Last Updated
April 15, 2025Written By
Daniel Ortiz, M.A., CCC‑SLPCommunication Sciences and Disorders is a strong undergraduate foundation that University of Delaware offers. A graduate program following this path will help you meet all spoken and written requirements for speech-language pathology. The only ASHA accredited graduate program in Delaware is also at UD. The master’s program is quite challenging and practical, with direct in-person clinical practice on campus and through internships at local clinics. The Delaware community is described as friendly and small, while the cost of living is lower than in big cities.
Delaware’s approach is unique. The state wants to increase its number of trained speech pathologists. For example, the Delaware Department of Education provides financial assistance to students through incentive programs. This can be a game changer in terms of the costs. There are many excellent SLP programs at schools near Delaware, but staying within the state helps you build a strong network of local contacts and you will have easier access to job openings in your area. Delaware makes Speech-Language Pathology licensure straightforward: an accredited master’s, the Praxis exam, and a clinical fellowship are required. In short, Delaware offers a quality education, community support, low costs, and a straightforward route to licensure, which makes it a good choice for your SLP career.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Delaware? peechpathology.org ranks top speech pathology degrees to help you choose the best one for you. Our list highlights programs known for quality, research, and clinical training. We focus on what matters to students and professionals in Delaware. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's 21-month M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, accredited by ASHA, prepares graduates for careers addressing diverse communication disorders. The program blends theoretical foundations with practical clinical skills, covering assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practices for clients of all ages. With competitive tuition at $1,069 per credit, the program boasts 100% completion and employment rates. 25 clinical observation hours are required prior to the February 1st application deadline. The curriculum includes a minimum of 42 academic and 16 clinical credits.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's extended track M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology is a rigorous two-year program focused on developing clinical excellence. Accredited by ASHA, it combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, preparing students for professional certification. The curriculum addresses communication disorders across the lifespan, offering diverse clinical placements and externship opportunities. With a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and completion rate, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers. Tuition is $1,069 per credit, and the application deadline is February 1st.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders trains future scholars in speech-language pathology research. This program offers intensive study in language, cognitive, speech, and swallowing processes, led by nationally ranked faculty. Students benefit from robust mentorship and opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research funded by NIH and NSF. The program provides comprehensive funding, including a 3-year stipend and tuition remission, and recommends but does not require the GRE.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's on-campus M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology blends clinical training, evidence-based practice, and innovative research opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, preparing them for clinical practice and leadership roles. A bachelor's degree and prerequisite coursework are required for admission. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
The trajectory of study differs in Delaware depending on whether the student wants to pursue a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology or master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Students who major in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the bachelor’s level receive a comprehensive education in language development structures as well as speech anatomy and auditory process understanding. This degree is therefore appropriate for those who have an interest in the field. It also helps to ensure that they will be ready for graduate school. The typical admission requirements include good high school results, positive writing abilities, and interest in Communication Sciences. The possible career paths after a bachelor’s degree include positions like speech-language pathology assistants or research support staff. These positions enable you to get valuable experience which will help you to progress in your career.
Speech-language pathology is a subject that is entered directly through a master’s degree at Delaware. This program is ASHA-accredited and focused on clinical practice. A master’s program generally needs an undergraduate degree, communication sciences prerequisite courses, and a 3.0 GPA or higher and GRE scores for admission. Even though the master’s tuition is rather high ($1,069 per credit) at the University of Delaware, it enables the student to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and practice in schools, hospitals or private clinics. In brief, a bachelor’s is a good way to gain experience and develop some skills, while a master’s is necessary to practice as a clinician and get licensed in Delaware.
In Delaware there are two different paths for doctorate degrees in speech-language pathology: the research oriented SLPD and the clinically oriented PhD. The University of Delaware offers a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a focus on rigorous research, grant writing, and academic scholarship. Typical admission requires a master’s in speech-language pathology, strong GRE scores, research or clinical experience, and a good statement of purpose. SLP PhD students usually receive full funding which includes a tuition scholarship and a grant, thus it is suitable for those who are interested in academic or research activities. Some of the jobs done by graduates include university teaching, research, or leadership in clinical research.
In contrast, the SLPD is meant for practicing clinicians who want to increase their clinical skills and assume leadership positions. Online speech patholgy degrees or hybrid SLPD programs from reputable universities are available for Delaware residents since there is no in-state program. An SLPD admission requires a master’s degree, good clinical experience, and proof of professional proficiency. The SLPD is mostly self-funded and is aimed at advanced clinical practice, and the graduates are able to work as clinic directors, master clinicians, or senior healthcare practitioners.
In Delaware there are two options for gaining licensure. The first is through reciprocity. If you hold a speech pathology license in one of 24 states you are able to get a license to practice in Delaware even if you don’t meet the requirements to get a license by examination.
The second way to obtain a SLP license is through examination. The state of Delaware uses the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA as their “examination” standard. Once you have met the requirements for the CCC-SLP you are able to complete your application and become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Delaware.
The requirements for the CCC-SLP are simple, but not easy. First you must graduate from an accredited university with at least a master’s degree in an applicable field. Then you must complete a Clinical Fellowship of 1,260 hours (~9 months). Finally, you need to take and pass the Praxis for Speech Pathology with minimum score 162.
After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it every two years. In the state of Delaware, renew requires that you have completed 30 continuing education credits. This ensures that Speech-Language Pathologists are staying current with new research and providing the best care possible to their patients.
The University of Delaware offers some of the most efficient options if you are seeking the quickest way to enter a career in speech-language pathology in Delaware. There is no bachelor’s degree in SLP alone but UD’s undergraduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is pre-professional and helps you meet the requirements for quick completion of the prerequisites. It means that when you are ready to graduate from your bachelor’s and proceed to graduate studies, there are no superfluous courses to delay your progress.
When you are prepared to start clinical work, the master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology at UD is the only ASHA-accredited program in the state. This program generally requires two years of full-time study to achieve ASHA and licensure standards. Some students with good background knowledge or those who have taken the required courses may be able to reduce their time to graduation through summer classes or extra units. The UD PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a research-oriented program that can be engaged right after the master’s for those interested in advanced study. The typical PhD program takes four to five years, but the defined environment at UD makes it possible to advance through the stages efficiently. Thus, with on-campus support and focused curriculum, Delaware provides streamlined pathways to help you achieve your career goals faster.
Delaware provides cheap SLP degree options to step into a speech-language pathology career, so long as you are an in-state resident. Communication Sciences and Disorders is the undergraduate program at the University of Delaware that prepares students for advanced study in the field. The in-state tuition at UD is more affordable than that of private universities and includes important classes for advanced study.
After you receive a bachelor’s degree, your next step is the ASHA-accredited master’s program in Speech Pathology at UD. This program costs about $1,069 per credit which makes the total tuition for two years approximately $64,000 to $68,000. As far as that sounds expensive, it is actually quite cheap for the same type of programs in other states, especially in neighboring states, where the out-of-state tuition is much higher.
Additionally, there is another advantage of Delaware – it has very liberal policies regarding saving money. For example, the Delaware Department of Education may offer tuition assistance and loan forgiveness to SLP students who agree to work in the state after graduation. For those who are interested in advanced research, the PhD program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UD is also well funded, and often provides full funding, including tuition and stipend. In short, the programs offered by Delaware are great for local students, affordable, well-supported and of great quality.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in SLP and have been researching licensing requirements or are simply interested in learning more about SLP
If you are pursuing the position of a speech-language pathologist, then you may have heard of the Praxis exam from your professors, classmates, or even
If you have ever been researching speech-language pathology careers and come across the words ‘speech pathologist’ and ‘speech therapist’, you might wonder if they are
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.
PLEASE NOTE: The contents of this website is for informational purposes only. All trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders.