Online SLP Master's Designed for Flexibility and Hands-On Preparation
Our online master's in speech-language pathology program prepares passionate professionals to lead the future of communication and swallowing disorders care. Gain the skills, knowledge, and support to make a lasting difference.
- Flexible online coursework
- Clinical placement support
- No GRE required
- 375 clinical practicum hours
- Graduate in nine terms
- Three annual starts
-
The SLP online master's program at DeSales is crafted for professionals ready to step into the field of communication and swallowing disorders. Our innovative curriculum is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of culturally competent care and evidence-based practices and balances advanced clinical knowledge, research methods, and comprehensive practicum experiences.
- Flexible online coursework
- 64 total credits
- 375 hands-on practicum hours
- Graduate in nine terms (part-time)
- Two virtual residencies to foster deep connection with faculty and peers
- Three annual starts in fall, spring, and summer
- $975 per credit
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The SLP online master's program at DeSales is crafted for professionals ready to step into the field of communication and swallowing disorders. Our innovative curriculum is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of culturally competent care and evidence-based practices and balances advanced clinical knowledge, research methods, and comprehensive practicum experiences.
- Flexible online coursework
- 64 total credits
- 375 hands-on practicum hours
- Graduate in nine terms (part-time)
- Two virtual residencies to foster deep connection with faculty and peers
- Three annual starts in fall, spring, and summer
- $975 per credit
Student Outcome Data
Our student outcomes are a direct reflection of our commitment to your success. With strong Praxis exam pass rates and program completion rates, we provide the academic and clinical support you need to thrive.
As part of our accreditation requirements, the following outcome data is reported annually to the Council on Academic Accreditation for the graduates of the campus modality of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. As the online modality is new, we do not yet have outcomes to report. The tables below are for campus-based students and will be updated as future students matriculate through the online program.
| Program Completion Rate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic year | # completed program within expected time frame | # completed later than expected time frame | % completing the program within expected time frame | % not completing the program within expected time frame |
| 2023-2024* | 21 | 0 | 100% | 0% |
| 2024-2025 | 15 | 0 | 100% | 0% |
| 2025-2026 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| 3-Year Average | 0 | 0 | 100% | 0% |
| *First graduating class |
| Praxis Exam Pass Rate of Graduates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | # students reported taking exam | # students passed exam | % pass rate |
| 2023-2024* | 14 | 13 | 92% |
| 2024-2025 | 13 | 13 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| 3-Year Average | 0 | 0 | 96.29% |
| *First graduating class |
Student Testimonials
What DeSales SLP Students Say
Jamillia Bell
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology '24
"I chose Speech-Language Pathology because I really wanted the opportunity to give back to people and help people, and I feel like the best way to do that is through communication."
Can You Earn a Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Online?
Yes. DeSales University’s online M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology combines online academic coursework with supervised, in-person clinical experiences. Students complete their coursework remotely while gaining hands-on experience in person at approved clinical sites.
This format gives students the flexibility of online learning while maintaining the clinical preparation required for the profession.
Placement services help to facilitate and secure agreements with clinical practicum sites near your home location.
The clinical practicum experience is guided and directed by DeSales University, pairing you alongside an on-site practicum supervisor at the site where you will complete your hours. The M.S. SLP faculty and staff at DeSales determine practicum site eligibility based on requirements for certification and licensure.
Our placement team works closely with you to navigate the clinical placement process and collaborates with you to identify placement opportunities in your preferred location. In geographic regions with limited placement options, you may need to travel 125 miles each way to meet clinical training requirements across the breadth and depth of clinical practice.
The clinical experiences are designed to provide you with real-world, hands-on experience across the breadth and depth of speech-language pathology clinical practice. These experiences are arranged in a variety of practice settings near your home.
Clinical experiences may take place in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, skilled nursing facilities, early intervention programs, and community-based settings.
Students in the online M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program complete 375 hands-on practicum hours as part of the program. These experiences are completed in person at approved clinical sites.
Career Opportunities With a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
Become a strong advocate and create real, lasting change for your clients seeking to find their voice and overcoming swallowing disorders.
Develop specialized skills to excel in speech-language pathology, delivering impactful one-on-one care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and private practices.
Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to give you the specialized knowledge to feel confident for licensure and certification, empowering you to step into a fulfilling career.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow by 15% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Provides a fundamental understanding of the nature, etiology, and clinical management of adults with acquired language disorders, with primary emphasis on aphasia and related cognitive disorders.
Covers the principles and practices necessary to provide counseling, evaluation and treatment to clients with swallowing disorders within the scope of practice for Speech-Language Pathologists. An interdisciplinary approach to clinical management is stressed.
Examines the nature of dysarthria and apraxia of speech. Material will include anatomy and pathophysiology, common neurologic diseases, structure and function of the speech production mechanism, instrumental assessment, diagnosis and prognosis, and development of treatment goals.
Prepares students to assess and provide evidence-based intervention to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from early intervention through adolescence. The course will also cover etiology, characteristics of children with autism, and family involvement. The history and current issues in assessment and treatment will be discussed.
Questions?
-
Get the answers you need in an information session. Access your program guide for registration details.
-
Image
Now accepting applications for the next start
How to Apply to the Online SLP Program
1. Complete the form
Complete the form to get your program guide and to unlock registration for information sessions.
2. Register for an Information Session
Gain an in-depth look at the program, review admissions requirements, and learn the next steps to apply.
3. Submit Your Application
Apply to the program through CSDCAS and submit all required documents.
4. Transcript Evaluation
We’ll evaluate your transcripts and call to discuss any discrepancies.
Yes, you can apply with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, you must complete the required SLP leveling courses and prerequisite foundational science courses before beginning the program. Required coursework includes areas such as phonetics, audiology, speech and hearing science, language development, biology, statistics, psychology, and chemistry or physics.
State licensure is required to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Detailed state requirements can be found on the ASHA website.
If you are seeking national certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, you must complete a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
Upon graduation, the next steps are to pass the Praxis exam, apply for certification, and complete a Clinical Fellowship. This typically takes nine months to one year.
The future shines bright for professionals in this field. Between 2024 and 2034, employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow by 15 percent. This growth rate climbs much faster than the average for all occupations.
A career in speech-language pathology offers both personal fulfillment and strong financial stability. As of 2024, the median annual salary for professionals in this role stands at $95,410.
Choosing DeSales means joining a values-driven community where your growth truly matters. Our part-time, online format offers flexibility for working professionals (until clinicals). With transparent tuition and comprehensive clinical placement support, we set you up for a successful and meaningful career as an SLP.
The didactic coursework is completed entirely online. The program also features two virtual residencies, meaning there are no travel or on-campus requirements. However, you will complete your 375 clinical practicum hours in person at approved sites near your community.
You can complete the program in just nine terms. The coursework is designed to be part-time, allowing you to balance your studies with your personal and professional life. However, please note that the clinical practicum portion of the program is a full-time commitment.
No. We do not require the GRE for admission. We focus on your holistic potential, academic background, and passion for achieving positive client outcomes.
DeSales provides comprehensive clinical placement support. We assist you in securing the appropriate clinical sites to complete your required 375 practicum hours, ensuring you gain the diverse experience needed for licensure and certification.
The distance pathway for the Master of Science (M.S.) program in Speech-Language Pathology at DeSales University is under review by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Placements are determined by program requirements. We hope to place you in close proximity to your residence, but placements are dependent on your region, accessibility and site availability. You may need to travel up to 125 miles each way.
