Online Master’s in Communication Disorders Programs – Including Speech Pathology in 2025
An advantageous area of graduate-level communications, the Master's in Communicative Disorders (MCD) degree program prepares students to work with children and adults who struggle to communicate verbally and nonverbally. These include language disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering, and social communication disorders. Disorders of this type can be caused by many things, including brain trauma, autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and more. Students enrolled in an MCD program learn via academic courses and clinical experiences. Research is also often emphasized, as graduates of this type of program frequently go on to work in clinical settings.
The following career titles are available to those who hold a Master's in Communicative Disorders:
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech/Hearing Therapist
- Clinical Supervisor
- Educator (speech/language or special education)
- Agency Director
Online programs are now readily available for those working full-time in the field and require flexibility to obtain a post-baccalaureate degree in communicative disorders.
2026 Best Online Master's in Communication Disorders & Speech Pathology Programs
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI - Public 4-Year - uwec.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers a comprehensive hybrid Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders that prepares students for professional speech-language pathology careers. With two program delivery options spanning 2-3 years, students gain extensive clinical training across 90+ diverse sites. The CAA-accredited program boasts an impressive average admitted GPA of 3.9 and offers summer residency for online track participants. Students develop advanced skills in communication disorder evaluation and treatment, ensuring readiness for licensure and professional certification across 50+ states.
- Master of Science degree
- Residential: 2 years; Online: 3 years
- CAA accredited program
- Clinical experience at 90+ sites
- Two program delivery options
- Center for Communication Disorders
- Summer residency for online track
- Post-baccalaureate courses available
- Licensure in 50+ states
- Average admitted GPA: 3.9
Master's - Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Online Learning - Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire's fully online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides flexible professional training for aspiring speech-language pathologists. The three-year program offers comprehensive clinical preparation through 90+ affiliated sites and advanced learning opportunities. With a 100% online option and an impressive average admitted GPA of 3.9, students receive high-quality education preparing them for state licensure. The program includes summer residency, post-baccalaureate courses, and meets professional certification requirements nationwide.
- Master of Science degree
- Residential: 2 years, Online: 3 years
- 100% Online option available
- Average admitted GPA 3.9
- Accredited program
- Clinical experience at 90+ sites
- State licensure preparation
- Summer residency for online track
- Post-baccalaureate courses offered
- Meets licensure in 50 states
Master's - Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's innovative hybrid Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders transforms students into skilled speech-language pathologists. ASHA-accredited and offering both residential and online tracks, the program features a 100% program completion rate and comprehensive clinical training. Students gain hands-on experience across 90+ sites, learning from experienced faculty to diagnose and treat communication disorders. The flexible two to three-year program ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional certification across multiple states.
- Master of Science degree
- Residential: 2 years, Online: 3 years
- Accredited by ASHA
- 100% program completion rate
- Clinical training in state-of-art facility
- Licensure preparation for 50 states
- On-campus and online options
- Post-baccalaureate courses available
- Diverse clinical experience opportunities
Master's - Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Online Learning - Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire's online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides a rigorous 54-credit pathway for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Designed for working professionals, the part-time three-year program offers comprehensive clinical training with local practicum experiences. Students develop advanced skills working with diverse client populations and learn evidence-based practices. Requiring a bachelor's degree and minimum 2.75 GPA, the ASHA-accredited program includes an annual summer campus week and prepares students for professional certification with a structured, innovative curriculum.
- Online part-time MS program
- 54 total graduate credits
- ASHA accredited program
- Practicum in local settings
- Prepares for certification
- Diverse communication disorder focus
- Admitted as cohort
- Annual summer campus week
- Minimum 2.75 GPA requirement
- Comprehensive clinical training
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu
Master's - MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Woman's University's online and hybrid MS in Speech-Language Pathology offers a comprehensive two-year program preparing students for diverse communication disorder careers. With 61 credit hours and exceptional Praxis exam pass rates, the program provides flexible learning through distance education and on-campus options. Students gain hands-on experience through specialized practicum placements across various clinical settings. The curriculum covers prevention, assessment, and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Unique features include small class sizes, bilingual and deaf/hard of hearing certificate options, and career opportunities with a median salary of $89,290 for speech-language pathologists.
- Degree in 2 years.
- On-campus and online options.
- 61 credit hours required.
- Small class sizes.
- High Praxis exam pass rate.
- Hands-on practicum placements.
- Accredited by ASHA.
- Diverse practicum experiences.
- Cohorts start summer or fall.
- Distance education allows work.
Master's - MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Concentration: Bilingual SLP - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Woman's University's Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology concentration provides an advanced 61-credit hour master's program emphasizing multilingual communication disorder expertise. With an impressive 3.76 average student GPA, the hybrid program offers comprehensive clinical training through Project Nexus and interdisciplinary learning. Students complete 18 credit hours of clinical practicum across multiple settings, preparing for professional practice in diverse linguistic environments. Fall and summer start options accommodate different student schedules, while maintaining rigorous ASHA-compliant curriculum standards and offering extensive practical experiences in Dallas and Denton areas.
- 61 total semester credit hours
- 6-7 semester full-time program
- 18 credit hours clinical practicum
- Multiple clinical settings
- Fall/Summer start options
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- ASHA standard compliant
- Interdisciplinary Project Nexus
- Application deadline Jan 6
- Clinical sites: Dallas/Denton areas
Master's - MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Concentration: Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Woman's University's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Speech-Language Pathology concentration delivers a comprehensive 61-credit hour master's program focused on advanced communication sciences. The 6-7 semester hybrid program provides intensive clinical training across pediatric, adult, and medical settings. Students benefit from 18 credit hours of practical experience, interdisciplinary Project Nexus collaboration, and a curriculum meeting ASHA standards. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and multiple clinical placement opportunities, graduates develop specialized skills to support hearing-impaired populations through professional, evidence-based communication interventions.
- 61 total semester credit hours
- 6-7 semester program length
- 18 credit hours clinical practice
- Multiple clinic settings
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Fall/Summer application deadlines
- ASHA standard compliant curriculum
- Interdisciplinary Project Nexus
- On-campus program venue
- Comprehensive exam requirement
Master's - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Woman's University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a dynamic two-year program preparing healthcare professionals for communication disorder treatment. The hybrid curriculum provides flexible on-campus and distance learning options, covering 61 credit hours of comprehensive training. Students gain specialized clinical experience through practicum placements in school and healthcare settings, benefiting from small class sizes and an ASHA-accredited program. With exceptional job placement rates and opportunities for bilingual certification, graduates are equipped to assess and treat communication challenges across diverse populations, targeting competitive median salaries around $89,290.
- Two-year master's program
- On-campus and distance options
- 61 total credit hours
- Small class sizes
- Exceptional Praxis exam pass rate
- Specialized clinical practicum
- Multiple campus locations
- Bilingual SLP certificate available
- Accredited by ASHA
- School and healthcare tracks
New York University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - nyu.edu
Master's - MS, Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Concentration: Bilingual Extension Track (BET) - Online Learning - Visit Website
NYU's online Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers a specialized Bilingual Extension Track (BET), uniquely positioning students for multilingual clinical practice. The 48-credit program provides comprehensive training in communication and swallowing disorders, emphasizing evidence-based interventions. Students benefit from on-campus practicums and off-campus externships, developing advanced clinical skills across diverse settings. Designed for professional licensure, the CAA-accredited program supports full-time study with a January 1st application deadline. The Bilingual Extension Track specifically enhances practitioners' ability to deliver culturally responsive care in multilingual healthcare and educational environments.
- 48 total credit hours
- Full-time format available
- Fall semester start
- January 1 application deadline
- On-campus and online options
- Two off-campus externships
- Optional master's thesis
- Bilingual Extension Track available
- CAA accredited program
- Prepares for professional licensure
Master's - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Online Learning - Visit Website
NYU Steinhardt's online Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares speech-language pathology professionals through a flexible two-year program. Students gain comprehensive expertise in addressing communication and swallowing disorders across varied populations. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, supporting diverse communication needs while positioning graduates for licensure. With both online and on-campus options, the program enables students to develop advanced assessment and treatment skills applicable in healthcare, educational, and research settings. Graduates emerge equipped with versatile clinical competencies and professional opportunities.
- On-campus and online degree options
- Prepares for speech-language pathologist licensure
- Addresses communication disorders comprehensively
- Interdisciplinary academic approach
- Supports diverse communication needs
- Multiple degree tracks available
- Can complete online in two years
Maryville University
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - maryville.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Maryville University's online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a cutting-edge educational pathway for aspiring communication professionals. Spanning five semesters with 57 total credits, this ASHA-accredited program eliminates GRE requirements, making it accessible to diverse students. Leveraging 24/7 online learning, students receive comprehensive clinical training and telepractice experiences that prepare them for dynamic healthcare and educational settings. With a competitive total cost of $54,906 and multiple start dates, the program emphasizes personalized support and state licensure preparation. Graduates can anticipate promising career opportunities in a field projected to experience significant growth.
- 100% Online Program
- 57 Total Credits
- 5 Semester Duration
- Total Cost $54,906
- No GRE Required
- Multiple Start Dates
- ASHA Accredited Program
- Clinical Coordinator Support
- State Licensure Preparation
- Telepractice Clinical Experiences
Master's - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Maryville University presents an innovative online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology designed to equip communication professionals with advanced skills. This 57-credit program meets ASHA standards and provides flexible learning options without GRE requirements. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical support, exploring multiple healthcare settings through immersive experiences. The program's affordable tuition of $48,906 and 24/7 online platform enable students to balance professional development with academic goals. With promising job market projections featuring median salaries between $82,000 and $113,000, graduates are well-positioned for impactful careers in communication disorders.
- 100% Online Program
- No GRE Required
- 57 Total Credits
- 5 Semester Duration
- Total Cost $54,906
- Flexible Start Dates
- ASHA Accredited Program
- Clinical Coordinator Support
- 24/7 Online Learning
- Bachelor's Degree Required
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's fully online Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning offers a transformative academic journey for aspiring speech pathology professionals. Uniquely designed to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds, the program provides flexible prerequisite pathways and comprehensive clinical training. Students benefit from an ASHA-aligned curriculum that integrates 25 observation hours across varied clinical settings. The two-year program welcomes both CSD and non-CSD majors, enabling comprehensive preparation through online coursework and strategic clinical experiences. Military-friendly and adaptable, the program emphasizes multiple course completion options to support students' professional development in communication disorders.
- Two-year MS program
- Online prerequisite courses available
- Accepts diverse academic backgrounds
- 25 observation hours required
- Multiple course completion options
- ASHA-aligned curriculum
- Flexible admissions process
- Clinical experience in varied settings
Choosing an Online Master's in Communication Disorders Program
Choosing the right MCD program is extremely important, as it sets the stage for students to reach their academic and professional goals. Since prospective students have already obtained a BA or BS in a related field, many are already working full-time and must work their post-grad education into their busy schedules. In these cases, online and hybrid programs are ideal matches, but there are a few things that all students should consider before selecting an MCD program.
Certification, Licensure, and Accreditation
Many students choose to earn a master's in communication disorders so that they can become speech pathologists. In this case, students must ensure that their program of choice's curriculum satisfies the academic and clinical requirements to receive certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). They should also ensure that their program will leave them eligible for licensure in their state and satisfy requirements for education credentials for public school employment if that is the route they wish to go.
An adequately accredited school and program are also paramount, as they signify quality and academic excellence. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology can accredit graduate programs in communicative disorders.
Program Cost
Much like undergraduate degrees, program costs for MCD degrees can fluctuate based on many factors. Students can expect to pay for tuition, mandatory school fees, and course materials. Financial aid options, including loans and scholarships, are typically available to well-qualified applicants.
For example, tuition for the Master of Science in Communicative Disorders through California State University, Northridge, is estimated at $52,416. This figure does not include additional fees, such as application and graduation fees or course supplies.
Program Length
With classroom-based lecture courses, internships, and clinical experiences required, most online master's in communicative disorders programs take at least two years to complete, with some requiring three years of study. While online courses are prevalent, students will generally have to be available for a certain number of hours per week for the clinical field experience portion of the program, which must be completed in person. Most programs culminate in a master's thesis or field study project.
Admissions Requirements
While each school will have its own admissions requirements, most include the following to be accepted into an MCD program:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as speech-language pathology (students with undergrad degrees in unrelated fields may be required to take more prerequisite courses)
- Successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C' or better
- Satisfactory scores on GRE/MAT
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Classes and Courses
Enrolled MCD students take courses to help them understand and analyze various communicative disorders. These courses are rounded out with clinical experiences and internships, which provide hands-on training.
To provide an example, some of the courses and seminars required for the online Master of Science in Communication Disorders at Western Kentucky University include:
- Early Intervention in Speech-Language Pathology
- Voice Disorders
- Dysfluency
- Cognitive Linguistic Disorders
- Rehab Audiology
- Seminar in Phonology
A master's in speech-language pathology program includes online or classroom didactic coursework and clinical practice hours in which students put their skills to work in real-life supervised clinical settings. Following is a sample of typical master's in speech pathology classes, which are included in Boston University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program:
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Research Methods
- Models of Language
- Language Sampling Analysis
- Evaluation & Diagnosis in Speech Pathology
- Hearing Practicum
- Cognition & Neural Bases
- Clinical Reasoning
- School-Age Language Disorders
- Preschool Language Disorders
- Aphasia
- Dysphagia
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication
Online Master’s in Communication Disorders Program Specializations
While schools tend to offer general communicative disorders programs, some will allow specializations. Speech-language pathology is the most common specialty in MCD programs. Audiology was a popular master's degree specialty at one time. Still, within the last decade, it was phased out in favor of the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program, the new educational requirement for entry-level audiologists.
Speech-Language Pathology
The speech-language pathology pathway trains students for clinical practice and research in the speech and language pathology field, where they will evaluate, diagnose, and treat children and adults with communicative and/or swallowing disorders. The course curriculum for this specialty focuses on compassionately working on communication techniques, considering the client's unique circumstances. Within this specialty, students may be able to sub-specialize in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or autism by taking some extra courses. Upon graduating from this MCD program, students are eligible for certification and licensure as speech-language pathologists. They can find employment in schools, healthcare settings, and as part of interdisciplinary teams.
Read more in our Essential Guide to Speech Language Pathology and Everything to Know About Communication Disorders.
Advantages of Online Master’s in Communication Disorders Programs
Online MCD programs have cropped up nationwide, allowing working professionals to earn their master's degrees. These distance-learning programs provide flexibility, convenience, and even affordability. Online learners do not generally need to worry about the expenses of commuting to class or relocating. While some portions of the online MCD programs have to be arranged locally and attended in person (such as internships and clinical experiences), many consider the ease of taking the bulk of the online program a significant draw.
Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Communication Disorders and Master’s in Speech Pathology Programs in 2025
Select Your State:
California
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
California State University - Northridge | 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330 (818) 677-3332 |
Colorado
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Northern Colorado | 501 20TH ST. Greeley, CO 80639 (970) 351-2734 |
Florida
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Nova Southeastern University | 3301 College Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 (800) 541-6682 |
Idaho
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Idaho State University | 921 South 8th Avenue Pocatello, ID 83209 (208) 282-2150 |
Kentucky
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Western Kentucky University | 1906 College Heights Blvd Bowling Green, KY 42101 (270) 745-5173 |
Massachusetts
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Emerson College | 120 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 (855) 997-0407 |
New York
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
New York University - Steinhardt | 82 Washington Square East New York, NY 10003 (888) 698-0462 |
North Carolina
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
East Carolina University | E 5th Street Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 328-6131 |
Ohio
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Akron | 302 Buchtel Common Akron, OH 44325 (330) 972-7111 |
University of Cincinnati | 3225 Eden Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45267 (513) 558-8501 |
Texas
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Texas Woman's University | 304 Administration Dr. Denton, TX 76204 (940) 898-2025 |
Virginia
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
James Madison University | 800 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22807 (540) 568-6211 |
Wisconsin
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire | 105 Garfield Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54702 (715) 836-4636 |