5 Best Speech Pathology Programs in Arkansas

If you’re ready to start your career as a speech pathologist in Arkansas, the state has several excellent programs that can help you achieve your goals.

Arkansas features 6 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs. Students can choose from 5 Master’s programs and 1 Doctorate program. These programs will prepare you for well-paying speech pathologist positions in Arkansas while giving you the necessary credentials. The University of Arkansas leads the way with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in speech pathology. This makes it easier for students to find the right educational path at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Let’s get into the 5 best speech pathology programs in Arkansas for 2025. We’ll look at what each school offers, their clinical opportunities, and admission requirements. You’ll also learn about costs and financial aid options to help you pick the right program for your future.

University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville stands out as a top choice for future speech-language pathologists in the Natural State. The Fayetteville campus has one of Arkansas’s oldest speech pathology programs that delivers complete education with strong clinical elements.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Arkansas helps students build professional careers as speech-language pathologists. Students need a minimum of five academic semesters to finish this program, and they must enroll in summer classes between their first and second years. They can pick either thesis or non-thesis tracks, and non-thesis students must pass a complete written examination.

Students take 36 hours of graduate-level academic courses plus 17 hours of graduate-level clinical credit. This gives them both theory knowledge and hands-on experience needed for professional certification. Graduates will meet all academic and clinical practicum requirements to get the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The university also has a Post-Master’s Certificate in Advanced School-Based Speech-Language Pathology that working professionals can take online. This 15-credit program covers specialized areas like literacy, fluency disorders, augmentative communication, pediatric feeding, and behavioral management.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the Master of Science degree program in speech pathology. The program got its accreditation renewed after a complete review in 2023. It met all 150+ standards in six key areas: administrative structure, faculty qualifications, curriculum design, student tracking, assessment procedures, and program resources.

The program’s reaccreditation status tells current and future students that their education matches ASHA’s core skills and values for professional practice. Graduates can meet licensure requirements and start their professional practice right after completion.

Clinical training and facilities

Students get their clinical training at the U of A Speech and Hearing Clinic in the Epley Center for Health Professions. This facility trains students and serves the Northwest Arkansas community.

The Epley Center has state-of-the-art resources including:

• Administrative and faculty offices
• Classrooms and seminar rooms
• Teaching and research laboratories
• Clinical service facilities for speech, language, and hearing services

Certified faculty supervise students who provide complete services like speech, language, and hearing evaluations, plus specialized hearing aid services. The recent accreditation review praised the clinic’s “innovative and successful model for clinical training”.

Students also train at community partners’ locations, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. This mix of on-campus and off-campus training gives them varied practical experience before graduation.

Admission requirements

Getting into the Master’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders needs careful planning. Applicants must meet these criteria:

• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework
• Finished prerequisite courses in normal speech, language, and hearing functions
• Knowledge of normal development and speech-language disorders
• Courses in biological and physical sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and mathematics

Students need to submit:

1. College transcripts
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
3. A personal statement
4. Three letters of recommendation from qualified individuals

The program accepts applications only for fall admission through the CSDCAS centralized electronic system, with a firm January 15 deadline. Students should prepare early because incomplete or late applications won’t be reviewed.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2024-2025 academic year graduate resident tuition costs $459.68 per credit hour, adding up to about $11,032 for 24 credit hours. Non-resident graduate students pay substantially more at $30,005.76 for the same credits. With extra university fees of $1,921.68, residents can expect to pay $34,279 yearly while non-residents pay $53,253, including living costs.

Students can get financial help through several options:

• Graduate assistantships give monthly stipends and in-state tuition waivers for positions of 50% or more
• The Benjamin Franklin Lever Tuition Fellowship covers full graduate tuition up to 2 years for master’s students who need financial help or come from underrepresented backgrounds
• Doctoral Academy Fellowships provide $12,000 yearly for up to 4 years
• Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships give $22,000 yearly for up to 4 years

Arkansas residents aged 60 or older might qualify for tuition waivers on campus courses, making education available to older students.

Best for

This program works great for students who want both strong academics and clinical training. It excels at preparing students for medical and educational careers, with unique strengths in school-based practice through its post-master’s certificate.

The program fits perfectly if you value:

• Research opportunities (highlighted during accreditation review)
• Early hands-on clinical experience
• Specialized training in pediatric communication disorders
• Preparation for both educational and healthcare settings

Research-minded students will appreciate the program’s “high praise for research activity” from its latest accreditation review. Students get excellent clinical and research opportunities, making it perfect for those thinking about doctoral studies or careers that mix clinical practice with research.

University of Central Arkansas – Conway

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) sits in the heart of Arkansas and runs one of the state’s most detailed speech pathology programs. UCA has grown into the premier institution for future speech-language pathologists with its dedication to clinical excellence.

Program overview

UCA’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders runs on a 6-semester schedule (fall, spring, summer) that needs full-time enrollment. Students complete 54 semester-credit-hours split between 40 hours of academic coursework and 14 hours of clinical practicum.

The program aims to “prepare professionals qualified to provide independent professional diagnostic and therapy services to individuals with a wide range of communication and swallowing needs in a variety of settings”. This detailed approach gives students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for successful clinical practice.

Students who finish the program earn their Master of Science degree and meet standards for:

• The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA
• Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology licensure
• Speech-Language Pathology credentials from the Arkansas State Department of Education

Graduates can naturally move into professional roles in educational, medical, and private settings throughout Arkansas.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the program. The program’s accreditation was extended through February 2032, which shows its continued excellence and adherence to professional standards.

The CAA gave UCA’s speech-language pathology program special recognition. A site team chair noted during a previous accreditation review that UCA’s program ranked “one of the two or three best programs he has seen” among roughly 25 site visits. The program met every curricular, clinical, and administrative standard without any compliance issues.

The program’s structure matches ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements, setting a standard that goes beyond basic state licensure needs. This match helps graduates stand out in the job market because they’ve met strict academic and professional benchmarks.

Clinical training and facilities

Students train at the UCA Speech-Language-Hearing Center (SLHC) in the Integrated Health Sciences Building. This 30-year-old outpatient center serves Conway and nearby areas, giving students hands-on experience with many different patients.

Faculty members with ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence and Arkansas state licensure supervise graduate students who provide various clinical services. Students work with patients of all ages from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, completing at least 400 clinical practicum hours (325 at graduate level).

The SLHC runs several special programs that improve student learning:

• Brain Fitness Program: Helps participants improve and maintain language and cognitive function through active learning and social activities
• Read to Succeed: Offers intensive reading instruction for children in grades 3-5 who struggle with reading and spelling
• Smooth Sailing: A summer program for school-age children who stutter that includes individual and group therapy
• Voice Clinic: Provides detailed assessment and treatment for voice disorders from structural issues, neurologic disorders, and vocal trauma

The Parkinson’s Voice Project gave UCA a grant to start the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd program. This grant helps students learn while supporting Parkinson’s patients who face communication challenges.

Admission requirements

Admission to UCA’s speech-language pathology graduate program is highly competitive, with the program receiving 152 applications for approximately 40 admission spots in a recent admissions cycle. Successful applicants typically present impressive academic credentials, with the GPA range for admitted students falling between 3.70 and 4.00.

Requirements for admission include:

• Bachelor’s degree (can be in related fields, not necessarily in communication sciences)
• Completion of prerequisite coursework in biological science, physical science, statistics, and behavioral/social science
• Undergraduate courses covering basic human communication processes, speech-language development, anatomy and physiology, phonetics, and related areas
• Minimum 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA (though typically admitted students have 3.4 or higher)
• Three to four letters of recommendation (minimum of two from academic faculty)
• Personal statement addressing specific prompts
• Completion of the CSDCAS centralized application

The application deadline is January 15th for fall admission, with all documents needing to be received and verified by CSDCAS by February 15th. Given the program’s selectivity, early application is strongly encouraged.

Tuition and financial aid

Though specific tuition rates vary yearly, graduate tuition at UCA was previously reported at $279 per credit hour for in-state students and $558 per credit hour for out-of-state students. For the complete program, this translates to approximate tuition and fees of:

These figures represent a strong value proposition compared to similar programs nationwide. In fact, UCA has been ranked #1 in the “Best Value Audiology Schools for a Master’s in Arkansas” category, highlighting the program’s excellent return on investment.

Financial assistance options include graduate assistantships, scholarships, and grants. The program has previously offered funding with 11 of its 66 admission offers, providing financial support to approximately 17% of admitted students. Additionally, UCA has received state-funded training and career development grants totaling $171,801, which further supports student education and practical training.

Best for

The UCA speech pathology program is particularly suited for students seeking diverse clinical experiences in a supportive learning environment. With a target class size of 40 students and a 100% graduation rate for full-time students, the program offers personalized attention that leads to successful outcomes.

The program stands out for students interested in:

• Diverse clinical populations: The UCA clinic serves clients ranging from children to seniors, providing experience across the lifespan
• Community engagement: Programs like Brain Fitness at senior communities demonstrate the program’s commitment to community service
• Specialized clinical areas: Expertise in stuttering therapy, voice disorders, and Parkinson’s treatment provides specialized training opportunities
• Research interests: The program supports research in areas including augmentative communication, autism spectrum disorders, fluency disorders, and neurogenic speech and language disorders

Notably, the program has achieved 100% employment rates for graduates, with all qualifying for national certification and state licensure upon completion. This track record of success makes UCA an excellent choice for students committed to excellence in speech-language pathology education in Arkansas.

Arkansas State University – Jonesboro

Arkansas State University (A-State) in Jonesboro runs outstanding speech pathology programs. Their students achieve impressive results with a 98% PRAXIS exam pass rate over three years and all graduates find jobs. The program started in 1969 and has built a solid reputation for excellence in clinical training and student achievement.

Program overview

A-State offers two degree paths. The Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders provides a foundation degree. Students learn general education, communication sciences, anatomy and physiology, and basic treatment methods. This undergraduate program doesn’t qualify for licensure but prepares students well for graduate studies.

The Master of Communication Disorders (MCD) qualifies graduates for state licensure and ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence. Students must complete 49 semester hours after their bachelor’s degree, including clinical practice. The program takes 19 months to complete. Students start in summer and graduate in December the following year.

The program’s success rate speaks for itself. Over three years, 99% of students completed their studies on time. Students without a communication disorders background can take 38 credit hours of additional coursework to catch up.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

A-State’s graduate program holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This recognition proves the program meets the profession’s highest standards.

The curriculum matches requirements for:

• ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology
• Arkansas Board of Examiners licensure
• Speech Pathology certification from the Arkansas Department of Education

Graduates can start their careers right away. The program’s results prove its quality – 98% pass rate on licensure exams over three years and every graduate finds employment.

Clinical training and facilities

The Speech and Hearing Center serves as the heart of clinical education at A-State. This facility helps students learn while serving the community. It includes:

• Private therapy rooms for individual and group work
• A clinical workroom with therapy materials
• Standardized tests and protocols
• An audiological suite for hearing tests

Licensed speech-language pathologists supervise students who provide free diagnostic and therapy services. The center runs on semester schedules with 55-minute sessions customized for each client.

A-State has grown its external partnerships significantly. By 2019, the program had 55 clinical supervisors in schools, hospitals, and rehab centers. Students get real-world experience in different settings before graduating.

The center adapted during COVID-19 by adding telepractice services. Students continued their clinical work through HIPAA-secure video chat while helping patients remotely.

Admission requirements

Getting into the Master of Communication Disorders program takes hard work. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Submit your application through CSDCAS by February 1st
2. Apply to A-State’s Graduate School separately
3. Send official transcripts to both places

You’ll need:

• At least 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA (most accepted students have higher)
• 25 GPA in major courses
• GRE scores totaling 285 or higher (average accepted score is 300)

Competition is tough. Recently, 125 people applied for just 30 spots. After February 1st, the CD Admissions and Credits Committee reviews applications, ranks candidates, and sends acceptance letters.

Tuition and financial aid

A-State offers great value among Arkansas speech pathology programs. The 2025-2026 costs were:

Every student gets some form of financial aid. The program accepts 63% of applicants, making it more available than other Arkansas graduate programs. After conditional acceptance, students need a background check costing $50-$100.

Best for

A-State’s Communication Disorders program works best for students who want:

• High-value education: Every student gets financial aid, and tuition stays competitive
• Strong clinical preparation: Students learn through campus clinics and external placements
• Proven outcomes: The high exam pass rate and job placement show the program works
• Quick completion: Students finish in 19 months instead of two years
• Career change options: Students from different backgrounds can catch up through extra courses

A-State fits perfectly for students who need affordable education with proven results and solid clinical experience in speech pathology.

Harding University – Searcy

Harding University in Searcy sets itself apart from other Arkansas speech pathology programs by blending Christian values with professional education. The 70-year old program began when Richard Walker brought speech therapy services to Searcy. It has grown substantially while keeping its faith-based approach to communication sciences education.

Program overview

Harding University’s Speech-Language Pathology program leads to a Master of Science degree. Students with communication sciences and disorders backgrounds complete this five-semester program with 60 semester hours. Students move through the program as a group, taking courses in a specific sequence during fall, spring, and summer terms.

The program aims to “prepare highly competent speech-language pathologists in a rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on Christian living”. This matches the university’s goal to blend faith, learning, and life as students prepare for their professional communities.

Students can take advantage of an accelerated track that combines a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders with the Master’s degree in five years. Students need either a 3.75 high school GPA and 26 ACT score, or they must keep a 4.0 GPA in major courses with a 3.8 overall GPA after their first year.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the Master of Science program. This helps graduates meet ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements.

Program graduates can:

• Apply for ASHA membership
• Take the national certifying exam (PRAXIS II) from the Educational Testing Service
• Apply for state licensure

Clinical training and facilities

The Harding University Speech Clinic, on the Swaid Center for Health Sciences’ first floor, serves as the main training site. Students train here while helping children and adults with speech and language disorders.

The clinic provides:

• Care for speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders
• Hearing screenings in a sound-proof audiology suite
• LSVT Loud treatment for Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions

ASHA-certified and state-licensed faculty members supervise students’ clinical work. The program also offers HIZ-PATH, where students spend six weeks in Zambia providing speech-language pathology services.

Admission requirements

The Speech-Language Pathology program has competitive admission standards:

• CSDCAS application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Prerequisite courses in normal language development, phonetics, anatomy and physiology of communication, speech science, and related areas
• Strong GPA (Fall 2025 admitted students averaged 3.79)
• Three evaluation letters (two academic)

Students must apply by February 15. The CSDCAS portal opens July 15 yearly.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2023-2024 academic year costs $883 per credit hour, plus $396 technology fees each semester. Full-time graduate students pay:

Three graduate assistants per cohort receive $25,000 over five semesters for 10 weekly department work hours. Federal loans, veterans programs, and vocational rehabilitation programs are also available.

Best for

This program works well for students who want a faith-based speech-language pathology education with strong clinical training. It’s great for those interested in:

• Learning that combines Christian values with professional training
• Global service through HIZ-PATH
• Learning with nursing, physical therapy, and other health science students
• Unique experiences like hippotherapy at a local facility

The program boasts a 100% PRAXIS exam pass rate for 14 straight years and all graduates find employment, making it an excellent choice for Arkansas speech pathologist careers.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Little Rock

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) sits at the center of Arkansas’ capital. Its speech pathology program stands out by blending academic excellence with hands-on clinical training at a major medical sciences campus.

Program overview

UAMS’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology welcomes 24 students each fall for a full-time two-year program. Students progress through five semesters, including one summer term, as a cohort. The program combines academic coursework with supervised clinical experiences each semester to help students develop their knowledge and skills. Students move through the program together, taking similar courses in sequence, while their offsite rotations match their individual interests.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) has granted full accreditation to the program through February 2025. This accreditation will give a clear path to ASHA certification, Arkansas state licensure, and other professional credentials. The program’s students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the national Praxis exam.

Clinical training and facilities

Students begin their clinical training at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic during their first year. This facility provides detailed services such as speech, language, literacy, hearing, and balance evaluations. The program offers exceptional clinical opportunities:

• Specialized group experiences including aphasia groups, literacy intervention, and accent management
• Clinical settings through mutually beneficial alliances with over 70 offsite facilities
• Innovative programs like hippotherapy using horses for motor and sensory input

ASHA-certified faculty supervise all services directly.

Admission requirements

The program’s competitive admission process requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Specified communication sciences coursework completion
• Minimum 3.0 overall GPA (successful applicants typically have 3.4+ in major courses)
• Three letters of recommendation (two from CSD instructors)
• Personal essay and resume

Students without a CSD background must finish foundational coursework before enrollment.

Tuition and financial aid

Arkansas residents’ estimated program cost for 2024-2025 totals $33,116:

The department offers limited student worker positions and scholarships.

Best for

UAMS excels for students who want:

• Medical-focused training in a healthcare environment
• Clinical experience starting in their first semester
• Clinical experiences with patients of all ages
• Research opportunities through thesis or applied research projects
• Interprofessional education opportunities at a medical sciences campus

Choose an Arkansas SLP Master’s Today

Your choice of speech pathology program will substantially affect your educational experience and career opportunities. This piece looks at five outstanding programs in Arkansas that each bring their own advantages while keeping high academic standards.

These programs have several strong points in common. They all maintain CAA-ASHA accreditation, which means graduates can meet national certification requirements. On top of that, they show excellent employment rates – all but one of these programs report 100% job placement for their graduates. Students get strong clinical training and work with patients from many backgrounds.

Each school offers something special. The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville stands out with its research options and post-master’s certificates. The University of Central Arkansas excels at community programs and specialized clinical areas. Arkansas State University appeals to students who want faster completion and great value. Harding University stands apart with its faith-based approach and international service options. UAMS provides specialized medical training in a healthcare setting.

Think over more than just academics when picking your program. Your educational experience depends on where you study, what you pay, how long it takes, and what clinical opportunities you get. Money matters too, but most programs help you with assistantships, scholarships, or other financial support.

Whatever Arkansas program you pick, you’ll get excellent training. These speech pathology programs turn out skilled professionals ready to help with communication disorders in healthcare and educational settings. Now that you know how these programs match up, you can move forward confidently toward becoming a speech-language pathologist in Arkansas.