4 Top Speech Pathology Masters Programs in Washington: Expert Review

Are you looking at speech pathology masters programs in Washington state? Your career choice shows promise. Speech-language pathologists will see a 15% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which substantially exceeds other career fields.

The path to admission demands solid preparation. Competition runs high – Eastern Washington University’s 2022/23 academic year saw 120 applicants vying for 56 spots. Successful students achieved an average GPA of 3.79. A master’s degree serves as the mandatory entry-level qualification for speech-language pathologists in Washington state.

Let’s get into the four top-rated speech pathology masters programs in Washington. This detailed overview will help you chart your educational path forward.

1. University of Washington – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Washington ranks as the #5 program in the country according to U.S. News & World Report. It’s the highest-ranked program on the West Coast. Students who want to become speech-language pathologists will find a complete curriculum and specialized tracks that lead to professional practice in this fast-growing field.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Washington helps you learn how to diagnose and treat communication disorders in patients of all types. The program has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This ensures graduates meet national standards for professional certification.

Students at UW’s Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences learn everything about typical and impaired human communication. This includes speech, language, hearing, and swallowing functions. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, and faculty members are leaders in their fields nationally and internationally.

The university’s Speech & Hearing Clinic helps more than 9,000 community members each year. Students work with clients under nationally certified clinical educators’ supervision. This hands-on experience contributes to the clinic’s service mission.

Clinical practicum opportunities

Much of your training happens outside traditional classrooms. Students must complete clinical practicum courses to get the clinical clock hours ASHA requires.

First-year students complete rotations in UW clinical facilities. These include:

• The UW Speech & Hearing Clinic (UWSHC), a nonprofit clinical training facility serving more than 1,000 clients annually
• The UW Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), one of the nation’s largest interdisciplinary centers focused on developmental disabilities
• UW Medicine facilities, including Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center

Second-year students participate in community-based practicums and internships to build their clinical skills. Placement options depend on your specialization track. You might work in public schools, early intervention settings, hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, or skilled nursing facilities.

Licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists supervise all clinical experiences. These supervisors must have at least 9 months of post-clinical fellowship experience and complete supervision-related continuing education.

Admission requirements

The admission process for UW’s speech pathology program is selective and comprehensive. Applications are due by January 15 for fall admission, with decisions typically released in mid-March.

To be considered for admission, you must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences, communication disorders, or a similarly named major OR a bachelor’s degree in another field with sufficient coursework in speech and hearing sciences
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits
• Prerequisite coursework in specific ASHA-defined areas, including phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech and swallowing mechanisms, speech and language development, speech and language disorders, audiology and hearing disorders, acoustics and hearing science, treatment of communication disorders, and social-cultural aspects of communication
• Basic sciences and statistics prerequisites, including courses in biological sciences, physical sciences (physics or chemistry), statistics, and social/behavioral sciences

For the 2021-2029 accreditation cycle, the program received 216 applications with 86 admission offers made, resulting in an enrollment of 54 students. The GPA range for applicants offered admission was 3.19-4.00, indicating the competitive nature of the selection process.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, with the Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences requiring higher test score minimums than the general UW Graduate School policy.

Specialization tracks

One distinctive feature of UW’s program is its specialized tracks that prepare students for different professional settings. You can choose from three options:

The Educational track incorporates coursework dedicated to literacy disorders, cultural and linguistic diversity, autism, public school practice, and special education. The Medical track focuses on traumatic brain injury, dementia, right hemisphere disorders, and medical setting voice treatment, preparing you for healthcare environments. The Clinical Research track pairs students with faculty mentors who oversee research training, lab work, and the master’s thesis.

Program duration and format

The program duration varies slightly depending on your chosen specialization track. The Educational Speech-Language Pathology program spans seven quarters (about two years), whereas both the Medical and Clinical Research tracks require eight quarters. All tracks follow a full-time curriculum that cannot be completed on a part-time basis.

Credit requirements also differ by track: the Educational track requires 98 credits, the Medical track requires 99 credits, and the Clinical Research track involves 113 credits.

Notably, this is an in-person (residential) program with classes held on the UW campus in Seattle. While some courses may include hybrid or distance-learning elements, the majority of classroom and clinical courses are conducted in person. Courses are typically scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with some evening sessions (5:30-7:30 p.m.).

Career preparation and licensure

The UW program specifically prepares you for licensure across multiple practice settings. Upon graduation, Educational track students are prepared for licensure in school, early intervention, and non-school settings. Medical and Clinical Research track students are prepared for licensure in early intervention and non-school settings, with minimal additional training required for school settings if desired.

Importantly, the program is designed to meet all Washington state licensure requirements across settings, as well as most other state and territory regulations. The program reports meeting the educational licensure requirements for:

• School settings in all but seven states (Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, and New York)
• Non-school (healthcare/medical) settings in all states and territories except the Northern Mariana Islands
• Early intervention settings in all but three states (Arizona, California, and Virginia)

Beyond completing the master’s program, becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Washington requires several additional steps: completing a clinical fellowship with supervised professional practice, passing the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology, and taking the Speech-Language Pathology Jurisprudence Exam. Many graduates also pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA to enhance their professional credentials.

With job growth for speech-language pathologists projected at 19% from 2022 to 2032, graduates from this prestigious program are well-positioned for successful careers across educational, medical, and research settings throughout Washington state and beyond.

2. Western Washington University – MA in Speech-Language Pathology

Western Washington University runs a highly regarded Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program. Graduates learn to work in clinical, educational, and research settings. The program stands out among Washington state speech pathology programs because of its strong curriculum and excellent graduate outcomes. Students learn through evidence-based practice and real clinical experiences.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Western Washington University helps students learn advanced knowledge and practical skills to assess and treat communication disorders. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This gives students the assurance that they will meet national professional standards.

Students learn to combine evidence-based practice, research methods, and clinical expertise. This helps them work in many professional settings. The program helps students build both theory and hands-on expertise. Graduates can work as speech-language pathologists in clinical, educational, or research settings.

Students become skilled at analysis and critical thinking. They study communication disorders in people of all backgrounds. Expert faculty members guide students throughout their studies. Many students work on research projects. They present and publish their work. This gives them extra professional growth beyond their regular coursework.

Clinical practicum opportunities

Clinical experiences are the foundation of WWU’s speech-language pathology program. Students must show they can handle both diagnostic and clinical practica. These supervised clinical experiences help students build hands-on skills and get ready for certification.

• Head Start programs
• Whatcom Center for Early Learning
• Francis Adult Rehabilitation Center
• Various extended care facilities and special residential centers

Students complete their clinical internships in their last two quarters. The internship coordinator helps plan these placements. Students usually work in public schools, specialized clinics, or hospitals in Washington state and Canada. They can also request internships in other locations.

Students graduate with plenty of practical experience. They work with many different types of clients and communication disorders in various settings.

Admission requirements

WWU’s speech-language pathology program accepts only 18-21 students each year from about 161.5 applications. Students must apply by January 15 for fall quarter admission. Early applications get priority.

Students need these qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences/CSD/Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology from an accredited school, earned in the last eight years
• A 3.0 GPA or higher (successful applicants usually have around 3.77, based on the 2025 cohort)
• 25 hours watching clinical work with an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist

Students with degrees in other fields must finish a post-baccalaureate program first. This program needs 50 credits over 4 quarters (fall through summer).

International students must meet higher English requirements than other graduate programs. They need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100.

Specialization tracks

WWU lets students choose between thesis and non-thesis options based on their career goals and research interests.

The thesis option helps students build research skills along with clinical training. Students pick a specific topic in speech-language pathology to study. They plan, complete, and defend a research project. This helps them learn scientific methods, data analysis, and academic writing.

The non-thesis option focuses more on clinical practice and specific clinical areas. Both paths need a final project – either research or a comprehensive exam.

Each option needs different credits:

• Non-Thesis path: 82-83 credits
• Thesis path: 88-92 credits

Program duration and format

The program takes two years of full-time study, including summers. Students can take longer if needed but must finish within 5 years. The program doesn’t offer part-time options.

Students meet with their advisor early in fall quarter to plan their studies. All graduate courses happen on campus in modern classrooms and teaching labs. This creates an immersive learning environment.

Courses follow a specific order each quarter. This helps students build knowledge step by step while developing clinical skills.

Career preparation and licensure

The program gets students ready for professional certification. The courses match American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards for Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. Students must complete 400 hours of supervised clinical work (325 hours in graduate school).

Each course lists specific ASHA certification goals in its syllabus. The program tracks how well students master these skills throughout their studies.

Students who want to work in Washington state public schools must take SLHS 580 (SLP in Public Schools) or complete a 30-hour workshop after graduation.

Students pay these professional fees:

• Calipso (one-time): $125.00
• Simucase (yearly): $130.00
• Malpractice insurance (yearly): $20.00
• CastleBranch (clinical platform): $110.00

Graduates can easily get certification and licenses. Many become leaders in various clinical settings. The program gives students everything they need to get certified and use their clinical skills effectively.

3. Eastern Washington University – MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Eastern Washington University offers a complete Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the SIERR Building on the Health Peninsula in Spokane. The well-laid-out program helps students work with patients who face various communication challenges, from speech and language disorders to swallowing difficulties.

Program overview

The Master of Science degree at EWU will give you the academic knowledge and clinical expertise you’ll need to start as a speech-language pathologist. Students learn both scientific foundations and practical clinical applications that cover many communication disorders and treatment approaches.

The program teaches you how to diagnose and treat language, speech, and swallowing disorders in a variety of populations. You’ll become skilled at working with people who have different communication disabilities as a speech-language pathologist trained at EWU.

Students follow a semester academic schedule, which makes this program different from other Washington programs. The coursework and clinical experiences meet all standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This certification serves as the professional standard, which will give a national competency standard.

The core team actively participates in research, mainly focusing on:

• Cognitive communication disorders (dementia, traumatic brain injury)
• Dysphagia and swallowing disorders
• Typical language development and disorders
• Voice disorders

Clinical practicum opportunities

Clinical training is the substance of EWU’s program, offering experiences in different settings and populations. Students get multiple practicum experiences that focus on evaluation and treatment skills with pediatric and adult patients.

The University Speech and Hearing Clinic hosts most first-year clinical practica, along with community-based facilities. Faculty and clinical educators supervise all clinical experiences during your first semester.

Students might work at an off-site practicum during spring or summer semesters or stay at the university clinic. The second year involves clinical experiences in community-based facilities, ending with a full-time clinical internship.

Students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of clinical practicum in various settings before graduation. These hours include:

• 25 hours of observation
• 375 hours of direct client/patient contact
• At least 325 hours at the graduate level

This complete clinical training readies you to work in early childhood programs, schools, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals.

Admission requirements

Competition runs high for spots in EWU’s Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate program. The program received 120 applications for 2022/23, offered admission to 56 candidates, and ended up with 25 enrolled students.

Fall 2022’s successful applicants had an average GPA of 3.79. The basic requirements include:

• A baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter or 60 semester credits
• An interview (selected applicants hear back after the original application review)

The program used to recommend GRE scores (around 300 points combined and 4+ on analytical writing), but has dropped this requirement for recent cycles, including Fall 2026 admissions.

Students with degrees in other fields must finish the post-baccalaureate course series in Communication Sciences and Disorders before they can apply. This step makes sure all new students have the basic knowledge they need for graduate work.

Specialization tracks

Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options. This choice helps them line up their education with career goals and research interests.

The thesis path requires CMSD 600S (Thesis), a variable credit course needing at least 6 credits. Students thinking about doctoral studies or research careers often pick this option.

The non-thesis option has three research courses:

• CMSD 620S: Research in Communication Disorders I
• CMSD 621S: Research in Communication Disorders II
• CMSD 622S: Research in Communication Disorders III

Whatever path you choose, you’ll just need 78-81 quarter credits to graduate. The program has few true “elective” courses since most classes support certification standards. Elective courses run only when enough students want them.

Program duration and format

Students usually finish in five semesters, which is the quickest way to start professional practice. The semester schedule is different from other Washington state programs’ quarter systems.

The master’s degree needs 70 total credits, split between:

• Core coursework (35 credits) covering topics like research methods, speech sound disorders, language disorders, voice disorders, and dysphagia
• Clinical practicum experiences (19 credits) including simulations and direct client contact
• Clinical field experience/internship (10 credits)
• Research component (6 credits) via thesis or non-thesis option

The SIERR Building in Spokane hosts all classes, offering one location for academic and clinical training. Students can’t complete the degree online, showing how hands-on speech-language pathology education really is.

Career preparation and licensure

Graduates meet all requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) except the Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF). Most students pass the national PRAXIS examination before getting their master’s degree.

The program also qualifies graduates for Washington state’s Speech-Language Pathology license. Students planning to work in Washington public schools must take an extra course (SLP In The Schools) and complete a Clinical Field Experience in school settings.

Students develop six professional competencies:

• Effective spoken communication about communication sciences and disorders
• Effective written communication skills
• Competency in speech-language pathology assessment
• Proficiency in client professional management
• Competency in speech-language pathology treatment
• Knowledge necessary for entry-level clinical practice

EWU graduates enter the workforce with strong academic preparation, extensive clinical experiences, and research training. This complete skill set helps them succeed as speech-language pathologists in many professional settings.

4. Washington State University – MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Washington State University runs an accredited Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences program at its health sciences campus in Spokane. Students achieve outstanding results through a blend of evidence-based practices and clinical experience. Graduates learn to work with people from all backgrounds who face communication disorders.

Program overview

The WSU Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences program helps students develop advanced knowledge and clinical skills in communication disorders. This ASHA-accredited program teaches students to diagnose and treat people with speech, language, and hearing challenges at every life stage.

Students become skilled at the “Big Nine” knowledge and skill areas that include 191 specific goals:

• Articulation disorders
• Fluency disorders
• Voice and resonance disorders
• Receptive and expressive language disorders
• Swallowing disorders
• Cognitive and social aspects of communication
• Communication modalities
• How hearing disorders affect speech and language

Students learn more than technical skills. They master professional communication in writing and speaking, understand ethical standards, use research in evidence-based practice, and stay current with professional developments.

The program combines theory with practical applications. Students study the physiological, behavioral, neurological, and psychological aspects of normal development and communication disorders. This detailed approach creates professionals who can meet various diagnostic and therapeutic needs.

Clinical practicum opportunities

Clinical experience is essential to WSU’s speech pathology program. Strategic collaborations with local clinics and advocacy groups give students chances to:

• Get clinical training in multidisciplinary teams
• Learn through experiences that combine mentoring and advocacy
• Build professional skills through hands-on practice

Students train at both campus and community locations. Small faculty-student ratios help ensure personal attention and close supervision during clinical experiences. This approach encourages breakthroughs and clinical excellence.

The campus training facility serves two purposes. Students get educational opportunities while providing healthcare services to the community. This real-life environment prepares students for actual practice while helping people who need care.

Admission requirements

Students must meet both university and program standards to join WSU’s speech pathology program. Applications go through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Sciences and Disorders Programs (CSDCAS), following WSU Graduate School requirements.

The application needs:

• A personal statement (maximum 500 words) about experiences, achievements, challenges overcome, and graduate school preparation
• Three recommendation letters from instructors, employers, or volunteer supervisors
• A resume showing relevant experience

International students whose first language isn’t English need TOEFL scores of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based).

The core team includes 11 graduate faculty members who work with about 50 graduate students. Six students usually receive assistantships. Students should apply early since the priority deadline is January 10 for fall admission.

Specialization tracks

Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options based on their career goals. The thesis option combines research methods with clinical training. Students complete a research project under faculty guidance.

The non-thesis option focuses more on clinical practice but still teaches research principles. Both paths create professional speech-language pathologists who can provide direct and consultative services in schools and medical settings.

Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a student-centered, research-based, and writing-intensive approach. These skills matter greatly in clinical practice.

Program duration and format

Most full-time students finish in about two years, including one summer. They take around 16 credit hours each semester. The well-laid-out curriculum builds knowledge step by step.

Students need a statistics course before starting, though they can take it during graduate school without it counting toward the program. The structure covers physiological, behavioral, neurological, and psychological aspects of communication.

The master’s program runs at WSU Spokane. Students learn alongside other healthcare disciplines in a medical school setting. This creates unique opportunities to work with different healthcare professionals.

Career preparation and licensure

The program shows strong results. From 2022-2024:

• 100% of students passed the Praxis examination (68/68 students)
• 22% completed the program (70/72 students)

These numbers show how well the program prepares students. Graduates can get certification in speech-language pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), earning the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and state license.

Washington public school jobs need Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certification beyond ASHA certification. Program advisors help students get this credential.

People interested in the field without prerequisites can join WSU’s post-baccalaureate program. This one-year course sequence helps students with degrees in other fields. Career-changers can use this path to enter the master’s program.

Students work with modern equipment for clinical practice and research. This experience means graduates start their careers knowing how to use current technology and methods in speech-language pathology.

Get Started Today

Your path to a career in speech pathology starts with picking the right program in this faster growing field. These four programs each bring their own strengths to the table while delivering top-quality education and clinical training.

The University of Washington ranks #5 nationally and lets students specialize in educational, medical, or research paths. Western Washington University combines theory with hands-on skills through clinical experiences in a variety of settings. Eastern Washington University’s complete training program delivers great results – their graduates achieve high Praxis exam pass rates. Washington State University’s place within a medical school creates exceptional clinical opportunities that promote learning across healthcare disciplines.

These programs share several key features. They all hold accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, which means graduates meet national professional standards. The programs prepare students for Washington state licensure and provide the clinical hours needed for certification.

Getting into these programs is tough – acceptance rates run below 50%. Students need strong academics since successful applicants typically have GPAs above 3.7. Most schools give you a choice between thesis and non-thesis tracks so you can match your education to your career goals.

Speech pathology graduates face bright job prospects with 19% growth expected between 2022 and 2032. Jobs are available in schools, hospitals, and private practices throughout Washington state and beyond.

You can make a confident choice by looking at each program’s features, location, specialty areas, and admission requirements to find your best fit. These top Washington programs will prepare you well for a rewarding career helping people with communication challenges of all ages in any setting.