12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Speech Pathology
Aspiring speech language pathologists face critical career decisions when getting into the right bachelor’s and master of science in speech pathology program. Selecting the wrong graduate degree can derail professional dreams, limit career opportunities, and waste valuable resources. We’ve compiled a complete list of the top accelerated speech pathology programs only to achieve a thriving career in communicative sciences.
Accelerated Speech Pathology Programs Online
Top accelerated master of science programs online for aspiring speech pathologists include the University of Kansas, Baylor University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Akron. These institutions offer accelerated undergraduate degree pathways, letting you transition and complete a master of science degree in speech language pathology and work in communicative sciences.
An accelerated master of science speech pathology can be completed in as little as 12 months, depending on the master’s degree program. Many of these graduate programs in speech pathology programs are hybrid programs.
Top Twelve Fastest Accelerated Online Master's Program in Speech Pathology Programs in 2025
- #8 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/24
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at University of Kansas
Cost of Degree: $11,574Expenses: $15,432Starting Salary: $69,030Salary after 4 years: $70,413Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Kansas known for?
University of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of the University of Kansas
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Average In-State Tuition: $27,132
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $44,844
What Do We Love About the University of Kansas?
An Accelerated Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is available from the University of Kansas through its Department of Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders. KU’s MA applicants will be given a certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association upon completing their one-year clinical fellowship.
KU’s accelerated master’s degree program from its Department of Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders is among the most selective speech-language pathology programs. A competitive applicant must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and obtain the necessary prerequisite coursework.
- The University of Kansas is ideal for students who: Want to take part in clubs and organizations. The university offers 600 diverse ones.
- University of Kansas might not be the best fit for students who: Do not want to attend a school with a lower graduation rate than most schools.
- #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
81%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1320/30
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at Baylor University
Cost of Degree: $41,130Expenses: $19,425Starting Salary: $57,726Salary after 4 years: $63,029Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Baylor University known for?
Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of Baylor University
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Average In-State Tuition: $61,900
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $74,269
What Do We Love About Baylor University?
Baylor University’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders has a 100% Praxis pass rate. The accelerated program offers thorough training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and prepares you for employment as a speech language pathology professional.
At Baylor University, you can complete the master of science program online in full- or part-time study. In full-time, you can study the program in as quick as 20 months, while part-time can do so in 24 months. The online program in this school will require you to finish 400 field hours over practical and clinical internships.
- Baylor University is ideal for students who: Want a dynamic campus community that fuses multidisciplinary research and a global reputation for superior education.
- Baylor University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer to attend a secular university.
- #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
76%
Student body
82K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/27
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at University of Central Florida
Cost of Degree: $8,872Expenses: $18,300Starting Salary: $59,601Salary after 4 years: $60,795Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Central Florida known for?
University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Business
- Physics
- Computer Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of the University of Central Florida
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Average In-State Tuition: $24,668
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $40,767
What Do We Love About the University of Central Florida?
Applicants with no prior education in speech-language pathology can enroll in the University of Central Florida’s Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders – Accelerated BA/BS to MA. The graduate degree is fully accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Prospective graduate students are no longer required to submit their GRE scores.
The accelerated master of science degree is a semester less than the traditional speech language pathology program. You may take up to 16 credits of graduate-level coursework while earning your bachelor’s degree. Online classes in this school are also subject to availability and will depend on the student’s aptitude.
- University of Central Florida is ideal for students who: Want access to various opportunities, including training in various skills from teachers with international reputations and networking with leading companies throughout Central Florida
- University of Central Florida might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t want massive student populations, even in online classes.
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
72%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/27
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at University of Rhode Island
Cost of Degree: $17,450Expenses: $18,586Starting Salary: $67,982Salary after 4 years: $69,344Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Rhode Island known for?
University of Rhode Island’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Communications
- Education
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of the University of Rhode Island
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Average In-State Tuition: $34,994
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $54,390
What Do We Love About the University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology will help you graduate with two degrees in five years instead of six to seven. URI’s accelerated speech pathology program is one of the most selective. To qualify for admission to the master of science program, you need a 3.5 major GPA or higher.
For the bachelor’s degree, you must accomplish 24 specified 400 or 500 graduate-level communicative disorders course work in your senior year and 30 credits in your fifth year at the same level.
- University of Rhode Island is ideal for students who: Want a chance to participate in foreign exchange programs.
- University of Rhode Island might not be the best fit for students who: Might not want to pay higher tuition fees for out-of-state applicants.
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
48%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/21
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at University of Akron
Cost of Degree: $9,411Expenses: $15,866Starting Salary: $48,659Salary after 4 years: $49,633Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Akron known for?
University of Akron’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of the University of Akron
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Average In-State Tuition: $28,665
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $33,105
What Do We Love About the University of Akron?
The Accelerated BA/MA in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology of the University of Akron will provide you with the same 17-credit hour coursework as the traditional program, only with classes that can be completed faster. In this accelerated master of science program, you’ll explore courses in advanced phonetics and neurology for issues with communication and dysphagia.
UAkron’s accelerated master of science degree program is known to have stiff admission competition. The speech language pathology program of the school only accepts 22 students each semester. Consequently, you need to have a competitive GPA; a 3.75 or higher is preferred.
- University of Akron is ideal for students who: Are looking for affordable tuition rates and various financial aid options.
- University of Akron might not be the best fit for students who: Might struggle with the GRE required.
- #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #7 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
74%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1271/29
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at University of the Pacific
Cost of Degree: $53,544Expenses: $21,176Starting Salary: $83,229Salary after 4 years: $90,874Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of the Pacific known for?
University of the Pacific ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of the University of the Pacific
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Average In-State Tuition: $76,516
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $76,516
What Do We Love About the University of the Pacific?
Through the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the University of the Pacific provides an Accelerated Master of Science in Speech Pathology. The master of science program offers challenging academic classes, clinical placements, and research opportunities to prepare graduate students for careers in the speech-language pathology field.
Pacific’s Accelerated MS in Speech Pathology has two tracks: A 15-month track for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology or Communication Science Disorders and a 24-month track for non-speech pathology degree holders. Both programs place a strong emphasis on offering high-quality clinical training.
- University of the Pacific is ideal for students who: Want a school with a record of high test scores for speech-language pathology on both the national certification and state licensure exams
- University of the Pacific might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t like on-campus training. Only some classes can be taken online upon availability.
- #4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
72%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at Biola University
Cost of Degree: $12,420Expenses: $16,302Starting Salary: $50,115Salary after 4 years: $54,719Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Biola University known for?
Biola University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Business
- Communications
- Literature
- Education
- Computer Science
- History
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of Biola University
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Average In-State Tuition: $63,006
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $63,006
What Do We Love About Biola University?
Biola University’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology program can be completed in as little as five years – three years of undergraduate and two years of postgraduate work. During the first semester, you must declare your intent to pursue this pathway to stay in the speech language pathology program.
You’ll need to finish 120 credits in the undergraduate degree followed by 63 credits in a master of science. Online courses for the accelerated master’s program are also subject to availability, so you should talk with your school advisor to make sure you are fully prepared for the program’s format.
- Biola University is ideal for students who: Want a global economic and cultural center. This location gives you options for internships, research opportunities, and experiences.
- Biola University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer to attend a non-Christian university.
- #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
59%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at Northern Arizona University
Cost of Degree: $12,547Expenses: $17,028Starting Salary: $51,918Salary after 4 years: $52,958Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northern Arizona University known for?
Northern Arizona University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- History
- Education
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of Northern Arizona University
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average In-State Tuition: $29,680
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $45,928
What Do We Love About Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University’s Accelerated BS to MS in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology is a campus-based clinic where you can obtain practical clinical experience while supervised by qualified and certified SPLs. The accelerated master of science program also allows you to perform clinical placements outside the school.
In the accelerated speech language pathology program, you can study communication sciences and disorders, anatomy, and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and language assessment, intervention strategies, clinical practicum, and research methodologies. Additionally, you can focus on subjects including voice problems and adult neurogenic communication disorders.
- Northern Arizona University is ideal for students who: Need on-campus transportation, assisting you to go here and there within the campus.
- Northern Arizona University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer to attend a campus with a cheaper cost of living nearby.
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #12 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
43%
Graduation
77%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1340/31
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at Emerson College
Cost of Degree: $34,352Expenses: $25,220Starting Salary: $50,609Salary after 4 years: $55,258Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emerson College known for?
Emerson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of Emerson College
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Average In-State Tuition: $80,612
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $80,612
What Do We Love About Emerson College?
The Online Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Emerson College includes classes in the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, research methods, and assessment and intervention strategies. This online fast-paced degree program compresses its classes into shorter amounts of time to allow you to graduate in as little as 20 months.
Instead of having regular class meetings in school, you will dictate the pace of the online program. In the master of science program, you can also participate in speech language pathology research projects and discuss their findings at conferences, thanks to Emerson College’s actively engaged research efforts.
- Emerson College is ideal for students who: Want experiential learning through internships, student clubs, and volunteer work in the community.
- Emerson College might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer attending a less selective university.
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
64%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/23
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at Elmhurst University
Cost of Degree: $34,037Expenses: $17,808Starting Salary: $51,005Salary after 4 years: $55,690Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Elmhurst University known for?
Elmhurst University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of Elmhurst University
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Average In-State Tuition: $59,436
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $59,436
What Do We Love About Elmhurst University?
Elmhurst University’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a 5-year program designed to help you become an SPL in less time. The accelerated program offers a thorough curriculum integrating theoretical knowledge and practical experience to equip you with the abilities required for assessment, diagnosis, and intervention in people with communication difficulties.
Master of science graduates will be qualified to obtain an ASHA certification in speech-language pathology, a license for professional educators by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The speech language pathology program classes will be primarily on-campus instead of completely online.
- Elmhurst University is ideal for students who: Want to gain research experience at the National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
- Elmhurst University might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t prefer large universities with a highly social environment.
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at Maryville University
Cost of Degree: $15,766Starting Salary: $50,511Salary after 4 years: $55,150What is Maryville University known for?
Maryville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of Maryville University
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average In-State Tuition: $44,766
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $44,766
What Do We Love About Maryville University?
Maryville University is a top-ranked private university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. One of its renowned degree programs is its fast-paced Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, offered by the Walker College of Health Professions. Applicants with speech pathology and related educational backgrounds can transfer up to 50 clinical hours.
The Online Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program takes 5 semesters or 1.8 years and is delivered through a 100% online learning format. You must possess a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, stellar letters of recommendation, and strong personal statements. GME/GRE scores are not required.
- Maryville University is ideal for students who: Want to receive individualized guidance and support from the beginning of the program till graduation.
- Maryville University might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t like larger lectures that may affect individualized attention and interaction with professors.
- #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
87%
Student body
65K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Speech Pathology degree at New York University
Cost of Degree: $41,124Expenses: $27,314Starting Salary: $77,693Salary after 4 years: $84,830Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New York University known for?
New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Overview of New York University
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Average In-State Tuition: $87,752
- Average Out-of-State Tuition: $87,752
What Do We Love About New York University?
New York University Steinhardt’s Online MS Communicative Sciences and Disorders is an exceptional accelerated program for aspiring speech language pathology professionals, offering both full-time and part-time plans of study that accommodate diverse schedules. The graduate program offers flexibility for of-campus and on-campus students, with an admissions process considering multiple factors beyond traditional GRE scores.
The master of science program provides comprehensive training that prepares speech pathology students to work with diverse populations, including stroke victims, through rigorous communicative sciences and disorders coursework and extensive clinical observation opportunities.
- New York University is ideal for students who: Want to gain clinical experiences in sciences and disorders in a highly urbanized area.
- New York University might not be the best fit for students who: Can’t present compelling recommendations, extracurricular activities, and essays for the master of science admission process.
Back to Top
Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Master of Science in Speech Pathology
While admission requirements differ, you must typically be in your final year of an undergrad degree or have already earned a bachelor’s in any major. In the case of a five-year accelerated bachelor’s-and-master’s program, you typically need to have an outstanding GPA. Required application materials frequently consist of the following:
- Completed application form
- GRE scores
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- English Proficiency Test Scores (international students)
Back to Top
Types of Accelerated Master of Science in Speech Pathology Degree Programs
Students who wish to pursue a master of science in speech pathology have a variety of options available depending on the completion of prerequisites and the desired pace.
Online Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders
A master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders is intended for people with an undergraduate degree in communication science or a closely related discipline and desire to become certified speech language pathology professionals.
Some online master’s degree programs in speech pathology may not be any shorter than the typical two- to five-year master’s degree. However, there are few online master’s in communication sciences and disorders that will allow you to graduate in as little as 12 months.
Accelerated Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders
An intensive graduate program with a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a closely related discipline is the one-year Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. One-year MS programs are designed to give you a faster route to a master of science degree and prepare them for careers as SPLs.
A one-year Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders has a focused and fast-paced curriculum. These programs allow you to finish prerequisite classes and clinical practicum experiences in a shorter amount of time.
Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology allows students to finish both their speech language pathology undergraduate and graduate degrees more quickly. Students who want to become SPLs yet have not completed a four-year bachelor’s degree should follow this pathway.
With the help of these speech language pathology master’s programs, you can start taking graduate-level classes while still in your undergraduate studies. You can obtain credits that apply to both degrees by combining specific courses.
Back to Top
Salary and Career Outlook for Accelerated Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, demand for speech-language pathology professionals will increase by 18% between 2023 and 2033. Jobs for SPLs are plentiful around the country, with openings in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The BLS also suggests that the annual salary for speech pathologists consistently exceeds the median annual wage for all workers. SPLs made an average yearly salary of $89,290 in May 2023. Some of the most common career paths master of science in speech pathology graduates pursue include:
Early Intervention and K–12 Schools
Around half of licensed speech language pathology professionals work in educational settings. SPLs with a master of science in speech language pathology degree in educational settings may do so in preschools, elementary and secondary schools, and programs for young children.
Healthcare Settings
Hospitals, nonresidential healthcare facilities, and residential healthcare facilities together employ a large chunk of SPLs. Some hospitals, including children’s hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and VA or military hospitals, may handle specific groups.
Private Practice
Speech language pathology professionals can work in private practice as owners, full-time employees, independent contractors, or provide administrative or direct clinical services.
Colleges and Universities
SPLs with a master of science in speech pathology degree might find employment in teaching, research, and clinical supervision at colleges and universities.
Back to TopRelated Questions
What Is Speech Language Pathology?
Speech language pathology or speech pathology is a healthcare field focusing on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Professionals in the field of communicative sciences work with people of all ages who have voice, fluency, speech, language, or swallowing issues.
What Is a Speech Language Pathologist?
Speech pathologists, commonly known as “speech therapists”, work with infants to adults with language disorders, speech disorders, hearing disorders, speech-sound disorders, fluency disorders, and swallowing disorders. Speech language pathology professionals can work in hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
Are Accelerated Master of Science in Speech Pathology Online Programs Legitimate?
An online master of science in speech pathology can be legitimate if it adheres to the requirements established by accreditation authorities.
Are Accredited Online Programs for Speech Language Pathologists 100% Online?
Before pursuing an online master of science degree in speech language pathology, you must know that some programs are not 100% online. While these programs are designed to offer flexibility and convenience, you must still accomplish the necessary clinical experiences. This may entail locating suitable clinical positions in their neighborhood.
Back to TopConclusion
While the best accelerated master of science in speech pathology programs encompasses comprehensive course work and GRE requirements, they open prestigious career pathways as a speech language pathologist. Go through our learning resources to learn more about how accelerated online programs can lead you to the most in-demand healthcare communication careers.
