Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPFor those interested in pursuing a top-ranked speech pathology degree, Pennsylvania presents a strong case based on academic quality and future job prospects. What makes Pennsylvania special is the opportunity to practice in diverse professional settings, ranging from innovative medical facilities in Philadelphia to limited resources in rural areas and schools across the state, which prepare graduates for different career directions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data, Pennsylvania employed 6,860 SLPs with a mean annual wage of $88,790, just shy of the national median of $89,290. However, the state’s top 10% earn over $121,950, reflecting robust earning potential. According to the BLS, the demand for speech-language pathologists is increasing nationally by 18% from 2023-2033, with 13,700 annual jobs being created; however, the demographics of the state—especially the aging population and the need for education—enhance this trend in Pennsylvania.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Pennsylvania? 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 Pennsylvania. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Scranton, PA - Private 4-year - scranton.edu
Concentration: Healthcare Specialization - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Scranton offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a Healthcare Specialization, delivered online. This 63-73 credit hour program is designed to equip students with the skills to address communication disorders across diverse populations, adhering to 2020 CCC Standards and is a candidate for CAA Accreditation. Emphasizing a Jesuit pedagogical approach, it focuses on person-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice, integrating technology and offering clinical rotation opportunities to prepare graduates for impactful careers in speech and language healthcare. 'Requires GRE'
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Scranton's online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program provides a robust curriculum of 63-73 credit hours, focusing on evidence-based practice and cultural competence. Rooted in Jesuit traditions, it prepares students for professional roles by meeting national certification standards and emphasizing person-centered care. The program, a candidate for CAA Accreditation, includes summer clinical rotations and culturally responsive training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to serve individuals with communication disorders. 'Requires GRE'
Philadelphia, PA - Public 4-Year - temple.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Temple University's Master of Arts in Speech, Language and Hearing Science cultivates skilled speech-language pathologists. Students gain proficiency in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders across diverse populations. The program offers extensive clinical placements at over 80 sites, features expert faculty, and flexible 2-3 year completion timelines. Graduates are prepared for ASHA certification and diverse clinical settings. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and provides a thesis research option.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology with emphasis in adult language disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
Temple University's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, specializing in adult language disorders, prepares scholars for leadership in research and academia. This program emphasizes rigorous research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions like Temple University Hospital. Students explore the complexities of adult language disorders, engaging in advanced research. Competitive assistantships are available, and the program can be completed in 7 years.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology with emphasis in child language and literacy development and disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
Temple University's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, specializing in child language and literacy development and disorders, prepares future leaders in the field. The program blends coursework in psycholinguistics and biostatistics with specialized electives, offering interdisciplinary study opportunities. Students gain experience through affiliations with leading institutions and a focus on original research. The program offers full or part-time options with a 7-year completion limit.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology with emphasis in motor speech - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on motor speech, Temple University's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for leadership roles in research, teaching, and clinical practice. The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates electives in biostatistics, education, and psychology, complemented by affiliations with leading institutions. This program emphasizes original research, offering full- or part-time study options and assistantships for eligible candidates. A bachelor's degree and statistics coursework are prerequisites.
Pittsburgh, PA - Public 4-Year - pitt.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers a Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. This 60-credit program is designed for students aiming to excel in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. It features a blend of rigorous coursework and practical training across various clinical settings, including hospitals and schools. With options for thesis and non-thesis tracks, as well as school certification, students can customize their learning to fit their career aspirations. Highlights include over 100 community-based practicum sites and a curriculum covering pediatric and neurogenic disorders. 'Requires GRE'.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, the Master of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders with a focus on Speech-Language Pathology prepares students for impactful careers in the field. This program stands out for its extensive clinical training, offering students the opportunity to work in over 100 community-based sites. The 60-credit curriculum is designed to equip graduates with advanced skills in assessment and intervention, readying them for work in diverse settings. Options include a thesis track and a pathway to school certification. 'Requires GRE'.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - sju.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Saint Joseph's University equips undergraduates for future success in speech-language pathology. Offering a broad curriculum that covers linguistics, speech development, and disorders, the program stands out for its articulation agreement with Salus University, facilitating graduate study preparation. Students benefit from 25 required observation hours and instruction by active practitioners. Located in Philadelphia, the program combines a liberal arts foundation with specialized courses, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in schools, hospitals, and private practice. Highlights include preparation for graduate school, diverse course offerings, and faculty who are active practitioners.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's University provides a distinctive 4+2 Master's pathway in Speech-Language Pathology, in partnership with Salus University. This program is tailored for students aiming for a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. With a rigorous 120-credit Pre-SLP curriculum and a required 3.5 GPA, students can directly enter Salus University's master's program. This pathway emphasizes a linguistics concentration within the SLP major, offering a structured two-phase educational journey from bachelor's to master's level. Highlights include a focused curriculum, direct graduate school entry, and a linguistics SLP major concentration.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - jefferson.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 60-credit, two-year graduate program located on the Center City campus. It prepares students for CCC certification and state licensure, offering a strong interprofessional rehabilitation focus. With multiple clinical practicum experiences and advanced clinical specialization options, students benefit from an on-campus Clinical Skills Center. The program emphasizes preparing graduates for diverse professional settings and specialized clinical fellowships, starting in the fall semester. 'No GRE Required'.
Concentration: voice and swallowing - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on voice and swallowing, Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year, 60-credit program. Located on the Center City campus, it offers full-time enrollment starting in the fall. The program prepares students for CCC certification and licensure, featuring a clinical skills simulation center and interprofessional rehabilitation focus. With multiple clinical practicum experiences and advanced medical specialization opportunities, it's a candidate for CAA accreditation. 'No GRE Required'.
Concentration: medical/rehabilitation setting - Campus Based - Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in medical/rehabilitation setting is a rigorous two-year, 60-credit program. It offers a full-time cohort format on the Center City campus, preparing students for CCC certification and state licensure in PA/NJ/DE. The program includes three part-time and one full-time practicum, an interprofessional rehabilitation focus, and a Clinical Skills Simulation Center, with advanced medical specialization options. 'No GRE Required'.
Bethlehem, PA - Private 4-year - moravian.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Moravian University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a two-year, full-time program that immerses students in a problem-based learning environment. This program stands out for its interprofessional education focus, preparing students to address communication and swallowing disorders across diverse populations. With a curriculum rich in interactive case studies and collaborative healthcare training, graduates are well-equipped for clinical and healthcare settings. The program emphasizes culturally responsive learning within a small group setting, fostering a personalized educational experience. Highlights include a comprehensive approach to speech-language pathology, ensuring students are ready for the challenges of the profession.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate (SLPD) at Moravian University is an innovative hybrid program tailored for working clinicians aiming to advance their careers. Spanning five semesters, this program combines online coursework with a three-day summer residency, offering flexibility without compromising depth. Focused on research, clinical excellence, and leadership, the SLPD program includes one-on-one mentorship and an option to pursue a dual SLPD-MBA. Priced at $33,600, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to lead and innovate in speech-language pathology. Unique features include individualized career support and a curriculum designed for scholar-practitioners.
University Park, PA - Public 4-Year - psu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pennsylvania State University's Master of Science in Speech Pathology stands out as a comprehensive five-semester program preparing future speech-language professionals. Students receive rigorous academic training coupled with extensive clinical experiences across diverse communication disorder settings. The curriculum strategically balances theoretical knowledge with practical skill development, ensuring graduates meet ASHA certification standards and Pennsylvania state licensure requirements. Featuring nationally recognized faculty and robust research opportunities, the program cultivates advanced clinical competencies and critical analytical skills essential for professional excellence in speech-language pathology.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Penn State's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a specialized Speech-Language Pathology concentration represents an advanced academic pathway for research-oriented professionals. This comprehensive doctoral program integrates cutting-edge theoretical frameworks with sophisticated clinical training, preparing students for leadership roles in academia, research, and specialized clinical practice. Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, the curriculum emphasizes innovative approaches to understanding and treating speech and language disorders, providing comprehensive research methodologies and clinical intervention strategies.
Doylestown, PA - Private 4-year - delval.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Delaware Valley University offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, tailored for those seeking a career shift or advancement in this high-demand field. This 20-month program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance studies with personal commitments while gaining essential clinical experience. It's designed to equip graduates with the skills needed for a profession witnessing a 25% growth rate, offering a median salary over $80,000. The program boasts a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention, and is open to applicants from any bachelor's background. Currently a candidate for CAA accreditation, it emphasizes practical learning through multi-modal courses and clinical placements. Highlights include '100% Online Program', 'Completes in 20 months', and 'No GRE Required'.
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - duq.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Duquesne University's accelerated five-year Speech-Language Pathology program offers a unique pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree without the need to reapply for graduate studies or take the GRE. This program features six semesters of clinical experience, state-of-the-art facilities, and a 100% Praxis exam pass rate. With direct entry into the graduate phase, students benefit from diverse externship opportunities and comprehensive clinical preparation, leading to high employment rates within six months post-graduation. The program is ideal for students seeking an efficient and immersive education in speech-language pathology.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Duquesne University's MS in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year, campus-based program designed to equip students with the skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of communication disorders. With a curriculum spanning 71-72 credits, the program boasts a 100% pass rate on the ASHA exam and a 100% employment rate within one year of graduation. Students engage in comprehensive clinical training across pediatric and adult populations, with an optional thesis research opportunity. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission and meets all state licensure requirements, ensuring graduates are ready for professional practice.
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
Concentration: Bilingual Emphasis - Campus Based - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with a Bilingual Emphasis, designed for students aiming to excel in communication disorders. This ASHA-accredited program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with a focus on bilingual speech-language pathology. The program boasts a 100% graduate employment rate, prepares students for ASHA certification, and offers doctoral pathway options. With a bilingual emphasis course sequence, graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations in various professional settings.
Concentration: Bilingual Emphasis Course Sequence (BECS) - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania features a Bilingual Emphasis Course Sequence (BECS), targeting students interested in serving Spanish-English bilingual populations. This specialized program includes advanced coursework, clinical practica with bilingual clients, and elective bilingual courses, ensuring graduates are adept at addressing linguistic and communication challenges. With school and medical clinical affiliations, students receive specialized clinical supervision. The program requires a minimum grade of B and provides BECS completion documentation, equipping graduates with the skills needed for successful careers in bilingual speech-language pathology.
For those considering a Bachelor’s in speech pathology and Master’s in Pennsylvania, the decision depends on career plans and the initial level of study, as the state has certain features that make it different from other states. A Bachelor’s degree—this is four-year education, 120 credits—is an introduction to communication sciences and disorders; such programs are offered by Penn State or West Chester University and cost $650-$700 per credit in-state or $1,200-$1,350 out-of-state.
The early contact with the field is a significant advantage of the state due to its location close to a large number of clinical sites, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This availability helps undergrads see SLPs work in hospitals, schools, and even rural areas, than in other states with limited possibilities. The state has a strong employment market with 6,860 speech-language pathologist jobs as of May 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which has been increasing steadily due to the increasing population, making a Pennsylvania Bachelor’s degree a good starting point for the growing profession.
A Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, however, is the ticket to licensure and advanced practice, and it follows a two-year, 36 credit hour program after a Bachelor’s degree from schools like Temple University or the University of Pittsburgh, which costs between $1,000-$1,100 in-state and $1,600-$1,700 out-of-state. Pennsylvania’s Master’s programs are particularly strong, according to their depth — think very strong clinical training and faculty with practice connections — to help graduates enter a field where the BLS reports the mean salary is $88,790, with top earners making more than $121,950.
When compared to coastal states like California, Pennsylvania tends to be equal or better in areas of affordability, quality, and job prospects, which also include a variety of practice settings, from large metropolitan medical facilities to sparse rural areas. Pennsylvania’s SLP community is robust, with job growth expected to increase 18% nationally from 2023-2033, making a Master’s degree here less a matter of education and more a direct pathway to a rewarding career with real benefits.
For professionals or students in Pennsylvania interested in advanced degrees in speech-language pathology, understanding the difference between a PhD in Speech Pathology and a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) helps define unique career paths that are enhanced by the state’s specific environment. A PhD, four to six years and 60 to 90 credits, is the highest level of achievement for research and academic contribution.
Pitt has one of the most prestigious PhD programs in Communication Science and Disorders in Pennsylvania, focusing on innovative research in specific areas like swallowing or language development. This path is for those who desire to teach at the university level or to lead studies in defining the future of speech pathology. Costs are approximately $1,000 to $1,100 per credit in-state and $1,600 to $1,700 out-of-state. The state has close proximity to diverse populations and top-notch medical centers, which present unique research opportunities for PhD candidates. Many graduates see their salaries rise well above $121,950, making it a good investment if one has a passion for discovery rather than direct patient care.
In contrast, the SLPD is a 3-4 year, 60-90 credit clinical doctorate that focuses on leadership and complex patient care for the experienced SLP rather than research. There is no standalone SLPD program in Pennsylvania, but nearby options include Pitt’s hybrid Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) or national online speech pathology programs like Rocky Mountain University or Nova Southeastern University (costing $700–$1,200 per credit).
The SLPD is attractive to clinicians who wish to achieve excellence in practice or administration without moving—ideal for Pennsylvania’s SLPs working in urban hospitals or rural schools. The BLS expects an 18% increase in national jobs up to 2033, and Pennsylvania’s mean SLP salary of $88,790 is stable, with clinical experience driving up the numbers. Pennsylvania provides a strong base for SLPs and real-world diversity, whether one seeks the academic reputation of a PhD or the practical outcomes of an SLPD.
In Pennsylvania, to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), one has to fulfill certain educational and experiential requirements. The educational requirement is a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), which is an affiliation of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). This usually entails 36 – 60 credits in topics such as communication disorders and clinical methods. They must have 400 hours of clinical practicum supervised by a supervisor, including 25 hours of observation and 375 hours of direct practice, and then follow a 36-week, full-time supervised professional experience of 1,260 hours, which is often referred to as a clinical fellowship.
They must also pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam, which is administered by ETS. Application fees range between $50 to $100, processed through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), with additional costs for the exam. Out-of-state licensees are allowed in Pennsylvania if the standards of the other state are similar to or higher than those of the Commonwealth or through an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) waiver. The state’s clinical settings are also diverse – from advanced hospitals to rural schools which enhance the speech pathology licensure process and help prepare SLPs for an effective career.
License renewal guarantees that SLPs are up to date and ready to perform their duties. Licenses are renewable every two years and expire on July 31 of even-numbered years. The cost of the license is about $65. Practitioners must complete 20 clock hours of continuing education (CE) per cycle, and two (2) hours of the CE must be on child abuse recognition and reporting training, known as Act 31, in the state of Pennsylvania. CE must be related to speech-language pathology practice and reported through the PALS system, and the provider must maintain evidence of completion for audit.
Practicing as a speech pathologist without a valid license can lead to disciplinary measures, and the penalty for waiting until the last minute to renew is $5 per month. This is a good model for a strong workforce in a state where SLPs earned a mean salary of $88,790 in 2023, as reported by the BLS, with top earners making more than $121,950 in a field projected to grow 18% nationally from 2023-2033.
For individuals wanting to quickly start a SLP career in Pennsylvania, there are several programs that provide an accelerated path to speech pathology licensure without compromising on quality. The University of Pittsburgh: At the master’s level which is the minimum for SLP licensure, the University of Pittsburgh provides a fast track Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology that can be completed in as soon as 20 months for full time students with a relevant bachelor’s degree. This 36 credit hour program includes intensive coursework along with clinical practicums, which benefit from the medical community of Pittsburgh.
Temple University also offers a fast track through its Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, which can be completed in two years or less with summer sessions and a focused 36 credit curriculum. The costs are in line with state norms, ranging from $1,000 to $1,100 per credit in-state and $1,600 to $1,700 out-of-state, however, accelerated timelines may reduce the overall costs by shortening the enrollment period. These programs take advantage of Pennsylvania’s clinical SLP settings, ranging from urban hospitals to suburban schools so graduates can enter the workforce quickly.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus |
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Temple University
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| Duquesne University |
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For the students who want to pursue their career in speech-language pathology but are budget constrained, there are several affordable SLP degree programs in Pennsylvania that provide a quality education at a lower cost. The bachelor’s degree which is offered by West Chester University has Communicative Disorders as its area of focus and it currently charges $650 per credit in-state, which makes it approximately $78,000 for the 120 credits. For the master’s degree that is needed for SLP licensure, Bloomsburg University has a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology which costs about $516 per credit in-state, thus the whole program which is 36 credits is less than $20,000 although for out of state students the charge is $774 per credit.
Another school that is also worthy of mention is Edinboro University which is now a part of PennWest, it also offers a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology at $516 per credit in-state, thus combining affordability with an ability to access rural clinical placements. These programs harness Pennsylvania’s heterogeneous practice settings, including small towns’ schools and cities’ clinics, to guarantee clinical practice without a hefty price tag.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Temple University
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| Carlow University |
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| Moravian University |
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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
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
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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