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April 16, 2025The state of Arkansas supports multiple solid CAA-accredited programs which will enable you to build a rewarding career assisting people with communication difficulties. You’ll discover Arkansas programs available regardless of whether you’re beginning your journey with a bachelor’s degree or need a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Arkansas State University along with the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas provide Communication Sciences and Disorders courses for students who are starting their academic journey. The undergraduate degree serves as foundational training for acceptance into the required master’s degree program for becoming a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
For graduate school students, UAMS presents a top-rated program which partners with UA Little Rock while Arkansas State and Harding University along with UCA and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offer high-quality master’s degree options. Every program provides clinical training with UAMS focusing on medical settings and UCA emphasizing school-based work in addition to international experiences offered by Harding. While completing a speech pathology degree in Arkansas, you will enjoy affordable tuition, small class sizes, and lots of opportunities to gain experience in clinical settings.
Like most states, residents will benefit from cheaper in-state tuition rates at public universities than out-of-state tuition or the flat rate that most private universities charge. Arkansas maintains a high employment rate for SLPs which creates positive job opportunities after graduation. Arkansas offers a first-rate education at reduced prices making it an ideal starting point for speech-language pathology careers.
Explore the top-rated speech-language pathology programs in Arkansas with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best SLP schools in Arkansas for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arkansas State University offers a Master of Communication Disorders program designed to equip students with the expertise to address speech, language, and hearing disorders. This 49-semester-hour, ASHA-accredited program emphasizes hands-on clinical practice and a broad curriculum covering various communication disorders. Graduates are well-prepared for national certification and Arkansas state licensure. The program boasts competitive admissions, requiring a minimum GRE score of 285, relevant undergraduate coursework, and professional recommendations. With a February 15 application deadline, it's an excellent choice for aspiring speech-language pathologists seeking a comprehensive education and practical experience in the field.
Arkadelphia, AR - Private 4-year - obu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ouachita Baptist University offers a distinctive Communication Sciences and Disorders program, blending a Christian worldview with rigorous academic and clinical training. This Bachelor of Arts program is designed to equip students for success in graduate studies in speech pathology and audiology, featuring hands-on clinical practicum under the guidance of experienced, nationally-certified faculty. With a focus on addressing communication disorders across the lifespan, students are prepared to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those with communication challenges. The program's integration of faith and learning provides a unique foundation for aspiring healthcare professionals. Requires ACT/SAT.
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders stands out as the sole program of its kind in Central Arkansas, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This campus-based program equips students with the necessary skills to assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders across all ages, setting a strong foundation for advanced studies. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in healthcare, education, and rehabilitation settings. Unique features include research opportunities, dedicated faculty support, and post-baccalaureate options, making it an ideal choice for students aiming to impact lives through speech-language pathology. Requires ACT/SAT.
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas's undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program establishes a robust foundation for future speech-language pathology professionals. This comprehensive 120-semester-hour curriculum integrates biological sciences, psychology, and specialized communication studies, preparing students for advanced graduate education. With a rigorous academic framework requiring a 2.75 overall GPA and 3.0 major GPA, students gain critical insights into communication processes and diagnostic skills. The program serves as a strategic pathway toward professional licensure, emphasizing academic excellence and professional development in communication sciences.
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Central Arkansas's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a comprehensive 6-semester residential program designed to cultivate advanced clinical professionals. Students complete an intensive 54-credit curriculum, including 40 academic credits and 14 clinical practicum hours, preparing them for national certification and state licensure. The program provides extensive training across diverse patient populations, with competitive admission standards requiring a bachelor's degree and a competitive GPA around 3.4. Students benefit from robust academic preparation, hands-on clinical experiences, and opportunities for professional growth in communication sciences and disorders.
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu
Concentration: speech-language pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provides a specialized Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in speech-language pathology. This program is designed for students aiming to excel in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Set on a medical sciences campus in Little Rock, Arkansas, the curriculum spans five semesters, including a summer term, blending academic coursework with hands-on clinical training. With a small cohort size of 24, students benefit from individualized attention and a focused learning environment. The program is CAA accredited, emphasizing the development of clinical skills in a medical setting. 'Requires GRE' for admission.
A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is an entry-level degree that sets the stage for a career in speech-language pathology. Perfect for beginners, it provides foundational knowledge of speech, language, and hearing. Almost all colleges require entry-level applicants to present both a high school diploma and a strong GPA along with coursework in both math and science. After a bachelor’s, students can decide on work as a speech-language pathologist assistant or continue into research and support services roles.
A master’s degree is part of the requirements in Arkansas to become a licensed Speech Pathologist. In addition to building on the course work you did in your undergraduate degree, your master’s degree program will provide you with opportunities to spend time in clinical settings. The admission requirements for a typical SLP Master’s Degree program include a related bachelor’s degree, competitive GRE scores, letters of recommendation and experience either volunteering or working clinically. Once you obtain your master’s, you will have the ability to work in schools, hospitals and private clinics. You may also find work at rehabilitation centers or healthcare organizations. Your career objectives should determine your selection between the two choices. A Master’s degree opens the door for direct life-improving clinical practice which makes it the ideal choice for those seeking to work directly with patients. However, for either entry-level positions or licensed speech-language pathologists, a speech pathology bachelor’s degree in Arkansas serves as a foundation.
The state of Arkansas has two main options for a doctorate degree in speech pathology: the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). Even though the state of Arkansas does not currently have an SLPD, a number of programs elsewhere do serve the professional who wants this specialized degree. The University Central Arkansas offers the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders for those who wish to work in research or as a professor at a university. This research-oriented degree helps to create the leaders of tomorrow’s science through study in speech, language and hearing sciences. The admission requirements usually involve a master’s degree, good academic background, reference letters and research experience. Some of the jobs that graduates have included being professors, researchers, or in academic administration.
In contrast, the SLPD is a clinical doctorate that is aimed at enhancing the clinical practice and management, particularly leadership, in a practice setting. Even though there is no SLPD in Arkansas, those who decide to pursue this elsewhere can become leaders in healthcare practice and manage big teams or clinical departments. Admission to SLPD programs is very similar to that of the PhD- a master’s degree in SLP, clinical experience, and strong recommendations. The decision between a Ph.D. and an SLPD in Arkansas is whether you are interested in research and education or clinical work and management.
The path to obtaining a speech-language pathologist licensed in Arkansas is one of strict guidelines. First, you need to complete your master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program. These programs offer both classroom learning and clinical practice experience. You will typically do 400–600 hours of supervised clinical practicum during your graduate studies. The following step after graduation is the clinical fellowship. The fellowship continues for 36 weeks equivalent to 1,260 hours applying supervised professional practice. The fellowship plays a critical role as the link between academic learning and practical clinical experience. The state also demands a background check while optionally needing a liability insurance certificate. Most workers feel it beneficial to obtain ASHA certification which grants the CCC-SLP Certificate of Clinical Competence, though this is not always mandatory. Both licensure and certification require SLP professionals to stay current through continuous education efforts.
Some excellent options exist for those seeking the fastest SLP degree path from high school to career start. Undergraduate programs within Communication Sciences and Disorders typically take four years to finish. These programs establish your basic knowledge which is required for future graduate coursework. Among Arkansas colleges, Harding University stands out with its accelerated five-year dual-degree program for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The program helps dedicated students complete their speech pathology bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five consecutive years. This swift educational pathway eliminates both financial burdens and extended enrollment needs.
After completing your undergraduate studies you will need a two-year full-time SLP master’s program in Arkansas to continue your training. These programs provide comprehensive training through classes and 400–600 hours of clinical experience. The in-person coursework in Arkansas ensures full compliance with licensure requirements although there are no online speech-language pathology master’s programs available.
If you prefer research and teaching over clinical practice the University of Central Arkansas features a PhD program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Because obtaining a PhD requires more time than a master’s degree some institutions design transition paths from master’s to doctoral studies. So business owners and individuals seeking quick solutions, choose Harding University’s dual degree program or those undergraduate and master’s programs which offer fast-tracked learning.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Ouachita Baptist University |
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| Arkansas State University |
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| University of Central Arkansas |
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Arkansas residents seeking affordable Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs with cheaper tuition will find several options that meet their needs. Public universities such as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UCA and Arkansas State University offer low tuition rates for their undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders programs. For example, the in-state tuition for a bachelor’s degree at UCA or UA Little Rock is about $335 per credit which makes it very affordable.
The master’s degree in SLP is also relatively cheap at Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock among other institutions. The in-state tuition for the master’s program at these two institutions is between $335 and $446 per credit hour. The private universities like Harding University have higher tuition rates compared to other institutions and provide more scholarships that can help to cover the expenses ($876 per credit).
Compared to doctoral programs in other states, Ph.D. programs such as that offered at the University of Central Arkansas are relatively affordable with in-state tuition at about $335 per credit hour. Speech pathology doctorate programs are pricey but those in Arkansas are more bearable for graduate and doctoral level students due to in-state fees. It is therefore advisable to opt for the public universities and take advantage of the in-state tuition rates.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Arkansas State University |
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| University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
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| University of Central Arkansas |
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Our mission is to empower future speech-language pathologists by providing the most accurate, up-to-date, and accessible information available. Our team is dedicated to guiding individuals through the journey of becoming an SLP—whether you’re just exploring the field or actively pursuing a degree. We specialize in delivering reliable insights on state-by-state availability, affordability, and the fastest paths to certification and licensure. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions based on real data, trusted resources, and the evolving needs of the profession. With a strong commitment to educational clarity and career transparency, we’re here to support and simplify your path toward a rewarding future in speech-language pathology.
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