7 Top Speech Pathology Master’s Programs in Kansas
Interested in speech pathology master’s programs in Kansas? You’re learning about a field that shows amazing growth potential. Kansas’s speech-language pathologist jobs will likely grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, with about 140 new positions each year during this time.
The career path comes with great financial benefits. Kansas’s speech-language pathologists earn $82,790 on average per year ($39.80 hourly). These programs don’t just prepare you to become an SLP generalist – they also give you over 400 supervised clinical hours at local schools and clinics.
Ready to discover the perfect program? Let’s look at Kansas’s top-rated speech pathology programs that could launch your career.
1. University of Kansas – Lawrence
The University of Kansas ranks as a top institution for speech pathology education, coming in at #6 among public institutions according to U.S. News & World Report. This stellar ranking makes it one of Kansas’s most popular speech pathology graduate programs among future speech-language pathologists.
Program overview
KU’s unique intercampus program in communicative disorders connects two key departments. Students benefit from both the Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders Department on the Lawrence campus and the Hearing and Speech Department at KU Medical Center. This setup lets students experience different clinical settings while learning from expert faculty at both locations.
Students looking at speech-language pathology can choose from three programs:
- Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (M.A.SLP)
- Clinical Doctor in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Speech-Language Pathology (Ph.D.)
KU undergraduates with strong academic records can take advantage of an Accelerated M.A. program. This path leads to both a B.A. in Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders and an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology in about five years.
Students typically finish the SLP master’s program in four full-time semesters plus one or two summers. Most start in the fall semester. Students must complete at least 51 graduate hours. A master’s degree from KU meets the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s certification standards, which lets graduates move on to their clinical fellowship year.
Clinical training
Hands-on clinical experience forms the foundation of KU’s speech pathology program. Students train in various settings throughout Lawrence and the Kansas City metro region. They spend roughly 20+ hours each week on clinical practicum, which includes direct client contact, documentation, preparation, and meetings.
Students train at two main facilities. The Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic in Lawrence serves the university community and surrounding area. ASHA-certified clinical faculty supervise all services here. The Hartley Family Center for Childhood Hearing in Kansas City specializes in helping children with hearing loss.
KU’s innovative K-Team Model of clinical teaching organizes students into specialized teams:
- CAT team – helps people with complex communication challenges related to autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome
- EAR team – provides detailed audiology services
- ABN team – supports adults with acquired and neurogenic communication disorders
- LAP/RAP team – helps preschool children and those with reading/writing difficulties
- LLL team – provides speech, language, and literacy services to preschool and school-age children
Most clinical services follow a 3:1 delivery model. Students provide direct services for three weeks, followed by indirect services in the fourth week.
Accreditation and outcomes
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits KU’s master’s program in speech-language pathology. This accreditation shows the program meets strict educational standards.
Recent results prove the program’s excellence. KU students achieved a 97.0% Praxis exam pass rate over three years (2022-2025). These impressive numbers show how well the program prepares its students.
The program’s 94.0% completion rate over the same three-year period shows that students successfully complete their rigorous coursework on schedule. Even better, 98% of graduates land jobs within a year of finishing. This remarkable placement rate shows how much employers value KU graduates.
KU graduates can work in Kansas and Missouri right after getting their license. Requirements differ by state, so future students should check the American Speech-Hearing Association’s state-by-state licensure information before enrolling.
The program looks for students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership skills, clinical experience, and people skills. KU has dropped the GRE requirement for speech-language pathology program applications.
2. Wichita State University
Wichita State University stands out among Kansas speech pathology programs with its Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The program focuses on speech-language pathology and makes the most of its location in Wichita, Kansas’s biggest city, with its diverse clinical settings.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wichita State University has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students learn to become speech-language pathologists who can work in settings of all types, from schools to hospitals.
Students need 57 credit hours spread over five to six semesters of full-time study. The program starts in fall, and students follow a structured path of coursework and clinical experiences. Graduates meet ASHA’s clinical certification requirements and can get licensed in Kansas and many other states.
Competition for spots is fierce, with only 30 students making the cut each cycle from an applicant pool with a 4.6:1 ratio. GRE scores aren’t needed anymore, but successful candidates show strong academic performance. Recent accepted students had GPAs between 3.20 and 4.00, averaging 3.85 in their last 60 credit hours.
The program shines with its interprofessional learning opportunities alongside other health disciplines in WSU’s College of Health Professions. This approach readies students for team-based healthcare environments. On top of that, students complete a mentored research project, choosing between thesis and non-thesis options.
Clinical practicum
Clinical training serves as the basis of Wichita State’s speech pathology graduate program. Students start their hands-on experience at WSU’s Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. They provide diagnostic and clinical services to the public while faculty and certified professionals supervise them directly.
Students take clinical practicum courses throughout the program to build their skills and knowledge steadily. They begin with the on-campus clinic and move on to off-campus experiences in medical and educational settings.
Wichita’s status as Kansas’s largest city helps provide varied externship opportunities at major hospitals, clinics, and schools. Students can even seek placements anywhere in the United States to broaden their clinical experience beyond Kansas.
Students also get involved in community service activities such as:
- Screening athletes at the Special Olympics
- Building ride-on toy cars for children with disabilities through WSU GoBabyGo!
Program completion requires passing scores on summative assessments, enough clinical clock hours for ASHA requirements, and proven competence in clinical knowledge and skills. This integrated approach ensures graduates are ready for professional practice.
Faculty and research
Wichita State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has faculty experts in various specialties within speech-language pathology and audiology. The department combines academic faculty who focus on research and teaching with clinical faculty who guide student practicum experiences.
Academic faculty members with doctoral degrees (PhD) advance the field through research in areas like:
- Speech sound disorders
- Aphasia treatment
- Communication in special populations
- Anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms
Clinical faculty bring years of practical experience to their supervision roles. Their credentials include MA, MSP, AuD, and PhD degrees along with CCC-SLP or CCC-A certifications.
Research runs through the entire curriculum, especially in the required mentored research project. Students pick between non-thesis research over three semesters or a formal thesis following Graduate School requirements. This research component helps develop critical thinking skills and prepares students to contribute to evidence-based practice.
Students aiming for clinical careers will find Wichita State’s program delivers excellent results. Graduates work in educational, medical, and various clinical settings, showing the program’s strong reputation and complete preparation. This speech pathology graduate program gives students both academic foundations and practical experience needed for successful careers as speech-language pathologists.
3. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University stands out among Kansas speech pathology programs with its adaptable learning methods and focus on accessibility. Located in western Kansas between Kansas City and Denver, FHSU provides complete education in communication sciences and disorders at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Program overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Fort Hays State University has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students who complete this on-campus program are ready for clinical certification by ASHA and professional licensure from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
FHSU ranks among the top SLP programs. Their student outcomes are a big deal as it means that they exceed accreditation requirements. The program has 6 credit hours of research, 28 credit hours of academic courses, and 20 credit hours of clinical practicum enrollments.
The clinical practicum components are extensive and cover:
- General graduate practicum
- Practicum in evaluation
- Practicum in healthcare
- Aural rehabilitation clinical experience
- Educational externship
- Medical externship
FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders builds a strong foundation for professional study. Students get hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for roles in educational and medical settings or graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology.
Online learning options
FHSU’s Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) certificate program lets students choose between campus-based or online learning. The program meets national standards and prepares students to apply for national certification.
FHSU takes a creative approach to clinical experiences for online students. The university helps students connect with schools and community SLPs near their homes, so they can complete clinical requirements locally. This setup works well for students who want to advance their careers while staying in their current locations.
The SLPA certificate requires 12 credit hours. Students learn through clinical observation, study SLPA roles and responsibilities, and complete practicum requirements for the 100 hours needed for national certification. Students with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders only need these 12 clinical preparation credit hours.
Students without a CSD background can still earn the SLPA certificate. They must first complete prerequisite courses in Introduction to Communication Disorders, Anatomy and Physiology: Speech-Hearing Mechanism, Early Speech and Language Development, and Clinical Phonetics.
Admission requirements
Each program pathway has specific admission requirements. Graduate program applications in Speech-Language Pathology should reach by February 1st for first review. GRE scores, once mandatory, are now optional for admission.
FHSU’s admission pathways make it unique among Kansas speech pathology graduate programs:
The Early Admission MS Program gives high-performing undergraduates a head start on graduate coursework with guaranteed admission. Students can use up to 9 credit hours of graduate work for both degrees. Domestic students with junior standing need a 3.25 cumulative GPA, 3.50 GPA in CSD coursework at FHSU, and must apply by February 1st of their junior year.
The 3+2 Program helps students earn both degrees in five years instead of six. First-time freshmen qualify automatically with a 3.7 high school GPA and ACT score of 24 (or SAT 1180). Students keep their guaranteed spot by maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA, 3.7 GPA in major courses, and finishing all prerequisites.
Regular graduate applications need the FHSU graduate application with a $40 fee ($50 for international students) and a separate CSDCAS application. Students must submit three recommendation letters, with two from academic faculty. Final candidates participate in a Zoom interview.
4. Kansas State University
Kansas State University stands out among speech pathology programs in Kansas. Its program focuses on real-life applications. Located in Manhattan, K-State’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program helps students build meaningful careers in speech-language pathology by combining academic excellence with hands-on experience.
Program overview
K-State’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program gives students both undergraduate and graduate options. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree that builds the foundation for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. The program looks at how communication affects children’s and adults’ health. This includes speech, language, reading, writing, hearing, and safe eating and drinking.
Students can also pursue a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This full-time program runs for two years and accepts students in summer/fall or spring semesters. The program’s main goals are to:
- Prepare speech-language pathologists for different roles based on proven practices
- Teach students about SLPs’ evolving role in society
- Create an interdisciplinary understanding of communication disorders
- Give students the coursework and practical experience needed for ASHA certification
Note that the Master of Science education program in speech-language pathology at Kansas State University holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This accreditation will give a solid foundation in national standards.
Curriculum highlights
K-State’s undergraduate program follows a well-laid-out sequence over four years. Students start with basic courses in human development and communication sciences. They then move on to specialized courses in phonetics, speech mechanisms, and clinical procedures.
Graduate students must complete at least 31 credit hours of academic coursework, plus clinical practica and externships. They can choose between:
- Non-thesis option (51 total credits) with comprehensive written examination
- Thesis option (56 total credits) requiring six hours of thesis credit
Research opportunities make K-State’s program special. From day one, undergraduates can work on research projects. Topics range from green energy to cancer cells. They work with prominent faculty members at K-State’s 90-plus research centers.
The graduate program really prepares students for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification. The proof is in the numbers – KSU graduates have maintained a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the national examination since 2004.
Clinical experience
Clinical training is a huge part of K-State’s speech pathology program. Undergraduate students observe professionals at the K-State Speech and Hearing Center, schools, and medical facilities. This early exposure helps students understand what the profession is truly like.
Graduate students must meet several clinical requirements:
- 400 total clinical hours (including 25 clinical observation hours and 375 direct clinical contact hours)
- Two unique externships at approved off-campus sites, usually full-day placements throughout a semester
- Show clinical competency as evaluated by program faculty
Clinical assignments help students work with people of all ages who have various disorders and differences. Students begin working with clients at the K-State Speech and Hearing Center after completing their observation hours and required coursework.
The core team in communication sciences and disorders often work as practicing clinicians. This means students learn from experts with current, real-world knowledge. On top of that, a student organization offers professional development chances at campus, state, and national levels.
K-State provides a detailed educational path for future speech-language pathologists. The program combines academic knowledge with extensive clinical practice to help graduates succeed in this growing field.
5. Emporia State University
Emporia State University (ESU) gives exceptional value to future speech-language pathologists through its Communication Sciences & Disorders program. ESU stands out in this field that just needs more professionals. Students benefit from complete clinical facilities, support systems, and great graduate outcomes.
Program overview
ESU’s Communication Sciences & Disorders program lets students earn both undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.S.) degrees. Students in the undergraduate program learn to help people with communication and swallowing disorders. This foundation gives students key knowledge before they continue their education, usually in speech-language pathology.
Students who want to become licensed and certified speech-language pathologists should look at ESU’s graduate program. Their Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This stamp of approval shows the program meets strict national standards for academic and clinical education.
ESU’s graduate program focuses on two main goals. Students can earn the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and serve as clinical and professional resources in their community. Students learn through both classroom work and hands-on clinical training.
Unique features
ESU’s speech pathology program shines with its on-campus clinic. Students use advanced technology and materials to get ready for externship placements. They get supervised clinical hours and ground experience before working in the field. The clinic has 12 therapy rooms that faculty can watch from their offices, and families can observe from a special room.
ESU got a $150,000 grant for Speech and Hearing Center upgrades. Students also get great support through small class sizes and lots of time with faculty.
Clinical placements make ESU’s program special. Students work in both school and medical settings, usually in eastern Pennsylvania or New Jersey. This mix of experiences helps graduates work in different settings.
ESU’s chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association won campus and national awards for helping the community. Students take part in service learning that adds to their classroom education.
Graduate outcomes
ESU shows great results for Communication Sciences and Disorders graduates. Student feedback shows the CSD Master’s program has kept a perfect record for three years. All students finished the program, passed the Praxis exam, and found jobs.
These results match university-wide success. ESU’s undergraduate students achieved a 96% career outcomes rate over four years. The 2019-2020 class had a 94% career outcomes rate with 65% knowledge rate.
Program graduates can look forward to bright futures. Speech-language pathologist jobs should grow 18% from 2023 to 2033, faster than most jobs. Schools and healthcare organizations face a shortage of SLPs right now.
ESU tracks how well graduates do through its First Destination Survey. They follow standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). This complete approach helps them improve their curriculum and clinical experiences based on what employers want.
Kansas students looking for speech pathology graduate programs should consider ESU. The university gives great preparation, strong clinical experiences, and excellent career prospects.
6. University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary in Kansas takes a faith-based approach to speech pathology education. Students get detailed clinical training combined with service-oriented values. The program stands out because of its hands-on experiences and fast-track degree options for future speech-language pathologists.
Program overview
The University offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MSSLP) program with accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. Students complete the full-time residential program in two years. They can also choose the accelerated 4+1 option to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.
Saint Mary’s SLP Bridge Program helps professionals from other fields complete prerequisite coursework before starting the master’s program. Students need 63 semester credit hours spread across six semesters to graduate.
The program’s results speak for themselves. Graduates consistently achieve Praxis exam pass rates above 90% and land careers with average salaries of $80,000 per year. Competition for admission is tough, and successful applicants usually maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
Christian values integration
Faith-based education is the primary focus of Saint Mary’s approach to speech pathology training. The department aims to provide “a faith-based education for students as they enter the profession by integrating the Catholic perspective throughout the knowledge and skills of the profession”.
This integration goes beyond classroom learning into service-focused clinical practice. Students learn to “realize their social responsibility first-hand by providing services to those in need”, which matches the university’s Catholic foundation. This approach helps students build technical expertise and ethical frameworks to provide compassionate patient care.
Practicum opportunities
The Judd Leighton Speech and Language Clinic (JLSLC) on campus offers exceptional clinical experiences. Students work with various patients under certified speech-language pathologists’ supervision in specialized settings:
- General clinic serving patients of all backgrounds
- Adult clinic focused on neurogenic disorders
- Innovative Auditory and Language Processing Clinic
The Early Childhood Development Center and Sisters of the Holy Cross long-term care facility provide more hands-on experience. First-year students receive guidance from second-year students right from the start.
Students complete their training through externship placements in hospitals, schools, and private practices. Graduates become known for handling challenging cases with customized treatment approaches.
7. Rockhurst University
Rockhurst University has expanded its speech pathology programs beyond Kansas through its growing educational network. The accredited program brings 20+ years of training experience and several learning paths for future speech-language pathologists.
Program overview
Students can pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at Rockhurst University. The Master’s degree needs 48 credit hours combining academic work and clinical practice. Students finish the program in two years full-time or three years part-time. The program focuses on ethics and cultural sensitivity along with detailed clinical training. Students without communication disorders background can take the online post-bachelor’s leveling program to enter graduate studies with provisional admission.
Clinical partnerships
The university’s 125+ clinical partnerships give students a chance to work with children and adults. These connections let students work with various communication disorders from language delays to articulation problems, fluency issues, and swallowing difficulties. The partnership with Operation Breakthrough, Kansas City’s largest early learning center, stands out. Here, students get ground experience while helping children from the urban core. Students from speech pathology and occupational therapy programs work together – a chance they rarely get before graduation.
Program flexibility
The program will grow beyond Kansas City to new locations with hybrid learning options in Fall 2025. Students can pick from:
- Traditional residential classes in Kansas City
- Online live classes with in-person labs in Kansas City
- Remote learning with in-person labs at partner universities in Denver, Phoenix, or Omaha
Each location has modern simulation centers and hands-on training whatever format students choose. This setup makes Rockhurst’s program available to students across multiple states while they retain the program’s excellent clinical experiences.
Make Your Choice Today
Your career goals, learning priorities, and personal situation will guide you toward the right speech pathology program. Seven excellent programs stand out in Kansas. The University of Kansas leads with its top ranking. Wichita State shines with its metropolitan clinical opportunities. Fort Hays State provides flexible learning approaches. Kansas State, Emporia State, University of Saint Mary, and Rockhurst University each excel in specialized training.
These programs share qualities that make them excellent choices. The Council on Academic Accreditation has certified them all to meet high educational standards. Their impressive Praxis exam pass rates and job placement numbers show how well they prepare qualified professionals.
You’ll find a program structure that works best for you. KU’s 3+2 program and Saint Mary’s 4+1 track help students start their careers sooner. Fort Hays State and Rockhurst’s online components work well for students who need scheduling flexibility. Each program puts clinical training at its core. This hands-on experience builds professional competence.
Kansas offers a bright future for speech-language pathologists. The field’s growth rate through 2030 is a big deal as it means that 22% more jobs will open up. Speech pathologists earn around $82,790 yearly. These numbers show why many students choose this meaningful, well-paid career path.
Look beyond academics when you review these programs. Your location choices, clinical focus areas, time commitment, and budget shape your educational journey. Programs now welcome career-changers with multiple entry points and partnerships in various clinical settings.
Kansas speech pathology programs give you the tools to reshape people’s lives through better communication. Start your journey toward this rewarding career by picking a program that matches your goals of helping those with communication disorders.