Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPSeveral ASHA-accredited SLP programs are hosted by Tennessee, each having their own particular emphasis. In Johnson City, East Tennessee State University offers an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, with an emphasis on clinical practice and research. The University of Memphis has a rather comprehensive program with very strong clinical training components. The University of Tennessee – Health Science Center in Memphis is especially strong in research and clinical practice; Vanderbilt, a very prestigious institution, has a highly regarded speech pathology program with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Tennessee State University in Nashville offers a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Science with an emphasis on SLP, and has a particular emphasis on diversity and inclusivity.
The state’s appeal is in the job outlook, the BLS expects speech-language pathologist positions to grow by 29% from 2020-2030, which is significantly higher than that of other occupations (BLS Outlook). According to BLS OES Data, the average annual salary in Tennessee is $73,260, which is slightly lower than the national median salary of $89,290. Career opportunities for SLPs in Tennessee are also boosted by the state’s location, as well as its focus on early intervention programs, especially those offered by the Department of Health.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Tennessee? 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 Tennessee. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - vanderbilt.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program provides comprehensive training, exceeding ASHA certification standards. This two-year program offers specialized tracks in autism, hearing loss, and language disorders. Students benefit from extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. Strong academic achievement and GRE scores are required for admission.
Concentration: Children with severe to profound hearing loss - Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt's MS-SLP program offers a concentration in working with children who have severe to profound hearing loss. This two-year program provides advanced clinical training in various settings, preparing graduates for the Certificate of Clinical Competence. Specialization tracks are available, and applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcome.
Concentration: Autism spectrum disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on autism spectrum disorders, Vanderbilt's MS-SLP concentration provides specialized training in assessment and intervention. This two-year program offers extensive clinical experience in settings like children's and university hospitals. Graduates are prepared for professional certification and diverse career paths.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt University's on-campus MS-SLP program is ASHA-accredited and spans 20-24 months. Students gain practical experience in various clinical settings. Optional specialty tracks and research opportunities enhance the curriculum. Competitive GRE scores and a background in a related field are required for admission.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt's Ph.D. in Hearing and Speech Sciences, specializing in Speech-Language Pathology, prepares students for research and academic careers. The 72-credit-hour program includes two research projects, a teaching practicum, and a dissertation. Collaboration across departments and financial support are available.
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Pathology is a unique joint initiative with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, designed to seamlessly transition students into graduate studies in speech pathology or audiology. Spanning 120 credit hours over four years, the program allows students to spend their first three years at UTK and the final year through UTHSC, all within the Knoxville campus. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and specific course prerequisites, the curriculum delves into the scientific exploration of human communication sciences and disorders, equipping students for professional certification and careers in the field. Highlights include the program's campus-based learning environment, focus on communication disorders, and the advantage of UTK tuition rates. Requires ACT/SAT.
Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology equips graduates to diagnose and treat communication disorders across the lifespan. This two-year program offers hands-on clinical training in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Students develop expertise in neurological communication, language disorders, and motor functions. The program boasts a 100% graduate completion rate and a 99% Praxis exam pass rate. Graduates are prepared for a career in a field projected to grow by 19% by 2032.
Concentration: Clinical - Campus Based - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical concentration, prepares students to diagnose and treat communication disorders for all ages. This two-year program offers hands-on clinical experience in diverse settings, including pediatric, geriatric, hospital, and rehabilitation environments. With a 100% graduate completion rate and 99% Praxis exam pass rate, the program emphasizes neurological communication bases, language disorders, and motor functions. Graduates enter a field with a projected 19% employment growth.
Concentration: Pediatric - Campus Based - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, with a Pediatric concentration, prepares graduates to diagnose and treat communication disorders. This two-year, full-time, residential program provides hands-on clinical training in various settings. The program boasts a 100% graduate completion rate and excellent Praxis exam outcomes. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in a variety of settings, with a projected 19% career growth in the field.
Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University offers a Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program designed to prepare students for successful careers in addressing communication disorders. This hybrid program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences over two years, including a hybrid final semester for added flexibility. Aligned with ASHA certification standards, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared for clinical fellowships and state licensure in Tennessee. With an on-campus community clinic and guidance from experienced faculty, students gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations. The program is a candidate for CAA accreditation, emphasizing professional success and making a meaningful impact in the field of speech-language pathology.
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lipscomb University offers a distinctive Communication Sciences and Disorders program, the only undergraduate program of its kind in Nashville, designed to meet the growing demand for speech-language pathology professionals. This program stands out by offering a clinical track that includes 100 hours of hands-on experience, preparing students for immediate roles as Speech-Language Pathology Assistants or for further graduate study. With a curriculum that covers pediatric, geriatric, neurological, and educational aspects of speech-language pathology, students are well-equipped for diverse career paths. The program boasts a strong employment growth projection of 15-21% and an average starting salary of $52,000, highlighting its value in the healthcare sector. Requires ACT/SAT.
Nashville, TN - Public 4-Year - tnstate.edu
Concentration: speech-language pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Tennessee State University's Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Science with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology stands out for its accreditation and flexible learning options, including both traditional on-campus and distance education formats. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical training, preparing them for successful careers in speech-language pathology. It requires 15 prerequisite course hours and utilizes the CSDCAS application service, with a deadline of February 1st. The program is notable for welcoming non-degree seekers and offering flexible entry pathways, making it accessible to a wide range of students. Additionally, it is recognized for being military-friendly and an HBCU.
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - uthsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center's BS in Audiology and Speech Pathology is a rigorous 120-credit program designed for undergraduates aiming to delve into the science of communication disorders. Located in Knoxville, this campus-based program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experiences, preparing students for advanced studies and professional certification. Admission criteria include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a B grade or higher in introductory courses. The program stands out for its joint degree structure, comprehensive curriculum, and access to a collaborative learning environment enriched with extensive resources. Requires ACT/SAT.
A bachelor’s degree in speech pathology is an excellent place to start, especially for those planning to become SLPAs or advance to other careers. It is a good starting ground for graduate studies and the career paths include special education or other related fields in communication disorders. For a bachelor’s degree, standard admission requirements include high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
With a bachelor’s degree, you can work as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) or in other supporting roles where you can expect to earn around $22/hour when you are first starting out and work up to $30/hour or more as you gain experience.
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is necessary for licensure as an SLP, which entails more in-depth training in assessing and treating communication disorders. It enables one to work in various environments including as school SPLs, medical SPLs or in your own practice. For example, ETSU, UTHSC and Vanderbilt programs include clinical practicums and research to ensure students are ready for professional practice. For a master’s degree, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a B or better GPA, possibly GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and clinical observation hours.
An SLP master’s degree allows the graduates to apply for the licensure as SLPs and start working in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers or in private practices. Typical salaries for speech-language pathologists in Tennessee average out to $73,260 per year, but can vary based on location and job title.
At the moment, Tennessee has no PhD in SLP or Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) programs. A PhD is a research degree, which is suitable for academic or research orientation, and an SLPD is a clinical degree for the advanced level of practice in the clinical setting.
A PhD is perfect for people who want to help grow the field through research and might end up being professors or researchers. The SLPD, however, is for the clinician who wants to specialize, to become a master clinician, or a clinical administrator. Since there are no such programs in Tennessee, students may have to go for nearby out-of-state universities, for instance, the University of Kansas, or online universities such as Loma Linda University.
Students can get doctoral degrees from neighboring states such as Kentucky or Georgia or can take online speech pathology courses that are approved by ASHA. The cost of tuition for such programs varies, with national averages for PhD programs ranging from $500-$800 per credit in-state and $800-$1,200 out-of-state, while SLPD programs online might range from $600-$900 per credit. Annual earnings for PhD graduates exceed $100,000 in academic positions, while SLPD graduates can earn similar amounts in high-level clinical positions depending on the region and practice time.
In Tennessee, the Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences licenses speech-language pathologists. This calls for a master’s or doctoral degree from an ASHA accredited program, a clinical practicum completed under supervision and postgraduate professional experience. The PRAXIS exam must also be passed, and the applicant should have no disciplinary actions taken against them. The total cost is $250, which includes a $150 application fee and a $100 licensure fee. A provisional license, good for up to 24 months and good for one renewal, helps those in training while working under a licensed SLP. It is renewed every two years and requires 20 continuing education hours and a $100 fee.
SLPAs must register through a supervising licensee at $50 for two years. It entails 60 semester credit hours and 100 supervised field hours, and the renewal is 20 CE hours and $50. ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) goes to speech pathologists, which requires an accredited speech pathology graduate program, the PRAXIS exam, and a clinical fellowship. Education is an ongoing process, which makes it more credible and improves employment opportunities. If SLPAs decide to go for it, they can take ASHA’s C-SLPA certification, which involves a degree, clinical hours, and an exam to boost their professional status.
The SLP programs in Tennessee provide a faster track to a speech pathology career, with the ability to reduce the time in certain ways. The time frame for a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders is four years for 120 credits, depending on the school. This can be brought down to three years by attending summer sessions or by coming in with advanced placement credits from high school. Senior year community college credits can also count towards this, but it is recommended that this is discussed with an advisor.
In the master’s category, East Tennessee State University has a two-year, 60 credit program that is four semesters of full time study which includes course work and clinical practice to prepare for SLP licensure. There are no combined bachelor’s-master’s programs in the state, which enable students to reduce the learning years. For those who want to fast track their education, there are also online master’s degrees from out of state schools such as the 20 month track offered by Emerson College, although the trade off is a higher price tag.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University |
|
|
| East Tennessee State University |
|
|
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville |
|
|
For in-state students, public universities offer the most affordable speech-language pathology degrees. East Tennessee State University has the rate of $488 per credit hour for graduate students which makes the total amount for a 60 credit SLP master’s degree program about $29,280, using their tuition rates. Tennessee State University has an annual in-state master’s degree program tuition fee of $11,092 which when accumulated for the two years is roughly $22,184.
These are compared with out-of-state or online alternatives and attending these public universities in person is cheaper since there are no additional technology fees and local clinical placements which do not involve travel costs. For instance, Vanderbilt University’s tuition stands at approximately $2,800 per credit hour, which would amount to $168,000 for the entire 60 credits, more than twice the in-state public universities’ charge. However, financial aid such as scholarships i.e. Freeman McConnell Scholarship at Vanderbilt can be helpful, but in-state tuition at ETSU and TSU is still the least expensive way to get your speech pathology education.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville |
|
|
| East Tennessee State University |
|
|
| Vanderbilt University |
|
|
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 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 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.
PLEASE NOTE: The contents of this website is for informational purposes only. All trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders.