7 Best SLP Master’s Programs in Kentucky: 2025-2026 Guide & Rankings
Kentucky offers 6 accredited programs (5 SLP and 1 AuD program) to help you start your speech-language pathology career. These programs span across the state.
Students can pursue both bachelor’s and master’s degrees through Kentucky’s speech pathology programs. The admission process remains selective – the University of Kentucky’s average acceptance GPA stands at 3.8. These top SLP grad programs excel at clinical preparation. Students must complete at least 375 clinical experience hours to meet ASHA requirements.
The universities ensure their graduates can pursue state licensure, complete clinical fellowships, and get ASHA certification. Here, we will guide you to find your ideal program match. You can choose between traditional on-campus learning or flexible online options like Western Kentucky University’s program.
1. Eastern Kentucky University – MA in Speech-Language Pathology
Eastern Kentucky University runs one of the longest-running speech-language pathology programs in the state. Their on-campus clinic has served the community since 1984. The Master of Arts in Communication Disorders program helps you succeed in many settings and meets all requirements for national certification and state licensure.
Program overview
EKU’s Master of Arts in Communication Disorders takes two years to complete as a full-time residential program. Students learn to become skilled practitioners in speech-language pathology. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited the program through 2026. The next review comes up in August 2025.
Students need 63 credit hours to graduate, broken down this way:
- 39 hours of core communication disorders classes
- 9 hours of electives
- 15 hours in professional semester
Students can pick between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Non-thesis students must pass a detailed examination before graduation. The program covers these key areas:
- Neurogenic language disorders
- Child language disorders
- Augmentative & alternative communication systems
- Motor speech disorders
- Speech sound disorders
- Diagnosis of communication disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Voice disorders
- Dysphagia
The program’s curriculum matches the expected 19% growth in speech-language pathology jobs from 2022 to 2032. This makes it one of the best SLP grad programs to prepare for your career.
Clinical practicum details
Hands-on clinical experience is important for EKU’s program. Students must complete 375 clinical clock hours to graduate. These hours satisfy requirements for:
- National certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Kentucky licensure in Speech-Language Pathology
Students should complete 25 observation hours before starting their clinical practicum. Up to 50 clinical clock hours from undergraduate studies can count toward the total with proper documentation.
Students start their hands-on training at EKU’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. On top of that, the program offers external placements through:
- CSD 874 Graduate Practicum: Speech-Language Pathology
- CSD 897 Externship: School-based Experiences in CD
- CSD 898 Externship: Healthcare Experiences in CD
Faculty members with Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology or audiology from ASHA supervise student clinicians directly. This supervision gives students quality training and valuable mentorship. Students must buy professional liability insurance before starting clinical practicum courses and keep it active throughout the program.
Admission requirements
EKU’s Communication Disorders graduate program sets high standards for admission. You’ll need to:
- Meet EKU’s Graduate School admission standards
- Have a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or related field
- Keep a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA overall (including fall semester before application)
Your application package needs:
- Official transcripts of all college-level courses
- A personal essay (about 500 words) describing your professional goals
- Proof of 25 clinical observation hours (needed before starting the program)
Key facts about admission:
- Application deadline: February 15
- Successful applicants’ GPA range: 3.15-4.00
- Recent application numbers: 71
- Admission offers: 53
- Class size target: 32
Faculty members interview selected candidates after reviewing applications. They make final decisions based on GPA, personal essay, and interview performance.
Accepted students must pass a state criminal history background check. More background checks might be needed for off-campus externships. Undergraduate program admission at EKU doesn’t guarantee a spot in the graduate program because space is limited.
Students without Communication Disorders background must finish prerequisite courses before starting graduate work. This means early planning helps students from other fields who want to join this speech pathology program.
2. Murray State University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Murray State University ranks among the best SLP programs in Kentucky with its long-standing accreditation history dating back to 1982. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program blends challenging academic coursework with hands-on clinical training to prepare students for success in a variety of professional settings.
Program overview
Murray State University offers a detailed five-semester MS in Speech-Language Pathology designed for full-time students. Students start their journey in fall and continue through four academic semesters plus one summer session. The program requires a minimum of 53 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students learn the skills they need for professional practice.
Murray State maintains its position as one of Kentucky’s top speech pathology schools. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has fully accredited the program. The program received continuing accreditation in July 2024, and this cycle extends through 2032.
Students experience a balanced mix of traditional lecture and seminar courses with clinical practicum experiences. The program highlights include:
- Independent learning and critical thinking skill development
- Literature exploration in the discipline
- Clinical skills acquisition for professional competence
- Assessment across nine knowledge and skill categories
Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Non-thesis students must complete comprehensive examinations during their second year. Thesis students complete 54 hours instead of 53 hours of study. The thesis option works well for students who enjoy independent learning or might pursue doctoral education later.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical experience is a big part of Murray State’s program. Students complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in speech-language pathology. This includes 25 hours of guided clinical observation and 375 hours of direct client contact. At least 325 clock hours must be completed at the graduate level.
Clinical training progresses in a structured way:
First year: Students build clinical competencies at the Murray State Speech and Hearing Clinic. They learn assessment and treatment under faculty supervision. The clinic offers experience with clients of all ages from different cultural/linguistic backgrounds.
Second year: Students participate in two off-campus clinical practica. One placement usually occurs in a medical setting while the other involves student teaching in a public school. These externships provide valuable real-life experience in different professional environments.
Murray State faculty supervise all clinical activities. These supervisors hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and Kentucky State License. Most placements happen in Kentucky, but some sites are available in bordering areas of west Tennessee. Students who want to complete final semester medical placements outside the typical area must coordinate with the Clinic Director.
Students need specific documentation for different placement sites. School settings need background checks, current TB tests, and physical examinations. Medical sites often require Basic Life Support training, immunizations, flu shots, drug screens, and facility orientation.
Admission requirements
The speech-language pathology program at Murray State attracts many qualified candidates. Applications now go through CSDCAS. The next application cycle for the 2026-27 academic year opens July 15, 2025, and closes January 15, 2026.
Admission requirements include:
- A baccalaureate degree in communication disorders or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA overall
- Official GRE scores submitted by the application deadline
- All prerequisite courses completed when applying
Prerequisites include Clinical Phonetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Speech Science, Pediatric Speech Disorders, Speech and Language Development, Pediatric Language Disorders, Audiology, Aural Rehabilitation, Neuroanatomy, and Basic Clinical Skills.
A complete CSDCAS application needs official transcripts from all schools attended, three recommendation letters (two from faculty addressing academic potential), a personal essay, and a video submission. The program evaluates GRE scores across the applicant pool, though no minimum scores exist.
Non-native English speakers need additional qualifications. They must score at least 114 on the internet-based TOEFL with specified minimum bands, or achieve an overall score of 8 on the IELTS with no band below 7.0.
The program invites selected candidates for interviews after reviewing applications. Final admission decisions come from a full picture of all application materials. This helps identify candidates most likely to excel in this challenging top SLP grad program.
3. University of Kentucky – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of Kentucky runs a competitive Master of Science in speech-language pathology program from its Lexington campus. Students who graduate from this program qualify for clinical licensure and ASHA certification. This 50-year-old program stands out as one of the best SLP programs in Kentucky, thanks to its well-laid-out curriculum and practical clinical experiences.
Program overview
The Master of Science in speech-language pathology program at the University of Kentucky is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association through 2029. This certification means graduates will meet all requirements for national certification and state licensure.
The university runs two program tracks:
- 2-Year Master’s Program: Perfect for students who have an undergraduate degree in communication disorders
- 3-Year Master’s Program: Built for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields, with limited spots each year
Students in the 2-Year program go through six consecutive semesters (Summer 1, Fall 1, Spring 1, Summer 2, Fall 2, Spring 2) and need at least 64 credits to graduate. The program has core courses like:
- Alternative & Augmentative Communication
- Infant and Toddler Language Disorders
- Language Disorders in School-Age Populations
- Voice Disorders
- Aphasia and Related Disorders
- Adult Dysphagia
- Motor Speech Disorders
Research-minded students can choose a thesis track with special courses. Students must study full-time and usually finish in two years.
Clinical practicum details
Hands-on clinical experience plays a vital role in UK’s speech-language pathology program. Students get practical training at two main campus facilities:
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Academic Clinic: Students work with children and teens who have various communication disorders at this essential facility. They develop their clinical skills under certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
- Voice and Swallow Clinic: Students work with a team of specialists at this facility and focus on specific speech and swallowing disorders.
ASHA-certified professionals who are licensed in Kentucky supervise all clinical work. Professor Morris leads the clinical coordination at both the UK Communication Disorders Clinic and off-campus sites.
Students learn to help both children and adults with various needs, from oral-motor function to feeding and augmentative communication.
Admission requirements
Getting into UK’s speech-language pathology program isn’t easy. The program uses the CSDCAS application system and sets a January 15 application deadline. Here’s what you need:
- Accepted students typically have a 3.8 GPA
- 2-Year program students need an undergraduate degree in communication disorders
- 3-Year program students can have any bachelor’s degree but must complete prerequisites in their first year
Your application should include:
- Official transcripts
- Two recommendation letters
- Answers to one written and one video prompt
Students must finish prerequisite courses before starting graduate work. The 3-Year program prerequisites are:
- Speech & Hearing Science
- Language Development Across the Lifespan
- Anatomy & Physiology of Speech
- Clinical Phonetics
- Audiology
- Aural Rehabilitation
Every student needs 25 hours of supervised observation. They must also show knowledge in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences to meet ASHA standards.
UK doesn’t take part-time students. Last year, 129 people applied, 103 got offers, and 36 students made up the final class.
The university welcomes future students to take campus tours, both in-person and virtual, in the fall before application. This is a great way to learn more about one of the best SLP grad programs in Kentucky.
4. University of Louisville – MS in Communicative Disorders
The University of Louisville’s Speech-Language Pathology program sets itself apart as a division within the School of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communicative Disorders. This placement is a chance for students to build interdisciplinary connections with the broader medical community.
Program overview
UofL’s Master of Science in Communicative Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology welcomes both traditional and non-traditional students. Students can choose between two tracks:
- Core Program: A five-semester sequence for students with an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology. Students must complete this full-time program without part-time options.
- Preparatory Program: A seven-semester sequence tailored for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields than speech-language pathology. Students can complete this track part-time within two years.
The program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA. Students become eligible for ASHA certification after meeting all requirements.
Students must complete 54 credit hours at the graduate level, not counting elective coursework or thesis-related credits. Note that students must either pass an eight-hour written complete examination across two days or successfully defend a thesis to graduate.
Students develop skills in nine key domains: articulation, language, swallowing, fluency, voice, cognition, hearing, social aspects of communication, and alternative/augmentative communication. Faculty members advance the field through both simple and applied research, and they encourage students to join research activities from their first semester.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical experience serves as a core component of the program. Students need to complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum in speech-language pathology to meet ASHA certification requirements. Graduate-level work must account for 325 of these hours.
Students must complete 25 observation hours before starting their clinical experiences. The program partners with 30-40 clinical sites in the Kentuckiana region. These partnerships give students practical experiences in schools, agencies, hospitals, and private practices.
Faculty supervision follows strict standards, with several prerequisites for the clinical practicum:
- Minimum coursework requirements
- Mandatory readings
- Observations
- Specific case report formats
- Defined grading criteria
Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA in practicum for two consecutive semesters may face dismissal from the program.
Admission requirements
Competition is fierce for both Preparatory and Core Programs. Students must submit applications through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS). Both programs share a February 1st deadline, with Core Program starting in summer and Preparatory Program in fall.
Key requirements include:
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation (no family members)
- A personal statement/essay under 1,000 words
- A complete resume
Non-native English speakers need TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test or 213 or higher on the computer-based test. They can also submit IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall or a Duolingo score of 105.
Some applicants might need to participate in a formal interview. The selection process identifies candidates who show the most promise for success in this challenging program.
The University of Louisville’s connection to the medical community gives students unmatched advantages in speech-language pathology. This makes it one of Kentucky’s top SLP programs for students interested in medical settings and integrated approaches to communication disorders.
5. Western Kentucky University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Western Kentucky University offers a flexible Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. Students can choose between residential (on-campus) and distance learning formats. Both options follow similar requirements and curriculum standards.
Program overview
The speech-language pathology program at WKU needs 60 credit hours. It trains professionals to help people with communication delays, differences, and disorders. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and schools. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited the program through 2030. The next review will happen in August 2029.
Students can pick between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Non-thesis students must pass a complete examination in their final semester. Everyone needs to finish the research tool requirement (3 hours) by completing SLP 500 Research Methodology in Communication Disorders or an equivalent course.
The curriculum has:
- Academic coursework covering nine essential knowledge areas
- Clinical internship experiences
- Multiple clinical externship placements
- Research components
The program’s graduates meet all academic and clinical requirements for national certification and state licensure. But teacher certification isn’t available as part of WKU’s speech-language pathology graduate program.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical experience at WKU follows a clear path. It starts with SLP 590 (Clinical Internship) under faculty supervision and moves on to SLP 591 (Clinical Externship). Students need at least 400 clock hours of clinical experience to graduate. They must complete a minimum of 25 guided observation hours before or during their first semester.
Students who attend classes on campus complete two semesters of SLP 590. Distance learning students take SLP 588 (Clinical Methods) and SLP 590 before moving to externships. After this, students can choose to:
- Complete 2 externships (3 credit hours each): Each needs 75+ clinical hours and 420+ total hours
- Complete 3 externships (2 credit hours each): Each needs 50+ clinical hours and 280+ total hours
Students must do one externship in a public school and another in a medical setting. Campus students need to be free Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for clinical internship.
Students must provide several documents before starting clinical experiences. These include criminal background checks, physical examination proof, professional liability insurance, and negative TB tests. Some sites might ask for drug testing, health insurance verification, and immunization records.
Admission requirements
Getting into WKU’s program isn’t easy. You’ll need to submit two applications – one through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) and another to WKU Graduate Studies.
Key requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree in the profession or specific prerequisite courses
- 0 GPA from your most recent degree
- Admitted students’ GPA range: 3.22-4.00
- Completion of simple science prerequisites before starting
Applications are due by January 15 (priority deadline). Later applications get reviewed if seats are still available. Each year, about 290 people apply, and 142 get offers for a class of 80 students.
The program team reviews applications based on overall GPA, a statement of purpose/goals essay, and communication skills shown in a short video. Yes, it is worth noting that enrollment might be limited in areas where clinical sites are hard to find.
6. Western Kentucky University – Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology
WKU’s distance learning Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology has grown by a lot since 1999 when it began under the Kentucky Virtual University initiative. The program started with Kentucky residents and now welcomes students from around the world, including international applicants.
Online program overview
The online program maintains similar academic standards as the residential option. Both thesis and non-thesis tracks need 60 credit hours. Students can complete the program in 7-8 semesters (including winter and summer terms) if they follow the recommended course sequence.
We delivered coursework through Blackboard Ultra and Zoom platforms that has:
- Designated weekly or biweekly synchronous evening classes
- Multimedia instructional resources
- Well-laid-out interaction between professors and classmates
The program curriculum has courses on Child Language Disorders, Cognitive-Communication Disorders, Motor Speech Disorders, and Rehabilitation Audiology. A uniform distance learning tuition rate applies to all students whatever their residency status.
Clinical practicum details
The clinical part of WKU’s online program is the mandatory 6-week summer internship (“bootcamp”) in Bowling Green. Students complete this intensive experience from late June through July after their first fall semester. This non-negotiable requirement lets faculty review clinical skills and preparedness before students move to externships.
Students arrange their own externship placements in their communities after the summer internship. California residents cannot get placements. Distance students must find externships beyond 65 miles of Bowling Green unless they are hired as an SLP-A.
Students must complete at least 400 clinical hours to graduate. This total has 25 observation hours.
Admission requirements
Students must submit applications through both CSDCAS and WKU Graduate Studies by January 15 priority deadline. Requirements include:
- Baccalaureate degree with 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Completion of 12 prerequisite courses for out-of-field applicants
- Documentation of 25 clinical observation hours (preferred but not required)
- Statement of purpose (limited to one page)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Video presentation assessing interpersonal communication
Students should review their ability to attend the required summer internship in Bowling Green. They must also secure externship sites in their region before applying.
7. Brescia University – Undergraduate & Graduate SLP Programs
Brescia University stands out by offering a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program entirely online, along with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders that students can complete remotely.
Program overview
Students first enrolled in Brescia’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program during August 2021. The program aims to develop skilled professionals who can address speech and communication disorders. The first group of students graduated in 2023. This program’s completely online format sets it apart from other SLP programs across the country. Currently, the program maintains candidacy status for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Brescia’s BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program follows American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards. Students can earn their undergraduate degree quickly through accelerated 8-week online courses, potentially finishing in just two years.
Clinical practicum details
Graduate students must earn 60 credit hours and complete a practicum totaling 375 clock hours, which includes 25 observation hours. The undergraduate program features two clinical practicum experiences. Students take CSD 374 (Clinical Practicum I) and CSD 474 (Clinical Practicum II), with each course providing 25 contact hours under professional supervision.
Admission requirements
Graduate program applicants should have:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA
- Grades of A or B in prerequisite courses
- Two recommendation letters
Brescia’s undergraduate students who maintain A’s and B’s in their major courses receive priority consideration for graduate program admission.
Choose a Kentucky SLP Program Today
Your future career as a speech-language pathologist starts with picking the right SLP program. Kentucky has seven exceptional programs that provide detailed education paths. Each program meets ASHA certification requirements and state licensure standards.
These programs have several key features in common despite their unique strengths. Note that all programs have accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation, which ensures quality education standards. On top of that, students must complete 375-400 clinical hours to gain extensive hands-on experience before graduation.
All the same, each option has its distinct features. Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University are decades-old programs with deep community service roots. The University of Kentucky stands out with its selective admissions process (average 3.8 GPA) and strong medical community ties. Western Kentucky University gives you choices between residential and distance learning options, though both follow the same 60-credit curriculum.
Without doubt, your choice should match your personal situation and career goals. Each program differs in duration (two to three years), delivery method (online or on-campus), and specialty areas. Brescia University’s new program offers a fully online experience that works well for working professionals who can’t relocate.
These programs have competitive admission standards. Most require a minimum 3.0 GPA, completed prerequisite courses, and compelling personal statements. Students need to prepare early, especially when coming from non-communication disorders backgrounds.
Kentucky’s SLP programs lead to bright career prospects, with the field expected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032. You’ll find options that match your goals – from University of Louisville’s medical focus to Murray State’s extensive externship opportunities to WKU’s flexible online program. The right program should fit your learning style, location needs, and career plans.