Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Elizabeth Monroe M.S., CCC‑SLPFinding the best Speech Pathology programs in Alabama can be a difficult task, but we are here to help you find the program that is best for you. The state provides excellent options that include both undergraduate and graduate degrees which feature strong clinical training, affordable tuition and high licensure pass rates. The University of Alabama, Auburn University, and the University of South Alabama are all top tier programs that include hands on learning. Some smaller schools with great instruction include Montevallo, Alabama A&M and Samford University. The affordable tuition rates make Alabama an attractive destination for Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) studies.
The cost of living and in-state tuition are both more favorable in Alabama compared to many other states with the cost of living 12% lower than the national average. This situation leads to both reduced debt and greater financial freedom among students. The SLP programs in Alabama produce near-perfect Praxis pass rates so that their graduates are ready for licensure and their careers.
Speechpathology.org brings you the top SLP programs in Alabama based on what students care about most: strong academics, real-world experience, and reputation. Discover leading speech-language pathology programs in Alabama and learn how we choose them at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Mobile, AL - Public 4-Year - southalabama.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Alabama's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program provides comprehensive training for future speech-language pathologists. Students gain practical experience through extensive clinical work both on-campus and at affiliated clinics. The program boasts a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and prepares graduates for careers in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Graduates are equipped to assess and treat various communication disorders, such as language, articulation, fluency, voice, swallowing, and neurological communication disorders. Requires Praxis.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Alabama's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students for leadership roles in research and academia. The program emphasizes research methodology, statistical analysis, and scholarly writing. Students benefit from advanced facilities, interprofessional collaborations, and individualized mentorship. This research-intensive program typically takes 3-6 years and offers competitive funding opportunities.
Concentration: Audiology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Alabama's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, specializing in Audiology, offers advanced research training and professional development. Students engage in interprofessional collaboration and utilize cutting-edge research facilities. The program typically takes four years to complete and provides competitive funding. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in research, academia, and clinical practice. A dual AuD/PhD track is also available.
Concentration: Communication Sciences and Disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of South Alabama's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders allows specialization in speech-language pathology, audiology, or communication sciences. The program blends academic instruction with advanced research training, preparing students for leadership in research, teaching, and service. With a focus on individualized mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, students develop skills for scholarly careers. The program typically takes four years full-time and offers competitive funding. Requires GRE.
Birmingham, AL - Private 4-year - samford.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Samford University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is an innovative five-year combined BS/MS program designed for students aiming to fast-track their career in communication sciences. With a 3.8 GPA admission requirement and a need for a 29+ ACT Superscore, this program stands out for its low student-to-teacher ratio and interprofessional healthcare learning opportunities. Students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty, a rigorous and updated curriculum, and service learning opportunities. Graduate coursework begins the summer after junior year, with a priority deadline of December 1st. This program is military-friendly and integrates faith-based values into its comprehensive training.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Samford University offers a Fast-track Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, blending faith-based academic coursework with specialized clinical placements. This program provides both traditional and fast-track pathways, including a five-year fast-track option that allows students to start graduate coursework after their junior year. It focuses on preparing compassionate professionals to address diverse communication challenges, with mentorship from peers and faculty. The career-focused curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills for excelling in speech pathology, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a meaningful difference in communication healthcare. This program is also military-friendly.
Tuscaloosa, AL - Public 4-Year - ua.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, an ASHA accredited program designed to cultivate skilled professionals in the field. This campus-based program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum covering speech, language, and hearing sciences, alongside extensive clinical practicum requirements. Students benefit from research experience opportunities and training in multicultural communication, preparing them for state licensure. The program boasts an on-campus speech center and access to off-campus clinical facilities, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Graduates are equipped to address communication disorders across all age groups, backed by a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of speech-language pathology. Requires GRE.
Montevallo, AL - Public 4-Year - montevallo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Montevallo provides a solid foundation for students aiming for careers in communication disorders or further graduate studies. This program emphasizes comprehensive communication skills training and a classroom-to-clinic learning approach, with opportunities for hands-on experience at the on-site Speech and Language Clinic. Admission begins at the junior class level, preparing students for the dynamic field of speech-language pathology, ranked as the 10th best job in 2024. Requires ACT/SAT.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Montevallo's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology is a 2-year residential program designed for aspiring professionals seeking a comprehensive education in speech-language pathology. Accredited by ASHA, it features a small class size of 25 students, ensuring personalized attention and full-time faculty supervision. The program offers two graduate tracks, including non-thesis and thesis options, and requires a minimum of three clinical experiences. Students gain hands-on experience at the on-site Speech and Language Clinic and through adult and pediatric practicums. With a focus on critical thinking and professional competencies, graduates are well-prepared for diverse clinical settings. No GRE Required.
Montgomery, AL - Public 4-Year - aum.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Auburn University at Montgomery offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology through a hybrid program designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This program stands out with its fully online coursework complemented by essential clinical experiences, totaling 400 contact hours, to prepare students for real-world challenges. It emphasizes evidence-based practices to address communication disorders across various demographics. The program is a CAA Candidate for accreditation, indicating its commitment to high standards. Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA, and a GRE score of 290 is preferred. Unique features include leveling courses for those needing prerequisites and a two-week on-site orientation to foster community and hands-on learning. 'Requires GRE'
Montgomery, AL - Private 4-year - faulkner.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Faulkner University's Master of Arts and Sciences in Speech Language Pathology (MSLP) is a fully accredited program that blends rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experiences, offering both on-ground and online learning options. With a total of 66 credits and over 400 supervised clinical hours, students are well-prepared for national certification and state licensure. The program, priced at $750 per credit, can be completed in five semesters full-time, integrating a Christian worldview to foster compassionate care. It emphasizes serving diverse populations, with application deadlines on June 30, 2025, and limited seats available.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology at Faulkner University is designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in speech-language pathology. This ASHA-accredited program offers a blend of on-ground and online coursework, totaling 66 credit hours and including more than 400 clinical clock hours. With a focus on evidence-based practice and a Christian perspective, the program prepares students for the Praxis exam and national certification. Tuition is competitively set at $750 per credit, and the program boasts high completion and exam pass rates, with applications due by June 30, 2025.
Normal, AL - Public 4-Year - aamu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Alabama A&M University offers a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences & Disorders, designed to equip students with the expertise needed to address a wide range of communication disorders. This ASHA-accredited program spans two to three years, blending academic coursework with extensive clinical practice. Students are required to complete at least 400 clinical hours, gaining experience in the university's on-campus Speech Clinic and through external placements. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, focusing on assessment and treatment techniques for clients of all ages. Highlights include the program's accreditation, hands-on clinical training, and the opportunity to work with diverse populations.
It is useful to understand the differences in career objectives and educational pathways when comparing a Bachelor or Master of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) degree in Alabama. An SLP bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or Speech and Hearing Sciences is a great starting point. It provides the basic knowledge of how speech and language develop as well as an overview of different disorders. You can work as a speech-language pathology assistant or in other related positions with a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s is required to become a licensed speech pathologist. The admission requirements to a bachelor’s program in Alabama include: high school diploma or equivalent, good science and language course grades, and possibly ACT scores.
A master’s degree in SLP is required for the licensed speech-language pathologist. Master’s programs, for example, at the University of Alabama or Auburn University, require a prior bachelor’s degree, a good cumulative GPA (3.0 or higher), reference letters, and a personal statement. Many of them require the applicants to have volunteer or observation hours in clinical settings. Some of the state universities in Alabama offer highly regarded master’s programs with practical clinical training and very strong licensure exam passing rates. The state’s affordable tuition compared to many other states makes it a good choice for those seeking advanced speech pathology education.
Those looking to further their education even more can get a Doctorate in Speech Pathology. In Alabama, there are 2 doctoral programs: Ph.D. and SLPD (Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology). The Ph.D. is research-oriented and appropriate for those planning academic, research or policy careers. This degree is intended to enable you to perform innovative research studies, to teach at university level or to lead studies that will determine the future of speech pathology. Most institutions, including the University of South Alabama require the following admission requirements: an accredited SLP Master’s degree or a related degree, strong GPA (3.5 or higher), letters of recommendation, research statement of purpose. The typical career paths for graduates of this program include university teaching speech research labs and health and education leadership positions.
The SLPD is clinical based rather than research based like the Ph.D. It aims to prepare students for advanced clinical practice or leadership. There are fewer SLPD programs in Alabama than Ph.D. programs, but they are still available for those looking to pursue these paths. If you want to improve your clinical skills or have a management position, this is the perfect time to apply. The following can apply to enter the SLPD: a master’s degree in speech language pathology, clinical experience, focus on professional practice. The graduates of this program work as clinical directors, highly specialized clinicians in healthcare organizations or as coordinators of speech pathology programs. Although both degrees are valuable, your decision depends on whether you want to emphasize research or advanced clinical practice.
The Alabama Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) are responsible for Speech Pathology licensure in the state of Alabama. To get an Alabama SLP License, you must first obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program. The program must provide no less than 400 hours of clinical practice under supervision where you will learn to identify and manage speech and language disorders in practical settings. After you finish your degree program you must pass the Praxis Exam in Speech Pathology to demonstrate your knowledge in the various areas of the field. After passing the exam you must finish a clinical fellowship that includes at least 1,260 hours of professional practice supervised by a licensed SLP. This experience provides you with additional practical skills while following the guidance of a licensed Speech Pathologist. After fulfilling these requirements send your application to ABESPA for your Alabama SLP License so you can begin practicing.
In addition to gaining licensure, SLP’s can get a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This certification is issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You must meet educational and clinical requirements and pass the Praxis exam and maintain continuing education requirements throughout your career to receive the CCC-SLP certification. The certification is highly valued by employers and demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
For individuals seeking an Speech Pathology career in Alabama securing admission through a master’s degree stands as the faster solution because master’s programs require just two years of full-time attendance. The programs provide an expedited route to field entry along with state licensure-ready clinical training and coursework. The University of Alabama and Auburn University design their curricula to help students achieve a master’s degree within two years that includes both a supervised clinical practicum and preparation for the Praxis exam. Master’s degree students typically require two years of continuous study at Communication Disorders or Speech and Hearing Sciences to achieve their degree.
Combined bachelor’s/master’s or master’s/doctorate programs are not widely available in Alabama; however, some universities offer flexible systems such as accelerated speech pathology degrees, online SLP degrees, or hybrid models which combine academic coursework with practical experience for working professionals to accelerate their completion. The flexible study options prove especially valuable to people who must juggle work responsibilities along with their educational or personal responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Samford University |
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University of South Alabama
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| Faulkner University |
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It is important to look at both the tuition and other costs of the Speech Pathology programs in Alabama that you are interested in. For a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders tuition differs between public and private schools. Public schools such as the University of Alabama and Auburn University charge lower tuition fees compared to private schools as far as in-state students are concerned. In-state students can pay between $10,000 and $12,000 per year while out-of-state students pay about $20,000 annually on average.
The tuition for master’s programs is generally higher but varies with the program in question. The University of South Alabama and the University of Alabama have good master’s programs with in-state tuition rates of $10,000 to $15,000 per year, which is relatively low compared to other institutions. The cost of out-of-state tuition for master’s programs is between $20,000 and $25,000 per year. Samford University is an example of private institutions and charges about $25,000 per year, which may not be convenient for some people’s budgets.
Ph.D. or SLPD programs are more expensive because of their level and the tuition can be higher than $30,000 per year. However, there are scholarships, assistantships, or in-state tuition programs that can help reduce the costs. Public universities in Alabama tend to provide the most value to students wishing to enroll in the most affordable SLP programs.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Faulkner University |
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University of South Alabama
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| Auburn University at Montgomery |
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