School Speech Therapy Degree Programs

Last updated September 19, 2023

Amy Yacoub, MS, CCC-SLP

Current SLP, MS in SLP, Columbia University in the City of New York

A School Speech Therapist may complete screenings and diagnostic evaluations. The SLP also provides weekly Speech Therapy for students either within the classroom, individually, or in a small group. SLP's working in the schools help children with skills such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking, which can support their academic performance.

When working in the school setting, the Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for contributing to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and collaborating with students' families and other educators.

In order to provide Speech Therapy in a school, individuals must have at the minimum an Associate's or Bachelor's degree and certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA). Some may also have a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

Click for more online speech therapy programs that are currently taking applications.

Are There Online Degree Programs Available?

Yes, online speech pathology degree programs are available for those who want to pursue a career as a school Speech Therapist. Benefits associated with online degree programs include greater flexibility, customizable learning programs, and lowered costs of higher education.

Online programs are offered at all degree levels for those wanting to work as a school SLP, but the top online degree is the online Master of Speech Language Pathology.

What Degrees are required to be a School Speech Therapist?

Those working towards becoming a Speech Therapist who works in a school will follow the same degree path as one would to become a Speech Therapist working with a population of any age.

Both Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) can work in schools. There are differences in the types of tasks that an SLPA and an SLP can perform as part of their jobs. Additionally, SLPs typically earn a higher salary than SLPAs due to their increased qualifications and education requirements. SLPAs are only permitted to work in certain states, so one should check with the Department of Education in the state they plan to work in for details before choosing a degree program.

Masters in Speech Language Pathology

To become a school Speech-Language Pathologist, you must have a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, which should be from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Some individuals may pursue a doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology, though this is not required to practice as an SLP.

SLP licensure

After graduating with a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, individuals will need to pursue state licensure and membership with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) before seeking a job as an SLP working in a school.

To become a school Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA), you must have an associates degree from an SLPA program, or a Bachelor's degree that includes certain required coursework related to communication sciences and disorders.

ASHA Membership

After graduating with one of these degrees, individuals will need to pursue state licensure and membership with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) before seeking a job as an SLPA working in a school.

How to choose the best school speech therapy degree

When choosing an SLP graduate program or SLPA undergraduate program, you should consider certain factors if you plan to work in the school system.

Review all courses

First, review the coursework for the degree program. The electives that are available are different depending on the program you enroll in. You should enter into a degree program that offers elective courses related to speech and language disorders affecting children, such as Autism or Language Disorders in School-Age Children.

Consider internship or externship requirements

Another consideration when choosing an SLP degree program is what externships (also known as "practicums") are available to students within the program. In order to receive certification from ASHA and graduate from an accredited Master's degree program, students must complete at least 400 hours of clinical experience. SLPAs must complete at least 100 hours of clinical experience.

How to get experience in schools as a speech therapist

If you plan to work as a school Speech Therapist, you should look for degree programs that offer externships in settings that involve working with children and ideally, schools. This can provide you with the skills and experience that will help you obtain and perform at your future job as a school Speech Therapist.

In Depth Review of Top 5 Universities with an Online Program for Becoming a School Speech Therapist

Emerson College - Online Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Speech@Emerson is the online SLP Master’s Program that features the same curriculum and faculty as Emerson College’s on-campus SLP program, which was ranked #32 in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2020). The program boosts its devotion to communication and the arts, and supports the college’s mission to inspire students to “create and communicate with clarity, integrity, and conviction”.  

Admissions

• Rolling Admissions
• 3 start dates per year: in January, May, and September
• Apply any time throughout the year. Earlier applicants will receive an admission decision earlier. 
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required. No GRE required. 3 letters of recommendation and 1 essay required.

Coursework

• 54 graduate-level credits and up to 18 foundational credits
• 400 direct clinical contact hours
• Length of coursework: 5 Semesters (20 months, Full Time) or 9 Semesters (36 months, Part Time)

Field Placements/Externships

Tuition 

• Exact costs change each year so check with the school
• Scholarships and Financial Aid available

Support & Mentorships

• Opportunities for professional growth
• Online classes are small, with a 15:1 student to teach ratio 
• Opportunities to collaborate with students across the country

Top 5 Online SLP Courses to Expect

• Fluency Disorders: Theoretical and empirical perspectives of stuttering. This course examines cluttering, neurogenic and psychogenic stuttering. Students will learn procedures for evaluation, treatment, and management of stuttering among children and adults.
• Autism: Social Communication Development and Disorder</strong: This course reviews the development of social communication skills in children. Students will learn the signs and symptoms, and treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Language and Literacy Disabilities: This course teaches students the relationship between spoken and written language. Students will learn the role of that relationship in language-based learning disabilities in school-aged students.
• Voice Disorders: The characteristics, etiology, evaluation, and clinical management of voice disorders and associated conditions in children and adults.
• Preschool Language Disorders: This course provides information for the defining, assessment, and intervention with children with language disorders from infancy through the preschool years.

Florida State University - MSLP online

The School of Communication Science and Disorders' Master of Science Distance Learning education program in Speech-Language Pathology at FSU is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA. Florida State University's Master's program in Speech-Language Pathology was ranked #20 best program in the country by U.S. News. Students in this program gain hands-on knowledge and experience through in person practicums in their community, including schools, hospitals, private practices, and other clinical settings. Classes for the program are offered fully online.

Admissions

• Application deadline: December 1.
• Admissions decisions sent via email by the end of February.
• Applications must be submitted through FSU's Graduate Application Portal.
• Admission Requirements include an upper division GPA minimum of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). No GRE scores are currently required (waved at this time). Required supporting documents include: resume, three letters of recommendation, official undergraduate transcripts.

Coursework

• Core courses (12 credits)
• Elective courses (21 credits)
• Clinical coursework (5 credits)
• Clinical Practicum Courses (23 credits)
• Length of coursework: 3 years (9 semesters) (beginning in the Fall)

Tuition

Financial aid opportunities are available, including grants, scholarships, and Florida Department of Education Funding (Distance Learning students have the option to apply for funding through the Florida DOE which requires "payback" by working in the Florida schools upon graduation for a given amount of time.

Top 5 Online SLP Courses to Expect for the FSU Program

• School Age Issues: Issues related to speech and language disorders as they affect school-age children are discussed.
• Augmentative Communication Systems: This course provides students with knowledge of the process for assessment and treatment of individuals utilizing Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Various systems of Alternative Augmentative Communication are reviewed.
• Developmental Communication Disorders: This course provides an explanation of common communication disorders occurring during the course of child development.
• Communication Intervention: Infants and Preschoolers: This course is considered an elective course offered to students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of recommended speech therapy intervention practice and techniques with the infant and preschool age populations.
• Autism and Severe Communication Disorders: This course is considered an elective course in FSU's Speech Language Pathology graduate program. It explores the signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and severe communication disorders in children.

University of South Carolina - Master of Science (M.S.)in Speech-Language Pathology

The University of South Carolina offers two master's degree programs with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The program was ranked #25 in the country by U.S. World News.

The Master's of Science - Distance-Education (MS-DE) in Speech Pathology degree program is designed for students with or without a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. It is offered part-time through distance learning. The program is convenient for students who are unable to attend full-time or in-person courses due to work or family commitments. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist with children or adults in a variety of settings.

The Master's of Science - Residential (MS-Res) in Speech-Language Pathology degree program are required to attend full-time status on a continuous basis for 2 calendar years. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist with children or adults who have a range of communication or swallowing disorders in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices.

Admissions

• Application deadline: December 15 (Fall and Summer semesters.
• Applicants to the MS in Speech Pathology degree program - Distance-Education and Residential, must apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) on the University of South Carolina Website.
• Submission of GRE scores is optional.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required.

Coursework

4 semesters of clinical practicum (minimum of 400 clinical hours, supervised) required in addition to academic coursework

Top 5 Online SLP Courses to Expect for the USC MSLP Program

• Aural Habilitation in Children: This course focuses on training in speech perception for children with hearing loss. Additionally, students enrolled in the MS in Speech Language Pathology at USC have the unique opportunity to receive extra training in the area of Auditory-Verbal/Cochlear Implants.
• Neurocognitive Bases of Language Behavior: This course teaches clinical management of the neurogenic speech disorders. There is an emphasis on neuroanatomy and pathophysiology. Students learn the signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders such as stroke and progressive neurological diseases. Students in the program also have the unique opportunity to receive extra training in this area.
• Augmentative Communication: Assessment and Intervention: Students will learn the assessment and intervention principles of working with individuals using AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication), also known as speech generating device. Historical perspectives and current issues surround this area will also be discussed.
• Preschool Language Development and Disorders: This course provides students with knowledge of the nature of language development. It outlines language disorders common in the preschool age population
• Stuttering: Evaluation and Therapy: This course teaches students the signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of stuttering.

James Madison University - MSLP online

James Madison University's Master's degree program in speech-language pathology has been ranked by U.S. News as the #32 top program in the country. The program provides a broad spectrum or academic and practicum experiences needed to educate specialists who work with individuals with disordered communication skills and swallowing abilities. Many requirements are completed in an online mode, and there are some on-campus requirements, which are typically scheduled during summer months.

Admissions

• Online MS SLP application opens next in Fall 2022
• Distance program accepts students every 2 years
• Program semester begins Summer 2023
• Applicants must apply through the CSDCAS (Central Application Services) and also must complete an application through JMU.  
• Requirements: Completion of a Bachelor's degree (minimum 3.25 overall GPA) and in major or pre-requisite courses. General GRE scores required.

Top 5 Online SLP Courses to Expect for the JMU Online MSLP Program

• Birth to Five: Language Development and Disorders: Language and emergent literacy development and disorders in the birth to five population are reviewed. This course discusses the screening, prevention, assessment, and intervention strategies for this age group.
• Pediatric Speech Sound Disorders: Speech sound production and skills in children are discussed. The course explores articulation, motor planning speech disorders, and phonological patterns that can be seen in children.
• Pediatric Dysphagia: Feeding and swallowing disorders in children are reviewed. This course discusses evaluation and management techniques for pediatric swallowing difficulties.
• School-Age Language and Literacy Disorders: Evidence-based practices for the screening, assessment, and intervention of school age children with language and literacy disorders are explored in this course.
• Autism: This course focuses on demographics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It explores the diagnostic and treatment procedures for working with those on the Autism Spectrum, including the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist.

Northern Arizona University - Online SLPA Certification

Northern Arizona University's Communication Sciences and Disorders department offers courses in Speech-Language Pathology Assistance (SLPA) completely online. After completing this courses, one can apply for a Speech Language Pathology Assistance (SLPA) certificate. For licensure, additional general coursework and clinical training is required. Individuals should check with department of health laws for SLPAs within their home state regarding these requirements. 7 courses (21 hours) are required for the SLPA certificate through NAU

Top 5 Online SLP Courses to Expect at NAU

• Communication Development in Children: This course will teach students about the typical development of communication skills, including speech and language acquisition, in children.
• Phonetics: This course explores the nature of phonetics, including acquisition and phonological disorders that can be seen in children.
• Communication Disorders in Society: Students will learn about a variety of speech and language disorders that occur within society, and affect individuals' communication abilities.
• SLPA Clinical Skills: Students learn pertinent skills to be used in a career as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant.
• Introduction to Clinical Practice in Communication Disorders: This course provides an overview of what is included in the clinical practice in communication disorders, such as while working as an SLPA.

What is a Speech Therapist Who Works in a School?

Over half (56%) of Speech-Language Pathologists (also known as SLP’s or Speech Therapists) work in educational settings, according to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).

Speech Therapists can work with children enrolled in the school system at the preschool level and Kindergarten through 12th grade to help them improve a rage of communication skills in a variety of ways.

Having a job as a Speech Therapist working with children in the school system can be very rewarding. There is also a growing need for Speech-Language Pathologists working with children and the job outlook is positive for this career. Speech-Language Pathologist was ranked #3 in Best Health Care Jobs, and #10 in the 100 Best Jobs by U.S. News.

What can you do with a School Speech Pathology degree?

With a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, you can become a Speech Therapist (also known as “Speech Language Pathologist”) who works in the school system. Through this job, you will diagnose and treat communication disorders in children from preschool age to adolescence.

With an online SLP Bachelor’s degree or program-related Associate’s degree, you can become a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) who works in the school system. Your job duties will be similar to that of an SLP. Some differences are that you may not work with children who have certain disorders, will not conduct evaluations, will be under the supervision of an SLP, and may earn a lower salary than an SLP. SLPAs are only approved to work in certain states, so it is important to check with your state’s guidelines before choosing a degree program.

A school Speech Therapist can work with children at a variety of grade levels, from preschool through 12th grade. You will conduct assessments and provide therapy for kids who have trouble pronouncing certain sounds (known as “Articulation Disorders”), and may also treat children with reading difficulties such as Dyslexia, or diagnoses such as Auditory Processing Disorders.

As a school Speech Therapist, you may also work with children who have difficulty verbally communicating due to diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or medical diagnoses like chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, or neurological disorders.

Path to Licensing with an Online Degree

Students who are interested in pursuing a career as a state licensed Speech Language Pathologist should start by achieving a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Once students have completed all graduate-level courses, they must take and pass an exam called the Praxis within 2 years. The test assesses the student’s knowledge on a culmination of graduate coursework in Speech-Language Pathology. After passing the Praxis, students will apply for state licensure in the state they wish to work in as an SLP. Students will apply at the establishment they wish to work at, such as a hospital, rehabilitation facility, or school. To pursue a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), a graduate’s first year of work experience consists of a Clinical Fellowship (CF), which they will receive a salary for. After completing the CF (a minimum of 1,260 hours and at least 36 weeks of full time experience), students can apply for their CCC to be an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist.