7 Best Speech Pathologist Masters Programs in Connecticut (2025 Guide)
A speech pathologist master’s program in Connecticut could open doors to an exciting career with amazing growth potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows speech-language pathologists will see a remarkable 25% growth from 2019 to 2029. This growth rate is substantially higher than most other professions.
Connecticut’s qualified professionals in this field enjoy great financial benefits. The state’s licensed Speech Therapists earn around $92,800 annually. This career path lets you help others while earning a competitive salary. Several respected institutions in Connecticut offer detailed training programs in this specialized field.
The state has 4 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs. These include 3 master’s and 1 doctorate option. These programs give you the skills to help people of all ages who face communication disorders. Speech@Emerson’s online master’s program offers a flexible way to earn your MS and SLP certification in just 20 months. Students can complete their 400+ supervised clinical learning hours at convenient locations.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best speech pathology master’s programs in Connecticut, plus some nearby online options. You’ll learn about each program’s structure, clinical experiences, accreditation status, admission requirements, and costs. This information will help you choose the right educational path for your future.
University of Connecticut – MA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
UConn’s Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) stands out as one of the best graduate programs in Connecticut. This clinical degree program creates skilled speech-language pathologists through solid academic training and hands-on experience.
Program overview
The MA in SLHS at UConn teaches both normal development and clinical management of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Students with a SLHS bachelor’s degree can finish in two years, while those from other fields need three years. Students can pick between thesis and non-thesis tracks based on their career goals.
The program has eight key content areas needed for ASHA certification:
- Statistics/science
- Basic human communication and swallowing
- Communication disorders
- Ethical conduct
- Research and research integration
- Contemporary professional issues
- Professional credentials
- Oral and written skills
Students need to complete at least 75 credit hours of coursework in these areas through their undergraduate and graduate studies.
Clinical experience
Students get hands-on training through varied clinical practicum opportunities. The program requires 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum. This breaks down into 375 hours of direct client/patient contact and 25 hours of clinical observation. Students must earn at least 325 of these hours during their graduate studies.
The clinical training starts with 25 hours under direct supervision at UConn’s Speech and Hearing Clinic or partner sites. Students then rotate through at least two off-campus clinical placements in:
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Schools
- Early intervention sites
- Rehabilitation centers
Most students complete three external rotations in their final three semesters. They work with healthcare teams to assess and manage speech, language, and swallowing issues for patients of all ages.
Accreditation and licensure
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) has fully accredited this MA program. This will give students confidence that they’re meeting national standards and certification requirements.
Graduates can apply for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence and Connecticut state licensure in speech-language pathology. The program also partners with UConn’s Neag School of Education to help students get certified for work in Connecticut public schools.
School certification needs coursework in special education, regular education, human development/psychology, classroom instruction/management, and health. Students also complete an SLP practicum (EPSY 5188) in a public school to meet student teaching requirements.
Admissions and prerequisites
Students must apply through both the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science & Disorders Programs (CSDCAS) and UConn’s Graduate School online portal.
The program needs a minimum 3.0 GPA, but admitted students usually score much higher—with median GPAs between 3.6 and 3.7. This makes admission quite competitive. The program doesn’t require GRE scores.
Students need 25 observation hours before starting, proven by a formal letter from an accredited institution. Those without SLHS backgrounds can take prerequisite courses through UConn’s online pre-masters program.
Program cost
The speech pathologist masters program at UConn costs between $54,102 and $56,902. The program makes education accessible—82% of students get some form of financial aid. About 56% of applicants get accepted.
Check the Office of the Bursar website for current tuition rates, as fees can change based on Board of Trustees and Board of Regents decisions. Graduate assistantships offer extra financial support options.
Graduates find excellent job prospects. Speech-language pathologists in Connecticut earn competitive salaries in this specialized healthcare field.
Southern Connecticut State University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Southern Connecticut State University has one of Connecticut’s largest university clinics for speech-language pathology. This makes it a great choice for students who want hands-on clinical experience with strong academic training.
Program overview
SCSU’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology follows a five-semester timeline for students who have finished all prerequisites. The full-time program runs through Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters. Students get detailed education that meets industry standards. The curriculum meets all requirements for ASHA certification, Connecticut licensure, and special endorsement for Connecticut public schools.
Students need to complete 63-66 credits to graduate. These credits are split between core requirements (27 credits), directed electives (9 credits), practicum courses (24 credits), and a capstone project (3-6 credits). The program requires students to keep both an overall and departmental GPA of 3.0. They must also earn at least a “B-” in all academic courses and clinical practica.
Core coursework includes these essential areas:
- Research methods in communication disorders
- Neurogenic speech and language disorders
- Disorders in phonology and fluency
- Cognitively based communication disorders
- Language acquisition disorders
- Voice and velopharyngeal disorders
- Dysphagia
The program lets students choose between two capstone options—a thesis track with two thesis seminars or a special project track.
Clinical experience
SCSU’s clinical training stands out through three on-campus clinical service programs: The Center for Communication Disorders, The Access Network, and Southern Connecticut Audiology Services. These facilities help both campus community members and Greater New Haven residents. Students get experience with various diagnostic and treatment opportunities.
Graduation requirements include 375 hours of supervised clinical experience plus 25 hours of observation. At least 325 hours must come from graduate-level work. Students take practicum courses that give them experience in speech and language therapy, school settings, and audiology.
The final two semesters require full-time off-campus clinical practica. Students typically work 40 hours per week. This hands-on training helps graduates work confidently in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, public and private schools, and private practice.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the MS program. The current accreditation runs through November 2026.
Graduates can apply for ASHA certification, Connecticut state licensure, and public school endorsement. Connecticut licensure needs a master’s or doctorate degree from an ASHA-accredited program. Graduates must complete a Supervised Professional Experience and pass the NTE Specialty Area Test (or hold current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency).
School-based positions in Connecticut need an extra 3-credit course in special education. SCSU’s program doesn’t include this course, so students must take it separately.
Admissions and prerequisites
The program sets high standards for admission. While the minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.0, incoming classes usually have averages above 3.5. Students must apply through both the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application (CSDCAS) and SCSU’s Graduate Application Portal.
The program doesn’t require GRE scores. All the same, students must submit standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or PraxisCore) to meet Connecticut State Department of Education Teacher Certification requirements.
Students need to complete ASHA prerequisite coursework and pre-professional coursework before starting. Those without a communication disorders background must finish prerequisites before joining the graduate program.
Program cost
The 2025-2026 academic year costs about $14,960 for full-time in-state students. Out-of-state and international students pay around $28,690. These amounts cover tuition ($8,716 for in-state; $22,446 for out-of-state), university fees, and other required fees.
Full-time students from several states get reduced out-of-state rates. These states include DC, DE, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, and VT.
Living on campus adds more expenses. Townhouse accommodations cost about $10,368, and a basic meal plan (25 meals per semester) adds $820.
The Department of Communication Disorders offers some graduate assistant positions. These competitive positions help students financially while they assist with research and teaching.
Sacred Heart University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Sacred Heart University offers a hands-on, patient-centered Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The program prepares graduates to succeed in a variety of clinical settings. Students learn at the university’s Fairfield campus, where they balance academic excellence with ground experience.
Program overview
Sacred Heart’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology gives students two flexible study options based on their educational background. Students who have finished prerequisite coursework can complete the program in two years (five semesters). Those without speech-language pathology backgrounds can take the three-year track. This longer option starts with a pre-clinical year to complete prerequisites before clinical training begins.
Students learn both theory and practical skills. The program uses problem-based learning, case studies, and hands-on laboratory work. Students participate in interprofessional problem-based learning sessions 2-4 times each semester. They also present cases at interprofessional round tables.
The curriculum covers detailed topics like speech sound disorders, adult neurogenic disorders, dysphagia, and specialized practice environments. Faculty members share wisdom from their clinical work in schools and medical settings, which adds practical knowledge to classroom teaching.
Clinical experience
Students start their clinical training in the first semester and continue throughout the program. They graduate with at least 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum in various settings. Clinical placements help students develop their skills and independence gradually.
First-year students typically work 2-3 half-days weekly in educational and rehabilitative settings. They perform screenings and evaluations. Later placements include:
- Public schools
- Birth-to-three agencies
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private practices
The university’s Audiology Clinic provides more opportunities to learn about hearing services. Students work on screenings, hearing aid fittings, and balance evaluations. The CALIPSO documentation system tracks clinical competencies and hours electronically.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits the program. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education has also given its approval.
The Connecticut State Department of Education has approved the program. Graduates can work as SLPs in Connecticut public schools. These accreditations ensure graduates meet requirements for:
- ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence
- Connecticut state licensure as speech-language pathologists
- Connecticut public school SLP endorsement
Students can learn about other states’ licensure requirements through ASHA’s State-By-State resource or Sacred Heart’s State Authorization & Disclosures website.
Admissions and prerequisites
Students need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in both cumulative and prerequisite coursework. No individual prerequisite course grade can be below a C. Applications for fall admission must arrive by February 15 of the application year.
Two-year track students apply through CSDCAS. Three-year track students use Sacred Heart’s graduate online application. Application materials must include:
- Standardized test scores (GRE, SAT, ACT, or Praxis)
- Two recommendation letters from academic sources
- Official transcripts from all attended institutions
- A 500-1000 word admission essay about the department’s mission and vision statements
Three-year track prerequisites include courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences. Students can also complete prerequisites through Sacred Heart’s Online Prerequisite Series.
Program cost
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology costs about $27,800 yearly ($13,900 per semester). This covers tuition and fees only. Living expenses in the Fairfield area range from $1,736 to $2,740 monthly.
The program accepts applications on a rolling basis from February 1 through April 1. Waitlist offers might extend until classes begin in August. Students who complete at least six courses in Sacred Heart’s Online Prerequisite Series get preferential status. This guarantees an interview and early admission eligibility.
Graduates enjoy high employment rates and can work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or private practice.
University of New Haven – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of New Haven’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program holds Candidacy for Accreditation status from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). The CAA awarded this pre-accreditation status for five years (2022-2027), showing UNH’s steadfast dedication to speech-language pathology education.
Program overview
Students must complete 63 semester credit hours of graduate coursework in the MS Speech-Language Pathology program at University of New Haven. The program prepares entry-level practitioners to work in a variety of settings. Students can pick between a two-year track if they’ve finished their undergraduate SLP prerequisites, or a three-year track if they need to complete these prerequisites.
The five semesters of full-time study help students build professional knowledge and skills in four main areas:
- Evaluating prevention, assessment, and intervention concepts
- Synthesizing evidence-based information for clinical practice
- Applying professional communication skills through peer collaboration
- Integrating principles of cultural competence and ethical behavior
Core coursework covers developmental language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders, neurogenic speech and language disorders, dysphagia, and augmentative and alternative communication. Students move through their courses as a cohort over 2-2.5 years.
Clinical experience
Clinical training is the backbone of UNH’s program. Students need 375 clinical experience hours to meet ASHA requirements. Their hands-on training starts with SLPA 6630 (Clinical Practicum I) and continues through several practicum experiences. The final practicum is SLPA 6900 (Clinical Practicum Special Setting).
Students gain experience in various clinical settings to work with different populations. This approach helps them develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients of all ages. Students can choose between a comprehensive exam or capstone project to complete their clinical preparation.
Accreditation and licensure
The program’s candidacy status is a typical step for new programs, and UNH has designed it to meet full accreditation requirements. Students who graduate can pursue ASHA certification and state licensure, but they should check specific requirements for their planned practice locations.
The program lines up with ASHA’s 2020 Standards and Implementation procedures, which means graduates meet national professional standards. After graduation, they can work toward their Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) to practice in different settings.
Admissions and prerequisites
Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in both overall undergraduate work and prerequisite courses. They must apply through the CSD Central Application Service (CSDCAS).
The program also requires:
- Two letters of recommendation from academic sources
- Personal statement/essay demonstrating graduate-level written communication skills
- 25 hours of observation with an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist
- Personal interview to assess spoken English skills and professional qualities
Prerequisites include biological sciences (3 credits), social/behavioral sciences (6 credits), physical sciences (3 credits), and statistics (3 credits). The program recommends additional courses in communication disorders, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, phonetics, speech and hearing sciences, and language acquisition.
Program cost
Students pay approximately $34,398 in annual tuition plus a $50 application fee. Living costs add about $19,808. International students must prove language proficiency with minimum test scores (TOEFL: 75, IELTS: 6.0, PTE-A: 53, or Duolingo: 105).
Students can start in January or August. The program receives 85 applications for 25 spots but typically offers admission to 55 applicants. About 35 of these offers include funding options.
Sacred Heart University – Online SLP Prerequisite Series
Sacred Heart University’s Online SLP Prerequisite Series creates a clear path toward graduate admission for aspiring speech-language pathologists who lack communication disorders background. Students with bachelor’s degrees from other fields can use this specialized program to switch careers into speech pathology.
Online program overview
The Communication Disorders Online Prerequisite Series (CMD-OPS) helps students without SLP backgrounds qualify for graduate programs at Sacred Heart or other universities. Keep in mind that completion does not guarantee acceptance into Sacred Heart’s SLP Master’s program, though it makes candidates more competitive.
Students get a complete curriculum through eight courses spread across four semesters. The part-time course sequence lets students balance other commitments. Taking two courses each semester allows students to finish the whole series within one year.
Starting in summer semester and continuing through the next summer gives students the quickest path to apply for SLP Master’s programs the following winter. The program offers flexibility – students can start any semester and choose one or both available courses based on their schedule.
Clinical Experience
Students must document their observation hours with certified professionals as part of the Online SLP Prerequisite Series. Documentation of minimum of 25 hours with an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist becomes mandatory before enrolling in any graduate program.
These observation hours meet a key requirement for graduate study and give valuable exposure to professional practice. The program’s coursework helps students understand professional interactions in healthcare settings as preparation for graduate clinical work.
Online flexibility and format
Blackboard, Sacred Heart’s learning management system, hosts all classes. The program features fully asynchronous coursework – students can finish modules on their own without scheduled login times. Working professionals and people with other commitments benefit from this flexible structure.
Students get login credentials to access materials, turn in assignments by due dates, and interact with instructors and classmates. The online format maintains the same academic standards as on-campus prerequisites.
Online admissions and prerequisites
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. ASHA requires students to finish five simple science courses before applying to master’s programs:
- Biological Sciences (e.g., BI 103, BI 111)
- Physical Sciences (e.g., PY 103, CH 120)
- Statistics (e.g., MA 131)
- Two Social/Behavioral Sciences courses
Many students have already completed some requirements during their undergraduate studies. Students can work on missing science requirements while taking online prerequisite courses.
Sacred Heart’s graduate program gives preferential application status to OPS students who finish six or eight courses before applying. This status guarantees interviews and might lead to early admission consideration, giving students an edge in the competitive admissions process.
Online accreditation
The prerequisite series needs no separate accreditation since it’s not a degree program. The series meets all requirements for entry into Sacred Heart’s fully accredited MS in Speech-Language Pathology program.
These prerequisite courses match ASHA standards and prepare students for Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements in graduate studies. Students can feel confident knowing accredited graduate programs nationwide will recognize their coursework.
NYU Steinhardt – Online MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
NYU Steinhardt’s online Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders program creates a complete pathway to speech pathology education. Students can prepare for careers as speech-language pathologists through a mix of theory-based coursework and hands-on clinical experience.
Program overview
The 48-credit curriculum delivers a full education in theoretical and practical aspects of communicative sciences and disorders. Students can enroll during Fall, Spring, and Summer terms for uninterrupted learning. The program focuses on culturally responsive practices to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Students who don’t have a CSD background might need to complete up to 14 additional foundation credits. Students can choose between writing a reflective paper or completing a master’s thesis at the end.
Clinical experience
Students begin their clinical training after completing theoretical courses in a structured five-term sequence. The training has:
- Two 3-4 day on-campus clinical immersions in New York City
- Field placement experiences in settings of all types
- Growing levels of responsibility throughout the program
Students work with diverse populations of all ages during their sequence. They need to complete 375 direct contact hours plus 25 observation hours. Field placements run full-time (35+ hours weekly) for 12-16 weeks. Students must also complete 150 direct contact hours with pediatric populations in school settings.
Accreditation and licensure
ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation has fully accredited the program. Students can qualify for professional licensure as speech-language pathologists in New York and several other states. The curriculum also meets New York’s requirements for Teacher of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities certification.
Admissions and prerequisites
Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA or 3.2 GPA in CSD foundation courses. They must submit:
- Current resume/CV
- Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (maximum 2 pages)
The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Students can start in January or September through rolling admissions.
Program cost
The complete program costs about $109,056 for 48 graduate-level credits, not counting any needed foundation courses. Each term comes with additional registration and service fees. Students need to cover their travel and lodging expenses for immersions. The estimated cost per credit for 2025-2026 is $2,272 plus fees.
Emerson College – Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Emerson College’s Master of Science in Communication Disorders program, Speech@Emerson, provides a flexible approach to online speech pathology education. Students can combine self-paced coursework with hands-on training.
Program overview
Speech@Emerson’s program offers two paths to completion: a 5-term track you can finish in 20 months or a 9-term track that takes up to 36 months. Students earn 54 applied graduate credits with new classes starting in January, May, or September. The curriculum matches the on-campus program and prepares students to work with communication disorders at every life stage.
Clinical experience
The program requires 400 supervised clinical hours through one virtual placement and four community-based assignments. Dedicated placement specialists help students find approved sites within 75 miles of their home. Students also participate in a weekend-long immersion at Emerson’s Boston campus.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA fully accredits this program. Students can pursue certification and licensure across the country, though requirements differ by state.
Admissions and prerequisites
Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The program doesn’t require GRE scores. The application package should include a résumé, transcripts, three recommendation letters, personal statement, and an interview.
Program cost
The 2025-2026 tuition runs $1,495 per credit. Students can expect to pay between $80,730 and $107,640 if foundational courses are needed. Additional costs include a $50 registration fee each term plus program-specific charges.
Choose a Connecticut SLP Master’s Today
Your choice of speech pathology masters program will substantially affect your future career prospects. Programs covered in this piece offer various paths to become a qualified speech-language pathologist in Connecticut. Speech-language professionals here earn an attractive yearly wage of $92,800. UConn’s detailed clinical facilities, Southern Connecticut State’s large university clinic experience, and University of New Haven’s developing program each bring their own benefits to the table.
Students who want flexibility might prefer online options like NYU Steinhardt or Emerson College’s Speech@Emerson program. Sacred Heart’s Online SLP Prerequisite Series helps career-changers who don’t have communication disorders backgrounds.
Whatever program you pick, accredited programs will help you meet the requirements for ASHA certification, Connecticut state licensure, and school-based endorsements. Each program needs 375-400 clinical hours in a variety of settings to prepare you for professional practice.
Take time to think about program length, cost, clinical opportunities, and location priorities before deciding. Most programs have competitive admission, but the expected 25% growth in speech-language pathologist jobs through 2029 means your education investment should pay off well.
Starting a career as a speech-language pathologist takes commitment and determination. The rewards make this educational path worth it – both in helping others overcome communication challenges and enjoying career stability with competitive pay. This information should help you take your next step toward a speech pathology career in Connecticut with confidence.