Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Daniel Ortiz, M.A., CCC‑SLPWashington DC is in a unique position to offer excellent education in speech language pathology (SLP). Being the nation’s capital, D.C. has many hospitals, schools, research foundations, and advocacy groups that provide a diverse and abundant clinical and professional environment for SLP students.
The job prospects for speech pathologists are excellent – the field is expected to increase by 18% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average career growth rate (bls.gov). Moreover, SLPs in D.C. enjoy some of the highest wages in the country. The median annual wage for speech pathologists in D.C. is approximately $105,000, which is significantly higher than the $89,000 national salary (bls.gov). This is important because graduates can expect to get paid well for the job in one of the most expensive regions in the country.
One more reason to select D.C. is the concentration of professionals in the area. ASHA, the organization that accredits SLPs in the United States, is located a short distance from D.C. in Rockville, MD. ASHA’s meetings and libraries, as well as policy makers, are easily accessible to D.C. students. Located in D.C. can provide an access to the latest research and federal initiatives in healthcare and education.
Many big healthcare companies like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Children’s National Hospital and school districts including District of Columbia Public Schools and many charter schools are situated here, thus providing different kinds of clinical internships and job prospects. All in all, pursuing speech-language pathology in Washington, D.C. provides students with an excellent chance to secure gainful employment in conjunction with the best professional and clinical experiences that cannot be found in other cities or states.
Explore the top-rated speech pathology programs in Washington D.C. with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best speech-language pathology schools in Washington D.C. for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - gwu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
George Washington University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a prestigious two-year program designed for future speech-language pathologists. It stands out for its ASHA accreditation, ensuring graduates meet the highest professional standards. The program blends rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experience at the GW Speech and Hearing Center, preparing students to address a wide range of communication disorders. Unique features include rolling admissions starting in January, a choice between thesis and non-thesis options, and a comprehensive 42-credit curriculum. While the GRE is recommended, it's not mandatory, making the program accessible to a broader range of applicants. Highlights include 'No GRE Required' and 'ASHA fully accredited program'.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - howard.edu
Concentration: education - Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard University's Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology, with a concentration in education, prepares graduates to work in educational settings. The program offers two- and three-year tracks and features supervised clinical practicums. Aspiring clinicians gain expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders. No GRE scores are required for admission. The program is ASHA-accredited.
Concentration: bilingual - Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard University's bilingual Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology concentration prepares clinicians for diverse patient populations. Students gain clinical skills through practicum experiences. Two- and three-year program tracks are offered. No GRE is required for this ASHA-accredited program. Graduates are prepared to address speech, language, and hearing challenges.
Concentration: medical - Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard University's medical Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology concentration offers advanced communication care training. Students choose from two- or three-year tracks and gain clinical training through practicums in diverse settings. This ASHA-accredited program prepares graduates for professional certification. No GRE scores are required for admission.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - gallaudet.edu
Concentration: Communication differences of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals - Campus Based - Visit Website
Gallaudet University's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology stands out for its specialized concentration on communication differences among deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This two-year, five-semester campus-based program is accredited by the CAA and emphasizes American Sign Language (ASL) competency, alongside comprehensive training in speech sciences and clinical procedures. Students benefit from a blend of rigorous academic coursework and extensive hands-on clinical practicum experiences, both on-campus and off-campus, preparing them for diverse professional environments. The program's interdisciplinary approach and research opportunities further enrich the learning experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address various communication disorders. Highlights include a high Praxis examination pass rate and no GRE requirement, making it an attractive option for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Washington, DC - Public 4-Year - udc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of the District of Columbia's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology stands out as a pioneering program, being the first HBCU to receive accreditation in this field. With a rich history spanning over three decades, it offers a culturally responsive curriculum designed to prepare students for the complexities of serving diverse populations. The program is celebrated for its comprehensive clinical preparation, emphasis on evidence-based practice, and a strong focus on professional ethics. Accredited by the CAA ASHA and holding a Center of Excellence designation, it equips graduates with the skills needed for interprofessional collaboration and holistic patient care. 'Requires GRE'
A Bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is the first degree that provides a general introduction to the field and offers basic preparation in areas like phonetics, language development and basic audiology. In D.C., a SLP related bachelor’s degree alone will not allow you to become a licensed speech-language pathologist, but it is acceptable for speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA), special education aide or similar support positions in healthcare. To work as a SLPA one needs to register with the D.C. Board of Healthcare Licensure and it has to be done under the supervision of a speech pathologist.
On the other hand, a master’s degree in speech-language pathology is needed for independent clinical practice. There are several accredited master’s programs in D.C. (e.g. Howard, Gallaudet, George Washington University, and University of the District of Columbia). Some admission requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree or prescribed courses, 3.0 GPA or higher, letter of recommendation, and completion of pre-requisite SLP courses. Some programs are two years, or three for students without an undergraduate CSD preparation.
The graduates with master’s degree in speech pathology can apply for full licensure and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). This enables one to practice in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and private practice. In a global city with a large number of immigrants and many language users, having a master’s degree can also lead to job opportunities in research institutes, pediatrics, or voice pathology.
Doctorate degrees in speech-language pathology can be divided into two main types: the research-oriented PhD and the clinical SLPD. The PhD is for future academics and scholars to conduct original research in language development or neurogenic disorders, etc. Students generally need a master’s degree in speech pathology (or equivalent) and an interest in research, as well as faculty sponsorship. Four to five years of funding packages, as assistantships or fellowships, are received by PhD students, after the master’s degree.
The SLPD (Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology) however, is for the experienced clinicians, for the enhancement of clinical skills, leadership or for the advancement to advanced practice. At this time, there are no universities in D.C. that offer SLPD on campus so local clinicians pursue studies for this at online programs offered by out of state universities.
Most programs require a master’s degree, clinical certification (CCC-SLP), and professional experience to seek admission. Since SLPD enrollees are working professionals, most programs are part time and can be completed in two to three years. The latter graduates usually function as clinical directors, rehabilitation managers, or master clinicians, thus translating research into everyday practice. Practitioners, however, do not need either doctoral path for most SLP positions, but either can lead to better paid leadership, administrative, or academic positions. In fact, PhD graduates can turn into university professors or principal investigators, whereas SLPD holders may head clinical operations or teach in an adjunct faculty.
In order to practice independently as a speech pathologist in Washington D.C., one must be licensed by the D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The needs include obtaining a master’s (or higher) degree from an accredited program, passing the national Praxis exam in SLP, and performing a supervised clinical fellowship (often called a CFY) of about 9 months full time. Once licensed, you must update your continuing education for 20 hrs every 2 years to renew your license, including one hour of ethics and two in the LGBTQ+ track, along with any other modules specified by the D.C. Department of Health.
SLPAs who work with a supervising licensed SLP must have at least an associate’s degree in speech language pathology or a related program (a bachelor’s will also do) and register with the Board. They are not allowed to perform evaluations or practice on their own. In school-based positions, SLPs may apply for an extra credential from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This certification for employment in D.C. public or charter schools is typically achieved by having a master’s and passing the Praxis. Both licensure and certification are maintained in D.C., guaranteeing that practitioners meet the highest professional standards and remain current in clinical best practices.
There are options for faster SLP programs, though the length of the program differs based on the level of the degree. The standard length of a Bachelors of Speech-Language Pathology in CSD is four years, however, accelerated or transfer programs can reduce this to three or three and a half years. Master’s programs are usually two years of full time study if you have an undergraduate CSD degree; other fields may need one more year of prerequisites.
There are some schools, for instance, Howard University, that have a combined undergraduate and master’s program that can be done in five years, i.e. five years instead of the usual six. SLPD programs are usually part time and can take between two to three years, while research focused PhDs can take four or more years. Although speed may be a priority, always ensure you choose an accredited speech pathology program that fulfills clinical hour requirements to qualify for licensure.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of the District of Columbia |
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| George Washington University |
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| Howard University |
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Tuitions in the D.C. area are rather diverse, and public universities are generally cheaper than private ones. UDC is also quite economical for in-state graduate tuition, so it is one of the least expensive local choices for an SLP master’s degree. Gallaudet University is private but has relatively cheap tuition rates and scholarships that are more affordable than many other private schools in the region. Howard University and George Washington University are very famous but are quite expensive and may be more than six figures for the speech pathology master’s.
Doctoral students in pursuit of a PhD may have their tuition covered through funding packages in the form of research or teaching assistantships, thereby reducing the overall financial burden. In contrast, SLPD programs, which are offered online by out-of-state universities, typically demand tuition payment with little or no scholarships available, although some employers may provide partial reimbursements. Prospective students should also consider costs of living in D.C. and search for financial aid, scholarships or loan forgiveness programs to offset the high cost. To help you decide on the right direction to become a speech-language pathologist in the District of Columbia, you should balance the cost of the program against its features, such as clinical practice and future career prospects.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Gallaudet University |
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| Howard University |
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| George Washington 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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