Speech Language Pathology, MA, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 74 | Estimated Time to Completion: 2 years, 8 months | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Spring
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Degree/Program Type
- MA Master of Arts / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Program Contact
- Steffany Wechter, MS, CCC-SLP
-
Distance Learning Coordinator, Instructor, Clinical Supervisor
330-972-5153
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online, in partnership with the University of Cincinnati, offers a collaborative Master of Arts (MA) in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) designed to prepare you for professional practice in diagnosing and treating communication disorders.
Through a combination of academic coursework and clinical training, you’ll build the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to support individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Clinical placements are arranged in or near your community, allowing you to gain real-world experience while completing your degree online.
This program follows a structured cohort model, beginning each spring semester and completed in approximately two years and eight months. You’ll learn from expert faculty using a curriculum aligned with industry standards and professional licensure requirements.
What You'll Learn
Develop the clinical knowledge and applied skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across diverse populations.
Skills Gained
Assess speech, language, and swallowing disorders
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
Apply evidence-based practices in clinical settings
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
Adhere to ethical and professional standards in speech-language pathology
Core Practice
Diagnose and treat communication disorders across the lifespan
Provide therapy in clinical, educational, and community settings
Integrate research into clinical decision-making
Collaborate with health care and education professionals
Support individuals with diverse communication needs
Key Topics
Speech and language disorders
Articulation and phonology
Neurogenic communication disorders
Voice and fluency disorders
Dysphagia and swallowing disorders
Research methods and evidence-based practice
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure* and work as speech-language pathologists in a variety of clinical, educational, and community settings.
Job Titles
Speech-language pathologist
Clinical speech therapist
Pediatric speech-language pathologist
Medical speech-language pathologist
School-based speech-language pathologist
Where You’ll Work
Hospitals and health care systems
Public and private schools
Rehabilitation centers
Outpatient clinics
Early intervention programs
Private practice settings
Career Advancement Pathways
Pursue state licensure* and professional certification
Specialize in areas such as pediatrics, medical SLP, or neurogenic disorders
Advance into clinical leadership or supervisory roles
Contribute to research or academic settings
Additional Program Information
Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum
The curriculum integrates foundational knowledge, advanced clinical coursework, and supervised field experiences to prepare you for professional practice.
Foundational and Core Coursework
Build a strong foundation in speech-language pathology, including communication disorders, research methods, and clinical principles. Coursework emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application.
→ View full program requirements
Clinical Methods and Treatment
Develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention across a range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Learn to apply evidence-based practices in clinical decision-making.
Clinical Practicum and Externships
Complete supervised clinical experiences in professional settings. Placements are arranged in or near your hometown, allowing you to gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations.
Cohort-Based Program Structure
Progress through the program with a cohort of peers, following a structured sequence of coursework and clinical training designed to support consistent progress and skill development.
Rankings
Top-Ranked for Affordability and Quality
Earn your degree from a program ranked No. 12 for affordability and No. 5 among the best online speech-language pathology programs (2025).
Outcomes
Proven Student Success
Graduates of the program have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Praxis national exam and a 100% job placement rate among those actively seeking employment.
Accreditation
Meets National Accreditation Standards
The program meets the requirements for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), supporting your path toward professional practice and licensure.
Admissions Information
Review the admissions requirements and next steps for applying to the online speech-language pathology program.
To apply to the online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or completion of the required prerequisite coursework
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in overall and in-field coursework
- A statement of purpose outlining your interest in speech-language pathology
- Current resume highlighting relevant academic or professional experience
- Three letters of recommendation (including one from an in-field instructor)
- To complete your application through the CSDCAS application portal
- To submit all required materials before the deadline
Applications open March 15 and close June 15. The program begins in the spring semester (January start).
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $482.75 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
To apply to the online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or completion of the required prerequisite coursework
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in overall and in-field coursework
- A statement of purpose outlining your interest in speech-language pathology
- Current resume highlighting relevant academic or professional experience
- Three letters of recommendation (including one from an in-field instructor)
- To complete your application through the CSDCAS application portal
- To submit all required materials before the deadline
Applications open March 15 and close June 15. The program begins in the spring semester (January start).
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $482.75 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Faculty
Learn from experienced faculty and clinical supervisors who bring real-world expertise into both coursework and clinical training.
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MA in Speech Language Pathology FAQs
Some frequently asked questions are addressed below, but if you have further questions, please visit the General Information about Speech Language Pathology, MA, Online page which answers other common inquiries.
Speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of approximately $95,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and work setting. Higher earning potential is often found in health care environments such as hospitals and specialized clinics. As you gain experience and certifications, opportunities for advancement and increased compensation may grow.
Yes, you can earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology online through select accredited programs. Online coursework offers flexibility, but programs still require in-person clinical placements to meet licensure standards. These placements are typically arranged near your location, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while completing your degree remotely. This format helps you balance your education with work and other responsibilities.
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required for professional practice and can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. The field offers strong demand, with employment projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, along with the ability to work in diverse settings and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Earning your degree also prepares you to pursue licensure and specialized roles. For many, the combination of career stability, purpose-driven work, and growth potential makes it a worthwhile investment.
Speech-language pathology may be a good fit if you’re interested in helping people improve communication, swallowing, and overall quality of life. This field combines science, health care, and education, requiring both analytical thinking and strong interpersonal skills. You’ll work with individuals across the lifespan, from children to older adults, often in collaborative settings. If you’re motivated by making a direct impact and enjoy problem-solving in real-world environments, this path may align with your goals.
To become a speech-language pathologist, you typically need to earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited program. After completing your degree, you’ll complete supervised clinical experience and meet state licensure requirements. Many professionals also pursue certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Requirements may vary by state, so it’s important to review licensure guidelines where you plan to practice.
Earn your MA in Speech Language Pathology Online
Move forward with a degree that prepares you to support others and make a lasting difference in your community.