Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Daniel Ortiz, M.A., CCC‑SLPAlthough Maine has a short list of speech-language pathology programs, it has accessible yet quality programs and a healthy employment market. The University of Maine in Orono is the state’s leading university with a CAA accredited master of Communication Sciences and Disorders. This degree fulfills the Maine SLP licensure needs and equips the student for clinical practice. The linguistics concentration in speech and language science can lead to graduate study, and undergraduates can begin at the University of Maine or the University of Southern Maine. Since there are no in-state speech pathology doctoral programs, the cost of living in Maine is relatively low and the positive community environment can help to cover the expense of attending an out of state or online doctoral program.
The demand for SLPs in Maine is expected to increase by about 20% in the coming years. The average salary is $79,000, which is quite good for this state with lower cost of living than in many big cities. Rural areas, hospitals and school districts across the state often require and need specialized speech services; speech language pathologists often find stable and meaningful work here. For those who want both affordability and quality of life, Maine is a gem for budding speech pathologists.
Find your future in speech pathology by exploring the best degrees in Maine available. Our team at speechpathology.org highlights top-ranked speech-language pathology programs in Maine to help you start or advance your career. Programs are evaluated for academic strength, research, and clinical excellence. Learn more about our process at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Southern Maine offers a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology, designed to equip students for impactful careers in this specialized field. This campus-based program spans two years, adhering to ASHA certification standards, and provides both thesis and non-thesis pathways to accommodate diverse academic interests. A standout feature is the hands-on clinical training at the Madelyn E. and Albert D. Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for various settings, including educational and healthcare environments. The program also readies students for state licensure, opening doors to professional opportunities in Maine and nationally. Highlights include 'Two-year full-time program', 'ASHA certification standards', 'Clinical practicum experiences', 'Thesis and non-thesis options', and 'State licensure preparation'. 'Requires GRE'
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a comprehensive program tailored for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Spanning two years (five semesters) for traditional students, it offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks to accommodate diverse academic interests. Accredited by ASHA's CAA, the program adheres to the highest standards, preparing graduates for licensure in Maine and other states. Through clinical practicum experiences in varied settings, students gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned faculty. This program is ideal for those seeking careers in educational, healthcare, or private practice settings. Requires GRE.
If you are in the process of selecting a bachelor’s in speech pathology or master’s degree in speech-language pathology (SLP) in Maine, you will discover that there are advantages in each. At the undergraduate level, the University of Maine’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program and the University of Southern Maine’s linguistics major (speech and language concentration) are very good starting points. Admission is usually done with a high school diploma and a good GPA; some colleges may require standardized test scores or a personal statement. A bachelor’s degree can lead to positions such as a speech language pathology assistant or similar positions in schools and healthcare institutions, but it will not enable one to practice as a full Speech Pathologist.
Master’s programs, like the University of Maine’s CAA-accredited master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, are designed to expand on that knowledge and help you become a licensed SLP in Maine. Typical master’s admissions require a relevant undergraduate degree, letters of recommendation, and in some cases, GRE scores. The master’s program is more expensive, but the license allows for better paying jobs with the current average salary being $79,000 and significant job growth. Regardless of the choice made, the people in Maine are known to be friendly and the general living cost is relatively low, which can only help your endeavor.
There are currently no doctorate degrees in speech-language pathology, whether PhD or SLPD offered by Maine. However, this doesn’t mean that hopeful doctoral students are without a place. Some decide to attend school at nearby universities in New England or attend accredited online SLP doctorates. A Speech Pathology PhD is a research oriented degree and leads to jobs in academia, clinical research and higher level administration. On the other hand, an SLPD concentrates on clinical leadership, advanced clinical practice and evidence based practice.
Admission to any of the doctoral programs is based on the candidate’s master’s degree in speech language pathology or a related field, good academic standing, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose that includes research or clinical interests. Some programs also request for GRE scores. The costs of tuition vary greatly, but could start at around $30,000 for public universities to $80,000 or more for private universities, especially if fees and possible residential components are included. A PhD can result in positions in teaching or research with salaries often beginning in the higher range for academia, whereas an SLPD can lead to more advanced clinical positions and the potential to earn more than the standard SLP salary of approximately $79,000 in Maine. For motivated speech pathology professionals, selecting an out of state or online path can still provide good relationships and career growth in Maine’s SLP field.
Obtaining a Maine SLP license is well defined but not easy. First, you will have to obtain a master’s degree from a CAA accredited program which takes about two years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This graduate program also includes at least 400 hours of clinical practice which means that you will have practical experience of working with clients. The CF year, or the clinical fellowship, comes next. It is about 36 weeks, which is 1,260 hours on a full-time basis. You will be practicing under the supervision of another Speech-Language Pathologist, gaining experience as you go. The Praxis exam in speech pathology is also required to ensure that the candidate has the theoretical knowledge and skill application capacity.
Now you can finally get your Maine SLP license from the Maine Board of Speech, Audiology, and Hearing. If you already hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), it will make the process faster and easier. But remember: This license has to be active! You will have to do at least 10 hours of continuing education each year, which is not a big deal as long as you remember to do it! With your CE, you will be able to renew your license so you can continue to help people of all ages to communicate and find their voice.
In Maine, traditional timelines are followed for speech-language pathology programs; however, there are accelerated SLP degree pathways in other locations. Like most bachelor’s programs in the United States, the time it takes to complete a typical bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders is four years. The University of Maine offers an accredited master’s program which usually takes students two years of full-time study to complete. That includes clinical practicums and the chance to gain real world experience. There are, however, some universities outside of Maine that provide accelerated or streamlined options, particularly online. Some have even reduced a master’s program to about 20 months by arranging for year round coursework and clinical experiences. However, you will still need to fulfill the 400 clinical hours before beginning your clinical fellowship.
Doctoral programs (e.g. PhD or SLPD) are generally three to five years beyond the master’s degree, though the time can differ significantly. There are master’s and PhD integrated programs, but these are typically at research universities in other states. Maine does not yet have combined bachelor’s-master’s or master’s doctorate programs in SLP, thus, the standard sequence is followed. To find the fastest route, try an out-of-state or online speech pathology program with a more compact schedule. Just make sure it is fully accredited to enable you to meet Maine’s SLP licensure standards when you graduate.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Maine |
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| University of Southern Maine |
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Concerned about the expenses that will be incurred in pursuing a speech pathology degree? You are not the only one, but surprisingly Maine has some very affordable SLP options. In the bachelors degree, the University of Maine at Orono and University of Southern Maine provide courses leading to majors in speech and language. In-state tuition fees for these bachelor’s degree programs are usually between $300 and $400 per credit. It can be a pretty decent sum over four years, but it is still much better than what many private or out-of-state universities charge.
If you plan to pursue a master’s degree, the University of Maine is a good place to start. It is the only CAA accredited SLP master’s program in the state and its in-state graduate tuition usually range between $400 and $600 per credit. It can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your program, when compared with more expensive schools.
There are no Speech-Language Pathology PhD or SLPD degrees offered in Maine, so for doctoral candidates, the search continues. However, many SLP doctorate degrees are above $800 per credit, depending on the institution. However, there are many online universities that offer lower tuition fees or have certain provisions for distance learners. So, with the state’s below average cost of living, you are set to become an Speech Pathologist without having to break the bank.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Southern Maine |
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| University of Maine |
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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
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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
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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