Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Benjamin Thompson, M.S., CCC‑SLPWhen thinking about starting a career in speech-language pathology, Ohio may not be the first state that comes to mind, but it might just surprise you with its charms and opportunities. Ohio isn’t just a collection of bustling cities like Columbus or Cleveland—it’s a place where SLP programs are thriving while also fostering a strong connection to the community. Ohio boasts some outstanding programs at institutions such as Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and The University of Akron, so no matter what your learning style is preferring the energy of campus classroom, flexibility of online speech pathology degree or both.
The career landscape here is a huge benefit. The SLP job market in Ohio is expected to grow by 29% from 2020-2030 which is significantly higher than many other professions or this same profession in other states. This is a chance to make a difference in schools, hospitals, or clinics, helping kids with their words or helping adults to regain their confidence. You can expect to earn $90,830 annually which is not bad for a state with a reasonable cost of living. Ohio is a sensible route to a satisfying profession that is based on real-life change, unlike some states with sky high tuition or competitive markets.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Ohio? 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 Ohio. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology through a hybrid program, blending online coursework with in-person clinical practicums. This three-year part-time program is designed for working professionals, focusing on diagnosing and treating communication disorders in various settings. It requires a 4-hour driving distance for clinical practicums and is CAA accredited, preparing graduates for state licensure and diverse career opportunities in hospitals, schools, and private practices. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, the Speech-Language Pathology program provides a flexible online Master's degree combined with hands-on clinical practicum. Tailored for working professionals, this part-time, three-year curriculum emphasizes advanced skills in language, hearing, and swallowing interventions. The program is CAA accredited and prepares students for ASHA certification, with clinical settings including hospitals and schools. A 4-hour driving distance is required for practicums. This master's level program does not specify an entrance exam requirement.
Concentration: Healthcare or Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati-Main Campus introduces a Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD), a fully online program starting in 2026, with concentrations in healthcare or education. Designed for practicing SLPs, it focuses on leadership, advanced clinical practice, and research application. The part-time program prepares graduates for leadership roles in diverse settings like hospitals, schools, and private practice. Admission prerequisites are required, but the program does not specify an entrance exam for this doctorate level.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Launching in 2026, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) is an online program offering healthcare or education tracks. Aimed at practicing clinicians, it emphasizes leadership, clinical problem-solving, and research application. The part-time format is ideal for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in speech-language pathology. Admission requires meeting specific prerequisites, with no mention of an entrance exam for this doctorate level program.
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron Main Campus offers an undergraduate program in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, providing foundational knowledge in communication sciences. With flexible learning options including in-person, hybrid, and online courses, students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Arts - Tagged degree. The program features an accelerated pathway for eligible students to complete graduate coursework simultaneously, offering a head start in their professional journey. Small class sizes and an ASHA-aligned curriculum ensure a quality education for aspiring speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron Main Campus provides a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation of The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This program offers both traditional on-campus and collaborative distance learning options, designed to prepare students for professional licensure in Ohio. With a focus on comprehensive training, the program ensures graduates meet high professional standards. The distance learning option, a collaboration with the University of Cincinnati, offers flexibility for students across the nation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality education in speech-language pathology.
Concentration: Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC), the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Akron Main Campus offers in-depth training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The program stands out for its specialized tracks, hands-on practica, and internships, preparing students for licensure and ASHA certification. Emphasizing evidence-based practices and interprofessional collaboration, it integrates technology in service delivery. Admission is competitive, with financial assistance available for qualified students, making it ideal for those aiming for advanced expertise in speech-language pathology with a focus on AAC.
Concentration: Neurogenic Disorders of Communication and Swallowing - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in Neurogenic Disorders of Communication and Swallowing. This program provides rigorous training through both traditional on-campus and distance learning options, preparing students for ASHA certification. Specializing in neurogenic disorders enhances graduates' marketability, combining intensive coursework with practical experiences. The program is designed for those seeking a dynamic healthcare career, offering a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with advanced clinical skills in speech-language pathology.
Online Learning - Visit Website
A collaborative distance learning Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is offered by the University of Akron Main Campus in partnership with the University of Cincinnati. This fully online program allows students nationwide to earn their degree without campus residency requirements, featuring clinical placements near their hometown. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexibility with asynchronous course delivery and starts annually in January. It's an excellent option for those seeking advanced speech pathology training with the convenience of online learning.
Oxford, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Miami University-Oxford is a foundational program for aspiring professionals, requiring 63 semester hours. With courses in communication disorders and audiology, the program recommends a 3.0 GPA for graduate school preparation, offering electives and clinical experience in a campus-based setting.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Oxford's Master's in Speech-Language Pathology is tailored for future clinicians, offering a choice between a thesis-based MA or a research-focused MS track. Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, the program emphasizes pediatric, neurogenic, and medical speech pathology, preparing students for certification with a curriculum that blends academic rigor with clinical practice in diverse settings.
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Miami University-Oxford, the Speech-Language Pathology master's program stands out for its dual MA and MS tracks, both CAA-accredited. Designed for students with a background in speech pathology, the program focuses on communication disorders, offering clinical practicum hours and preparation for professional certification, with a minimum 3.4 major GPA requirement.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Oxford offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, emphasizing comprehensive disorder training and clinical practicum. The program, requiring a 3.4 major GPA, prepares students for professional certification through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, with options for thesis and non-thesis tracks.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Miami University-Oxford combines academic rigor with clinical experience, offering a thesis-based track. Accredited by the CAA, the program covers pediatric and neurogenic conditions, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 and 32 clinical practice hours for professional certification preparation.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Oxford's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides a blend of academic and clinical training, with options for thesis and non-thesis tracks. The CAA-accredited program focuses on pediatric and adult disorders, requiring a 3.2 GPA and 32 clinical practicum hours, preparing graduates for certification and clinical careers.
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio State University's PhD program in Speech-Language Science is tailored for aspiring researchers and professors, offering a flexible curriculum that spans psychology, linguistics, and statistics. With a focus on individualized academic paths, students engage in research across diverse settings, supported by dedicated faculty. This program, requiring no specified entrance exam, prepares graduates for significant contributions in academia and research, leveraging the university's resources including an on-campus hospital.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Ohio State University is a comprehensive two-year program designed to meet ASHA certification and Ohio licensure standards. Students gain early clinical exposure across all key practice areas, guided by esteemed faculty in Columbus's vibrant clinical landscape. Notably ranked #21 by U.S. News, the program boasts strong post-graduation employment outcomes and offers financial aid, with no entrance exam requirement, making it an accessible choice for future clinicians.
Cleveland, OH - Private 4-year - case.edu
Concentration: Communication Sciences - Campus Based - Visit Website
Case Western Reserve University's Doctor of Philosophy Program in Communication Sciences stands out for its rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to doctoral education. Tailored for those aiming to excel in research and academia, this program delves into speech perception, language disorders, and neurogenic communication issues. With a focus on small cohort sizes, students benefit from personalized mentorship, preparing them for impactful careers in universities, research hospitals, and clinical environments. The program does not explicitly mention an entrance exam requirement, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Its military-friendly status further underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence in communication sciences research.
Berea, OH - Private 4-year - bw.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baldwin Wallace University's Communication Sciences and Disorders program provides a solid foundation for students aiming for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. Offering both a traditional four-year track and an accelerated five-year B.S./M.S. track, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through the BW Speech Clinic. With a 95% graduate school acceptance rate, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty mentoring, students are well-prepared for advanced studies or professional practice. Admission is based on university standards, with no specific entrance exam mentioned, catering to a wide range of aspiring communication sciences professionals.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baldwin Wallace University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program stands out for its rigorous two-year curriculum that blends academic excellence with practical clinical experiences. Accredited by the CAA, the program boasts a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and employment record, highlighting its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. With a focus on evidence-based practices and technology-integrated learning, students benefit from diverse clinical placements and innovative teaching methods. The application deadline for fall 2025 is February 15, with no mention of an entrance exam requirement, making it an attractive option for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The 5 Year Integrated BS/MS Program in Speech-Language Pathology at Baldwin Wallace University offers a unique accelerated path to a master's degree, eliminating the need for the GRE. This program is designed for students seeking a comprehensive education in speech-language pathology, featuring 150 credit hours of study, clinical experiences with diverse populations, and a 100% Praxis exam pass rate. Starting graduate coursework in the fourth year, students can achieve significant tuition savings while preparing for a field with a 27% job growth projection. The program's CAA accreditation ensures high-quality education and training.
Athens, OH - Public 4-Year - ohio.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio University-Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, a two-year, ASHA-accredited program blending rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practice. Students benefit from access to over 250 externship sites, cutting-edge on-campus clinics, and the option to pursue teacher certification. The program emphasizes personalized supervision and a multicultural approach to prepare graduates for diverse professional settings. Notably, it does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on holistic applicant evaluation.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Speech-Language Science at Ohio University-Main Campus is tailored for those aiming at academic or research leadership. This competitive program offers full tuition coverage and stipends, requiring GRE scores for admission. With a 90-semester hour curriculum, students engage in mentored research, comprehensive exams, and dissertation work, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. A minimum 3.0 GPA and three recommendation letters are prerequisites, alongside a recommended campus interview for prospective candidates.
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
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The Speech Pathology and Audiology program at Kent State University at Kent is a pre-professional bachelor's degree that lays the groundwork for advanced studies in communication disorders. This program offers a blend of scientific coursework and clinical experience, covering topics from speech and language development to diagnostic techniques. With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that includes anatomy and neurology, students are well-prepared for graduate studies or careers in healthcare and education. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, and while the program serves as a pathway to master's and doctoral degrees, it does not specify an entrance exam requirement for the bachelor's level.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University at Kent offers a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology, a program designed to equip students with the expertise to diagnose and treat communication disorders. Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, this two-year, on-campus program combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practicum experiences. Students are prepared for ASHA certification, with the curriculum covering a wide range of communication disorders. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with a priority application deadline of January 15. The program does not explicitly mention an entrance exam requirement, focusing instead on a comprehensive education that leads to high-demand careers in speech pathology.
Toledo, OH - Public 4-Year - utoledo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Offering a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, the University of Toledo provides a foundational undergraduate program with early clinical practicum experience, aligning with ASHA standards. Students gain approximately 25 practicum hours, preparing them for graduate studies and careers in communication disorders. The program, established since 1969, requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission but does not specify the need for ACT or SAT scores. With around 150 undergraduate majors, it boasts a strong curriculum designed for entry-level competence, supported by diverse clinical placements and an average starting salary of $50,000 for graduates.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Toledo's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a five-semester program that equips students with over 550 hours of clinical practicum, preparing them for national certification and state licensure. With a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $58,000, graduates are ready for diverse settings including healthcare and schools. The program features ASHA-certified faculty, national accreditation, and flexible part-time options, alongside unique opportunities like specialty summer training and hands-on patient training. Admission does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a wide range of prospective students.
Bowling Green, OH - Public 4-Year - bgsu.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bowling Green State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a CAA-accredited program that blends rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training. Designed for aspiring speech-language professionals, the two-year program includes practica every semester and a full-time externship, ensuring hands-on experience in diverse settings. With a focus on meeting ASHA certification standards, the program requires a minimum 3.00 GPA for admission and has a December 15 application deadline. It's ideal for students seeking comprehensive preparation for entry-level practice in speech-language pathology across various clinical environments.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Bowling Green State University, with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology, is tailored for students aiming for advanced research and teaching roles. This student-centered program emphasizes individualized curriculum planning, close faculty supervision, and a strong focus on research methodologies and information dissemination. Applicants need a robust academic background, with a December 15th deadline for submissions. The program offers funding opportunities and prepares graduates for leadership positions in the field, focusing on both normal and disordered speech and language processes.
The bachelor’s degree in speech pathology is available at universities such as Ohio University or Kent State University, and it is the foundation course, the introductory course that does not commit one fully to the field. To be eligible to apply, one must have a high school diploma, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and interest in the speech pathology field. It is four years and after that, you can get a job as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) helping licensed experts in therapy sessions.
But if you are ready to step up, a master’s degree in speech-language pathology is where the real work begins. The Ohio State University and University of Cincinnati provide programs that are accredited by the Council of Academic and Clinical Practice (CACREP) and prepare one to be a SLP and get a license. To be admitted, one must have a bachelor’s degree (communication disorders are preferred but others are acceptable with more courses), a 3.0 GPA, and for some, the GRE scores and then there is the personal statement. You will be ready in about two years to work on your own—as a school speech-language pathologist, helping a child with autism communicate, or in a hospital, assisting a stroke patient.
If your sights are set higher, maybe on shaping the future of speech pathology through research or advanced practice, SLP doctorate degrees come into play. Ohio University offers a PhD in speech-language science, perfect if you’re the type who loves diving into studies and exploring how language develops in kids with hearing loss. Getting in takes a master’s degree, strong GRE scores, and a clear research vision, often through their combined MA-PhD track. Finish it, and you could be a university professor or a research lead, pulling in $100,000 or more annually in academia or specialized roles.
Ohio doesn’t offer a SLPD in-state at this time. This clinical doctorate is for those who want to master hands-on skills, maybe leading a clinic or consulting on tough cases. You’d need similar credentials to a PhD, plus a focus on clinical chops. Without one in Ohio, you’re looking at online programs from places like Nova Southeastern University, where tuition might run $40,000 to $60,000 total, and earnings could hit $90,000 to $100,000 as a clinical director.
The PhD at Ohio University is more affordable for in-state folks—around $34,000 to $50,000 total, based on credit costs—but out-of-state jumps higher. If you’re torn, Ohio’s PhD is your local gem; for SLPD, you’ll need to venture online or out of state.
There is a structured process of aligning to state requirements and national standards to ensure that professionals who are to serve in their communities are properly prepared.
The candidates must have a master’s degree from an accredited program, a degree easily obtainable from Ohio’s universities, and then a nine month clinical fellowship supervised by a clinician. This fellowship consists of 36 weeks of full time work at 30 hours per week or 72 weeks of part time work at 15 hours per week; this is important for the practical application of the knowledge acquired. Successful Praxis examination scores are also required prior to applying for licensure through the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board. Additionally, speech-language pathologists are required to have 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours of ethics, to keep their license active.
In addition to state licensure, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) for SLPs, which requires a master’s degree, clinical fellowship, and passing the Praxis exam, which allows the licensee to practice across state lines.
Ohio does not have a separate licensure category for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs), but in Ohio, individuals with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent can work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist to help with therapy and support services. For SLPAs, ASHA offers the Assistants Certification (C-SLPA), which requires at least 100 hours of clinical experience supervised by a certified SLPA and certain coursework to increase the assistant’s status in the field.
The length of SLP programs in Ohio is planned to be optimal for gaining theoretical and practical knowledge without extending the learning process longer than necessary. The bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, which is offered at Miami University or Bowling Green State University, is a four-year course. This program offers an all-round learning of the field to enable the graduates to join advanced studies or low level support positions.
Graduate level programs, master’s programs offered by The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and The University of Akron are offered for two years on a full-time basis, that is six semesters of learning and clinical practice. These speech pathology programs are designed for the purpose of meeting the licensure requirements in the shortest period of time possible so that students are well prepared to practice on their own.
Ohio University’s PhD program in speech-language science is one that is offered for individuals wishing to carry out research and the length of the program is three to five years because of the depth of the study. The two-year master’s timeline is the fastest SLP degree path to licensure and starting the career, without overriding the need for comprehensive training in the field.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Akron Main Campus |
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| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus |
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| Ohio State University-Main Campus |
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Affordability is one of the important factors that students should consider when choosing a speech-language pathology (SLP) program and Ohio has affordable speech pathology degree options at all degree levels. Kent State University offers a good starting point with an annual in-state tuition fee of $12,000 which means that the total cost of attendance for four years is $48,000. This is a good start to get a good academic foundation, or to move into entry level positions in the field. The University of Akron is especially affordable, especially for the master’s degree which it offers through its online program in partnership with the University of Cincinnati.
The in-state tuition fee is $27,750 for 60 credit hours while the out-of-state students pay an additional $60, making the total tuition fee $27,810. This is a reasonable price for out-of-state students who need flexibility. OSU’s master’s program is $38,670 for in-state students over two years, out-of-state tuition is $125,187, which is considerably higher than other public universities because of its comprehensive campus and urban location.
Ohio University’s master’s program is in between the two previous programs as it has an in-state cost of $34,980 for 60 credit hours, and its PhD program, the only doctoral program offered in-state, is between $35,000 and $50,000 depending on credit hours. There are no SLP-D programs offered in Ohio so students must look for them elsewhere in the country. Among these options, The University of Akron’s master’s program is particularly affordable, especially for non-residents, and provides a quality education at a price that is manageable for someone starting out in this rewarding profession of speech-language pathology.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Akron Main Campus |
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| Ohio State University-Main Campus |
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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
If you have ever been researching speech-language pathology careers and come across the words ‘speech pathologist’ and ‘speech therapist’, you might wonder if they are
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
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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