7 Top Speech Pathology Masters Programs in Alabama
You’re ready to become a speech-language pathologist in Alabama, and you’ve picked a great field. Speech pathology ranks as the #128 most popular major in the United States.
Alabama has 7 CAA-ASHA accredited speech-language pathology masters programs. These programs take about 2 years and give you the foundation you need for professional practice. The state requires you to complete your clinical experience within 36 months of starting your career. The University of Alabama, Samford University, and University of South Alabama lead the pack. These schools have helped train 148 qualified speech-language pathologists in recent years. Let’s dive into each of these 7 accredited programs to help you find the right match for your future.
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa leads the state in speech pathology education. Their Department of Communicative Disorders at the Barefield College of Arts & Sciences helps about 900 Alabamians yearly through their Speech and Hearing Center. Students pursuing speech-language pathology careers benefit from the center’s 4,500 hours of treatment and diagnostic services each year.
Overview
The Department of Communicative Disorders offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This detailed program shapes future speech-language pathologists through academic work, clinical practice, and research. Students can learn at 105 off-campus clinical sites. These placements give you ground experience while you complete your degree.
Accreditation
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has accredited the MS program. This stamp of approval means the program meets national education standards. The program’s accreditation runs through 2030, with its next review scheduled for February 2029. This shows their dedication to educational excellence.
Curriculum
The program prepares you to prevent, assess, and treat communicative disorders. You’ll learn about human communication sciences and disorders while developing expertise in speech, language, and hearing assessments.
The program focuses on:
- Therapy techniques and applications
- Understanding of related behavioral, physical, and biological sciences
- Awareness of multicultural aspects of communication
- Development of professional strengths and self-awareness
Students need 25 observation hours and 375 clock hours of clinical practice before graduating. Most students finish in five semesters with a communicative disorders background, or seven semesters without prior coursework. Every student must pass comprehensive exams to graduate.
Admission requirements
Fall semester applications are due by December 15 of the previous year. You need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA to qualify for unconditional admission. The department no longer requires or reviews GRE scores as of June 2025.
Your application should have:
- Three recommendation letters from people who know your potential
- A 5-minute video answering specific prompts about your experiences and goals
- A structured essay about research in clinical training and faculty fit
- A detailed resume showing your achievements
Students without a communicative disorders degree can apply with a 3.0 GPA. You’ll need prerequisites in psychology/sociology, biology, statistics, and physical science.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025-2026 academic year costs $11,684 for in-state and $34,542 for out-of-state students. Other costs include $800 in fees, $9,800-$10,640 for housing, $5,316 for food, $700 for books, and $2,266-$3,050 for transportation.
The program considers all accepted students for scholarships and graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants get a half-tuition waiver up to 10 hours, monthly stipend, and health care coverage each semester. You must work 10 hours weekly and take at least 9 graduate credit hours per semester to keep your assistantship.
Career outcomes
The MS degree meets ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements in speech-language pathology and Alabama state licensure. This lets you work in Alabama’s public schools. You can start working provisionally before getting full licensure. Licensed professionals can get a Class A teacher’s certificate from the State Department of Education and work permanently with tenure options.
Samford University – Birmingham
Samford University, the 87th-oldest higher learning institution in the United States, sits in Birmingham’s Homewood suburb. This historic university, founded in 1841, blends its rich academic heritage with contemporary approaches to speech pathology education.
Overview
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program lives within the School of Health Professions’ Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students learn through faith-based coursework and clinical placements that promote lifelong learning and strong moral and ethical standards. The program helps you develop skills and compassion to make a real difference in your community.
The university has 6,101 students who come from 45 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries, spread across 10 academic schools. Samford stands out with its fast-track program that lets qualified students earn both BS and MS degrees in five years rather than six.
Accreditation
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits Samford’s MSSLP program. The program earned full accreditation for five years during its original review – the longest possible period for new programs. It met all accreditation standards completely. The program’s accreditation now runs through 2032, with its next review set for August 2031.
Samford University also holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), last renewed in 2018.
Curriculum highlights
Students experience a hybrid learning environment that combines traditional on-campus teaching with online components. The program requires 57-58 semester credit hours, and students participate in clinical rotations every semester.
The curriculum has specialized courses such as:
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Dysphagia in Pediatrics & Adults
- Cognitive-Communicative Disorders in Adults
- Professional Trends in Speech Language Pathology
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Structured Literacy
Students gain experience through off-campus clinical practice and on-campus lab work with other professionals. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, preparing you for real-world collaboration with various healthcare professionals.
Admission requirements
You need these qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or related field
- An overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in your last 60 hours of coursework
- Three recommendation letters (two from current/previous professors, one from a clinical supervisor or faculty member)
International students and English-as-second-language learners must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (internet) on the TOEFL.
A $500 non-refundable deposit saves your spot and counts toward your first semester’s tuition. Competition for spots runs high – a recent cycle saw 78 applications for 60 available seats.
Tuition and financial aid
Students starting in 2024-2025 can expect these five-semester costs:
- 2024-2025: $31,504 tuition, $630 program fees, $900 university fees ($33,034 total)
- 2025-2026: $23,348 tuition, $750 program fees, $900 university fees ($24,998 total)
Fall 2025 students will see slightly higher costs:
- 2025-2026: $33,305 tuition, $900 program fees, $900 university fees ($35,105 total)
- 2026-2027: $22,648 tuition, $600 program fees, $900 university fees ($24,148 total)
Students should submit their FAFSA by February 15 before the academic year to be considered for need-based aid, though it’s not mandatory.
Career outcomes
MSSLP graduates can pursue both state licensure and national certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 100% of students finish on time.
The program’s PRAXIS exam results shine with a 100% pass rate in the latest period and a 98.5% three-year average. Samford’s overall success rate is impressive too – 97% of undergraduate alumni seeking jobs or graduate school admission found employment, got into graduate programs, or started post-graduation internships within six months.
Many Communication Sciences and Disorders graduates continue their studies at various speech-language pathology master’s programs. Popular choices include Samford’s own program, University of Montevallo, Louisiana State University, University of Memphis, and University of Texas at Dallas.
University of South Alabama – Mobile
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Alabama opens up new career paths in communication disorders. This Mobile-based program creates skilled speech-language pathologists through academic excellence and clinical training.
Overview
The University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program serves two goals. You can prepare for clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or build foundations for doctoral studies. Students learn from a well-laid-out curriculum that covers language, articulation, fluency, voice, swallowing, and neurologically-based communication disorders. Clinical practicum experiences happen at the university’s Speech and Hearing Center and many affiliated clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and hospitals in the region.
South Alabama’s Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers several degree options. These include a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Doctor of Audiology, Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences, and a Minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Accreditation
The Master of Science education program in speech-language pathology at the University of South Alabama holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This accreditation will give a solid foundation that meets national standards for professional practice. The program currently meets Alabama’s licensure requirements, though other states’ requirements remain under review.
Curriculum highlights
Students typically complete the MSSLP program in six academic semesters, with one semester focused on clinical externship. Those with a speech and hearing sciences background can finish in six continuous semesters and graduate in August of the second year. The program needs 70 credit hours of coursework.
The curriculum’s key components include:
- Simple science courses
- Specialized courses on evaluation and treatment
- Clinical practicum experiences
- Complete examinations before externship (or thesis completion)
Students must complete 375 supervised clinical clock hours in ASHA-required areas. Those without an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders start with 25 hours of clinical observation before supervised clinical experiences.
Admission requirements
The MSSLP program reviews applications competitively. December 15 marks the preferred deadline for all materials, with rolling application reviews. The admission process needs:
- An application through the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)
- A $75 administration fee to the Department
- A $250 non-refundable matriculation fee after acceptance (counts toward first semester tuition)
Recent successful applicants showed strong academic performance. The latest cohort averaged a combined GRE score of 299, GRE writing score of 3.84, overall GPA of 3.72, and upper division GPA of 3.79. The program selected only a small group from 282 applicants in the most recent cycle.
Tuition and financial aid
The University Bulletin’s USA Tuition and Fee Schedule lists specific tuition details. Students should plan for these additional fees:
- Typhon Student Record Tracking System Fee: $100 (one-time)
- Resource Fee: $169 per semester
- Biomedical Library Fee: $10 per semester
- Professional Liability Fee: $25 annually
- Background Check and Drug Test Recording: $120 (one-time) plus $2.99 service fee
Graduate assistantship positions help students with program costs. These relaxed campus jobs need 6-10 weekly hours, with flexible scheduling between classes. Students learn about these opportunities the summer before starting classes.
Career outcomes
Graduates consistently achieve remarkable success. In the last five years, more than 96% of students completed the program on time. The Praxis examination results stand out, with perfect pass rates across multiple recent periods (2024-2025, 2022-2023, 2021-2022, 2020-2021, and 2019-2020).
Program completion meets all academic and practicum requirements for the Clinical Fellowship (CF). After the CF, graduates can pursue national certification (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology [CCC-SLP] from ASHA) and Alabama State Licensure. Alumni work in a variety of settings like schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community clinics.
University of Montevallo – Montevallo
The University of Montevallo sits in a small Alabama town just 35 miles south of Birmingham. Their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines detailed academic preparation with hands-on clinical experiences. The program stands out from larger schools with a unique approach – academic faculty members also work as clinical supervisors. This creates a natural bridge between classroom learning and real-world practice.
Overview
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program equips you with evidence-based training to treat communication disorders in patients of all ages. You’ll train at the on-site Speech and Language Center, where you can provide therapy and run diagnostic evaluations in a supportive setting. The program gives you at least three different off-campus clinical experiences. Your final semester includes full-time externships in both pediatric and adult medical settings.
Accreditation
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Hearing Association (CAA) has fully accredited the program. The accreditation runs through 2033, with the next review set for February 2032. This status confirms that the program meets national standards needed for professional practice and licensure.
Curriculum highlights
Full-time students complete the program in five semesters (two years). You have two track options:
- Non-thesis track: 39 graduate hours of required coursework plus 17 hours of clinical practicum
- Thesis track: 39 graduate hours of required coursework, up to 6 thesis hours, and 17 hours of clinical practicum
Students must keep a minimum 3.0 GPA. You need to complete at least 400 clock hours of clinical practicum by graduation. This includes 375 hours in direct clinical contact and 25 in observation, with 325 clock hours at the graduate level minimum. The program’s final spring semester features an exciting full-time off-campus clinical externship. You’ll spend 8 weeks each in pediatric and adult medical settings.
Admission requirements
Submit your fall admission application by January 15th through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). You’ll need:
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of coursework. Three faculty members who taught or supervised you must submit recommendation forms. You might need to do a personal interview in-person or through video chat. The program offers two tracks: M.S. SLP Traditional track for communication disorders graduates and M.S. SLP Nonbackground track for graduates from other fields.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025-2026 academic year costs $453 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,084 for out-of-state students. Additional fees include a Speech Pathology Program Fee of $90 per credit hour (max 9 hours per semester) and a possible CSD Masters Thesis Fee of $15 per credit hour for thesis students.
Graduate assistants earn $12.00 hourly for up to 10 hours weekly in their first fall semester. They can renew based on performance and a 3.0 GPA. The program also helps fund graduate research and academic conference presentations.
Career outcomes
Program graduates can work in clinics, hospitals, schools, or skilled nursing facilities. You’ll meet all academic and practicum requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and state licensure from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Public school jobs require Class A teacher certification, which you can get when hired.
Alabama A&M University – Normal
Alabama A&M University in Normal stands out among historically Black institutions. It’s one of just eight universities nationwide with a nationally accredited program in speech-language pathology. The School of Education houses their Communicative Sciences and Disorders Program, which has served students and the community since the late 1960s.
Overview
Alabama A&M’s Communicative Sciences and Disorders Program creates a student-focused environment that emphasizes learning, research, scholarship, and professional expertise. Students get hands-on experience at the campus-based Speech and Hearing Clinic. The clinic serves both university students and local community members. This practical approach helps students learn about various communication disorders, from phonological and language issues to voice, fluency, and hearing problems.
Accreditation
The Master of Science education program in Communication Sciences and Disorders has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) through September 30, 2027. A thorough review in Rockville, Maryland led to this renewed accreditation, which shows the program’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence.
Curriculum highlights
Students with an undergraduate degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders can complete the master’s program in two years. Those from other fields need three years. The program requires at least 400 clinical clock hours under supervision from ASHA-certified, Alabama-licensed faculty members and external supervisors. Students must take CSD 516 Advanced Clinical Practicum each semester until they complete their clinical hours.
Admission requirements
Program requirements include:
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- GRE minimum scores of 146 (verbal) and 140 (quantitative)
- Three recommendation letters, preferably from undergraduate professors
- Statement of Professional Goals and Objectives
International students need a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based).
Tuition and financial aid
Summer 2025 tuition rates are $422 per credit hour for residents and $840 for non-residents. Students also pay a $125 Information Technology Fee and $43 Health Insurance Fee. The university provides over $63 million in annual aid through scholarships, grants, work-study positions, and loans.
Career outcomes
The program boasts exceptional success rates. Students achieved 100% program completion in 2023-2024, with 90-93% rates in previous years. Praxis examination pass rates reached 100% in both 2023-2024 and 2022-2023. Graduate employment remains strong, with 100% of graduates finding positions in the field for several consecutive years.
Faulkner University – Montgomery
Faulkner University in Montgomery offers a distinctive faith-based approach to speech pathology education in Alabama. This Christian university welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds who want to become competent and compassionate speech language pathologists, while approaching speech language pathology from a Biblical point of view.
Overview
The 2-year-old Speech-Language Pathology program at Faulkner offers Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees through on-ground and online formats. Students started attending the on-ground program in Fall 2018, and the online option launched in Fall 2022. Both programs now have full accreditation. The program’s mission aims “through excellence in instruction, research, and clinical practice, to be leading speech-language pathologists who glorify God by serving others”.
Accreditation
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited both Master’s programs – the residential and distance education options. Faulkner University’s institutional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Curriculum highlights
The program has:
- 66 total credits (31 academic, 27 clinical, 8 research)
- 400+ supervised clinical clock hours
- 5 semesters for full-time students (both on-ground and online)
- 8 semesters for part-time students (online only)
Students gain diverse clinical experiences that shape them into skilled and well-rounded clinicians.
Admission requirements
Students need a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and SLP GPA of 3.0 or higher, calculated by CSDCAS. A non-refundable $500 deposit secures your spot in the cohort after acceptance.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit hour costs $750, plus a $70 per credit online fee for distance learners. Students pay a $350 general fee and $575 clinical fee each semester. Both delivery formats cost approximately $54,125 in total. Faulkner’s Financial Aid Office helps students explore financing options.
Career outcomes
The program’s graduates show impressive success rates consistently. The on-ground program achieved on-time completion rates of 100% (2022), 89% (2023), and 100% (2024). Online students maintained a 100% completion rate in 2024. On-ground students’ Praxis examination pass rates reached 85% (2021-2022), 91% (2022-2023), and 89% (2023-2024), while online students achieved 100% (2023-2024).
Auburn University – Auburn
Auburn University sits in eastern Alabama and offers a Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks to become speech-language pathologists.
Overview
Auburn’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences delivers detailed education through its on-campus Speech and Language Center. Students get valuable hands-on experience at the center. The program focuses on evidence-based practice and excellent clinical service that prepares graduates to work with various communication disorders.
Accreditation
The master’s program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for certification as speech-language pathologists.
Curriculum highlights
Students have two options:
- Thesis Track: Minimum 58 credit hours with 4-6 hours of research/thesis that waives academic comprehensive examinations
- Non-Thesis Track: 59 credit hours that includes comprehensive examinations and required internship
Admission requirements
Students must submit applications by January 15th through CSDCAS and Auburn University Graduate School. The process needs unofficial transcripts for Graduate School application, official transcripts for CSDCAS, and completed CASPER assessment.
Tuition and financial aid
Alabama residents pay $6,653 per semester for graduate tuition in 2025-2026, while non-residents pay $17,993. Students should budget around $7,936 for off-campus housing and $3,760 for books, supplies, and personal expenses.
Career outcomes
The program shows outstanding results with 100% PRAXIS examination pass rates for three straight years (2021-2024). The program has also managed to keep a perfect 100% completion rate during this time.
Pick the Right Alabama SLP Program Today
Selecting the right speech pathology program will shape your professional success in this rewarding field. Seven accredited programs across Alabama offer excellent paths to become a qualified speech-language pathologist and meet certification requirements. Each school brings something special to the table. University of Alabama’s extensive clinical placement network stands out, while Samford’s faith-based approach and Auburn’s perfect completion rates make them attractive choices.
These seven universities maintain high academic standards, which their impressive PRAXIS examination pass rates and job placement statistics clearly show. Most programs achieve near-perfect or 100% success rates, proving their ability to prepare skilled professionals.
Your choice should depend on where you want to live, what you can afford, and which curriculum and clinical opportunities match your priorities. Any Alabama program you pick will give you complete education in assessment, treatment, and prevention of communication disorders at every life stage.
Speech-language pathology graduates from these Alabama schools have bright career prospects. A master’s degree qualifies you for state licensure and ASHA certification. This opens doors to work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
The path to becoming a speech-language pathologist begins with picking a program that fits your career goals and personal situation. These seven top-rated Alabama programs are a great way to get solid foundations. They help launch your professional career in this growing and meaningful healthcare field.