Best Online Speech Pathology Programs

Speech-language pathologists are needed now more than ever.

Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for speech-language pathologists to grow by 18% from 2023 to 2033, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports a critical shortage of speech-language pathologists all over the country — especially in school settings. A 2023 ASHA survey found that there were more job openings for speech-language pathologists than there were job-seekers in both school and healthcare settings.

You can help fill the need — and benefit from flexibility — by enrolling in one of the best online speech-language pathology master’s programs.

Cost is often one of the biggest factors in determining whether to pursue an online speech pathology master’s degree. But you should also consider program length, accreditation, and earning potential.

An online master’s program in a health field — which includes speech-language pathology — costs an average of just over $11,200 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Fortunately, financial aid can help lower this cost. Most students in an online master’s program in health or a related field pay a net price of around $9,600.

Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you can try to get federal financial aid. You may be eligible for grants, scholarships, and/or loans.

An online master’s program in speech pathology typically takes 2-3 years and 45-70 (or more) credits to complete.

But you may be able to shorten your time in school by completing dual undergraduate and graduate classes as an undergrad, taking graduate-level courses before starting your master’s program and/or seeing if you can apply professional exams and certifications toward your program.

While instruction is typically fully online, speech-language pathology, like other health-related degrees, requires you to complete supervised clinical hours in person at a local institution.

Before applying to an online speech pathology master’s program, ensure it’s received programmatic accreditation from ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).

The CAA is the leading accreditor for speech-language pathology programs. You must graduate from a CAA-accredited program to qualify for certification and state licensure.

Check to see whether a speech pathology master’s program is accredited on the CAA website.

Most people who earn a master’s in speech pathology degree become speech-language pathologists.

To do this, you must:

Once you’ve earned your license, you can work in a variety of settings and industries, such as private practice outpatient services, early intervention and K-12 schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and colleges.

Speech-language pathologists can earn a six-figure salary or close to that, depending on their experience, location, and work setting.

According to the BLS, speech-language pathologists working in nursing and residential care facilities earned a median annual salary of $105,030 in 2023, which is around an 18% increase compared to the median annual salary for all speech pathologists of $89,290.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Whether earning an online master’s in speech pathology degree is worth it for you will depend on your learning style and academic and career goals.

Online programs are generally more flexible than in-person programs. Your program may offer asynchronous courses that allow you to work and take lessons whenever you like.

Even in-person components like clinical experiences and labs can often be completed in your hometown at a local site.

If you’re still on the fence about an online health degree, know this: 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates BestColleges surveyed in 2024 said they would recommend online education to others.

What’s more, in that same report, 95% of nursing and healthcare students and graduates surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment. After all, speech pathologists can make an impressive income, with many taking home six figures a year, according to the BLS.

There are two main doctorates speech-language pathologists can earn: a doctor of speech-language pathology (SLPD) — what ASHA calls a “clinical doctorate” — and a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology or audiology.

Earning a clinical doctorate helps prepare you for more advanced clinical roles as a speech pathologist. This program will help prepare you to specialize in a particular area, whether you want to work with a specific client demographic, a particular therapy, or a certain disability.

By contrast, a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology and/or audiology helps prepare you for academic and research roles. While these programs also allow you to specialize, they focus less on clinical practice and more on how you can contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Two additional options for speech pathology master’s graduates are doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and Ph.D. in clinical psychology programs. These programs focus on treating and researching cognitive disorders and learning disabilities.