sherred, MS, CCC-SLP

Leanne Sherred

Leanne Sherred is the president and founder at Expressable. As a speech-language pathologist, she has years of experience treating children and adults for communication differences and disorders in outpatient clinics, home health, and telepractice. Sherred noticed that too many families struggled to access the care they needed in those settings. The traditional speech therapy model also made it challenging to help families practice their new skills between sessions, which research has shown is the most effective way to make progress. So she created a new model based on research-based techniques to better serve children and their families.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about speech-language pathologists?

Sherred: The scope of practice for speech-language pathologists is huge! There’s a common misconception that we just work on fixing speech sounds with children, and while that is a portion of what we do, there’s really so much more. Anything pertaining to communication falls to our expertise and licensure.

Think: understanding what someone says, using vocabulary, forming sentences, telling stories, interpreting and using nonverbal language, social skills, stuttering and fluency, and vocal health. There are pockets that most people would never think of, including feeding/swallowing, augmentative/alternative communication (when someone uses a picture system, tablet, or high-tech device to communicate), or gender-affirming voice training.

It’s common for SLPs to work with children of all ages, as well as adults who are recovering from neurological trauma such as a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, though we also work with adults who are just looking to improve or change something about the way they communicate with others. Generally speaking, it’s never too late to work on communication or feeding/swallowing with an SLP—and it’s always better to start sooner rather than later!

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring speech-language pathology students?

Sherred: The field of speech-language pathology is incredibly rewarding but not without its challenges. Because we, as licensed professionals, are expected to cover the whole sprawling scope of practice, it can sometimes feel difficult to gain enough experience in every single area while also trying to hone in on what you love the most.

My advice is to give yourself time and options to explore as much of it as you can! I know lots of colleagues who didn’t know how much they’d love a new clinical area and might have been afraid to work with their first client on that skill but ended up loving it once they got started.

Because the outcomes we reach with clients can often take time, my other piece of advice is to always find the small victories. This helps clients connect so much more with the progress their making, as they might not always be able to identify it themselves. For yourself as well, celebrate the days that go smoothly—great client interactions, documentation done efficiently, and new learning opportunities.

There will be some days that are tougher, but as clinicians, we know that the road to our goals usually isn’t a straight line.

Admissions Requirements for Audiologist Schools & SLP Programs

Admissions requirements for audiologist schools and SLP programs will vary from institution to institution and based on the level of education sought.

For undergraduate programs, admissions requirements typically include:

  • A strong high school GPA (3.0 or greater)
  • SAT and/or ACT scores
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • A personal statement

For graduate programs, admissions requirements typically include:

  • A strong undergraduate GPA (3.0 or greater)
  • GMAT and/or GRE scores
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • A personal statement
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • Relevant work experience

Do note that international students may also need to present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.

Audiologist School & SLP Program Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that a university, school, or program meets quality standards. It means students and employers can trust an educational institution, and it’s of paramount importance in an increasingly fragmented landscape of on-campus, online, and hybrid programs.

At the undergraduate level, audiologist schools and SLP programs will generally receive a broad regional accreditation. Those regional accrediting entities include:

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

At the graduate level, it’s critical that audiology and SLP programs be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Professional audiologists and speech-language pathologists who seek state licensure or registration will need to have graduated from programs accredited by this entity.

List of Audiologist & SLP Schools

Filter by state :
School City State Website GRADS ('21)
University of Central Florida Orlando Florida https://www.ucf.edu 339
University of South Florida Tampa Florida https://www.usf.edu 192
New York University New York New York https://www.nyu.edu 180
Florida State University Tallahassee Florida https://www.fsu.edu 142
St. John's University-New York Queens New York https://www.stjohns.edu 136
University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin https://www.wisc.edu 130
Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette Indiana https://www.purdue.edu 126
The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson Texas https://www.utdallas.edu 123
University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa https://uiowa.edu 123
CUNY Lehman College Bronx New York https://www.lehman.edu 121
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh Pennsylvania https://www.pitt.edu 119
CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn New York https://www.brooklyn.edu 117
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge Louisiana https://www.lsu.edu 115
Illinois State University Normal Illinois https://illinoisstate.edu 106
Brigham Young University Provo Utah https://www.byu.edu 105
Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington Indiana https://bloomington.iu.edu 104
Auburn University Auburn Alabama https://www.auburn.edu 103
Adelphi University Garden City New York https://www.adelphi.edu 99
University of Arkansas Fayetteville Arkansas https://www.uark.edu 99
University of Florida Gainesville Florida https://www.ufl.edu 98
West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester Pennsylvania https://www.wcupa.edu 96
University at Buffalo Buffalo New York https://www.buffalo.edu 93
East Carolina University Greenville North Carolina https://www.ecu.edu 92
Southern Connecticut State University New Haven Connecticut https://www.southernct.edu 91
Kent State University at Kent Kent Ohio https://www.kent.edu 89
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign Illinois https://illinois.edu 89
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette Louisiana https://louisiana.edu 89
Temple University Philadelphia Pennsylvania https://www.temple.edu 87
The College of Saint Rose Albany New York https://www.strose.edu 86
The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Alabama https://www.ua.edu 86
University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut https://uconn.edu 85
Nazareth College Rochester New York https://www2.naz.edu 84
West Virginia University Morgantown West Virginia https://www.wvu.edu 84
University of Central Arkansas Conway Arkansas https://uca.edu 83
Ball State University Muncie Indiana https://www.bsu.edu 82
University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky https://www.uky.edu 82
Long Island University Brookville New York https://www.liu.edu 81
University of North Texas Denton Texas https://www.unt.edu 80
George Washington University Washington District of Columbia https://www.gwu.edu 70
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro North Carolina https://www.uncg.edu 67
University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi https://www.usm.edu 65
Florida International University Miami Florida https://www.fiu.edu 64
Miami University-Oxford Oxford Ohio https://miamioh.edu 64
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis Tennessee https://www.uthsc.edu 64
Western Kentucky University Bowling Green Kentucky https://www.wku.edu 64
Iona College New Rochelle New York https://www.iona.edu 63
Towson University Towson Maryland https://www.towson.edu 63
University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia Missouri https://missouri.edu 62
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville Tennessee https://www.utk.edu 61
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg Pennsylvania https://www.bloomu.edu 57
Boston University Boston Massachusetts https://www.bu.edu 57
Loyola University Maryland Baltimore Maryland https://www.loyola.edu 56
South Carolina State University Orangeburg South Carolina https://scsu.edu 52
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Edwardsville Illinois https://www.siue.edu 52
University of Redlands Redlands California https://www.redlands.edu 52
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana Pennsylvania https://www.iup.edu 51
Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia https://www.odu.edu 49
Marywood University Scranton Pennsylvania https://www.marywood.edu 48
University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville Virginia https://www.virginia.edu 48
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee Wisconsin https://uwm.edu 48
Louisiana Tech University Ruston Louisiana https://www.latech.edu 47
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati Ohio https://www.uc.edu 47
University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe Louisiana https://www.ulm.edu 47
University of Northern Colorado Greeley Colorado https://www.unco.edu 47
Indiana State University Terre Haute Indiana https://www.indstate.edu 45
Harding University Searcy Arkansas https://www.harding.edu 44
University of New Mexico-Main Campus Albuquerque New Mexico https://www.unm.edu 44
Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston Massachusetts https://www.northeastern.edu 43
SUNY Cortland Cortland New York https://www2.cortland.edu 43
Washington State University Pullman Washington https://wsu.edu 42
Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge Louisiana https://www.subr.edu 41
University of Mississippi University Mississippi https://olemiss.edu 38
Ohio University-Main Campus Athens Ohio https://www.ohio.edu 37
University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee https://www.memphis.edu 37
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln Nebraska https://www.unl.edu 37
University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming https://www.uwyo.edu 37
Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead Minnesota https://www.mnstate.edu 36
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis Minnesota https://twin-cities.umn.edu 36
Arkansas State University Jonesboro Arkansas https://www.astate.edu 35
East Tennessee State University Johnson City Tennessee https://www.etsu.edu/ehome 34
Marshall University Huntington West Virginia https://www.marshall.edu 34
Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro Tennessee https://www.mtsu.edu 34
Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Indiana https://www.pfw.edu 33
The University of Montana Missoula Montana https://www.umt.edu 33
Longwood University Farmville Virginia https://www.longwood.edu 32
Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan https://msu.edu 32
University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah https://www.utah.edu 32
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond Kentucky https://www.eku.edu 31
Radford University Radford Virginia https://www.radford.edu 31
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina https://www.unc.edu 31
The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso Texas https://www.utep.edu 29
Hofstra University Hempstead New York https://www.hofstra.edu 26
Northwestern University Evanston Illinois https://www.northwestern.edu 26
Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond Louisiana https://www.southeastern.edu 26
University of Central Missouri Warrensburg Missouri https://www.ucmo.edu 26
Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis Missouri https://wustl.edu 26
Calvin University Grand Rapids Michigan https://calvin.edu 24
CUNY Hunter College New York New York https://hunter.cuny.edu 24
Pacific University Forest Grove Oregon https://www.pacificu.edu 24
San Joaquin Delta College Stockton California https://www.deltacollege.edu 24
University of Louisville Louisville Kentucky https://louisville.edu 24
Northeastern State University Tahlequah Oklahoma https://www.nsuok.edu 23
Orange Coast College Costa Mesa California https://orangecoastcollege.edu 23
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton Florida https://www.fau.edu 22
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana https://www.lsuhsc.edu 22
Santa Ana College Santa Ana California https://www.sac.edu 21
University of Nevada-Reno Reno Nevada https://www.unr.edu 21
American River College Sacramento California https://arc.losrios.edu 20
Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon Wisconsin https://www.cuw.edu 20
New Mexico State University-Main Campus Las Cruces New Mexico https://www.nmsu.edu 18
Pasadena City College Pasadena California https://pasadena.edu 18
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock Arkansas https://www.uams.edu 18
University of Tulsa Tulsa Oklahoma https://utulsa.edu 16
Yeshiva University New York New York https://www.yu.edu 15
Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe Arizona https://www.asu.edu 14
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock Arkansas https://ualr.edu/www 13
Marymount Manhattan College New York New York https://www.mmm.edu 11
Delta State University Cleveland Mississippi https://www.deltastate.edu 10
CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York New York https://www.gc.cuny.edu 9
Syracuse University Syracuse New York https://www.syracuse.edu 9
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport Shreveport Louisiana https://www.lsuhs.edu 8
Wichita State University Wichita Kansas https://www.wichita.edu 8
Andrews University Berrien Springs Michigan https://www.andrews.edu 7
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery Alabama https://www.aum.edu 7
Reedley College Reedley California https://www.reedleycollege.edu 6
Bluffton University Bluffton Ohio https://www.bluffton.edu 5
Brescia University Owensboro Kentucky https://www.brescia.edu 5
Madera Community College Madera California https://www.maderacollege.edu 5
Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti Michigan https://www.emich.edu 4
Thiel College Greenville Pennsylvania https://www.thiel.edu 4
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College Blue Ash Ohio https://www.ucblueash.edu 4
Vanderbilt University Nashville Tennessee https://www.vanderbilt.edu 4
Elmira College Elmira New York https://www.elmira.edu 2
University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences San Juan Puerto Rico https://rcm2.rcm.upr.edu 2
Stockton University Galloway New Jersey https://www.stockton.edu 1
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College Batavia Ohio https://www.ucclermont.edu 1
University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia South Carolina https://www.sc.edu 1
'20-'21 School Data from IPEDS (Sourced in September, 2023)

On-Campus Audiologist & SLP Schools – Degree Programs

Arizona State University (MS in Communication Disorders)

ASU’s on-campus master of science in communication disorders program prepares students to become certified speech-language pathologists. Students in this program are trained to treat and evaluate clients with language, speech, swallowing, and cognitive disorders.

The first three semesters cover core classes such as the neural bases of communication disorders; clinical methods in speech-language pathology; differential diagnosis of communication disorders; and language assessment and intervention. The final two semesters are dedicated to specializations and clinical skills, drawing on electives like bilingual language acquisition, sign language for audiologists and speech pathologists, and counseling in communication disorders.

The full program comprises 60 credits and can be completed in 20 months. The curriculum includes a clinical practicum and an internship.

  • Location: Tempe, AZ
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 20 months

Washington State University (MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences)

WSU’s master of science in speech and hearing sciences program specializing in speech-language pathology prepares graduates to work as speech-language pathologists in both educational and medical settings. Virtually all of the program’s graduates are gainfully employed in clinical fellowship positions following graduation.

The curriculum’s course of study emphasizes behavioral, neurological, physiological, and psychological dimensions of normal development, fundamental communication processes, and communication disorders. Required courses include topics such as school-age and adolescent language; motor speech disorders; dysphagia; voice and resonance disorders; autism spectrum disorder; problems in stuttering; augmentative communication; and neurogenic disorders of language and cognition.

  • Location: Spokane, WA
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Illinois State University (AuD)

Illinois State University’s doctor of audiology (AuD) program prepares students for work as certified clinical audiologists. This four-year program includes formal coursework, a practicum, a year-long residency, and an independent study capstone project.

Students will take a total of 86 credits: 54 credits of coursework, 26 credits of clinical practicum, and six credits of a capstone. Required courses include psychoacoustics; auditory processing and disorders; implantable auditory prostheses; vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation; and business and practice management in audiology.

Illinois State University is also home to the Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic, which boasts state-of-the-art equipment and treats over 12,000 clients a year.

  • Location: Normal, IL
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

University of Arizona (AuD)

University of Arizona’s highly-ranked doctor of audiology (AuD) program is designed to prepare for a clinical career in audiology, meeting all of the clinical and academic requirements for certification by the ASHA and the Arizona Department of Health Services Licensing requirements. This full-time, four-year program covers hearing science and the treatment and nature of hearing and balance disorders. Clinical practice in the UA Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and off-campus placements provide students with a full array of experiences while students have the opportunity to engage in research. A multicultural bilingual certificate is also available as part of the program.

The program requires a minimum of 50 credits of graduate-level coursework in the areas of audiology, communication disorders, and hearing science. Supplementary coursework may be needed to fulfill the skill and knowledge requirements needed for professional certification. All students will complete an auditory doctoral project that requires a minimum of 9 credits. In addition, they will also be required to complete academic coursework to fulfill a minor area of study. Completion of clinical rotations during the first three years, followed by a clinical externship during the fourth year, will also be required. A total of 71 credits is typical for this four-year degree.

  • Location: Tucson, AZ
  • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

University of North Texas (AuD)

The University of North Texas offers a clinically focused Doctor of Audiology program that students with outstanding hands-on experience and prepares them for work as practitioners through clinical practice experience and valuable research. Working with experienced faculty members, students in this program will be able to gain valuable research experience in areas such as auditory processing, auditory rehabilitation, auditory evoked potentials, hearing assessment, tinnitus, speech perception, and hearing technology.

By completing the required coursework, clinical practicum experiences, and laboratory training, students will be qualified for national certification from ASHA and will also have satisfactory requirements for Texas state licensure in audiology. Along with the on-campus practicum at the Speech and Hearing Center, off-site practicum opportunities are also available at more than 100 sites in the region.

Made up of 95 credits, the program includes courses such as neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the auditory and vestibular system; pediatric audiology; medical audiology; advanced audiologic assessment; clinical audiology observation; and rehabilitative audiology for adults and children.

  • Location: Denton, TX
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Online Audiologist Schools & SLP Programs

Arizona State University
Speech and Hearing Science (BS)
Emerson College (Speech@Emerson)
Online MS - Communication Disorders
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Arizona State University (Online BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences)

ASU’s online bachelor’s of science in speech and hearing sciences program covers all the essential aspects of human communication. The degree provides graduates with the foundational knowledge necessary to enter graduate-level audiology and speech-language pathology programs.

The core curriculum includes classes that cover topics such as developmental speech and language disorders; clinical methods and treatment of communication disorders; acquired speech and language disorders; and an introduction to phonetics. Graduates of the program will be prepared for licensure as SLP assistants within Arizona. The program is made up of 120 credits.

Graduates can explore several professional paths. Potential roles include advocates, audiologists, community health workers, hearing aid specialists, human behavior researchers, speech-language pathology assistants, and speech pathologists.

  • Location: Tempe, AZ
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

New York University (Online Master’s Program in Speech-Language Pathology)

NYU’s online master’s in speech-language pathology program, Speech@NYU, prepares students to earn their speech-language pathology certification. The curriculum is evidence-based and person-centered, enabling graduates to serve diverse populations. The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers the program.

The curriculum includes 48 graduate-level credits and 375 direct clinical contact hours. Classes cover topics such as adult language disorders, speech/sound disorders in children, critical evaluation of research in communicative sciences and disorders, motor speech disorders, and principles of intervention with speech-language disorders. GRE scores are not required for admission.

In addition to online coursework, students will need to attend two on-campus immersion sessions to help them prepare to perform clinical diagnostics in speech pathology.

  • Location: New York, NY
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Six to eight semesters

Baylor University (Online MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders)

Baylor University’s online master of science in communication sciences and disorders program, Speech@Baylor, is rooted in research, clinical experiences, and real-world competencies. Baylor brings over a half-century of SLP experience to its online offering.

The curriculum consists of 45 credits, with classes exploring topics such as language development, phonological science, clinical audiology, structures and functions in communication and swallowing, speech sound disorders, aphasiology, and aural rehabilitation. The program includes both clinical practicums and a clinical internship.

Graduates can pursue SLP careers in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, schools, skilled nursing facilities, private individual or group practices, residential facilities, physicians’ offices, and speech, language, and hearing centers.

  • Location: Waco, TX
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 20 months

University of Northern Colorado (Online MA in Speech-Language Pathology)

The University of Northern Colorado’s master of arts in speech-language pathology program prepares students for entry-level work as speech-language pathologists. The program uses a clinician-researcher model and strongly emphasizes evidence-based practice.

The curriculum includes classes covering topics such as behavioral research evaluation; neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of communication; articulation and phonological disorders in children; and diagnostic procedures.

The program consists of 62 to 71 credits and includes a two-week residency at the university’s Greeley campus for laboratory experiences and an internship. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for licensure and certification in most states.

  • Location: Greeley, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 36 months

University of Nebraska Kearney (Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology)

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online master of science program in speech-language pathology, providing students with the requisite skills, technological proficiency, and knowledge to earn appropriate licenses, certifications, and credentials needed to practice successfully and ethically as speech-language pathologists. The master’s degree in communication disorders prepares graduates to work in various settings such as public schools, early intervention programs, hospitals, nursing homes, federal and state institutions, and rehabilitation centers.

Made up of 56 credits, the program includes courses such as diagnostic methods; alternative augmentative communication; voice & resonance disorder; cognitive communication disorders; dysphagia; aphasia rehabilitation; and motor speech, among others. The program also includes practicums and internships.

Graduates will be ready to take up positions such as medically-based clinicians, school-based clinicians, lecturers, researchers, clinic administrators, and clinic supervisors.

  • Location: Kearney, NE
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Nine semesters

Emerson College (Online MS in Communication Disorders)

Emerson College offers an online master of science program in communication disorders, Speech@Emerson, preparing students to address communicative challenges faced by their clients across their life spans. Preparing students for national certification and licensure as speech-language pathologists, this online program offers multiple start dates throughout the year and does not require GRE scores for admission. Students can complete this program in 20 months by taking the five-term track or 36 months by taking the nine-term track.

Delivered and designed by exceptional faculty members, this 54-credit online program includes two immersions at Emerson’s Boston campus, 375 direct client/patient clinical contact hours, and twenty-five guided clinical observation hours. Students will learn cognitive, family-focused, psychosocial, developmental, medical, and behavioral models through on-campus immersions, clinical placements, and live class sessions.

The curriculum comprises 54 credits, including 51 credits of clinical and academic courses and three one-credit seminars taken during two immersions. Some of the topics students will delve into include fluency disorders; speech sound disorders; dysphagia; language and literacy disabilities; motor speech disorders; voice disorders; augmentative and alternative communication; and neurological bases of communication.

  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 5-term track (20 months); 9-term track (36 months)

University of Cincinnati (Online MA in Speech-Language Pathology)

In collaboration with the University of Akron, the University of Cincinnati offers an online master of arts degree in speech-language pathology. This program involves an in-depth study of several communication disorders coupled with practicum experiences. Students in this program will complete academic courses through both UC and Akron.

Made up of 65 credits, the program includes courses such as the syntax of language; autism and other developmental disabilities; language disorders in early childhood; advanced neurological basis of communication disorders; speech sound disorders; neurogenic language disorders; dysphagia; voice disorders; and school issues and procedures.

Graduates can find careers working with patients across the lifespan in various locations such as hospitals, speech and hearing clinics, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, educational programs, and governmental health agencies.

  • Location: Cincinnati, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
Kimmy Gustafson
Kimmy Gustafson Writer

With her passion for uncovering the latest innovations and trends, Kimmy Gustafson has provided valuable insights and has interviewed experts to provide readers with the latest information in the rapidly evolving field of medical technology since 2019. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.

Matt Zbrog
Matt Zbrog Writer

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about emerging topics in medical technology, particularly the modernization of the medical laboratory and the network effects of both health data management and health IT. In consultation with professors, practitioners, and professional associations, his writing and research are focused on learning from those who know the subject best. For MedicalTechnologySchools.com, he’s interviewed leaders and subject matter experts at the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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