Washington DC Speech Pathology Degrees

Last updated October 9, 2023

Natalie Fitzgerald, SLP

Current SLP, MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina

Washington D.C., while geographically small, is home to four universities that offer a masters degree for speech-language pathology. These universities include the University of the District of Columbia, George Washington University, Gallaudet University, and Howard University. Each of these universities is accredited and meets all requirements to prepare students to enter the SLP field.

Are there online SLP Programs in Washington D.C.?

Currently, none of the universities in Washington D.C. offer online options for their masters in speech pathology programs. Students interested in pursuing their degree online may want to consider looking in nearby states such as James Madison University in VA, New York University in NY, or other online SLP programs like Emerson College.

Click for more online speech therapy programs that are currently taking applications for 2024.

In Depth Review of SLP Master's Programs in Washington DC

Howard University Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

Howard University boasts an experienced faculty with diverse experiences across the field of SLP. They offer a Master of Science degree with both a traditional 2-year degree for students with a background in CSD as well as a 3-year track for those with backgrounds in other fields. Each program requires students to enroll full-time and complete their study on-campus. Their programs allows students to choose from 4 areas of specialization including education, bilingual, medical, or technology. Additionally, they offer both thesis and non-thesis options for study.

Coursework and Clinical Practicum

The coursework at Howard University includes 26 core classes such as Early Intervention, Neurogenic Speech Disorders, Intro to AAC, and Dysphagia, as well as seminar courses specific to the area of specialization a student has chosen. Clinical practicum is included in the 26 core courses.

Students enrolled at Howard University will gain clinical experience at a variety of settings, such as the Howard Speech and Hearing Clinic, partner schools, hospitals, early intervention clinics, community clinics, or private practices.

Admissions

Admission into the graduate program at Howard University is competitive and the application deadline for fall 2023 admission was January 30, 2023. Applicants will need to complete a CSDCAS application, statement of purpose, and autobiographical statement as well as provide official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. The GRE is not currently required.

George Washington University Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

George Washington University offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology that, over the span of 5 semesters, prepares students to enter the field of SLP. With a 100% Praxis pass rate, students attending their program can feel certain they are receiving quality education and training. GWU offers six specialty tracks including accent modification, acquired neurological disorders, hearing health care, pediatric speech and language disorders, and voice disorders. They offer both a thesis and non-thesis option for program completion. GWU also offers a post-baccalaureate option for prospective students who do not have a background in communication disorders.

Coursework and Clinical Practicum

Course requirements for the non-thesis option include 42 credits, 38 in required courses and 4 in electives. Some required courses at GWU are Clinical Practicum, Diagnostic Procedures, Disorders of Articulation and Phonology, and Aural Rehabilitation. Some of the elective courses include Autism, Aging, and Bilingualism. All students enrolled in the program rotate through all six of the University's practicum sub-clinics to obtain clinical experience, but also have the opportunity to complete two clinical externship experiences.

Admissions

Applications for GWU's SLP program are completed through the graduate school. All students must submit official transcripts, a resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. Additionally, the CSDCAS application is required in addition to the graduate school application. Applications are handled on a rolling basis but are encouraged no later than April 1. GRE scores are recommended, but not required.

Gallaudet University Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

Gallaudet University offers a Master of Science degree and the program is accredited by the CAA. Gallauget offers a 2-year, 5-semester program consisting of coursework and clinical practicum experiences with a special emphasis on those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Their program is dedicated to speech science, research methods, clinical procedures, assistive technology, and multicultural experiences. The program at Gallaudet is unique among SLP programs, though, in that it requires coursework or competence in American Sign Language (ASL).

Coursework and Clinical Practicum

Coursework and practicum experiences are spread across 5 consecutive semesters (Fall I, Spring I, Summer, Fall II, Spring II). Coursework at Gallaudet includes typical SLP courses such as Neurogenic Disorders, Speech Science, and Language Development and Disorders, but also strongly emphasizes ASL, with one ASL class (or equivalent) to be taken in Fall I, Spring I, and Fall II semesters.

Clinical experience at Gallaudet is first completed through the on-campus speech and hearing center and then through external sites such as hospitals, schools, or private clinics.

Admissions

Graduate applications open in September and should be completed by February 13 for first consideration. Applicants will need to provide 3 letters of recommendation, a goal statement, and complete an interview with the program. Additional requirements include a GPA of 3.0 and multiple prerequisite courses, required by ASHA, which can be viewed on their website.

University of the District of Columbia Master's in Speech Language Pathology Program

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology that has been accredited by the CAA since 1981, and was also the first accredited program at a historically Black University. Their program emphasizes sociocultural and sociolinguistic aspects of SLP, but provides extensive training in all other areas of practice as well. The program at UDC is only offered on-campus and typically takes 2 years to complete, but those who enter with a background other than CSD can expect to take longer than 2 years.

Coursework and Clinical Practicum

57 credit hours are required in order to complete the MS program at UDC, 15 of which are in clinical practicum. Some of the courses offered at UDC include Research Methods, Aphasia, Communication Modalities and Language Disorders. Additionally, students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours, 25 of which are observation and 375 in supervised practicum. All students must complete a minimal of 2 external clinical practicum placements.

Admissions

Students wishing to apply to the MS program at UDC will need to complete their application through GradCAS, a centralized application system. It is recommended that students seeking admission have completed prerequisite courses including coursework on physics or chemistry, biological science, statistics, social sciences, and behavior sciences, as these courses are required by ASHA. Prospective students will also need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, 3 letters of recommendation, and an interview with faculty from the program.

List of Speech Pathology Programs in Washington DC

There are 5 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs in Washington DC: 4 SLP Masters and 1 Doctorate.

Click to see more online programs that are taking applications now.

CAA ASHA Accredited Washington DC SLP Programs

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the premier programmatic accrediting board for Speech Pathology programs. Below is a list of ASHA accredited speech pathology and audiology programs in Washington DC.

List of the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in Washington DC

Gallaudet University

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Washington

CAA-ASHA

Gallaudet University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Washington

CAA-ASHA

George Washington University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)

Washington

CAA-ASHA

Howard University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Washington

CAA-ASHA

University of the District of Columbia

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Washington

CAA-ASHA

SLP Licensure in Washington D.C.

SLP licensure in Washington D.C. is managed through the DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (website).

SLP’s in Washington D.C. hoping to obtain CF licensure will need to provide the board with an application, passport photos, SSN, photo ID, official transcripts from an accredited institution, and application fee. Those wishing to obtain a permanent license will need to provide the board with all of the above as well as proof of passing the Praxis, proof of CF completion, and a criminal background check.

Career Options

SLPs hoping to work in Washington D.C. will have many of the same career options as those elsewhere in the country, including schools, hospitals, private clinics, early intervention, nursing care facilities, and others. Some of the larger SLP employers in the D.C. area include the District of Columbia Public Schools or the Medstar hospital system.

SLPs living and working in D.C. will need to factor in the relatively high cost of living when considering their employment options, and make sure they accept a position where their salary meets their needs.