Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Alexandra Turner, M.A., CCC‑SLPOklahoma is a prime location for students planning to pursue a Speech-Language Pathology career, offering both affordable SLP programs and a good employment outlook all while providing quality education. The state has several excellent programs that suit the future SLPs and are designed to address the particular challenges and potential of Oklahoma.
For example, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond offers both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees and has a combined program, which can help you finish your education faster than many other places. Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater offers a research-focused master’s degree and has nice labs, such as the Motor Speech Lab, that provide practical experience that is not easy to get elsewhere. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) is located in Oklahoma City and is surrounded by a growing medical community, which provides numerous clinical practices due to its location near hospitals.
What makes Oklahoma interesting is not only the programs, but also the speech pathologist job prospects and the wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 18% growth in the demand for SLPs in the United States between 2023 and 2033, and Oklahoma matches that same trend or even exceeds it with increasing demand owing to the rising population of elderly people and more people being diagnosed with communication disorders.
The average salary of speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma is $75,000 to $85,000. It varies with the job, for instance, rural areas earn slightly lower salary than urban areas like Oklahoma City or Tulsa. When comparing Oklahoma to costly states such as California or New York, one can see that Oklahoma is a wise decision from the financial point of view, especially where the cost of living is relatively low. In this regard, anyone who wants to make a real positive change in the speech pathology field without having to pay a lot of money in tuition or for living expenses will find Oklahoma to be a sensible choice.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Oklahoma? peechpathology.org ranks top SLP 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 Oklahoma. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Norman, OK - Public 4-Year - ou.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, a program designed for those aiming to excel in healthcare settings. With a 100% national exam passage rate, the program stands out for its excellence. It adheres to ASHA certification standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in schools, clinics, and hospitals. The curriculum covers essential sciences and communication skills, equipping students to effectively address communication and swallowing disorders. Highlights include a full speech-language clinic, interdisciplinary units, and a PhD option, making it a comprehensive choice for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, the Speech-Language Pathology program is unique in Oklahoma, offering a pathway from Norman to the Oklahoma City Health Sciences Center for specialized training. This program boasts a 100% national exam passage rate and provides MA, MS, and PhD degree options. It meets all ASHA certification requirements, preparing students for professional success in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The program is noted for its diverse clinical experiences, accredited status, and interdisciplinary approach, ensuring a well-rounded education for future speech-language pathologists.
Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - utulsa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tulsa offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a program designed for those eager to excel in the field of communication disorders. This ASHA-accredited program spans 41 credit hours, blending rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences. Students engage in two offsite clinical practica and a clinical externship, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in diverse settings, including hospitals and pediatric placements. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and 25 hours of guided observation. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for national certification exams and successful careers. Starting in the fall semester, it includes a comprehensive exam and national exam preparation to ensure readiness for professional challenges.
Shawnee, OK - Private 4-year - okbu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma Baptist University offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, blending online and on-campus learning to equip students with the skills to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. This hybrid program is tailored for those aiming to make a difference in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics, serving patients across the lifespan. With a focus on evidence-based practice, graduates are prepared to address complex communication needs. The program, led by Dr. AnnMarie Knight, is set to launch in Fall 2026 and is currently pending accreditation. Highlights include its flexible hybrid model and the opportunity to work in diverse practice environments.
Edmond, OK - Public 4-Year - uco.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Central Oklahoma's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides a robust pre-professional foundation for aspiring speech pathologists. This interdisciplinary program delivers comprehensive training in speech and language disorders, neuroscience, and therapeutic techniques. Students engage in extensive practicum experiences, developing critical assessment and intervention skills across communication challenges. The curriculum prepares students for graduate studies and future certification, emphasizing hands-on learning and professional development. With opportunities for field experiences and in-depth exploration of communication sciences, students gain a solid groundwork for advanced academic and clinical pursuits.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Oklahoma's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers comprehensive training in communication disorders, equipping students with advanced clinical skills. Through rigorous coursework and specialized training, students explore complex language interventions, audiology techniques, and cultural communication strategies. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with competitive practicum opportunities, enabling graduates to effectively support individuals with diverse communication challenges. Expert faculty guide students through innovative research methodologies and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, preparing them for professional excellence in speech-language pathology.
Oklahoma City, OK - Public 4-Year - ouhsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma's PhD program in Speech-Language Pathology offers advanced training in communication sciences. This research-focused program requires a minimum of 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours and emphasizes individualized scholarly expertise. Students gain experience in research projects, grant writing, and teaching, preparing them for leadership roles in academia and research. The program fosters interdisciplinary learning and professional development opportunities.
Concentration: voice science - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center's PhD in Speech-Language Pathology, specializing in voice science, prepares students for advanced research and teaching. Requiring 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours, the program includes coursework in statistics, research methods, and specialized voice science areas. A 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and an interview are required for admission. Financial aid and assistantships are available. The program cultivates independent scholarship, professional leadership, and interdisciplinary learning.
Concentration: neural processing - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma's PhD in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in neural processing provides rigorous, individualized training. This program combines in-depth coursework, research mentorship, and specialized study in communication sciences, focusing on neural processes. With a minimum of 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours, students develop research skills, grant writing expertise, and teaching competencies. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary scholarship, preparing graduates for leadership in academia, research, and clinical practice.
Tahlequah, OK - Public 4-Year - nsuok.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern State University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology serves as a foundational pre-professional program, meticulously designed to pave the way for advanced studies in speech-language pathology. This program stands out for its comprehensive approach to understanding communication and swallowing disorders, blending rigorous academic coursework with essential clinical insights. Students benefit from instruction by licensed professionals, ensuring a practical and in-depth grasp of the field. Unique to NSU is an accelerated degree option, enabling ambitious students to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years. Set in Oklahoma, the program fosters a collaborative cohort model, emphasizing professionalism and interprofessional learning opportunities. Requires ACT/SAT.
Chickasha, OK - Public 4-Year - usao.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma provides an enriching undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology program, tailored for those aiming to advance into graduate studies or enter health professions. Unique for its three-year completion path, the program immerses students in 47 hours of specialized coursework alongside practical clinical training at the John A. Morris Speech and Language Clinic. Emphasizing a broad interdisciplinary curriculum, it fosters original research and personalized advising within small classes. Graduates emerge ready for the challenges of graduate programs and diverse professional environments, from hospitals to private practices. Highlights include hands-on experience, dynamic instruction, and preparation for a high-demand career field.
Tulsa, OK - Public 4-Year - medicine.okstate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in various healthcare and educational settings. This campus-based program emphasizes a combination of comprehensive coursework and extensive clinical rotations, ensuring hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices. Admission recommendations include a 3.4 GPA, a 296 GRE score, and a 3.5 analytical writing score. The program is ASHA accredited, spans two years including a summer semester, and offers research opportunities with a thesis or exam option. Financial aid and graduate assistantships are available to eligible students. Highlights: Requires GRE.
In Oklahoma, choosing between a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology and master’s degree in speech pathology depends on your career goals. A bachelor’s degree is four years and is an entry level option. It is appropriate for those who have not yet decided whether to proceed to graduate study or who wish to begin in speech pathology assistant roles. The foundational topics like communication processes and basic disorder studies are covered by these programs offered at UCO and OUHSC.
Admission is also rather simple and requires you to submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and sometimes even recommendation letters. They can become SLP assistants, teaching assistants, or research assistants. The annual salary is approx. $30,000-$40,000. The wage can also be used to purchase a degree that would enable one to pursue further education.
A master’s degree, which is two years after the bachelor’s degree, is needed to fulfill the requirements for a full license as an SLP in Oklahoma. These ASHA-accredited programs at UCO, OSU and OUHSC comprise of academic coursework and clinical practice to meet the state and national standards. The admission process involves a bachelor’s degree—communication sciences or equivalent, 3.0 or higher minimum GPA, phonetics or anatomy as prerequisite courses, and, in some cases, GRE scores.
They can work in schools, hospitals or private practices meeting needs of childhood speech delays or adult rehabilitation, and the average salary is $80,000 annually. Specialized roles, like working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist or geriatric populations, are available to the master’s which is necessary to move forward in one’s professional practice in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma does not have in-state PhD or SLPD doctorate programs for SLP, so students have to look for options out of state. A doctorate in Communication Sciences is research based and may take 4 to 6 years to complete and is for people who are interested in academic or industry research. Admission is to some extent similar to that of master’s programs – a master’s degree, good academic record, GRE scores, and a clear interest in research. Some of the out of state programs can be as expensive as $20,000 to $50,000 every year and returns are also very high, above $90,000 in positions like university teaching or research leadership.
The SLPD is a professional doctorate that concentrates on advanced clinical practice and leadership over the three to four years. It has almost the same admission requirements as the PhD – a master’s degree, good grades, and clinical experience, but focuses on the practical experiences rather than research. Tuition is approximately equal to that of the PhD program, and graduates can earn over $100,000 per year in positions including clinic directors or educators. Since there are no local options, students can try online speech pathology degrees or the neighboring states, for example, Texas or Kansas. This option is good for practicing SLPs who want to achieve a higher education.
To work as a Speech Pathologist in Oklahoma, a state license is required, and the process involves specific educational and professional steps. Candidates need a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). After completing the degree, a clinical fellowship follows, requiring 1,260 hours of supervised practice—typically over 36 weeks—to gain hands-on experience. Passing the PRAXIS exam, a national test administered by the Educational Testing Service, is also necessary to demonstrate competency. The Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (OBESPA) then issues the state license based on these achievements.
Many SLPs pursue ASHA’s national Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), which mirrors Oklahoma’s requirements and provides a widely recognized credential. Maintaining both the state license and CCC-SLP involves 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours in ethics, completed through ASHA-approved workshops, seminars, or online courses.
For Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), Oklahoma has its own licensure requirements, complemented by the option of national certification from ASHA. State licensure requires an associate’s degree or higher with an SLP focus—available online through Oklahoma City Community College—and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience. This supervision must come from a licensed SLP who has completed additional training, with a limit of two assistants per speech-language pathologist.
Additionally, ASHA offers the C-SLPA certification, which enhances professional standing and is recognized beyond Oklahoma. To earn the C-SLPA, candidates must complete one of three educational pathways (such as a 2-year SLPA program or a bachelor’s in communication sciences), 100 hours of clinical fieldwork under an ASHA-certified SLP, and three 1-hour courses in ethics, universal safety precautions, and patient confidentiality within two years of applying. After submitting transcripts and an application with a $249 fee, candidates take the ASHA Assistants Certification Exam, needing a score of 162 or higher to pass.
Both the state SLP license and C-SLPA require 20 hours of continuing education biennially, including 3 hours in ethics, aligning with ASHA’s national standards. SLPAs typically earn around $35,000 annually in Oklahoma, supporting licensed speech pathologists under clear supervision guidelines. This dual framework ensures that both SLPs and SLPAs meet rigorous state and national expectations for quality care.
In Oklahoma, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs vary in length, but options exist to expedite licensure. A bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) or the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center takes four years, followed by a two-year master’s, like Oklahoma State University’s five-semester program.
UCO’s combined bachelor’s and master’s program stands out as the fastest SLP program, allowing completion in five years instead of six by integrating graduate courses into the senior year. This accelerates entry into the required 1,260-hour clinical fellowship, typically 36 weeks, and subsequent PRAXIS exam, enabling swift application for an Oklahoma license via the Oklahoma Board of Examiners. To further hasten licensure, students can prepare for the PRAXIS during their master’s, schedule it post-fellowship, and take prerequisites early.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma |
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| Northeastern State University |
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| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus |
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The cost is an important factor for Speech-Language Pathology students in Oklahoma because the programs offer competitive pricing. The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has in-state students pay around $8,616 every year while out-of-state students pay $18,624, which is cheaper than many of the out of state schools. The same is true with Oklahoma State University (OSU) because it has the same range of prices for residents of Oklahoma at $8,000-$9,000 and non-residents up to $19,000 with some exceptions for waivers. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has similar prices, which are based on residency. Since SLP Bachelor’s programs are charged based on undergraduate rates, which range between $7,000 and $8,000 per year for in-state students.
Another way to save is through the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association scholarships. Hence, compared to the higher cost of tuition in other states, the tuition fees especially at UCO and OSU are reasonable to attain an affordable speech pathology degree with a promising salary, which is suitable for students who are conscious of the costs.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center |
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| Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences |
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| Northeastern State University |
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