5 Best Speech Pathology Masters Programs in Delaware

Want to kickstart a thriving career with a speech pathology master’s program in Delaware? You’re looking at a profession growing 15% through 2034, way ahead of other fields.

Speech-Language Pathologist ranks #9 on the US News and World Report’s 100 Best Jobs list. The financial benefits make it even more attractive—Delaware SLPs earn $92,070 on average, while top professionals can make over $122,680 yearly.

Students in Delaware can choose from five excellent speech pathology master’s programs. Each program provides unique ways to start your career in this rewarding field.

1. University of Delaware – Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Delaware ranks among the best choices to earn a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in the state. Students benefit from this top-ranked program that combines challenging academic work with hands-on clinical experiences to create skilled speech-language pathologists.

Program overview

The University of Delaware’s Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology takes two years to complete and prepares you to practice professionally in many settings. Each year, the program selects 25-30 students to maintain educational quality and personal attention. Small class sizes let students work closely with faculty members who actively research and practice in the field.

Evidence-based practice sets this program apart. Students learn to apply theory and make research-based decisions from their first day. Newark’s location gives students access to diverse clinical populations throughout Delaware and nearby states.

Students progress through coursework and clinical experiences with the same group of peers. This cohort model creates a supportive learning community and teaches problem-solving skills that mirror real-life professional practice.

Curriculum highlights

The University of Delaware’s curriculum combines essential knowledge with specialized clinical skills. Core courses include:

• Advanced Speech and Language Development
• Neurogenic Communication Disorders
• Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)
• Voice and Fluency Disorders
• Research Methods in Communication Sciences

The program features specialized courses in autism spectrum disorders and literacy development that reflect current field trends. Students build their knowledge step by step, starting with theory and advancing to clinical applications across all age groups.

Students focus on core coursework and begin their original clinical practicum experiences in year one. Year two brings advanced clinical skills, specialized electives, and more clinical responsibilities. This structure builds confidence and helps develop specialized interests.

The program emphasizes working across disciplines. Students cooperate with others studying education, psychology, and occupational therapy. This experience prepares them to work in modern healthcare and educational settings that rely on team-based approaches.

Clinical practicum opportunities

Clinical experience serves as the substance of professional preparation at Delaware. Students complete more than ASHA’s required 400 clinical clock hours, typically earning 450-500 hours in a variety of settings with different populations.

Students start their clinical education at the university’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, working with clients under faculty supervision. Later practicum experiences include:

• School-based placements in Delaware public schools
• Hospital settings focusing on acute care and rehabilitation
• Skilled nursing facilities for geriatric populations
• Private practice settings serving diverse clientele
• Specialty clinics focusing on autism, literacy, or voice disorders

Strong partnerships with ChristianaCare Health System and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children give students access to specialized clinical populations and advanced practices in medical speech-language pathology.

Delaware’s program offers specialty clinics for specific disorders or populations. To cite an instance, the Autism Communication Clinic helps students develop specialized skills to assess and treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation fully accredits Delaware’s Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program. This accreditation confirms the program meets strict academic and clinical education standards.

Graduates complete all requirements to pursue:

1. ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
2. Delaware state licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist
3. School-based certification if working in educational settings

Recent program graduates achieved a 98% first-time pass rate on the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis exam. The program’s 100% employment rate within six months shows both excellent preparation and high demand for speech-language pathologists.

Tuition and financial aid

Full-time in-state students pay approximately $17,470 per year for the 2024-2025 academic year. Out-of-state tuition runs around $37,730 annually. These costs make Delaware competitive among similar high-quality programs in the region.

The department helps offset educational costs through several funding options. About 40% of students receive departmental support through:

• Graduate assistantships with tuition remission and stipends
• Research assistantships on faculty projects
• Clinical assistantships in university clinic operations

Students can access university-wide scholarships and federal financial aid. The Office of Graduate Studies awards competitive fellowships to outstanding applicants, and many students qualify for federal work-study positions.

The program provides clear cost estimates for additional expenses: books and materials ($1,200 per year), health insurance ($3,500 annually if needed), and Newark area living costs.

Delaware residents see strong returns on their educational investment. The state’s speech-language pathologists earn an average annual salary of $92,070, substantially higher than the national average.

2. Emerson College – Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Delaware residents can now get their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology online from Emerson College. You’ll get high-quality education right from home. This works great if you can’t make it to regular campus classes in your area.

Program overview

The online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (Speech@Emerson) builds on Emerson’s strong reputation in communication sciences. Ranked among the top graduate programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, the program matches its on-campus version in quality. You’ll learn to handle many communication challenges people face throughout their lives. The program focuses on proven methods backed by research.

The program takes an integrated approach to speech-language pathology. You’ll study developmental, cognitive, psychosocial, behavioral, and medical models for assessment and treatment. Your studies will expose you to patients of all ages with different speech and language disorders. This gives you the clinical experience you’ll need in your career.

Speech@Emerson is notable because it matches the quality of on-campus learning while letting you study on your schedule. Working professionals and remote learners love this flexibility. The program meets all American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certification requirements, so you’ll be ready for professional practice.

Curriculum and clinical placements

At Emerson, you’ll take a closer look at evidence-based topics. These range from normal and disordered communication to theories of language development, impairment, and rehabilitation. The coursework gives you strong basics in communication sciences and helps develop your clinical thinking through hands-on practice.

You’ll need to complete 54 applied graduate credits. If you’re new to speech-language pathology, you might need up to 18 extra foundation credits covering:

• Structures and functions for speech, hearing, and swallowing
• Language development
• Survey of communication disorders across the lifespan
• Clinical observations and foundations
• Foundations of audiology
• Speech sounds: Phonetics and acoustics

Clinical experience is the core of your professional preparation at Emerson. You must complete at least 400 supervised clinical practice hours, and you can fulfill 25 of these through observation. You’ll start with one virtual clinical practicum using simulated cases. After that, you’ll do four community-based clinical practicums at sites within 75 miles of your home.

These placements will give you experience with:

• Kids and adults of all ages
• Mild to severe cases
• Different types of disorders
• Both evaluation and treatment methods
• Diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

You’ll need to spend at least 75 clock hours at a school-based placement. The program’s large national partner network helps find quality placements near you. Placement specialists work with you to find the right sites.

Format and flexibility

You can choose how fast you want to finish Speech@Emerson. The 5-term track lets you graduate in 20 months, while the 9-term track stretches over 36 months. This lets you balance your studies with other commitments.

Classes happen live through video conferencing, creating an interactive online learning space. You’ll also attend one weekend-long immersion at Emerson’s Boston campus, usually Thursday through Saturday near the end of a semester. This gives you hands-on clinical training and chances to meet your classmates and teachers.

Before starting clinical placements, you’ll need certain health checks and background clearances. Once placed, plan to be at your clinical site at least three full days each week.

The program is flexible but demanding. Students in the 5-term track usually can’t work full-time because of the intense schedule. The 9-term track might let you work part-time if your job is flexible. During clinical placements, working becomes tough because you’ll need three to five days at your site each week.

Accreditation and certification

The Master of Science program in speech-language pathology at Emerson College has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This proves the program meets strict academic and clinical standards.

Emerson College also has accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. These credentials matter when you’re looking to get licensed after graduation.

The program prepares you for ASHA certification as a speech-language pathologist. State license requirements vary, so check that the program meets Delaware’s speech pathology license rules before you enroll. Graduates can work in many places like public and private schools, private practices, hospitals, and rehab facilities.

Job prospects look great for graduates. Speech-language pathologist jobs should grow 18% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than other jobs. This growth comes from baby boomers living longer and more focus on helping kids with communication problems early.

Tuition and duration

For 2025-2026, Speech@Emerson costs $1,495 per credit. The 54 required credits total about $80,730 if you don’t need foundation courses. If you need all six foundation courses (18 more credits), that’s about $107,640.

• $50 registration fee per term
• $50 program materials fee per term for test protocols
• $125 for Calipso (clinical hours tracking system)
• $138 for health and background checks through CastleBranch
• $400 nonrefundable enrollment deposit

Budget for travel and lodging when you visit Boston for the campus immersion. Tuition insurance costs $44 in fall and spring terms, and $47 in summer terms.

You might qualify for scholarships, though some institutional fellowships don’t apply to online students. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can get federal student aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Just fill out the FAFSA using Emerson’s code (002146).

You can start in January, May, or September. You don’t need GRE scores to apply.

This investment opens doors to great career opportunities. U.S. News & World Report ranks speech-language pathologist ninth on their 100 Best Jobs list, showing strong career prospects and good pay.

3. NYU Steinhardt – Online MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Delaware students looking for digital learning options will find NYU Steinhardt’s online MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (Speech@NYU) stands out. The program offers a complete approach to prepare speech-language pathologists through distance education.

Program overview

Speech@NYU gives you the knowledge and skills you need for professional practice in speech-language pathology. Students learn methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders. After completing the program, you can apply for professional licensure as a speech-language pathologist.

The curriculum builds an integrated understanding of communication sciences, including:

• Biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases of human communication
• Etiologies and characteristics of various communication disorders
• Evidence-based clinical practice principles
• Standards of ethical conduct and professional issues

Speech@NYU excels at developing well-rounded practitioners who can work with diverse populations in multiple settings. Students become compassionate problem-solvers who understand, assess, and treat various speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders in people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.

Curriculum and clinical training

Students need 48 graduate-level credits to complete the master’s program. Those without a background in communication sciences take additional foundation courses (2-14 credits). Core courses cover typical communicative processes and disorders. Students can choose electives based on their specific interests.

Clinical training spans five terms and blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students must attend two immersions at NYU’s New York City campus before starting field placements. These immersions include:

• Language, hearing, cognitive, and swallowing screenings for diverse communities
• Direct supervision with feedback from certified SLPs
• Specialized workshops on language screening, instrumental assessment of voice disorders, and dysphagia

After immersions, students work with diverse clients under experienced, ASHA-certified supervisors. A placement specialist helps find approved clinical sites near you. Students must complete a minimum of 375 direct contact hours and 25 observation hours to meet certification requirements.

The department ensures high standards for clinical experiences. Students gain exposure to disorders, age groups, and settings of all types. One placement must be in a school setting to meet Teaching Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification requirements.

Online learning experience

Students get the same strong curriculum as on-campus learners through both live and recorded sessions. Weekly live classes happen on an online platform, with independent coursework between sessions.

Small class sizes make meaningful interactions with faculty and peers easier. This close-knit environment creates real-time connections, breakout sessions, and individual feedback. The same scholars, published researchers, and active clinicians who teach on campus lead these classes.

Online students can access many resources available to on-campus students:

• NYU Bobst Library for research materials
• Wellness Exchange for health support
• Writing Center for academic assistance
• Wasserman Center for career coaching and job fairs

Students receive complete support from NYU faculty mentors, placement specialists, academic advisors, and a tech support team. Faculty members bring rich research experience and funding from prominent organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Accreditation and licensure readiness

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits Speech@NYU. This ensures the program meets strict standards for academic and clinical education.

Graduates are ready for:

• Professional licensure as a speech-language pathologist
• ASHA certification (Certificate of Clinical Competence)
• New York State licensure
• Teacher of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification

The program prepares you for New York licensure, and graduates might qualify for licensure in other states, including Delaware. Since requirements vary by state, Delaware students should check their state requirements before enrolling.

This strong preparation means you can work in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and research centers. Speech-language pathologist jobs are growing faster than average, creating many opportunities for graduates.

Tuition and program length

The 48 graduate-level credits cost approximately $109,056 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Foundation courses may add 2-14 credits depending on your background.

Students should also plan for:

• Registration and service fees each term
• Travel and lodging for two required immersions in New York City
• Health and background checks through Castlebranch
• Books and supplemental software
• Transportation for clinical practicums

Students can complete Speech@NYU across consecutive fall, spring, and summer terms. With all foundation courses and observation hours finished, you might complete the program in five semesters. Many students choose a six-semester plan to balance coursework with other commitments.

The program starts in January and September, with rolling admissions throughout the year. The January 2026 cohort has deadlines of August 15, 2025 (final deadline September 12, 2025).

Students don’t need GRE scores for admission. You should have either a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or a minimum 3.2 GPA in communicative sciences and disorders foundation courses. The program accepts US citizens or permanent residents living in the United States.

4. Cal State East Bay – Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Cal State East Bay has an innovative online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program combines academic excellence with flexible distance learning and gives Delaware students a great remote education option.

Program overview

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Cal State East Bay has a detailed Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. Students learn to assess and treat people with communication disorders. The program blends scientific knowledge with clinical practice to prepare students who will work with people experiencing speech, language, hearing, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.

The program excels by combining science, liberal arts, and social sciences to build critical thinking and professional behavior. The curriculum prepares students for state licensure, national certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and the Speech-Language-Hearing Services credential for California public schools.

The program’s goal is to create compassionate clinicians who will promote the human rights of all people with communication disorders.

Curriculum and practicum

Students need to complete 60-62 units over 8 semesters (3 years including summers). Core coursework has:

• Advanced coursework in articulation disorders
• Voice disorders and dysphagia
• Augmentative communication
• Cultural diversity in communication disorders
• Research methods and evidence-based practice

Clinical experience is the foundation of your education at Cal State East Bay. Students develop practical skills at the on-campus Norma S. and Ray R. Rees Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. This facility serves as a hub for observation, training, and research. Students must complete 400 clock hours, including 25 hours of observation, in a variety of settings and disorder types.

Online format and residency

Cal State East Bay transformed its in-person program into a flexible online format that’s now available to Delaware students. Students attend a valuable two-week summer residency on campus during their first year. They stay in on-campus housing and create meaningful connections with professors and classmates.

Course instruction happens online throughout the 8 semesters. Students take on more responsibility in their clinical experiences as they progress through the program. This approach combines convenient distance education with hands-on clinical training.

Accreditation and licensure eligibility

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has fully accredited the program through 2028. This covers both residential and distance education formats. This prestigious accreditation will give graduates recognition for meeting high professional standards.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has also accredited the program’s Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential preparation. The program shows excellent results with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis examination in the last three years and 100% employment within one year of graduation.

Tuition and admission requirements

Tuition costs $850 per unit for the 2025-2026 academic year. California residents pay about $9,607 in annual tuition and fees. Living expenses vary based on housing choices, from $28,279 (living with parents) to $38,685 (off-campus) annually.

The program accepts just 32 students from roughly 256 applications each year. Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree (any field) with minimum 2.5 GPA
• Personal statement and resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Three-minute pre-recorded video response
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

Students must submit applications by February 1st, and university materials by July 1st. The admissions committee looks at academic performance, field exposure, work ethic, and experience with diverse populations. They select students who show potential for excellence in speech-language pathology.

5. Pepperdine University – Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Program overview

Students can complete this complete 53-credit curriculum online with three required visits to the Calabasas campus. The program offers two flexible paths: a full-time option spanning five trimesters or a part-time track over eight trimesters. Both options combine weekly online learning with 400 supervised clinical hours that prepare students for their clinical fellowship—a crucial step toward licensure. The program is known for taking an integrated approach to patient care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Curriculum and Christian values

Pepperdine weaves Christian principles into its academically rigorous curriculum. Students learn about the connection between faith and clinical practice, including studies on how spiritual well-being affects physical recovery. The coursework covers everything needed for ASHA certification, from communication disorders throughout life to swallowing disorders and alternative communication methods. The final two trimesters include Praxis preparation.

Clinical fieldwork and onsite experiences

Students must attend three week-long campus sessions:

• First week of trimester 1: Orientation and white coat ceremony
• Final week of trimester 3 (full-time) or 6 (part-time): Professional practice competencies
• Final week of final trimester: Graduation

Students complete their clinical placements near their homes between campus visits. These placements provide experience in a variety of settings with different patient populations.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has granted the program Candidate for Accreditation status. This preaccreditation status allows graduates to pursue ASHA certification. The program meets licensing requirements in 47 states including Delaware, but Hawaii, Kentucky, and North Carolina have different requirements.

Tuition and program options

Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year costs $1,800 per credit, totaling $95,400. Graduate fees add $1,325 for full-time students and $2,120 for part-time students. A nonrefundable $1,000 deposit secures admission. New students can start in January, May, or August, and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Begin Today

Your successful career in this fast-growing field starts with picking the right speech pathology master’s program. This piece highlights five outstanding programs that are available to Delaware students. Each program will give you unique advantages and prepare you for professional licensure.

The University of Delaware shines with its on-campus experience, small cohort sizes, and strong clinical partnerships. On top of that, you have four online options – Emerson College, NYU Steinhardt, Cal State East Bay, and Pepperdine University. These schools offer quality education with flexibility that working professionals need.

These programs may differ in delivery format, but they share everything important: complete curricula that follow ASHA standards, resilient clinical experiences that go beyond 400 hours, and strong job placement rates. Their accreditation means your education meets national standards for professional practice.

Money matters when picking a program. Program costs range from $80,730 at Emerson College to $109,056 at NYU Steinhardt. In spite of that, this investment makes sense since Delaware’s speech-language pathologists earn more than $92,000 yearly.

You ended up making your choice based on your situation, priorities, and career goals. Students who like face-to-face learning thrive at the University of Delaware. Those who need flexible schedules benefit from online options.

Speech-language pathologists have an incredibly bright future ahead. Job growth is expected to hit 29% through 2030, which is a big deal as it means that most other professions. You’ll find jobs in schools, hospitals, and private practices – letting you build a career that matches your interests.

This information helps you review which program fits your educational needs and career dreams best. These quality programs will help you make real changes in people’s lives across Delaware and beyond, no matter which path you choose.