The Guide to Online Master's in Speech Pathology Programs (SLP)

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 develop during infancy and childhood, speech therapists are often hired in school settings.

Online Speech Pathology Programs

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

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What Is Speech Pathology?

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.

Speech Therapist vs. Speech Pathologist: Is There a Difference?

The job titles speech therapist, speech pathologist, and even speech-language pathologist are technically interchangeable, though those in the field sometimes prefer one over the others. It is common for patients to refer to speech pathologists as their “speech therapists.” However, many maintain that the title that best encapsulates the career field is speech-language pathologist.

Speech Pathologist vs. Audiologist

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.

Online Speech Pathology Master’s Curriculum

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:

• Anatomy and physiology: An in-depth look at the mechanisms and physiological reasoning behind speech production and swallowing.
• Language development: An examination of the language learning processes and how it relates to other components of a child’s development.
• Dysphagia: A study of the science behind feeding and swallowing mechanisms, including procedural and management options for problems in the field.
• Principles of intervention with speech-language disorders: A discussion of the problem-solving and decision-making principles that aid in the SLP’s ability to formulate goals and treatment plans.

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.

Bilingual Speech Therapy Programs Online

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.

Online Speech Pathology Master's Admission Requirements

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:

1. Application: Fill out an application, which you can find on the website of the accredited institution of your choice. Paper and online forms are both generally accepted.
2. Bachelor’s degree: You should have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution prior to applying to an online speech pathology master's program.
3. Transcripts: Request transcripts in advance of the application deadline and upload one official copy of each transcript from any postsecondary schools you have attended.
4. Personal statement: Write a personal statement, which is typically in the form of an essay. You may be required to submit multiple essays to fully express the intent and purpose of your application and explain what attracted you to the specific online SLP program. Below are some common topics that can be mentioned in the essay:
   • Your academic and personal interests
   • Experiences in school or work that have helped prepare you for this course of study
   • Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen
   • Why you wish to study at the university
   • Your plans for the future after you earn your degree

• Résumé/CV: Upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
• Letters of recommendation: Submit your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies with each school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.
• Test scores: Mail in copies of your test scores. Many online SLP programs require GRE or TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students; however, some programs do not require test scores at all.

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.

Online Speech Pathology Programs Accreditation

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 body for various degree programs, including online speech pathology programs. ASHA oversees clinical certification in speech-language pathology.

Why Earn Your Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Online?

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.

Clinical Field Placements Where You Live

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.

Certified Speech Language Pathologist Jobs and Career Outlook

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:

• Child language disorders
• Fluency disorders
• Swallowing disorders
• Audiology

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