3 Best Speech Therapy Master’s Programs in Maryland (2025-2026 Guide)

Ready to begin your journey in the field of Speech-Language Pathology with a top-rated speech therapy program in Maryland? The good news is that you have some excellent choices, though they’re limited. Right now, only 3 universities in Maryland provide Master’s level Speech-Language Pathology programs.

These programs deliver outstanding results despite their small number. Loyola University Maryland stands out with remarkable outcomes – a 100% three-year employment rate and 98% on-time graduation and Praxis pass rates. Towson University’s students show similar excellence, with 95% passing the national Praxis on their first try in the last three years. The University of Maryland’s detailed training through its in-house clinic and strategic collaborations with multiple off-campus clinical sites has led to perfect 100% Praxis pass rates and 95% employment rates for graduates.

This guide will help you compare these three exceptional programs to find your ideal match, whether you’re starting your research or getting ready to apply for your Maryland speech pathology license.

1. Loyola University Maryland

Ranked #78 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings for Best Graduate Schools, Loyola University Maryland has a prestigious Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program shines with its Jesuit approach to education. It stands as one of the only interprofessional graduate training clinics in the United States. Students get exceptional preparation for their future careers.

Coursework overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program uses a well-laid-out cohort model. Students complete their studies in two years (five semesters). The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) through March 31, 2028. Students need 41 academic credits at minimum, plus clinical practicum hours.

The program’s curriculum stands out with its integrated approach. Right from your first semester, you’ll get:

• Hands-on clinical work with clients at the Loyola Clinical Centers
• Team projects with Loyola Psychology graduate students
• Work opportunities at partner schools from preschool through high school
• Joint projects with graduate students in related fields
• Special training in gender-affirming care and voice clinic under faculty and otolaryngologist supervision
• Cultural awareness training built into first-year studies

The weekly schedule splits academic and clinical work. Students attend classes on Mondays and do clinical work Tuesday through Friday. This setup lets you learn the theory first, then put it to practice right away.

Your coursework will cover all nine ASHA-required areas for speech-language pathologists:

• Articulation
• Fluency
• Voice and resonance
• Hearing
• Swallowing
• Language
• Cognition
• Social aspects of communication
• Communication modalities

Students without Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) degrees need specific prerequisites. These courses include Anatomy and Physiology: Speech and Voice, Articulation and Phonology, Aural (Re)Habilitation, Clinical Audiology, Hearing Science, Phonetics, Speech and Language Development, and Speech and Voice Science. ASHA certification needs extra coursework in physical science, biological science, statistics, and social or behavioral sciences.

Research-minded students with strong academic records can choose a thesis track. This option works best if you have a QPA of 3.750 or higher and solid research skills. You’ll work with faculty advisors on publishable research and skip the comprehensive exam requirement.

Clinical training and practicum

Clinical training at Loyola follows a carefully structured progression designed to build your skills and confidence. The program balances hands-on experience with close faculty supervision to ensure you develop the clinical competence needed for professional practice.

Your clinical journey begins in the first year with internships at the Loyola Clinical Centers while simultaneously taking academic classes. The primary training site is the Margaret A. McManus Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic at Belvedere Square in Baltimore. At this facility, you’ll provide individualized assessments and treatments for children and adults with various communication difficulties.

One notable advantage of Loyola’s clinical training is its interprofessional setting. You’ll collaborate with students from psychology, audiology, and literacy programs, gaining valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork. This unique environment prepares you to function effectively in today’s collaborative healthcare landscape.

As you progress through the first three semesters, you’ll gain experience across most of ASHA’s essential clinical areas. Your clinical responsibilities increase gradually, with faculty providing weekly feedback and formal evaluations at midterm and semester’s end. By the end of your first year, you’ll have accumulated between 100-200 clinical hours across various specialties.

The second year marks a transition to off-campus externship placements. After successful completion of your first-year internships, you’ll be placed in at least two different types of settings or client populations. These externships occur Tuesday through Friday, with academic classes continuing on Mondays.

During externships, you’ll work 32 hours weekly under the supervision of experienced, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists. The program maintains professional affiliations with numerous schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers throughout the Baltimore area, including:

• Public school systems (Baltimore City/County, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard Counties)
• Specialized education facilities (Maryland School for the Blind, Maryland School for the Deaf)
• Medical centers (Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical System)
• Rehabilitation facilities (Kennedy Krieger Institute, United Cerebral Palsy)

To meet graduation requirements, you must acquire 400 documented clinical practicum hours, including 25 observation hours. At least 325 of these hours must be completed while enrolled in the master’s program. Throughout both internship and externship experiences, you’ll work with clients of diverse ages, cultural backgrounds, and communication disorders, ensuring comprehensive clinical preparation.

Externship preceptors receive a stipend of $300 provided they help students accumulate at least 75 clinical hours. This financial recognition, along with opportunities for complimentary continuing education units, helps Loyola maintain strong relationships with clinical sites and ensures high-quality supervision for students.

Path to licensure

Loyola’s program is strategically designed to fulfill all academic and clinical requirements for both ASHA certification and Maryland speech pathology licensure. By following the prescribed curriculum and clinical experiences, you’ll graduate fully prepared for your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) and subsequent professional practice.

To complete the program successfully and qualify for licensure, you must:

1. Maintain a Quality Point Average (QPA) of 3.000 or higher throughout your studies
2. Accumulate the required 400 clinical practicum hours (including 25 observation hours)
3. Successfully complete either a comprehensive examination or a thesis
4. Finish all prerequisite coursework in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences

The comprehensive examination, required for non-thesis students, assesses your mastery of essential knowledge and skills. If needed, you’ll have up to three attempts to pass this exam within one year of your initial try. For students choosing the thesis option, this scientific investigation replaces the comprehensive exam requirement.

After program completion, your path to full licensure involves three additional steps:

1. Passing the ASHA certification examination
2. Completing a Clinical Fellowship Year under supervision
3. Applying for your Maryland speech pathology license

Loyola’s program enjoys outstanding outcomes in preparing students for these post-graduation requirements. Most students secure their clinical year fellowships well before graduation, providing a smooth transition into professional practice. This success reflects the program’s emphasis on comprehensive preparation across all ASHA-designated competency areas.

The employment outlook for graduates is exceptionally positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of Speech-Language Pathology is projected to grow by 18% in the coming decade, significantly exceeding average job growth rates. Moreover, average compensation for Speech-Language Pathologists is almost double that of other occupations, making this a financially rewarding career path.

Admissions process

Gaining admission to Loyola’s competitive Speech-Language Pathology program requires careful preparation and attention to application requirements. The program participates in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Central Application Service (CSDCAS) with specific deadlines and materials.

For the 2025 admission cycle, your complete CSDCAS application must be submitted by January 31. The admissions committee reviews only verified applications, and verification can take up to four weeks. Therefore, starting your application early is essential to ensure all materials are processed before the deadline.

Required application materials include:

1. Personal Essay – A two-part essay addressing your interest in Loyola’s program and responding to a CSDCAS question about artificial intelligence and personalized care (maximum 2 pages)
2. Official Transcripts – All college/university transcripts must be submitted directly to CSDCAS, including fall 2025 grades
3. Three Recommendation Letters – From faculty, supervisors, or professionals who can speak to your potential for success in graduate study
4. Prerequisite Course Information Form – Required only for applicants without an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders

Optional materials include a resume and an additional statement explaining any aspects of your academic record or experience that merit special consideration. Notably, GRE scores are not required and will not be reviewed if submitted.

The admissions committee evaluates applications holistically, considering academic achievement, references, and the personal essay. For some candidates, invitation-only interviews may be required, although neither receiving nor missing an interview invitation should be interpreted as an indication of your admission status.

In the most recent admissions cycle, the program received 144 applications and extended 116 admission offers, with 49 including funding. The GPA range for admitted applicants was 2.59-3.97, demonstrating that the committee considers factors beyond grades alone. With a target class size of 44 and a first-year enrollment of 35, the program maintains a selective but accessible admissions process.

For international applicants, additional requirements include English language examination scores (for those without degrees from English-language institutions) and evaluation of non-U.S. transcripts by approved international academic record evaluation services.

Upon acceptance, you’ll need to:

1. Submit an enrollment deposit to secure your position
2. Complete a criminal background check (required for clinical placements)
3. Provide health and immunization documentation
4. Attend an orientation session scheduled in late August

For prospective students without a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Loyola offers flexibility in completing prerequisites. While these courses must be finished before starting the graduate program, they need not be completed before applying. Loyola accepts prerequisite coursework from most online and in-person institutions, making this path accessible to career-changers.

The program begins each fall, with no spring admission offers. Admission decisions are typically communicated via email by mid-March, and accepted students must confirm their enrollment by April 15.

2. Towson University

Towson University’s Master of Science program gives students a balanced education in speech-language pathology. Students get both rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical training. The program has shown excellence – over 95% of students pass the National Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology on their first try in the last three years.

Coursework and curriculum

The Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program follows a well-laid-out curriculum that prepares students for professional practice. The program stands out with its smart scheduling approach. First-year classes work around on-campus practicum. Second-year classes let students take part in off-campus practicum during the day.

Students must complete 53 semester credit hours. The coursework covers everything in speech-language pathology practice. Full-time faculty teach most classes. These experts – 90% with Ph.D. degrees in their specialties – are prominent in their fields. Students learn from true leaders who shape the profession.

The curriculum gives students skills to work with patients of all ages in healthcare settings of all types – from schools and clinics to hospitals. Research experience is a key focus, giving students tools they’ll use throughout their careers.

Graduates leave with strong foundations in:

• Speech and language development
• Phonetics
• Anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms
• Speech science
• Language disorders
• Speech sound disorders
• Audiology
• Aural rehabilitation

Students without a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology have two options. They can get a second bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology/communication disorders or complete specific prerequisites before starting graduate work. These prerequisites cover basics like anatomy and physiology of auditory and vocal mechanism, phonetics, speech and language development, speech sound disorders, language disorders, speech science, audiology, clinical observations, and aural rehabilitation.

Towson’s undergraduates can join internships and volunteer programs. These opportunities show them various communication aspects across disciplines and prepare them for graduate studies. The undergraduate program builds a strong foundation for master’s level work through carefully planned courses.

The program maintains high standards. Students must earn a 2.00 or better in all required courses. Pass/Fail grading isn’t allowed for any SPPA course or required major course. These standards help keep the program’s excellent reputation.

Clinical experience structure

Clinical practicum at Towson University begins at the state-of-the-art Speech & Language Center located in the Institute for Well-Being. This facility functions as an interdisciplinary professional teaching center of excellence, giving you exposure to professional practice across multiple healthcare disciplines.

During your first year, you’ll complete on-campus clinical assignments that include:

• In-person treatment of individual pediatric and adult clients
• Teletherapy services
• Diagnostic teams
• Speech and hearing screenings
• Group treatment programs

A particular strength of Towson’s clinical training is its collaborative nature. You’ll have opportunities to work on interdisciplinary teams with students from other health professions programs. Group programs such as the Teeny Tigers program, the Children’s Therapeutic Program, and the Wellness in Stroke and Head Injury program are run collaboratively with Occupational Therapy. Additionally, you may be assigned to group programs in the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism.

The clinical facilities are exceptionally well-equipped, featuring numerous speech-language pathology treatment rooms for small to large groups, alongside two large Children’s Therapeutic Program rooms with an adjoining outside playground. Throughout your first-year practicum experiences, you’ll receive intensive supervision and support, especially valuable for students without previous clinical experience.

In the second year of the program, your clinical practicum shifts to off-campus placements under the supervision of experienced speech-language pathologists employed in those settings. The clinic director surveys students to determine interests and attempts to coordinate opportunities for placements that match those interests. Many placements are competitive, with agencies interviewing several students for each position.

To graduate, you must complete a minimum of two off-campus placements, with opportunities in various settings including:

• Public, non-public, and private schools
• Nursing and rehabilitation facilities
• Hospitals
• Private practices
• Outpatient facilities

Specifically, Towson has established partnerships with numerous prestigious institutions. School settings include Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Washington County Public Schools, alongside specialized institutions like Maryland School for the Blind and Maryland School for the Deaf.

For hospital placements, students have opportunities at renowned facilities such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Sinai Hospital, University of Maryland-Shock Trauma, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, among many others. This extensive network ensures diverse clinical experiences aligned with your career interests.

Students who complete their pediatric placement in schools may be eligible for teaching certification in Speech-Language Pathology after graduation. Some students may also complete a third off-campus practicum in the summer between the first and second year of graduate school, based on practicum availability and readiness.

To meet ASHA requirements, you’ll need to complete 400 hours of clinical practicum to graduate and apply for certification. Twenty-five of these hours are observation hours, which must be completed before beginning practicum with clients. While ASHA allows students to complete up to 50 clinical hours at the undergraduate level, the remaining 325 hours must be completed at the graduate level.

Path to Maryland speech pathology license

The Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at Towson is designed specifically to meet professional licensure and certification requirements in Maryland. This focused approach ensures you graduate fully prepared for the Maryland speech pathology license application process.

Upon completing the program, you’ll have fulfilled the educational requirements necessary for:

1. ASHA certification (Certificate of Clinical Competence)
2. Maryland state licensure in speech-language pathology
3. Eligibility for the Clinical Fellowship Year

It’s important to note that clinical certification and state licensure in speech-language pathology requires the master’s degree, which is precisely what this program provides. The curriculum satisfies all academic and clinical prerequisites for these credentials, setting you up for immediate career advancement post-graduation.

Consequently, students need to understand that Towson’s program is specifically designed for Maryland licensure. At this time, Towson University is “Unable to Determine” whether their degree programs meet the requirements for professional licensure/certification in states other than Maryland. Hence, if you’re considering practicing in another state, you should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to confirm specific requirements.

The path to full licensure after program completion typically involves:

1. Graduating with the MS in Speech-Language Pathology
2. Passing the National Praxis Examination (with Towson students achieving a 95% first-time pass rate)
3. Completing a Clinical Fellowship Year
4. Applying for your Maryland speech pathology license

Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance on this process, ensuring you understand each step toward full professional licensure. The university’s track record of successful graduates speaks to the effectiveness of this preparation – Towson alumni consistently secure positions in schools, hospitals, and private practice settings throughout Maryland and beyond.

Admissions requirements

Admission to Towson’s Speech-Language Pathology MS program is competitive and requires careful attention to application requirements and deadlines. The program admits students for the fall term only, with applications due by January 15. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials to CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service) as early as possible to allow for timely verification.

To be considered for admission, you must meet several key requirements:

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (on a 4-point scale) overall, in major coursework, and in the last 60 credits of study
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology/audiology, communication disorders, OR an alternate field with completion of specific prerequisite coursework

Unlike many programs, Towson does not require GRE scores for admission, removing a potential barrier for qualified applicants.

All students, regardless of undergraduate background, must complete coursework in these areas for ASHA certification:

• Biological Sciences (human/animal focused)
• Physical Sciences (chemistry or physics)
• Statistics
• Social/Behavioral Sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.)

Two of these courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or above at application time, and all four must be completed by the program start.

For applicants without a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, there are two options:

1. Complete a second bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology at an accredited institution
2. Complete prerequisite coursework at an accredited university or through individual courses at one or more universities

The prerequisite coursework includes:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory and Vocal Mechanism
• Phonetics of American English
• Speech and Language Development
• Speech Sound Disorders
• Language Disorders
• Speech Science
• Introduction to Audiology
• Clinical Observations and Techniques (including 25 documented observation hours)
• Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation

At least four of these courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or above at application time, with the remainder completed by the program start.

The complete application process requires:

1. Completing the CSDCAS application by January 15
2. Submitting official transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended to CSDCAS
3. Requesting three letters of recommendation through the CSDCAS recommender portal (at least 2 from professors)
4. Submitting a personal statement/essay according to CSDCAS instructions
5. Completing the Towson University Supplemental online application by January 15

For international students, additional requirements include a TOEFL iBT score of 100. F1 and J1 students must be enrolled full-time with the majority of classes taken in-person and on campus.

Admission decisions are typically communicated in late February to early March, with accepted students having until April 15 to accept the offer. In a recent application cycle, the program received 172 applications, made 120 admission offers (19 with funding), and ultimately enrolled 49 full-time students. The GPA range for applicants offered admission was 3.26-4.00.

The Speech-Language Pathology program at Towson operates on a cohort model with a target class size of 60 and total graduate enrollment of 105 full-time students. This structured approach ensures a supportive learning community throughout your studies.

3. University of Maryland College Park

The University of Maryland College Park’s Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program shines through its academic roots and clinical focus. Students learn from various clinical populations while training based on proven practices. The program’s results speak for themselves with a perfect 100% Praxis pass rate and 95% of graduates finding employment.

Academic structure

The MA program in Speech-Language Pathology at Maryland offers a complete educational journey over five semesters, including summer and winter terms. Students need 50 credit hours to graduate—35 for academic coursework and 15 for clinical training.

Students must complete required courses, electives, and write a final scholarly paper. Those who skip the thesis option need to pass a complete exam to graduate. Normal communication processes and disorders take center stage in the program, along with strong research methods training.

Maryland’s program stands out through collaborative efforts between research and clinical faculty. Students learn from state-of-the-art research and its real-life application. Graduates leave ready to work in all nine areas ASHA marks as essential for speech-language pathologists.

The program’s strong research facilities include:

• Acoustic phonetics laboratories
• Psychoacoustics research spaces
• Cochlear implant research facilities
• Infant and adult speech perception labs
• Neuropsychology and language disorders centers
• Bilingualism and language development facilities
• Voice, fluency, and electrophysiology research areas

These research spaces help faculty work on groundbreaking projects—from how sports concussions affect speech to creating new language-processing algorithms for hearing aids.

Clinical practicum

Students start their clinical training at the campus Hearing and Speech Clinic. The clinic serves as everyone’s original practicum site with multiple audiological test suites, modern diagnostic equipment, a hearing aid dispensary, and group rehabilitation facilities.

The clinic gives speech-language pathology students ten diagnostic and therapy rooms with observation areas. Students can also observe at the Language-Learning Early Advantage Program (LEAP), an on-site language preschool.

Most students train three semesters in the clinic, then move to off-campus externships for two semesters. This setup lets students build skills under close supervision before working more independently.

Clinical practicum demands significant time. Students should plan for 20-30 weekly hours preparing, running, and analyzing clinical experiences. This hands-on training prepares graduates for ground clinical challenges.

ASHA certification needs at least 400 clinical hours, with 25 hours watching guided sessions. Students must spend 375 hours working directly with clients and families—Maryland’s program makes sure students meet these requirements.

Licensure pathway

Maryland’s program meets all academic and clinical requirements for ASHA certification and state licensure. After graduating, students can pursue their Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Getting licensed after graduation involves:

1. Finishing the MA program with required coursework and clinical hours
2. Passing the national Praxis examination
3. Completing a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)
4. Getting Maryland speech pathology licensure

The Clinical Fellowship needs 1,260 supervised clinical hours after graduation. Maryland wants you to start within two years of getting your degree. You can finish these hours in 12 months (25-35 weekly hours) or stretch them to 24 months (14-16 weekly hours).

After finishing the Clinical Fellowship and passing the Praxis exam, you can apply for full licensure through Maryland’s Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers & Speech-Language Pathologists.

Application process

The 2026 admission cycle closes January 5th. Competition runs high with 250-300 people applying for about 25 spots yearly.

Most successful applicants have at least a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, though the average sits at 3.7-3.8. You’ll need to submit:

• A completed electronic application
• $75 non-refundable application fee
• Unofficial transcripts from all college work
• Three recommendation letters from professors or qualified professionals
• A statement about your goals, experiences, and research interests (1,000-2,000 words)
• A supplemental application form
• Your resume or CV

Maryland skips the GRE requirement. They look at your whole profile—academic work, experiences, and potential for graduate success.

Students without speech-language pathology backgrounds must finish most prerequisites before applying. You should complete 60% of prerequisites when you apply. All prerequisites need finishing before fall classes start.

The program only accepts students for fall terms. PhD applicants should note the program’s one-on-one mentoring approach. Make sure to find and contact potential mentors before applying.

Choose a Maryland SLP Master’s Today

Your career goals, learning priorities, and personal situation will guide you toward the right speech therapy program. Maryland has three master’s-level Speech-Language Pathology programs, each with its own strengths and great outcomes. Loyola University Maryland’s Jesuit education approach and interprofessional graduate training clinic make it unique. Towson University shines with its balanced academic-clinical curriculum and strong healthcare partnerships. The University of Maryland College Park stands out through its research-focused education and detailed clinical facilities.

These programs have impressive success rates. Loyola shows a 100% three-year employment rate with 98% on-time graduation and Praxis pass rates. Towson students pass the Praxis exam on their first try 95% of the time. UMD maintains perfect Praxis pass rates at 100% and places 95% of graduates in jobs. These numbers show how well these schools prepare their students.

Clinical experience is the foundation of these programs. Students progress from campus-based clinical work to off-site externships. Real-world practice helps develop skills needed in professional settings. The curriculum at each school meets ASHA certification and Maryland licensure requirements. This allows graduates to move naturally into their Clinical Fellowship Year and get licensed.

Qualified candidates will find these programs available. Each school takes an all-encompassing approach to assess applicants based on academic performance, personal statements and recommendations. Students without speech-language pathology backgrounds can take prerequisite courses to qualify.

Speech-Language Pathology jobs grow faster than most fields according to labor statistics. This makes these programs a smart investment. You might value Loyola’s interprofessional approach, Towson’s clinical network, or UMD’s research focus. Maryland gives you excellent options to start your speech therapy career. Think over your priorities and pick the program that matches your professional goals.