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 often 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.
2025 Best Online Master's in Communication Disorders & Speech Pathology Programs
Looking for the best online master's in communication disorders and speech pathology programs for 2025? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs that combine flexibility, quality education, and career readiness. Whether you're aiming to advance your career or make a difference in the field, our list is a great starting point. Discover programs that fit your goals and learn how we rank them. Learn more about our rankings methodology.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE - Public 4-Year - unk.edu
Master's - Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science in Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's online Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring communication professionals. Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, this 56-credit program equips students with advanced clinical skills and technological expertise essential for diverse healthcare and educational settings. Students benefit from a flexible part-time track, comprehensive clinical practicums, and leveling coursework options. The curriculum prepares graduates for professional certification and offers multiple career opportunities in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, addressing growing demands in communication disorders.
- 56 credit hours program
- Part-time 9 semester track
- Fully online delivery
- ASHA accredited program
- Multiple career opportunities
- Comprehensive clinical practicum
- Leveling coursework available
- Prepares for professional certification
Master's - Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNK's Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology offers a rigorous academic journey for communication professionals. Designed with both on-campus and online tracks, the 53-56 credit program provides comprehensive training in diagnostic methods and clinical interventions. Prospective students must meet competitive admission requirements, including an undergraduate GPA minimum, three recommendation letters, and a January 15th application deadline. The program meets Nebraska teacher certification standards, prepares students for ASHA certification, and offers diverse practicum experiences across multiple professional settings.
- On-campus and online tracks available
- 53-56 total credit hours
- Fall term applications only
- Application deadline January 15th
- Undergraduate GPA minimum B
- Three recommendation letters required
- CAA accredited program
- Prepares for ASHA certification
- Meets Nebraska teacher certification
- Multiple practicum experiences
- Diverse career preparation settings
Master's - Speech/Language Pathology, Master of Science in Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's online Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology represents a dynamic educational pathway for communication disorder professionals. This cutting-edge program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, technological proficiency, and ethical practice standards. Students engage in a comprehensive 56-credit curriculum with part-time scheduling and fully online delivery. The ASHA CAA accredited program provides extensive training across diverse clinical settings, preparing graduates for certification and offering multiple career path options with robust academic preparation and meaningful professional development opportunities.
- 56 Credit Hours
- Part-time 9 semester program
- Fully online delivery
- ASHA CAA Accredited Program
- Multiple career path options
- Leveling coursework available
- Professional certification preparation
- Comprehensive clinical practicums
- Diverse clinical settings training
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
UW-Eau Claire's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an innovative pathway for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Through hybrid learning formats, students access comprehensive training across residential and online tracks. The program distinguishes itself with expansive clinical experiences spanning over 90 sites, enabling students to develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills. Faculty-guided instruction ensures graduates are thoroughly prepared for professional certification, with a robust curriculum that addresses communication disorders across diverse populations. The program's flexibility, combined with its commitment to high academic standards—reflected in an impressive average admitted GPA of 3.9—positions students for successful career trajectories in speech pathology.
- 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 online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders presents a dynamic educational experience for professionals seeking specialized training in speech-language pathology. Designed with flexibility and comprehensive learning in mind, the program supports students through a meticulously structured curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practices. Leveraging 100% online delivery, students can engage in rigorous academic preparation while maintaining professional commitments. The program's strength lies in its extensive clinical training opportunities, covering diverse communication disorders and ensuring graduates meet national licensure requirements across multiple states. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, students develop expertise to make meaningful interventions in communication healthcare.
- 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 Master of Science program in Communication Sciences and Disorders represents a transformative educational journey for future speech-language pathologists. Offering both residential and online modalities, the program provides unparalleled flexibility without compromising academic rigor. Students benefit from extensive clinical training across 90+ sites, gaining hands-on experience under expert faculty guidance. The program's exceptional 100% completion rate underscores its commitment to student success and professional development. Emphasizing comprehensive skill-building and evidence-based practices, graduates emerge fully prepared for professional certification, equipped to diagnose and treat communication disorders across diverse client populations.
- 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 innovative online Master of Science program in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a strategic pathway for professionals seeking advanced training in speech-language pathology. Structured as a part-time, three-year journey, the 54-credit curriculum provides comprehensive preparation for certification. Students engage in sophisticated learning experiences combining online coursework with local practicum opportunities, enabling practical skill development across diverse communication disorder domains. The program's design accommodates working professionals, featuring a structured approach that includes an annual summer campus week. With rigorous admission standards and a focus on evidence-based practices, graduates are positioned to make significant contributions in communication healthcare settings.
- 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
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
New York University's Bilingual Extension Track (BET) within the Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers specialized training for multilingual speech-language pathology professionals. Students gain advanced skills in culturally responsive interventions, preparing to serve diverse patient populations with complex communication needs. The track emphasizes bilingual assessment techniques, culturally sensitive treatment strategies, and in-depth understanding of linguistic variations. Through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical experiences, students develop expertise in addressing communication disorders across different language contexts, enhancing their professional versatility and ability to provide comprehensive, nuanced care in multilingual healthcare settings.
- 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 Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring speech-language pathologists seeking flexible educational opportunities. The program integrates advanced theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training, enabling students to develop sophisticated intervention strategies for communication and swallowing disorders. Graduates emerge equipped with interdisciplinary skills, preparing them for professional licensure and diverse career trajectories in healthcare, educational, and research environments. By offering both online and on-campus formats, the program accommodates varied student needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards and commitment to professional excellence.
- 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
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 Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning stands out as a pioneering online graduate program uniquely designed to accommodate students from diverse academic trajectories. The curriculum strategically integrates comprehensive coursework with robust clinical preparation, enabling both Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and non-CSD majors to pursue advanced training. Students benefit from flexible prerequisite pathways, extensive online course options, and a structured approach to meeting professional requirements. The program's innovative framework emphasizes practical experience across multiple clinical settings, ensuring graduates are comprehensively prepared for complex speech pathology careers while maintaining alignment with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards.
- 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 also satisfies requirements for education credentials for public school employment if that is the route they wish to go.
An adequately accredited school and the program are also paramount, as they signify quality and academic excellence. Graduate programs in communicative disorders can be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
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
experiences. 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, but within the last decade, it was phased out in favor of the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program, which is 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 and can find employment in schools, healthcare settings, and as part of interdisciplinary teams.
Read more in our Essential Guide to Speech Langauge Pathology.
Advantages of Online Master’s in Communication Disorders Programs
Online MCD programs have cropped up nationwide to allow 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 |