Helping people communicate is just one of the many rewarding aspects of being a speech-language pathologist. Earning a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (often abbreviated as SLP) can give you access to the broad domain that encompasses speech, communication and swallowing disorders. This degree also allows you to specialize in different components of speech and language development. Since these skills are developed during infancy and childhood, speech therapists are commonly hired in school settings.

Master’s in SLP: Study Online Full or Part Time

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

• Aspiring SLP generalists are prepared to pursue ASHA certification.
• Students can earn an Emerson Master of Science in Communication Disorders online in as few as 20 months.
• Online classes are taught by expert Emerson faculty—most of whom are practicing SLPs who view students as colleagues and collaborators.

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In searching for the best online speech pathology programs in the United States, it’s important to take into account factors such as the instruction method, the type of degree and the credit requirements necessary to complete the program.

We’ve compiled a list of online speech pathology programs across the United States along with instructional and curriculum information. The difference between asynchronous and synchronous coursework is that the latter takes place in a live classroom setting as opposed to taking on the form of a recorded video lecture.

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Speech-language pathologists are healthcare professionals who work with different populations to improve communication techniques and treat swallowing disorders. What do speech pathologists do? SLPs can work in various settings but one of their main job responsibilities across all environments is to conduct speech-language assessments. These assessments are then used to develop treatment plans targeting speech disorders in patients. Learn more about what SLPs do on a day-to-day basis and discover the path professionals typically take to embark on a career in speech therapy.

The job titles speech therapist, speech pathologist and even speech-language pathologist are all technically interchangeable, although those within the field sometimes have a preference for one over the other. It is common for patients to refer to professionals in speech pathology as their “speech therapists,” however, many maintain that the title that best encapsulates the career field is speech-language pathologist.

Perhaps a more interesting comparison is between the career fields of speech pathology and audiology. What’s the difference between a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist? Check out the career profiles below to learn more.

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete an online SLP program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. A typical program includes foundation coursework, hands-on experience dealing with language disorders via clinical practicums and elective courses. Standard online SLP programs might include courses in:

Another important component of SLP education and the path to starting your career is obtaining your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This certification, managed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA), can enhance the credibility of individuals aspiring to become speech pathologists. Learn more about certification for SLPs.

Some speech pathology graduate programs offer specializations. One of the many concentrations offered is bilingual speech-language pathology. Bilingual SLPs possess the linguistic abilities to navigate cultural barriers.

Each online speech pathology master’s program has its own prerequisites, so you should contact your accredited institution for detailed information. Depending on your school, you may be required to submit some or all of the following:

It’s also worth noting that many speech pathology master’s degree programs require prerequisite courses. SLP prerequisite courses might include biology, statistics and social/behavioral sciences, to name just a few.

In searching for the online speech pathology program that meets your needs and requirements, two factors that must be considered are the program’s accreditation status and its ability to prepare you for SLP licensure.

Learn more about ASHA accreditation for speech-language pathologists

Often, online SLP programs that have been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), will be the best suited to prepare you for certification and licensure.

The CAA operates under the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) as the accrediting branch for various degree programs—online speech pathology programs included. ASHA oversees clinical certification in the field of speech language pathology.

Earning a speech pathology master’s degree online comes with a number of benefits. Online SLP programs provide the flexibility to tailor class schedules to your convenience, often accommodating students with full- or part-time jobs. Additionally, these programs allow you to attend esteemed universities regardless of your geographical location and save both time and money since you don’t have to relocate or commute.

One of the main concerns students might have about enrolling in an SLP program online is their inability to gain clinical training due to not being “on-location.” However, many programs now offer clinical field placement support systems that will work to place you in clinical settings near you. This is vital to developing competencies as a speech therapist and preparing for certification.

After completing an online master’s degree in speech pathology, the next step is to get certified. The speech pathology certification will enable you to work with individuals who experience difficulty with verbal communication, disorders with fluency or swallowing and help them address speech impediments. Speech pathologists can work in elementary and secondary schools, occupational therapist practices, hospitals, nursing facilities or in their own private practice. Every state has its own certification requirements to become a speech therapist.

In addition to these common speech therapist roles, there are also opportunities for specialization in areas such as:

Discover more about how to start your career in speech-language pathology and learn about the career outlook and earning potential for SLPs.

The median annual salary for a speech therapist was $84,140 in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A variety of factors might influence the salaries of speech pathologists including location of practice, years of experience and education level.

Last updated October 2023.