7 Top SLP Master’s Programs in Georgia
Speech-language pathology programs in Georgia offer a promising career path with exceptional growth potential. Georgia’s job market for speech-language pathologists continues to expand rapidly. Recent projections show a 25% growth rate from 2019 to 2029, with an expected 42% increase over the next decade.
Georgia currently has 5 CAA-ASHA accredited speech-language pathology Master’s programs. Each program provides a direct path to licensure after graduation. Students typically complete their education in two to three years. Most programs accept new students only during fall semesters. Public universities’ tuition ranges from $23,000 to $75,000, while private institutions charge between $50,000 to $90,000. The career’s financial rewards make it worthwhile – Georgia’s licensed Speech Therapists earn $92,800 on average annually. The state posts more than 400 new job opportunities each year.
This guide provides comprehensive details about Georgia’s top 7 SLP programs. You’ll find essential information about accreditation, program length, tuition costs, and admission requirements. This guide helps you make an informed decision, whether you’re searching for local speech pathologist programs or exploring Georgia’s online speech pathology options.
University of Georgia – M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The University of Georgia has one of the state’s oldest speech-language pathology programs. Students get a detailed pathway to become licensed SLP professionals.
Accreditation
The University of Georgia’s M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program has an impressive accreditation history. The program, 54 years old First accredited in 1969, has full recognition from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). The program got its latest reaccreditation for 2024-2032, after its last confirmation in 2016.
The program also has approval from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). This lets graduates work as Speech and Language Pathologists in grades P-12. Your degree meets both national certification and state licensure requirements with this dual accreditation.
Program duration
The UGA M.Ed. program has a well-laid-out full-time, two-year format that prepares professionals thoroughly. The experience starts in July during UGA’s Short Session II with two online summer courses. After these online courses, the program continues with:
- First year: Students take in-person coursework, on-campus clinical practicum, community-based clinical experiences, and telehealth clinical assignments
- Second year: The focus moves to two full-time internships—one in a public-school setting and another in a medical, rehabilitation, or clinical setting
Students finish the program and graduate in May of their second year. This makes it a 22-month commitment from start to finish.
Tuition and fees
Money matters are vital when thinking about this program. Tuition rates change by a lot based on where you live:
- In-state students: $9,348 per year
- Out-of-state students: $27,704 per year
Graduate programs in the College of Education charge in-state students $427 per credit hour. The program needs 81 total semester credit hours, so plan your budget for the full program carefully.
Clinical hours
UGA’s clinical experience goes beyond industry standards. Students complete over 400 clock hours in clinical practicum. This is a big deal as it means that ASHA’s certification requirements. The hands-on training has:
- On-campus clinical practicum
- Community-based clinical experiences
- Telehealth clinical assignments
- Two full-time internships (one in school, one in medical/rehabilitation facility)
This extensive practical training makes sure graduates can work in settings of all types.
Admission requirements
Getting into UGA’s program isn’t easy. The program got 216 applications and accepted 64 students for a class of 34 students. Students who get in usually have excellent grades, with GPAs between 3.85-4.00.
You need a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, speech and hearing sciences, speech-language pathology, or something similar. Students with degrees in other fields must finish prerequisite courses in speech, hearing, and language sciences.
Here’s what you need to apply:
- Submit by January 15 for summer admission
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample/essay with program-specific prompts
- CASPER open-response situational judgment test
- Professional resume
GRE requirement
Unlike other SLP programs in Georgia, UGA’s CMSD master’s program doesn’t need GRE scores. This makes things easier for qualified applicants. The admissions team can look at other ways to measure academic and professional potential.
The program becomes more available to career-changers this way. It also helps people who might not do well on standardized tests but show promise in other parts of their application.
Georgia State University – M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Georgia State University ranks among the top SLP programs in Georgia. The school gets over 266 applications each year for just 32 spots in their Communication Sciences and Disorders program. This tough selection process will give a top-notch education in speech-language pathology.
Accreditation
Georgia State’s M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) from 2022-2030. This recognition shows the program meets national standards for its structure, faculty, curriculum, and resources. The program also meets requirements for:
- Georgia Professional Standards Commission for teacher certification
- Georgia Board of Examiners for state licensure
So graduates can get ASHA certification in speech-language pathology, which they need for professional practice.
Program duration
You can choose different timeframes based on your background:
- With CSD bachelor’s degree: Six semesters (two years) requiring 63 semester credit hours
- Without CSD background: Nine semesters (three years) requiring 90 semester credit hours
Your coursework has 9 hours of clinical practice, 12 hours of internship, 39 hours of core coursework, and 3 hours of electives. Students need to be full-time, taking at least six semester hours during any three consecutive semesters until graduation.
Tuition and fees
Tuition costs vary based on where you live. Here’s what graduate students taking 15 credit hours per semester (2024-25 rates) pay:
- Georgia residents: $4,895 tuition + $660 student fees + $1,000 books/supplies per semester
- Non-Georgia residents: $16,180 tuition + $660 student fees + $1,000 books/supplies per semester
- International students: $16,651 tuition + $660 student fees + $1,000 books/supplies per semester
Total yearly costs (tuition, fees, books) come to $13,110 for in-state students and $35,680 for out-of-state students. You’ll also need to pay a $50 graduation application fee and $50 late registration fee if needed.
Clinical hours
GSU’s clinical training is detailed and well-laid-out:
- Students must log 25 hours of observation before starting clinical work
- Three semesters of on-campus practicum come before off-campus placements
- Minimum 400 total clinical clock hours needed to graduate
- At least 375 of these hours must come from graduate-level work
- Two full-time, one-semester internships are required: one in schools (CSD 7951) and one in medical settings (CSD 7950)
The program works with over 50 internship sites around Atlanta, giving students varied clinical experiences. Students must score a “B” or higher in all practicum experiences to stay in the program.
Admission requirements
Getting into GSU’s program isn’t easy. You’ll need:
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Three letters of recommendation (professors preferred)
- Resume
- Goals statement answering three specific questions with strict formatting rules
- Application through CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service)
Applications are due December 1 for fall and September 1 for spring. Recent numbers show 266 people applied, but only 61 got offers, and just 9 received funding. Successful applicants usually have GPAs between 3.41-4.00.
GRE requirement
Georgia State University stands out from other Georgia SLP programs because it doesn’t ask for GRE scores. This makes things easier for qualified applicants and lets the admissions team focus on other ways to measure academic and professional potential.
This no-GRE policy fits with modern graduate education trends that look at the whole person rather than just test scores.
Valdosta State University
– M.Ed. in Communication Disorders
Valdosta State University’s M.Ed. in Communication Disorders program offers a detailed approach to speech-language pathology education. Students learn to work in both medical and educational settings.
Accreditation
Valdosta State University’s Master’s of Education program in speech-language pathology has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) from 2022-2030. This credential shows the program meets national standards for speech-language pathology education. The program also has approval from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC). Graduates can qualify for:
- Service certification (S-5) in Georgia schools
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
These credentials let Valdosta graduates seek licensure and work in professional settings of all types throughout Georgia and beyond.
Program duration
Students need 60 total credit hours to complete the M.Ed. in Communication Disorders at Valdosta. The traditional format program follows a well-laid-out curriculum that builds on undergraduate knowledge. Students learn to:
- Master diagnosis techniques
- Develop intervention strategies for various communication disorders
- Use research methods and evidence-based practices
The program blends academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. This prepares graduates for speech-language pathology careers in medical and educational settings.
Tuition and fees
Valdosta State’s tuition changes based on course delivery method and residency status. Georgia ONmyLINE (GOML) collaborative online programs cost $385 per credit hour with no extra fees. This rate applies to all students.
Standard tuition rates for 2021 were:
- Total program cost: $28,508
Graduate assistantships become available after acceptance. These offer:
- Lower tuition rates
- Extra stipends
- Real-world experience
Out-of-state students can avoid non-resident tuition premiums through these assistantships. Students should plan for books and materials not covered by tuition.
Clinical hours
The program follows ASHA certification requirements for clinical practice strictly. Students must complete:
- 25 clinical observation hours before starting direct client services
- 375 hours of direct supervised clinical practicum
- Work with children and adults
- Experience in different settings with various communication disorders
Students must get at least 325 of the 400 total hours at the graduate level. They also need professional liability insurance before working with clients. The coverage must be:
- $100,000,000 per incident
- $300,000,000 combined
This insurance must stay active throughout the program’s clinical experiences.
Admission requirements
The program has specific deadlines and requirements:
- Fall admission deadline: March 1
- Spring admission deadline: July 1
- Summer admission deadline: October 1
Simple requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, or Audiology/Hearing Disorders (or completion of ASHA prerequisite courses)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Resume showing field-related experiences
Students must submit official transcripts from previous institutions, completed application forms, and fees. Meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee admission because many qualified applicants compete for limited spots.
GRE requirement
Valdosta State University stands out from other Georgia SLP programs by not requiring GRE scores for their Communication Disorders program. The application states “GRE Scores are Optional, not Required”. This makes the program more accessible to qualified candidates.
The program looks at GPA, relevant experience, and professional goals instead of test scores. This matches current graduate education trends that take a more integrated look at candidates beyond test results.
University of West Georgia – M.Ed. in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of West Georgia’s Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology program sits in Carrollton. Students learn to identify, assess, and treat various communication disorders to prepare for their professional careers.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in speech-language pathology has earned full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). This recognition means graduates meet national standards for professional practice. The program lets you earn:
- A Master of Education degree in Speech-Language Pathology
- Eligibility for Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) certification
- Qualification for Georgia Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology
- Preparation for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the university, which speaks to the program’s quality and educational standards.
Program duration
UWG’s M.Ed. program starts in summer and needs six consecutive semesters of full-time study. Students who finish their undergraduate prerequisites typically complete the program in two years. Students who want PSC certification for K-12 settings need extra education courses, which might take longer.
The program accepts only full-time students and requires 63 semester hours. This focused approach really prepares graduates to work in various settings after graduation.
Tuition and fees
The Master’s program costs between $29,116 and $29,290, with first-year tuition at about $18,700. New applicants pay a $40 application fee, which goes up to $55 after August 1, 2025.
The good news? About 94% of students get some financial aid, making this program more available than others in Georgia. UWG ranks among the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, offering great value for future speech-language pathologists in the region.
Clinical hours
Clinical training is a key part of UWG’s speech-language pathology program. Students get hands-on experience through:
- The Complete Community Clinic in the College of Education
- Required clinical hours in various external settings
- Diagnostic evaluations and interventions for communication disorders across ages
Students work in supervised practical experiences and internships in many settings with clients of all ages. ASHA-certified and Georgia-licensed speech-language pathologists who meet ASHA’s supervision requirements oversee these clinical immersions.
Students split their time between campus work, off-campus placements, and simulated clinical scenarios, getting ready for ground practice after graduation.
Admission requirements
The program selects 30-40 full-time students each summer semester. Students can apply until January 15th for the next cohort. You’ll need:
- 0 or better GPA
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references
- Personal statement/essay that follows official guidelines
- Interview (finalist candidates only)
- Clear College of Education Criminal Background Check
Students must have a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (or equivalent) or finish the needed prerequisite coursework.
GRE requirement
The University of West Georgia stands out from other Georgia SLP programs because it doesn’t require GRE scores. The program looks at academic performance, professional recommendations, and how candidates do in interviews.
This makes the program more available to strong candidates who might not do well on standardized tests. That’s a big plus when looking at SLP programs in Georgia.
Georgia Southern University – M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah offers a comprehensive M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Students who graduate from this program are ready to begin their clinical fellowship as speech-language pathologists.
Accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Georgia Southern University has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. This national accreditation will give a guarantee that the program meets quality standards in its administration, faculty, curriculum, student evaluation, and resources. Students who complete this accredited program can apply for state licensure and national certification.
Program duration
Students complete the program in five consecutive semesters. The program starts in fall and continues through spring, summer, fall, and spring terms. Students need to complete 56 credit hours of academic coursework and clinical practica. This evidence-based, collaborative approach helps you step into your role as a clinical fellowship-ready speech-language pathologist right after graduation.
Tuition and fees
The program’s cost changes yearly, with current annual tuition at $21,906 for regular enrollment. Admitted students must pay a non-refundable deposit to hold their spot. The university refunds this deposit during the second week of classes for students who officially enroll.
Students can get financial help through research assistantships, scholarships, loans, graduate assistantships, and federal work-study programs. Part-time students might also qualify for financial aid, which makes the program available to students in different financial situations.
Clinical hours
Clinical experience is the key to Georgia Southern’s program. The department and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association require students to complete a minimum of 400 client contact hours. Students start with basic clinical work and take on more responsibility as their skills and confidence grow. By the time they graduate, students will have helped many clients while completing their required hours.
Admission requirements
Competition for spots in the program is fierce, with many qualified candidates applying for limited seats. Students need:
- Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or completed prerequisite coursework
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Three recommendation letters (ideally from professors who know your academic work)
- Personal statement through CSDCAS
- Essential Skills Statement that confirms you have the cognitive, physical, and behavioral abilities needed to complete the program
- Video recording instead of in-person interviews
Students apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS) between September 1 and January 15. The program accepts about 23% of applicants, and most accepted students choose to enroll.
GRE requirement
The program currently asks for GRE scores with minimum requirements of 145 on Verbal Reasoning and 141 on Quantitative Reasoning. These scores must be from tests taken within five years of applying.
Students applying for Fall 2026 don’t need to submit GRE scores. This change makes the program available to prospective students who might struggle with standardized tests. International students who speak English as a second language can submit TOEFL scores (minimum 550 paper-based/100 computer-based) or IELTS scores (minimum 6.5) instead of verbal GRE scores.
Piedmont University – Integrated B.S./M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
Piedmont University provides a unique path to becoming a speech-language pathologist through their Integrated B.S./M.S. program. Students can earn both degrees through an efficient educational trip. This accelerated option stands out among Georgia’s SLP programs.
Accreditation
The Master of Science (MS) education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Piedmont University has Candidacy for Accreditation status. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association oversees this status. Programs in development receive this “preaccreditation” status for up to 5 years. The graduate portion meets professional preparation standards, though the undergraduate component can’t receive CAA accreditation since only master’s-level programs qualify.
Program duration
Students can speed up their education through the integrated BS-MS program. They can apply by February 1st of their junior year and start graduate courses during their senior year while finishing undergraduate requirements. Students move completely into the master’s program after getting their bachelor’s degree. The program needs 148-149 total credit hours, including 38 credit hours of academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences for the MS component.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences can complete the standard MS-only program in 24 months.
Tuition and fees
Graduate tuition for the Speech-Language Pathology program costs $670 per credit hour in 2024-2025. The rate will increase to $790 per credit hour during 2025-2026. Students also pay:
- SLP Annual Fee: $365 (charged each fall)
- Technology Fee: $130 per semester
Student loans require enrollment in at least five credit hours per semester.
Clinical hours
Students must complete these ASHA certification requirements:
- 25 hours of guided clinical observation
- 375 hours of direct client/patient contact
- Minimum of 250 hours must be on-site and in-person
The program allows up to 125 hours through telepractice and 75 hours through clinical simulation at the graduate level. Students usually earn about 50 clock hours during each clinical practicum enrollment and at least 100 clock hours in each externship.
Admission requirements
The integrated BS/MS program requires:
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5
- Completed foundational courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences
- Prerequisite CMSD courses with minimum 3.0 GPA
- CSDCAS application with letter of intent, resume, and three recommendation letters
- 25 observation hours with a certified SLP before fall classes begin
- Interview
The standard MS program (non-integrated) needs a minimum 3.0 GPA.
GRE requirement
Neither the integrated BS/MS program nor the standard MS program requires GRE scores. This makes the program available to qualified students who might struggle with standardized tests. The admissions committee evaluates applicants based on their academic performance, professional recommendations, and interview results.
Emerson College – Online M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
Georgia students can now earn an online Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Emerson College with several unique advantages.
Accreditation
The online M.S. program maintains full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Emerson College.
Program duration
Students have two flexible completion options:
- 5-term track: Complete your degree in 20 months
- 9-term track: Graduate in 36 months
The curriculum matches the on-campus program exactly.
Tuition and fees
The program’s tuition rate is $1,495 per credit (2025-2026). Students pay approximately $80,730 for the 54-credit program without foundational courses, or $107,640 with all six foundational courses. Students should budget for these additional fees:
- $50 registration fee each term
- $50 program materials fee
- $125 Calipso access fee
Clinical hours
The program requires students to complete:
- 400 supervised clinical hours minimum
- 25 hours of clinical observation
- 375 hours of direct client contact
Students gain experience through one virtual placement and four community placements.
Admission requirements
The program looks for candidates with:
- Bachelor’s degree from any field
- Three recommendation letters
- Current resume
- Personal statement essay
- Interview
The program accepts applications on a rolling basis with program starts in January, May, and September.
GRE requirement
The program’s no-GRE policy makes it available to more Georgia residents interested in online speech pathology programs.
Choose Your Georgia SLP Master’s Wisely
Your path to a rewarding career in speech-language pathology starts with picking the right SLP program. This guidex highlights seven outstanding programs in Georgia. Each program offers distinct benefits and meets the strict standards needed for professional licensure.
Most programs take two to three years to complete. Piedmont University stands out with its integrated BS/MS track that offers a faster route. Public universities tend to be easier on your wallet than private schools. The costs range from about $23,000 at Valdosta State to more than $80,000 at Emerson College.
Clinical experience is required for SLP education. Every program requires at least 400 clinical hours to meet ASHA certification standards. On top of that, most schools no longer ask for GRE scores, though Georgia Southern still needs them from most applicants.
The job market looks bright for graduates. Licensed Speech Therapists in Georgia earn about $93,000 yearly, which is by a lot more than the national average. The field expects to grow over 40% in the next decade. Your educational investment should pay off well through steady work and competitive pay.
The right program choice goes beyond just looking at tuition costs. Accreditation, clinical opportunities, program flexibility, and location are vital parts of your educational experience. Georgia has something for everyone – from UGA’s historic campus to Georgia State’s city setting or Emerson’s online program that fits different priorities and situations.
Your trip to becoming a speech-language pathologist starts with good research and careful thought about what each program offers. The complete information in this piece helps you make a choice that lines up with your career goals, budget, and personal needs.