Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Alexandra Turner, M.A., CCC‑SLPKentucky is a good choice to pursue a Speech pathology career as it has a strong job market and low costs of living. There are several accredited programs in the state; these include the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University and the University of Louisville and a hybrid program at Brescia University. These programs provide challenging learning, practical clinical practice and accreditation by ASHA. The job market for SLPs in Kentucky is growing; it has particularly good prospects in schools, hospitals and private practices. Pediatrics and population aging are leading to steady demand.
Salaries are often in the upper 50s for new graduates and 80s for experienced clinicians. The mean is about $81,000, which goes further due to the state’s relatively low cost of living. Some schools also offer online speech language pathology degrees or hybrid degrees, so students can stay in Kentucky and take their courses. Even in rural areas, there are opportunities, and telepractice is becoming more popular. Kentucky has a friendly population and beautiful scenery, which only enhances its attractiveness as a place to study and practice. In sum, a career as an SLP here offers decent wages, enriching experiences, and a congenial environment, thus, Kentucky is a good choice for building a career in this exciting profession.
Looking for the best SLP programs in Kentucky? peechpathology.org ranks top speech-language pathology 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 Kentucky. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kentucky's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a CAA-accredited program designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists. It offers two tracks: a 2-Year program for communication disorders graduates and a 3-Year option for those from other fields, both leading to national certification and state licensure eligibility. With a January 15 deadline, applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum, including prerequisites for non-majors, and opportunities to engage through virtual and in-person open houses. Highlights include competitive admissions, full-time study requirements, and the option for graduate-level courses. Requires GRE.
Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Louisville's Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with Speech-Language Pathology concentration offers an innovative pathway for aspiring speech professionals. Starting Fall 2025, this program within the School of Medicine provides comprehensive academic training and clinical experiences. Students explore a wide range of communication disorders, preparing for diverse clinical interactions. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, positioning graduates for successful entry into speech-language pathology careers. Located in Louisville, KY, the program features competitive admissions and accessible costs, making advanced communication sciences education attainable for motivated students.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisville's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a rigorous, ASHA-accredited program combining advanced academic training and comprehensive clinical experiences. Designed to prepare professionals for complex communication challenges, the curriculum emphasizes cultural diversity, ethical service, and cutting-edge diagnostic techniques. Students engage with varied clinical populations, developing skills across multiple disorder spectrums. The program's innovative approach integrates latest technology and multicultural perspectives, ensuring graduates are equipped to deliver exceptional patient care. Strategic partnerships with community settings provide extensive practicum opportunities, enabling students to transform theoretical knowledge into practical expertise in speech-language pathology.
Bowling Green, KY - Public 4-Year - wku.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Kentucky University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a campus-based program designed to equip students with the expertise to tackle communication disorders in various environments. Accredited by the CAA, it adheres to ASHA standards, preparing graduates for certification and licensure. The curriculum spans 60 semester hours, including 400 clinical experience hours, and offers both thesis and non-thesis options. With a focus on extensive disorder-specific courses and research methodology, students are prepared for careers in diverse settings. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. Highlights include comprehensive clinical training and exposure to multiple clinical settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Kentucky University provides an online Master of Science in Communication Disorders, offering flexibility for students aiming to become speech pathologists. This 60-credit hour program includes a 6-week summer internship and is accredited by ASHA, ensuring it meets national certification and state licensure standards. Applications are due in February. The program is tailored for those seeking to address communication disorders across various clinical settings, with a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers in speech pathology. Highlights include online program flexibility and preparation for diverse clinical environments.
Murray, KY - Public 4-Year - murraystate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Murray State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology delivers an immersive five-semester educational experience blending intensive academic training with comprehensive clinical practice. Students navigate a robust curriculum encompassing advanced communication disorders intervention strategies across diverse healthcare environments. The program's innovative hybrid model integrates rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on practicum opportunities in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. With flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, students develop critical professional skills while gaining practical expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication challenges. Graduates emerge as well-prepared, ethically grounded speech-language professionals ready for dynamic healthcare careers.
Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, designed for students aiming for careers in healthcare and education. This on-campus program delves into the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders, providing a comprehensive understanding of both normal speech development and disorder management. Graduates are well-prepared for positions as speech-language pathology assistants or for advancing to graduate studies. The program spans 120 credit hours, with in-state tuition priced at $5,010 per semester, and includes the benefit of free textbooks. Admission criteria include a 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 21, with the opportunity for transfer students to apply up to 90 credits towards their degree.
If you are wanting to become a speech-language pathologist in the state of Kentucky, then getting a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in CSD is a great way to get started toward the profession. To succeed as an undergrad you will most likely need a good high school GPA and ACT or SCT test scores, and a strong desire to assist people with communication disorders. An SLP bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) can help you find future career options, pave the way to graduate school.
The in-state tuition at public universities like Eastern Kentucky University or Western Kentucky University can be between $8,000 and $11,000 per year, which is relatively cheaper than many other states. A master’s degree in speech pathology is usually obtained after a CSD bachelor’s or its equivalent, letters of recommendation and a good GPA. Some programs also require the GRE or another standardized test score. Once you get a master’s, you can apply for the license as an SLP in Kentucky, where the average wage is approximately $81,000. That goes further here than in many areas due to a lower cost of living. There is a high demand for professionals in hospitals, schools, and clinics in both urban and rural areas. The University of Louisville or WKU provides hands-on clinical training to help students apply theory into practice. For research or higher-level positions, the University of Kentucky’s PhD program or out-of-state clinical doctorates can be good options.
If you wish to practice as a Doctor of Speech and Language (SLPD), there are no programs offered in Kentucky at this time, so you will have to look elsewhere. However, there is a PhD program in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences provided by the University of Kentucky. This program also covers areas of Communication Sciences and Disorders together with research methodology and advanced theory. The usual admission criteria entail having a master’s degree in a related field, a high cumulative GPA, recommendation letters, and a personal statement that outlines research interests.
For people who intend to teach at the college level or engage in independent research on language acquisition or neurological diseases, this PhD track is suitable. The expense is different, but the in-state tuition for doctoral students at the University of Kentucky can be up to $900 per credit without considering other charges or possible assistantships. A PhD leads to positions for academia, high-level clinical supervision, or management in healthcare companies. If you want a clinical doctorate, you’ll have to go out of state. There are SLPD tracks that are largely online and available to Kentucky residents through the likes of Northwestern University or Rocky Mountain University. The admissions criteria include a master’s in SLP, licensure, and some clinical practice. These programs are more oriented towards the advanced clinical and leadership aspects than research. An SLPD may result in higher-level clinical positions and may boost the salary for those who want to remain in direct patient contact.
To become a speech therapist in Kentucky requires obtaining a masters degree or higher from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA). Following graduation you must finish a professional experience (known as clinical fellowship) involving at least nine months of full time supervised practice (or an equivalent part time arrangement). Throughout this period of time you will need to possess a permit that permits you to work under guidance.
To become fully licensed as a Speech Language Pathologist in Kentucky after finishing your PPE and clearing the Praxis Examination in Speech Pathology – a national test, for licensure – you must apply for SLP licensure through the Kentucky Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.
Kentucky mandates that Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) to keep their licenses active must fulfill 30 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs ) every two years to ensure they are knowledgeable about the practices in the industry.
Speech pathologists aiming for certification can opt for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC SLP) offered by ASHA organization though not mandatory for state licensing purposes it can improve employment opportunities and fulfill criteria for positions, in specific educational or healthcare environments.
In Kentucky the speediest SLP programs differ based on the level of degree pursued. A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) usually requires four years of full time study to complete successfully. Certain students expedite this process by enrolling in summer classes or obtaining college credits during school. Universities such as Western Kentucky University (WKI ) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKI ) provide undergraduate curricula that ready students for advanced studies.
Earning a masters degree in Speech Language Pathology (SLF) necessary for obtaining a license typically involves a full time commitment for two years (24 months). Nonetheless some programs provide accelerated paths to completion. In particular, Baylor University’s online SLP program is available to residents of Kentucky. It can be finished in 20 months through a year round academic calendar. Western Kentucky University (WKY)’ online masters program allows students to study remotely and offers flexibility within the usual two year completion timeframe.
In Kentucky now there aren’t any programs that allow you to go straight from a bachelors to a masters degree or from a masters to a doctorate (SLPD or PhD). This means students have to finish each degree one after the other if they want to pursue education in these fields. If you’re thinking about getting a speech pathology degree, the PhD program in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, at the University of Kentucky usually takes around four to six years depending on how your research is going. While there isn’t a doctorate in speech language pathology (SLPD ) available locally, you can pursue SLPD programs offered by out of state universities that typically take around two to three years to complete.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Kentucky |
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| University of Louisville |
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| Murray State University |
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Kentucky provides cost effective choices for students focusing on a speech language pathology (SLP) degree program. If you are interested in pursuing a bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)then you should check out institutions such as Eastern Kentucky University (EKUP), Western Kentucky University (WKUP), and Murray State University for some of the most budget friendly tuition fees available. In general paying between $8000 to $11000 per year is common among in-state students making Kentucky stand out as one of the affordable states, for undergraduate SLP studies.
When pursuing a masters degree for obtaining a license in the field of Communication Disorders at public universities is considered the most cost effective option at ECU and WKCU for in state students respectively around $530 per credit and $40k for the full program on campus while WKCUs online program is priced slightly higher at $45k with the advantage of flexible online SLP classes offered. Additionally Murray State University provides a viable option with an in state tuition fee of approximately $37k, for their graduate program.
For individuals working towards a PhD degree in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences from the University of Kentucky; the tuition is around $900 per credit hour with financial aid available through assistantships programs offered by the university itself. The state of Kentucky does not provide a Doctor of Speech Language Pathology (SLPD) program; however there are programs from out of state institutions that can cost between $50k to $80k for completion. Opting for a masters program within Kentucky is considered the cost effective route for those aiming to pursue a career as a Speech Language Pathologist.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville |
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| Murray State University |
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| Western Kentucky University |
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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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