Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Benjamin Thompson, M.S., CCC‑SLPIt is quite difficult to find a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program in Alaska. The University of Alaska Anchorage offers the only SLP-related degree: An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) as an in-state option. This program is fully online, so that it can be taken by students from all parts of the state. However, to become a licensed SLP, one has to have a master’s degree. Among the graduate options, only East Carolina University (ECU) has an online SLP master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders that is available to Alaskans with local clinical placements. It is the only graduate option created for Alaskans.
As for the flexibility of study, most students prefer online master’s programs, for instance, Emerson College or Idaho State University, which are accredited and welcome Alaskans. Some such as the University of Washington offer the WICHE/WRGP in-state tuition to Alaskans, which makes them more reasonable than the private ones. Alaska requires speech pathologists, most of them in rural areas. In addition, when you study in-state, you will gain clinical experiences that are unique to working with Indigenous people and remote areas. Also, the cost of your education can be reduced by taking advantage of state scholarships and loan forgiveness programs.
Explore the top-rated speech pathology programs in Alaska with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best speech-language pathology schools in Alaska for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu
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The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a hybrid program designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This program stands out for its partnership with East Carolina University, ensuring a broad and deep educational experience. Students are trained to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders across various settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices. The curriculum is rigorous, blending core courses with electives for tailored learning. Graduates meet the requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, a key credential in the field. Highlights include a three-year full-time study option, a 3.0 GPA requirement, 25 observation hours, and a January 15 application deadline. The program is fully accredited and offers extensive clinical experience opportunities in multiple professional settings.
There is no full bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) in Alaska; however, the University of Alaska Anchorage offers an SLP minor and post-baccalaureate certificate. The goal of these programs is to help students meet the course requirement for a Master’s of Speech Pathology.
For those looking to work as soon as possible, UAA offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This degree allows you to work under a licensed Speech Pathologist in various settings such as clinics, hospitals and schools. Most undergraduate SLP programs require a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a certain minimum GPA. If you are interested in the field but don’t know if you want to work as a licensed SLP or if you need a bachelor’s degree for graduate school, then the bachelor’s route with an SLP minor is ideal; if you want to get into the workforce more quickly, then the AAS in SLPA is the better choice.
To practice as an SLP in Alaska, one needs to have a master’s degree in SLP. UAA does have a partnership with East Carolina University (ECU) and can offer an online master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with clinical training available on campus at UAA. Master’s programs generally need a bachelor’s degree in any field, required courses, a minimum GPA of 3.0 and sometimes GRE scores. A master’s degree is a ticket to jobs in schools, hospitals, private practice, and telehealth. To work on your own and get more results, you should opt for a master’s degree.
No in-state programs are available for Speech Pathology doctorate degrees in Alaska but you can find excellent online SLP degree options for both a PhD and a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). The principal distinction between them is that a PhD is primarily research-oriented, while the SLPD is a clinical doctorate which is suitable for licensed SLPs who have plans to progress in leadership positions or work as specialists.
In that case, a PhD in Speech-Language Pathology is suitable for those who want to teach at universities, do research or work in policy making. Most programs take 4-5 years to complete and require a master’s degree in SLP (sometimes a bachelor’s degree with more coursework), research experience, and good academic standing. Most PhD programs are full funding, meaning that students get a stipend and tuition waivers in return for research or teaching. The University of Washington has an excellent PhD program that could be a good choice for Alaskans who are ready to move.
The SLPD is intended for practicing speech pathologists who are willing to grow their careers in clinical practice, supervision, or program development. These programs take 2-3 years and enroll students who have a master’s degree, CCC-SLP certification, and clinical experience. Alaskans can study online at Rocky Mountain University and Northwestern University which offer practical SLPD programs that allow them to work at the same time.
Becoming a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in Alaska is managed by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. The process they have set up to obtain your license requires 3 main things. Firstly, a master’s degree in speech pathology from a CAA accredited university. Second, a 1 year, 1,260 hour clinical rotation where you train under a licensed SLP. Lastly, you will need to pass the Praxis exam in Speech Language Pathology with a score of 162 or higher.
The requirements to become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in Alaska are similar to those of a SLP, but much less demanding. You will need an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in SLPA. You can also get a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology with the relevant course work. Finally, you will complete 100 clinical hours with a licensed SLP and then you can register with the state.
Being licensed is all that is required to work as either a SLP or SLPA in Alaska, but many SLPs choose to get certified. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This certification has almost all the same requirements as SLP licensure in Alaska, so it is simple to get once you are licensed. Having the certification can improve job opportunities and career outlooks.
No Alaska university offers a full Bachelors or Masters degree in Speech Pathology but you can get through the education system rather quickly. For those looking to start work as soon as possible, the Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) will get you working as an SLPA in as fast as 2 years.
For the licensed SLP position, you will require a master’s degree, but with the SLPA program, you will be able to gain work experience as you pursue further education. The fastest way to obtain a master’s degree in SLP in Alaska is through the UAA-East Carolina University (ECU) partnership, which is online with local clinical training. This program takes three years which is a bit longer than traditional two-year master’s programs but students do not have to leave Alaska. If you are in search of a faster master’s program, then Emerson College’s online program can be finished in as little as 20 months.
For those thinking about a doctorate, there are no master’s and doctorate combined programs in Alaska. Some quick ways to advance your career are through online SLPD programs such as Rocky Mountain University’s 28-month program.
Even though Alaska has limited Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs, there are still cost-effective ways to gain entry into the field. The cheapest way to get started is with the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). With a program price of $241-$290 per credit, UAA’s program remains the most affordable entry-level option for students seeking to work as an SLPA in schools or clinics.
The lowest-cost master’s program available to Alaskans can be found through the UAA-East Carolina University (ECU) partnership. The online program works out to approximately $1,000 per credit for ECU courses and $528 per credit for the UAA clinical training clinicals. The total tuition stands at $50,000-$55,000 which is well below Emerson College’s master’s program which costs approximately $78,000. The University of Washington lets Alaskans attend school at in-state tuition rates under the WICHE/WRGP program so your annual costs would drop from $45,000+ to $24,000. The most affordable online SLPD program for doctorates exists at Rocky Mountain University and totals around $40,840 which represents roughly half of the cost for Northwestern University’s SLPD program.
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