Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPPursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) in Indiana is great, because the state has accredited programs, a strong job market, and above average salaries. Some of the top in-state universities which include Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana University Bloomington and Ball State University have very high rates of passing the Praxis examination and excellent job placement. These programs are usually two years in length and involve classroom learning combined with clinical fieldwork. The state’s young programs, including those at IU South Bend and Purdue Fort Wayne, have recently achieved candidacy for accreditation, therefore the opportunities are only increasing.
In addition to the quality of education, the speech pathology market in Indiana is thriving. The need increases in schools, clinics, and hospitals owing to an aging population and more emphasis on early intervention. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development estimates that the number of SLP jobs will rise by more than 20% which is great news for the future job stability. Salaries are also nice. The median annual salary for SLPs in Indiana is $80,000-$85,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is a very good salary for this area. Along with good networking through the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association, relatively affordable in-state tuition and increasing clinical fellowship positions, Indiana is a great place to be a SLPA or a Speech Pathologist.
Explore the top-rated speech-language pathology programs in Indiana 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 Indiana for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Bloomington, IN - Public 4-Year - indiana.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-Bloomington's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year hybrid program preparing students for clinical practice. The program offers broad exposure to speech-language pathology, extensive clinical practicum in diverse settings, and eligibility for national certification and licensure in all 50 states. Graduates are prepared to diagnose and treat communication disorders and pursue careers nationwide. Clinical practice occurs at both IU and off-campus sites.
Concentration: Bilingual Track (Spanish-English) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bilingual Track (Spanish-English) within Indiana University-Bloomington's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology provides specialized training for bilingual speech-language pathologists. This two-year hybrid program offers extensive clinical experience, leading to national certification and licensure in all 50 states. Students gain advanced diagnostic and treatment skills for diverse populations, focusing on culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions. Clinical practicum sites are available in Bloomington and Indianapolis.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-Bloomington's Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology integrates clinical and research training, offering a streamlined path to ASHA certification. Applicants should have a defined research interest aligning with faculty expertise and must identify a potential mentor upon application. This program cultivates advanced clinical and research competence, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the field. It is ideal for students passionate about contributing to research while maintaining clinical practice skills.
West Lafayette, IN - Public 4-Year - purdue.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Purdue University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) is a prestigious program ranked #2 nationally, offering a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed to prepare students for professional practice. Located in West Lafayette, IN, the program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical training. Students benefit from supervised practicum experiences, meeting ASHA certification and state licensure requirements. With a focus on diagnosing and treating communication disorders across all age groups, graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare and educational settings. The program also offers multiple research opportunities and requires 25 observation hours, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ranked No. 2 by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) in West Lafayette, IN, is a leader in speech-language pathology education. This program is meticulously designed to fulfill all academic, clinical certification, licensure, and credentialing prerequisites. It combines in-depth coursework with hands-on clinical experiences in the M.D. Steer Clinics, focusing on communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Students engage in research and clinical practice under the guidance of experienced faculty, preparing them for impactful careers. The program's commitment to high-quality clinical education and its accreditation by CAA underscore its excellence in the field.
Muncie, IN - Public 4-Year - bsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Speech Pathology and Audiology program at Ball State University serves as a pre-professional undergraduate track for students targeting advanced studies in speech-language pathology or audiology. With a 67-credit major, it covers essential topics like speech sounds, acoustics, and anatomy, alongside hands-on clinical experience in an on-site audiology clinic. Accredited by the CAA, the program boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio and faculty of experienced professionals, preparing students for the growing demand in communication disorders careers.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ball State University's Master of Arts in Speech Pathology offers a rigorous 56-credit curriculum designed to prepare students for ASHA certification and professional practice. The program emphasizes clinical training in child language development, speech disorders, and neurogenic conditions, with extensive practicum and internship opportunities in schools and healthcare settings. Accredited by the CAA, it also qualifies graduates for an Indiana DOE teaching license. Highlights include advanced neurogenic disorder training and a professional issues course, ensuring a well-rounded education for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Notre Dame, IN - Private 4-year - saintmarys.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology at Saint Mary's College lays a solid foundation for future speech-language pathologists through a curriculum covering anatomy, language development, and clinical methods. This 42-43 credit hour program emphasizes practical experience with clinical practicums and observational training, preparing students for graduate studies or professional certification. Electives in communication disorders and advanced writing proficiency requirements further enrich the academic experience. Requires ACT/SAT.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Mary's College's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology is a CAA-accredited, two-year program offering a blend of rigorous academic coursework and extensive hands-on clinical experience. Students benefit from diverse clinical settings, including the on-campus Judd Leighton Clinic, preparing them for careers in healthcare and education. With a focus on serving patients of all ages, the program also offers a 4+1 accelerated option and an SLP Bridge Program. Graduates enter a growing field with an average starting salary of $64,000 and a 21% projected job market growth. The program supports students with career counseling and a NSSLHA chapter.
Angola, IN - Private 4-year - trine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trine University's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology is a 53-credit program that prepares students for professional excellence in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, the program integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practicum experiences. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, ensuring readiness for a variety of professional environments. The curriculum covers ethical standards, research methodologies, and leadership in the field, culminating in a capstone and externship. This CAA Candidate Program is designed for those seeking to make a significant impact in speech-language pathology. Requires GRE.
South Bend, IN - Public 4-Year - iusb.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-South Bend's Speech Language Pathology program is designed for undergraduates aiming to enter the high-demand field of communication disorders. This program provides a solid foundation in speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders, preparing students for further graduate study or roles as Speech Language Pathology Assistants. With a curriculum that spans the spectrum of communication disorders, students are well-equipped for careers in various settings, including special education and early intervention. The program is noted for its potential to lead to high job satisfaction and diverse career opportunities in healthcare. Requires ACT/SAT.
Fort Wayne, IN - Public 4-Year - pfw.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Purdue University Fort Wayne offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology designed for students aiming to excel in the field of communication disorders. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences across various settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address a wide range of speech and language challenges. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and specific prerequisite courses, with the program notably not requiring GRE scores for application. The program is a candidate for CAA Accreditation, highlighting its commitment to high standards in speech-language pathology education. With an application deadline of January 15, it offers a pathway for students to begin their journey towards making a significant impact in healthcare. Program highlights include a two-application process, virtual and in-person interviews, and the necessity of a background check, ensuring a thorough evaluation of candidates.
Angola, IN - Private 4-year - trine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trine University offers a robust Speech Language Pathology program designed for students aiming to excel in the healthcare sector. With a curriculum that spans a wide range of communication disorders, the program stands out for its emphasis on clinical skills and hands-on experience. Students benefit from multiple practicum levels, focusing on areas such as articulation, language development, and specialized interventions. The blend of academic rigor and clinical training prepares graduates to tackle diverse communication challenges effectively. Highlights include comprehensive coverage of speech disorders, advanced study in communication disorders, and specialized training in augmentative communication techniques and motor speech disorders.
In Indiana, the base degree for practice or further study is a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (sometimes referred to as ‘Pre-SLP’) which prepares students for graduate study in clinical or research focused programs or for roles such as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), healthcare aide, or in rehabilitation support. The usual undergraduate admissions requirements in Indiana are having a high school diploma or GED, satisfactory ACT or SAT scores and a good GPA. However, a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is needed to obtain a license as a Speech Pathologist.
Most Indiana SLP master’s degree programs at Ball State, Purdue, and Indiana University, for instance, demand a bachelor’s degree in CSD or completion of specified coursework, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, letters of recommendation, and, optionally, GRE scores. Four year tuition for a bachelor’s at public Indiana universities is quite reasonable; however, you will be paying for it; master’s students are typically charged more per credit hour but are done in two years. Many universities provide assistantships or scholarships that can help cover the costs. With a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology, the entry-level wages may be lower (usually $30,000 – $45,000 as an assistant or in support roles) whereas speech pathologists with a license in Indiana earn a median salary of $80,000 to $85,000. If there is no dedicated SLP bachelor’s degree, it is still possible to get into an Indiana graduate SLP program through a different major (say, psychology or linguistics) and then take the necessary preparation courses.
Two primary doctorate pathways in Speech-Language Pathology in Indiana are the PhD and the clinical Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). At this time, Indiana’s PhD programs—provided by universities such as Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University West Lafayette—focus on research, academia, and leadership. These programs are for individuals who have a master’s degree (or, in some cases, a bachelor’s degree and bridging courses) and a good academic record (often a 3.5 or above), GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a faculty research match. PhD graduates are likely to work in university teaching, clinical research or administrative leadership in healthcare organizations.
The SLPD is a new clinical doctorate for practicing clinicians seeking advanced expertise and leadership, but as of now, Indiana universities do not offer a dedicated SLPD program widely. Clinicians interested in a clinical doctorate usually search for out-of-state or online SLPD programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. The usual SLPD admissions are: SLP master’s degree, current state license, clinical certification, and plenty of working experience. Roles for SLPDs include; high level clinical positions, clinical supervision, and program development. When it comes to costs, PhD candidates in Indiana are able to pay for their tuition through research or teaching assistantships, whereas SLPD students—many of whom are part time—may have to pay more tuition but can work. Doctoral level salaries are more than $90,000 in academia or advanced practice because these degrees come with specialized skills and leadership positions.
To become a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) in Indiana one must have at least a master’s degree in speech language pathology from an accredited university and 400 hours of clinical practice. After graduation, prospective clinicians have to finish a full time, 9 month Clinical Fellowship (CF) or equivalent in parts. This is done under the supervision of a licensed SLP. A prerequisite is the Praxis exam in speech pathology, for which a passing score is needed, as well as the Indiana jurisprudence examination, which consists of questions about state specific laws and regulations. The documents that are to be submitted to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency include proof of education, clinical hours, CF completion, exam scores, and any fees that are required. Once licensed, SLPs must renew every two years and complete continuing education (CE). During that 2 year cycle, Speech-language pathologists must complete 36 CE credits to stay current in their knowledge of the speech pathology field.
Some of the additional credentials that Indiana licensees will find have similar requirements to Indiana licensure include the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This makes it easy to get dual credentialing in Indiana. For the position of speech language pathology assistants (SLPAs), communication sciences and disorders (CSD) bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is a must, and they should have 100 hours of clinical experience which they have to obtain while working under the supervision of a licensed SLP. To ensure that the state of Indiana has a highly skilled and capable speech pathologist workforce that can meet the needs of the diverse population, it is important to follow these requirements.
In Indiana, the fastest track to an SLP career depends on the availability of accelerated bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which is followed by a standard two-year master’s in speech-language pathology. Most undergraduates can finish a full time bachelor’s program in four years, though some schools offer accelerated “3+1” or “4+1” pathways. For instance, Saint Mary’s College has a “4+1” option, which allows the student to move seamlessly from the bachelor’s degree to the master’s degree level, and to receive both degrees in five years. This pathway minimizes the total time in school and lets you obtain your license sooner.
Most CAA-accredited master’s programs in Indiana, and indeed across the U.S., are two years in length, or five or six semesters including summers, in the same way that Purdue University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Ball State University structure theirs. This means that if you are coming from a different bachelor’s degree you might have to take leveling courses which will set you back another year. Some institutions offer combined master’s/PhD tracks at the doctoral level, which enables research-active clinicians to achieve both degrees in a slightly shortened time than if they were to seek them separately. Although this is longer than a standalone master’s, it fast tracks your progression to higher level positions in research or academia. In the end, it is important to find a program that can help you minimize prerequisites and maximize the overlap of courses to determine the fastest speech pathology route in Indiana.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Indiana University-Bloomington |
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| Purdue University-Main Campus |
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| Saint Mary's College |
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The cheapest SLP programs in Indiana are usually offered by public universities where the in-state tuition is usually cheaper than that of private universities. The undergraduates who are studying Communication Sciences and Disorders are charged $400-600 per credit by Ball State University, Indiana State University and Indiana University Bloomington as an in-state student. This could amount to something between $25,000 and $35,000 in tuition over four years, but does not include other expenses such as living costs. For instance, private colleges (e.g., Saint Mary’s) can be more than $60,000 for the entire program but you might be able to get scholarships and grants to offset the cost.
Graduate students looking to study speech-language pathology will also find that public universities offer in-state tuition that can put the total cost of the 50-60 credit master’s program at $25,000-$35,000. These graduate programs can be particularly affordable if the student is able to get a graduate assistantship or departmental fellowship. Private colleges’ tuition is usually higher but many of them offer institutional aid that can minimize the cost.
A PhD in speech pathology at research universities like Purdue or Indiana University could be almost free if you get tuition remission, stipend, or TAship. This can make a doctoral degree surprisingly affordable if the plan is to be a researcher or an academic. In the end, comparing in-state tuition, scholarships, assistantships, and the cost of living helps future students identify the most economical way in Indiana.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Indiana University-Bloomington |
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| Purdue University-Main Campus |
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| Indiana University-South Bend |
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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
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