Best Online Speech Pathology Programs

Speech-language pathologists are needed now more than ever. Explore our picks for the best online speech-language pathology master’s programs.
Evan Castillo
By
Edited by
Updated April 17, 2025
chevron-up
Why Trust BestColleges
  • graphs

    3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

  • Phone

    6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

  • 300+ College and university partners

  • 40+ Expert reviewers

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.

Online Speech Pathology Degree Highlights

  • A speech pathology master’s degree program typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
  • The best online speech pathology master’s programs are accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation.
  • In BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online master’s students and graduates surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
  • 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.
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

Best Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
chevron-down

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

BestColleges Top-Ranked- Badge
  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

#1

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$3,239

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,223

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

4%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Semester:

In-State | $6,045-$7,083

Out-of-State | $11,349-$13,203

Credits to Graduate: 66

The master's in speech-language pathology at UT Health San Antonio integrates medical studies with community-based clinical training. The program lasts two years, or five semesters, and includes 400 supervised clinical hours. 

In the medical coursework, you will learn about speech neurological bases, research methods, fluency disorders, head and neck cancer, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation.

UT Health San Antonio demands the submission of GRE scores. Meeting the requirements includes having a bachelor's degree, completed prerequisites, and a GPA of at least 3.0.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,420

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,499

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,239

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,223

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,239

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,223

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

4%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,420

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,499

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Semester:

In-State | $6,045-$7,083

Out-of-State | $11,349-$13,203

Credits to Graduate: 66

The master's in speech-language pathology at UT Health San Antonio integrates medical studies with community-based clinical training. The program lasts two years, or five semesters, and includes 400 supervised clinical hours. 

In the medical coursework, you will learn about speech neurological bases, research methods, fluency disorders, head and neck cancer, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation.

UT Health San Antonio demands the submission of GRE scores. Meeting the requirements includes having a bachelor's degree, completed prerequisites, and a GPA of at least 3.0.

#2

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,888

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $545

Out-of-State | $1,272

Credits to Graduate: 45

Complete JMU's master's in speech-language pathology degree in just over five semesters, including two off-campus externships. You'll complete 45 credits in two years. If you would like to complete a master's thesis, it could potentially take you an additional semester.

Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, including the Scottish Rite Clinic and JMU Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinics, host clinical placements. Graduate assistantships are available through this program without any extra application required. 

You can apply with an undergraduate degree in any major, granted you complete the prerequisites and hold a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,460

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,800

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

22,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,888

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,888

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

35%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,460

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,800

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

22,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $545

Out-of-State | $1,272

Credits to Graduate: 45

Complete JMU's master's in speech-language pathology degree in just over five semesters, including two off-campus externships. You'll complete 45 credits in two years. If you would like to complete a master's thesis, it could potentially take you an additional semester.

Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, including the Scottish Rite Clinic and JMU Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinics, host clinical placements. Graduate assistantships are available through this program without any extra application required. 

You can apply with an undergraduate degree in any major, granted you complete the prerequisites and hold a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

#3

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,054

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

60%

Acceptance Rate

27%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $811

Out-of-State | $1,295-$1,644

Credits to Graduate: 40

When you enroll in UW's master's in speech-language pathology program, you'll complete clinical work on campus and offsite in preparation for a license in Wisconsin. The program lasts about five semesters, including a summer session. You can opt for a thesis or non-thesis track.

Graduate students can get experience at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic, founded in 1914, and area hospitals and school districts. In total, you'll complete at least 125 clinical practicum hours. 

The Communication Sciences and Disorders department also offers a non-clinical master's in normal aspects of speech, language and hearing degree. Both tracks help you develop a digital portfolio used for a state license. 

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,161

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

47,016

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

27%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,161

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

47,016

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $811

Out-of-State | $1,295-$1,644

Credits to Graduate: 40

When you enroll in UW's master's in speech-language pathology program, you'll complete clinical work on campus and offsite in preparation for a license in Wisconsin. The program lasts about five semesters, including a summer session. You can opt for a thesis or non-thesis track.

Graduate students can get experience at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic, founded in 1914, and area hospitals and school districts. In total, you'll complete at least 125 clinical practicum hours. 

The Communication Sciences and Disorders department also offers a non-clinical master's in normal aspects of speech, language and hearing degree. Both tracks help you develop a digital portfolio used for a state license. 

#4

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $347

Out-of-State | $347

Credits to Graduate: 62-67

A master's in speech-language pathology degree at Purdue offers the opportunity to contribute to faculty-led research. Graduate students can pursue research opportunities in voice disorders, aphasia, dysphagia, and neurogenic disorders. 

The program, which spans over two years and provides clinical work experience at the M.D. Steer Speech, Language and Swallowing Clinics. The foundational courses cover speech disorders in children and adults and evaluating research.

According to Purdue, roughly 96% of the 2022-2023 class graduated on time, and 100% passed the Praxis exam. 

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

50,344

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

50,344

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $347

Out-of-State | $347

Credits to Graduate: 62-67

A master's in speech-language pathology degree at Purdue offers the opportunity to contribute to faculty-led research. Graduate students can pursue research opportunities in voice disorders, aphasia, dysphagia, and neurogenic disorders. 

The program, which spans over two years and provides clinical work experience at the M.D. Steer Speech, Language and Swallowing Clinics. The foundational courses cover speech disorders in children and adults and evaluating research.

According to Purdue, roughly 96% of the 2022-2023 class graduated on time, and 100% passed the Praxis exam. 

#5

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,844

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

20%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,022

Out-of-State | $2,038

Credits to Graduate: 60

If you want to pursue a clinical track with a focus on diverse and underserved populations, consider UC-Chapel Hill's master's in speech and hearing sciences degree

This 60-credit degree, which does not require a thesis, incorporates 20 classes, 400 hours of clinical experience, and laboratory time. There's also a non-clinical route that provides advanced research experience. 

Over the past three years, about 98.5% of students enrolled in this program graduated on time, according to UC-Chapel Hill.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,019

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,882

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

31,641

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Acceptance Rate

20%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,019

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,882

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

31,641

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,022

Out-of-State | $2,038

Credits to Graduate: 60

If you want to pursue a clinical track with a focus on diverse and underserved populations, consider UC-Chapel Hill's master's in speech and hearing sciences degree

This 60-credit degree, which does not require a thesis, incorporates 20 classes, 400 hours of clinical experience, and laboratory time. There's also a non-clinical route that provides advanced research experience. 

Over the past three years, about 98.5% of students enrolled in this program graduated on time, according to UC-Chapel Hill.

#6

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,680

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Year:

In-State | $9,724

Out-of-State | $9,724 plus $396 per unit

Credits to Graduate: 45

SDSU's master's of arts in speech-language pathology degree is a full-time program to help you to become a certified pathologist. There is an optional bilingualism concentration. 

This 45-credit program includes three semesters of clinical work at the SDSU Speech-Language Clinic and two externships in a public school and at an adult or adolescent-served setting, such as an acute care hospital.

The School of Speech, Language and Hearing Services admits students in the fall. On average, 99% of students enrolled in this program graduated on time, according to SDSU.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

36,484

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

36,484

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Year:

In-State | $9,724

Out-of-State | $9,724 plus $396 per unit

Credits to Graduate: 45

SDSU's master's of arts in speech-language pathology degree is a full-time program to help you to become a certified pathologist. There is an optional bilingualism concentration. 

This 45-credit program includes three semesters of clinical work at the SDSU Speech-Language Clinic and two externships in a public school and at an adult or adolescent-served setting, such as an acute care hospital.

The School of Speech, Language and Hearing Services admits students in the fall. On average, 99% of students enrolled in this program graduated on time, according to SDSU.

#7

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR4 yearCampus + Online

$7,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,124

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Semester:

In-State | $2,364-$5,122

Out-of-State | $5,1122-$11,076

Credits to Graduate: 54-55

Earning a master's in speech-language pathology degree at UAMS lets you learn and prepare for an Arkansas license in a cohort of about  24 students. This full-time program incorporates classroom and clinical experiences. 

The college's location offers ample placement opportunities at school districts, the Arkansas Easter Seal Society, and the United Cerebral Palsy Center. You'll complete 425 hours of clinical experience, including 25 observation hours.

Even without an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, you can apply. However, you will need to take prerequisites and a competitive GPA.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,448

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,088

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,124

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,124

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,448

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,088

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Semester:

In-State | $2,364-$5,122

Out-of-State | $5,1122-$11,076

Credits to Graduate: 54-55

Earning a master's in speech-language pathology degree at UAMS lets you learn and prepare for an Arkansas license in a cohort of about  24 students. This full-time program incorporates classroom and clinical experiences. 

The college's location offers ample placement opportunities at school districts, the Arkansas Easter Seal Society, and the United Cerebral Palsy Center. You'll complete 425 hours of clinical experience, including 25 observation hours.

Even without an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, you can apply. However, you will need to take prerequisites and a competitive GPA.

#8

Towson University

Towson, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$8,280

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,136

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $506

Out-of-State | $1,047

Credits to Graduate: 53

TU's master in speech-language pathology degree blends clinical training and practical classroom work to prepare you for a license. Courses operate around your clinical work on-campus at TU's Speech Language Center and off-campus practicums at clinics, schools, and hospitals.

You'll study phonological disorders, language development, and professional issues. The rigorous lessons prepare you to take the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology. According to Towson, students in the last three years boasted a 95% exam pass rate. 

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,152

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

20,856

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,280

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,136

Towson, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,280

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,136

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

38%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,152

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

20,856

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $506

Out-of-State | $1,047

Credits to Graduate: 53

TU's master in speech-language pathology degree blends clinical training and practical classroom work to prepare you for a license. Courses operate around your clinical work on-campus at TU's Speech Language Center and off-campus practicums at clinics, schools, and hospitals.

You'll study phonological disorders, language development, and professional issues. The rigorous lessons prepare you to take the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology. According to Towson, students in the last three years boasted a 95% exam pass rate. 

#9

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,335

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

30%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $448

Out-of-State | $690

Credits to Graduate: 63

UF's master's in communication sciences and disorders degree readies you to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist in health and school settings. You'll study with 25-30 other students over five semesters. During that time, you'll gain classroom learning and complete practicum experiences each semester. 

Culturally sensitive coursework explores adult language disorders, multicultural issues in speech-language pathology, and public health concepts. You can complete a thesis or an externship to culminate the program. 

UF boasts a three-year 100% pass rate for the Praxis exam. 

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

55,781

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

55,781

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $448

Out-of-State | $690

Credits to Graduate: 63

UF's master's in communication sciences and disorders degree readies you to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist in health and school settings. You'll study with 25-30 other students over five semesters. During that time, you'll gain classroom learning and complete practicum experiences each semester. 

Culturally sensitive coursework explores adult language disorders, multicultural issues in speech-language pathology, and public health concepts. You can complete a thesis or an externship to culminate the program. 

UF boasts a three-year 100% pass rate for the Praxis exam. 

#10

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$21,960

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,960

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,295

Out-of-State | $1,295

Credits to Graduate: 46

You can get on track to earn your professional license in Wisconsin through Marquette's master's in speech-language pathology program. The two-year program requires completing 46 credits on a full-time basis. You'll learn about various disorders, intervention techniques, and clinical research methodology. 

To finish the program, you'll complete a thesis or research project. If you are proficient in Spanish, you can earn a bilingual speech pathology concentration.

Marquette's graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,970

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

11,320

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,960

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,960

Milwaukee, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,960

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,960

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,970

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

11,320

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,295

Out-of-State | $1,295

Credits to Graduate: 46

You can get on track to earn your professional license in Wisconsin through Marquette's master's in speech-language pathology program. The two-year program requires completing 46 credits on a full-time basis. You'll learn about various disorders, intervention techniques, and clinical research methodology. 

To finish the program, you'll complete a thesis or research project. If you are proficient in Spanish, you can earn a bilingual speech pathology concentration.

Marquette's graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Why You Should Get a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree

  • minusSpeech-language pathologists are in demand. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to grow by 18% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average projected job growth rate of 4% for all jobs.
  • minusYou’ll learn key strategies and pedagogies for how to treat speech impairments and learning disabilities related to speech, allowing you to improve the lives of clients and their families.
  • minusEarning the degree can open the door to other health professions and doctoral studies, should you want to focus further on your area of expertise.

Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree Online

  • minusBestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
  • minusIn that same report, 60% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates surveyed said their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
  • minusAn online master’s in speech pathology program gives you the flexibility to take courses whenever and wherever you want, as well as letting you complete in-person clinical hours in your area.

How to Choose the Best Online Speech Pathology Program for You

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.

How Much Does an Online Speech Pathology Master’s Program Cost?

Online Master’s in Health and Related Fields, 2019-2020

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$11,229

Avg. Net Price

$9,621

Source: NCES PowerStats

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.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?

Typical # of Credits

45-70+ Credits

Typical Program Length

2-3 Years

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.

Master’s in Speech Pathology Program Application Requirements

Accreditation for Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs

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.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Speech Pathology?

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.

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay by Industry
IndustryMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities$105,030
State, Local, and Private Hospitals$100,130
Offices of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists and Audiologists$94,990
State, Local, and Private Educational Services$79,960

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Is an Online Speech Pathology Master’s Degree Worth It?

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.

Education Beyond a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs

According to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Education Survey, about 45% of applicants across the country were offered admission into a speech-language pathology master’s program for the 2023-2024 academic year.

More than 52,000 applications were received, and the average GPA among accepted applicants was between 3.08 and 3.98.

Explore More College Resources

5 Research Topics for a Speech-Language Pathology Program

5 Research Topics for a Speech-Language Pathology Program

There are limitless research topics in speech-language pathology, and here we break down a few examples of topics you can pursue.

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated May 17, 2024

5 Thesis Topics for a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Student

5 Thesis Topics for a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Student

5 Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Thesis Ideas How Language Comprehension Is Affected By Traumatic Injury Assessing And Predicting Reading Skills At A Young Age Eldery Patients and Text To Speech Processing Hearing Loss and Language Avoiding Speech Related Diseases When working towards a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology, students are required to complete in …

Margaret Weinhold

by Margaret Weinhold

Updated April 5, 2023

Guide to Affordable Online Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Guide to Affordable Online Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology Programs

A master’s in speech pathology prepares you to help people — but the degree isn’t always cheap. Discover how to find the cheapest online SLP programs.

Evan Thompson

by Evan Thompson

Updated December 20, 2019