Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Elizabeth Monroe M.S., CCC‑SLPLouisiana has a strong reputation for quality training and affordable tuition, and the speech pathology programs are excellent and welcoming with a lot of hands on learning. Some of the top schools include LSU in Baton Rouge, LSU Health in New Orleans and Shreveport, Louisiana Tech, Southeastern Louisiana University, UL Lafayette, and UL Monroe which provides both the undergraduate and master’s degrees that are ASHA accredited. They offer both classroom learning and real world clinical practice. You’ll finish 400 supervised clinical hours, pass the Praxis exam or get your CCC-SLP and finish a 36 week clinical fellowship.
In-state tuition is very reasonable here — it typically ranges between $8,000 and $12,500 per year. Students also have the added benefit of assistantships, scholarships and other financial aid to help pay for school. Another big plus is the job market here as well. The demand for speech language pathologists is high particularly in the rural and underserved areas. Graduates can expect to begin with salaries between $64,000 and $74,000 annually. This is because you not only get a good education but also a good paying job. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, in an affordable education and strong job market, consider pursuing your SLP degree in Louisiana.
Explore the top-rated speech pathology programs in Louisiana with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best SLP schools in Louisiana for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu
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Louisiana State University's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed for those aspiring to leadership in academia, research, or policy. The program emphasizes an apprenticeship model, allowing students to work closely with mentors on tailored research projects. With a goal of completion in four years, it offers competitive graduate teaching assistantships and access to faculty with diverse expertise. This program is perfect for individuals seeking to make significant contributions to the field through research and academic leadership. Requires GRE.
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The MA in Speech-Language Pathology at Louisiana State University provides a robust foundation for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Offering both thesis and non-thesis tracks, the program includes 48 credit hours of coursework and clinical practica. Students benefit from state-of-the-art research labs, interdisciplinary opportunities, and a variety of clinical training sites. With faculty holding doctoral degrees, the program ensures readiness for national certification and state licensure. It's tailored for students with a BA in Communication Disorders, though those from other disciplines can bridge gaps with prerequisite courses. Requires GRE.
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - xula.edu
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At Xavier University of Louisiana, the Speech Pathology program offers both undergraduate and graduate pathways, preparing students for careers in speech-language pathology. The undergraduate program lays the groundwork for further study or entry-level positions, while the graduate program is essential for clinical certification. The curriculum meets the Council on Academic Accreditation's standards, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively treat communication disorders. With competitive admissions and costs, the program is an attractive option for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Highlights include alignment with CAA standards and a focus on communication disorders.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Xavier University of Louisiana's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a hybrid program that blends rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences. Spanning two years, this 51-semester-hour program is designed to equip students with advanced skills in addressing communication disorders, with a strong emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.2 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and a preferred GRE score of 280. The program, which is a candidate for CAA accreditation, offers distance and hybrid learning options, making it accessible to a broader range of students. Highlights include multiple clinical practica settings and an interview as part of the admission process. Requires GRE.
Ruston, LA - Public 4-Year - latech.edu
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The Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Professional Speech-Language Pathology at Louisiana Tech University serves as a stepping stone for students targeting graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology. This undergraduate program integrates liberal arts and sciences with essential courses on speech, language, and hearing disorders, including an optional concentration in audiology. It lays a strong foundation for future graduate work and opens doors to careers in speech-language pathology assistance, healthcare administration, and more. Requires ACT/SAT.
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Louisiana Tech University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program is designed for aspiring professionals seeking certification to work in various healthcare environments. This graduate program offers in-depth training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders across all age groups, combining academic rigor with hands-on clinical experience. Admission requires completion of 19 prerequisite undergraduate hours and GRE scores. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in medical settings, educational institutions, and private practices, equipped to make a meaningful difference in individuals' lives by addressing speech and language challenges. Requires GRE.
Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu
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At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology serves as a pre-professional foundation for graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology. The curriculum covers essential topics like speech anatomy, language development, and multicultural communication issues, complemented by supervised clinical observations. Admission demands a 2.75 GPA, with a requirement to maintain a C or better in major courses. This program equips students with the foundational skills needed for future roles in healthcare and education. Requires ACT/SAT.
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The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a CAA-accredited program that blends academic rigor with clinical practice. Designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists, it emphasizes serving diverse populations in various settings. The program admits students annually for a fall start, with a January 15th application deadline. Faculty mentorship ensures students acquire both theoretical knowledge and advanced clinical skills, preparing them for impactful careers in healthcare. Requires GRE.
Lafayette, LA - Public 4-Year - louisiana.edu
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Offering a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides a pre-professional pathway for students eager to delve into communication sciences. This program blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering hands-on experience at the on-campus Speech, Language and Hearing Center. Covering essential areas like phonetics, language acquisition, and audiology, it sets a solid foundation for graduate studies. Admission aligns with the University's standards, and graduation necessitates a minor completion alongside meeting GPA requirements. Ideal for aspiring professionals committed to addressing communication challenges. Requires ACT/SAT.
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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Master's in Speech Language Pathology stands out as Louisiana's top-ranked program and holds the #78 national spot according to U.S. News & World Report for 2024. Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, it equips students for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. The program distinguishes itself with a curriculum that bridges theory and clinical practice, facilitated by close academic-clinical faculty collaboration. Students engage in a two-course research sequence and capstone seminar, preparing them for licensure, especially in Louisiana, with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Requires GRE.
Hammond, LA - Public 4-Year - southeastern.edu
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Southeastern Louisiana University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a campus-based program designed to equip students with the expertise needed for a successful career in speech-language pathology. With a curriculum that includes 36 credit hours, the program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through five clinical practicum semesters. It offers pediatric and adult placements, preparing students for diverse career paths in healthcare and education. The program, which admits around 30 students each year through two annual admission cycles, also provides graduate assistantships. Highlights include ASHA certification preparation and the flexibility of day and evening classes. Requires GRE.
Shreveport, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhs.edu
Concentration: Clinical Practicum - Campus Based - Visit Website
LSU Health Shreveport's Master of Communication Disorders program, specializing in Clinical Practicum, offers advanced training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, utilizing cutting-edge facilities and expert faculty supervision. This program prepares graduates for state licensure and ASHA certification, leading to rewarding careers with strong job prospects in a growing field. The program accepts 20 students per year and begins in the summer. Applications are due January 15th.
Concentration: Research Opportunities - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Communication Disorders program at LSU Health Shreveport, with a focus on Research Opportunities, provides comprehensive training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Geared towards both communication science majors and career changers, it offers rigorous academics and extensive clinical experience. Graduates are prepared for state licensure and national certification, entering a field with high job growth potential. The program admits 20 students annually and utilizes the CSDCAS application system.
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LSU Health Shreveport's Master of Communication Disorders program provides comprehensive training in speech-language pathology, preparing students for diverse clinical settings. This program caters to students with and without communication sciences backgrounds, offering rigorous academic and clinical education. Modern facilities enhance hands-on learning, leading to state licensure and ASHA certification. Graduates enter a dynamic field with excellent job prospects and a projected 18% employment growth. In-state tuition is available for AR/TX residents.
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - subr.edu
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Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, LA, provides a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, designed for students passionate about addressing communication disorders. This campus-based program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that includes speech and hearing sciences, alongside practical clinical practicum experiences, preparing students for effective diagnosis and treatment. As an HBCU, it offers a unique cultural and educational environment. Admission is based on the university's general criteria, with a focus on fostering professionals ready to impact individuals with communication challenges. Requires ACT/SAT.
New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - suno.edu
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Southern University at New Orleans provides a comprehensive Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, tailored for aspiring professionals aiming to tackle communication disorders. Accredited by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), the curriculum spans pediatric swallowing disorders, aphasia, and speech sound disorders, among others, ensuring a broad skill set. Admission criteria include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and prerequisite coursework in sciences and statistics. Unique to this program is the requirement for 25 ASHA-approved observation hours prior to enrollment, alongside advanced practicum experiences for hands-on learning. This program stands out for its rigorous preparation for the Praxis and evidence-based practice courses, making graduates highly competitive in the field.
If you are looking for speech pathology careers in Louisiana, both bachelor and master degrees will be useful. A bachelor of speech-language pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders gives you a good starting point in the field. It provides a good understanding of the theoretical aspects and the rudiments of clinical practice and enables one to work as an SLP assistant or an early intervention aide. Admissions for a bachelor’s program are made on the basis of high school grades, science and humanities subjects and, in some cases, on an entrance exam. Some do it to gain some experience before progressing further.
On the other hand, for those looking to practice as a speech-language pathologists a master’s degree is necessary. SLP master’s degrees in Louisiana, from places such as LSU, Louisiana Tech, and UL Lafayette, may require a previous bachelor’s degree, a high college GPA, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. These offer both advanced coursework and clinical practice that is supervised and amounts to about 400 hours. The costs of in-state tuition for master’s programs typically range between $8,000 and $12,500 per year. Lower wages are observed in the bachelor’s level positions; the annual salary of master’s graduates is between $64,000 and $74,000, which shows that the advanced degree is worth it for someone who is willing to work in the profession completely.
In Louisiana, when comparing doctorate degrees in speech-language pathology, there are two paths: the Ph.D. and the SLPD. If you love research, teaching and academic leadership then a Ph.D. is ideal for you. You may dream of being a university professor or running clinical studies. These programs are offered at schools like LSU and UL Lafayette; they usually require a master’s degree, strong GRE scores, research experience, and heartfelt letters of recommendation.
The SLPD is more practice based. It is for those who wish to advance their clinical skills to the maximum level and to manage health organizations. Even though fully accredited SLPD programs are not available in Louisiana, you can turn to out of state or hybrid programs if clinical leadership is what interests you. The admission for SLPD programs is based on clinical experience and good academic performance.
Both doctorate paths’ tuition is comparable to the national figures. Some schools offer financial aid, assistantships, or scholarships to help pay for the costs. Ph.D. graduates often get fulfilling jobs in academia and research at favorable salaries while SLPD holders are likely to get better paying advanced clinical positions. Which speech pathology doctorate degree you choose, largely depends whether you envision your future in the research and teaching or clinical practice leadership.
The process of becoming a licensed speech pathologist in the state of Louisiana is a great process that incorporates a strong educational background as well as a lot of clinical practice. First, you have to have a master’s degree from a SLP program that is accredited. During your studies, you must have at least 400 hours of clinical instruction. This real life experience allows you to actually work with clients and gain experience that will be useful to you in the future. After graduation, you will have to take the Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology or gain the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, either of which will show that you are prepared for the real world. The next step is to do a 36 week clinical fellowship, which is like an extended internship where you are trained by experienced SLP professionals. When you have fulfilled these conditions, then you can apply for a provisional license from the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, with copies of your education, test scores, fellowship hours, and a criminal history background check. You are required to renew your license every year and take 10 contact hours of continuing education, five of which must be in speech-language pathology. This ensures you are always in the best position to assist those you serve in the best way possible.
For the fast track to a career in speech-language pathology in Louisiana, several appealing options are available for students. If you start with a Communication Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s degree, you will be studying a four-year program that provides a good theoretical and practical base. In order to become a licensed speech pathololgist, you will require a master’s degree and many Louisiana programs can be completed in about two years of full time study. These master’s programs contain about 400 hours of clinical practice supervised by faculty and may feature accelerated delivery. For example, some universities permit undergraduates to enroll in graduate level courses in their last year, which means effectively shortening the time.
If your interest is in research or teaching, then a Ph.D. may be what you need. Although conventional Ph.D. programs require four to six years of study after obtaining a master’s degree, there are some schools that provide combined or concurrent programs that enable students to work on both the degrees at the same time. These integrated paths are a very good choice if you are interested in advancing to academic or leadership positions. In general, Louisiana’s flexible, efficient SLP programs are designed to help you enter the profession faster so you can begin to help people without having to wait.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College |
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| University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
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| Southeastern Louisiana University |
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If you’re on a budget, Louisiana offers some great, affordable SLP programs without skimping on quality. First of all, public universities are a good starting point due to the lower tuition costs. The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is four year program that offers a good starting point without having to spend too much. Master’s programs, however, are needed to become a fully licensed speech language pathologist and you can expect in state tuition to range between $8,000 and $12,500 per year. Their affordable costs make them quite competitive, and institutions such as Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana University are highly regarded. Even bigger schools, including LSU, provide good programs, although they may be more expensive. There are also some universities that offer combined bachelor’s/master’s degrees that will help you to become a licensed speech pathologist in a shorter time and at a lower cost. To add to this, assistantships and scholarships for financial aid are also available to help lighten the financial load. In this way, Louisiana’s options are inexpensive, but still offer a quality, accredited SLP education. The financial accessibility of this option is especially attractive to students who want to enter into a rewarding career in speech language pathology without the high costs.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
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| Xavier University of Louisiana |
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| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport |
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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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