7 Speech Pathology Master’s Programs in Massachusetts
Want to study speech pathology in Massachusetts? You’re stepping into a field with amazing growth ahead. The job market for speech-language pathologists will grow by 29% from 2020 to 2030, which is way faster than most other careers.
Massachusetts has seven ASHA-accredited SLP Master’s programs to choose from. Boston leads the pack as the best city for both studying and finding jobs. The program length might surprise you – some programs like Emerson College’s online Master of Science in Communication Disorders take just 20 months to complete.
The money looks good too. Your Massachusetts speech pathology degree can lead to solid earnings. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make around $43,490 a year, and licensed Speech Therapists earn about $92,800 annually. These programs are more available than you might think, and the numbers prove it – some have acceptance rates up to 89%, and 96% of students get financial aid.
Let us show you the degrees that lead the way to becoming a licensed speech pathologist in Massachusetts that match your career goals and schedule.
Emerson College – Online MS in Communication Disorders
Emerson College shines among Massachusetts speech pathology programs through its online Master of Science in Communication Disorders program. The college’s roots in speech and communication date back to 1880, bringing more than a century of expertise to its modern online SLP program.
Program overview
Speech@Emerson delivers identical curriculum to the campus program in a flexible online format. This 54-credit program earned full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students learn to assess and treat communication disorders throughout life, from aphasia to motor-speech disorders.
Students without speech-language pathology background can take up to 18 credits of foundational coursework. These foundation courses include:
- 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
Speech@Emerson’s integrated approach makes the program available to students from any academic background. Students must pass foundational courses with a “B” or better before moving to applied graduate courses.
Program duration
Speech@Emerson’s program offers an appealing accelerated option. Students can choose between two tracks:
- The 5-term track: Complete the program in as few as 20 months
- The 9-term track: A more flexible timeline that takes up to 36 months
Students needing foundational coursework will need more time. The curriculum combines 54 credits: 45 credits of academic coursework, 4 credits of clinical methods, and 5 credits of practicum.
Clinical experience
Clinical experience is vital to Speech@Emerson’s curriculum. Students need a minimum of 400 supervised clinical practice hours, with up to 25 hours from clinical observation. The clinical experience starts with virtual practica using simulated cases and continues with in-person clinical practica at sites within 75 miles of your home.
Students complete:
- One virtual clinical practicum (CD 611) with simulated clinical activities
- Four community-based placement experiences (CD 612, CD 613, CD 614, CD 615)
Each student must complete a school placement with at least 75 clock hours. The program suggests three different settings for clinical practicum experiences to ensure broad exposure. These placements let students work with clients of various ages, severity levels, and disorders.
Students also attend one weekend-long immersion experience at Emerson’s Boston campus. This usually runs Thursday through Saturday near semester’s end. The immersion connects students with peers and faculty while they practice hands-on skills under licensed supervision.
Licensure preparation
The program really prepares students for national certification and state licensure as speech-language pathologists. Graduates who pass the national Praxis exam can begin their Clinical Fellowship to get a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA.
Most states accept the program’s educational requirements. Students should check their state’s specific requirements since licensure rules vary. The residential program meets educational requirements in all but five states: Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Graduate students can also get the Massachusetts educator license, which many states recognize. This initial license requires a school practicum placement, passing the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure, and submitting an application.
Admissions requirements
Speech@Emerson applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. The application needs:
- Official transcripts from bachelor’s degree institutions and foundational coursework
- Current résumé showing relevant professional and volunteer experience
- Three recommendation letters from people who know your qualifications
- Three essays responding to specific prompts (250-500 words each)
- Video interview
- $75 non-refundable application fee
ASHA certification standards require undergraduate-level knowledge in statistics and basic sciences. Students must pass courses in biological science, physics or chemistry, statistics, and behavioral/social science with at least a C- grade. These courses can come from any accredited institution but must be finished before Term 3 ends in the Speech@Emerson program.
Classes start three times yearly – January, May, and September – so students can begin at their convenience.
Northeastern University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Northeastern University runs a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program that dates back to 1965. The program stands out among Massachusetts speech pathology programs. Students become skilled speech-language pathologists through rigorous academics and extensive clinical practice.
Program overview
The speech-language pathology program at Northeastern has managed to keep the highest professional standards since 1965. The curriculum focuses on teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex service delivery problems. Students learn to make real differences in people’s lives – they help children with autism communicate better, support adolescents who struggle with speech, and guide stroke survivors back to their daily activities.
The program shines through its strong interprofessional focus and faculty. These internationally recognized researchers actively involve students in their work. Research topics range from evidence-based practice using alternative communication to software development for unintelligible speakers. Studies also cover speech-motor control and language health literacy in at-risk populations.
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has fully accredited this program. Graduates can work in schools, medical facilities, research labs, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and beyond.
Program duration
Students need 60 semester hours at the graduate level to complete the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The thesis option requires 63 total semester hours. The curriculum has coursework in:
- Clinical practice
- Scientific theory
- Research and statistics
Students must keep a minimum B grade average (3.0) in both academics and clinical work. They can pick between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Non-thesis students take an exam in their final year to graduate.
Clinical experience
Clinical practice is a big part of Northeastern’s SLP program. Students finish four semesters of clinical experience both on and off campus. Their clinical trip starts at Northeastern’s on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Center. Here, faculty and students provide free services to the community.
The clinical progression works like this:
- Clinic 1: On-campus experience at the Speech-Language Center
- Clinics 2-4: Student clinicians work multiple days weekly in various on and off-campus settings
These rotations let students review and treat children and adults with various diagnoses, disorders, and impairments. This includes language disorders, cognitive-linguistic issues, and swallowing disorders. Professor Fine says, “Our students have the opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical experiences. We have excellent clinical training settings in our program. Our students get trained across the lifespan. They complete a minimum of four clinical rotations, initially in our state-of-the-art campus clinic, Northeastern University Speech-Language and Hearing Center”.
Faculty connections with prominent educational and medical institutions create chances to apply classroom theory to evidence-based interventions. Many students get job offers from their internship sites after graduation.
Licensure preparation
Graduates can apply for state educator licensure and start their Clinical Fellowship Year. Many speech-language pathologists also get ASHA accreditation with state licensure, specifically the Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).
Most states base their licensing requirements on ASHA’s qualifications. This means students often qualify for certification while earning their license. The program’s success shows in how off-site supervisors consistently find Northeastern students ready for clinical practice.
Admissions requirements
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program needs a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students don’t need an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders. The program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.35.
Students must pass five prerequisite undergraduate courses with a C grade or better before starting:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Introduction to Audiology
- Introduction to Speech and Hearing Science
- Language Development
- Phonetics
Students need to complete at least three ASHA prerequisite courses before starting. Application materials needed are three recommendation letters, a curriculum vitae/resumé, personal statement, official transcripts, and TOEFL scores for international applicants (required iBT TOEFL score is 115 or IELTS score of 8.5).
Department Chair Lorraine Book talks about recommendation letters: “Most programs look for letters of recommendation written by a professor or course instructor that knows the student well. You don’t just want a letter that says you attended class or earned a certain grade”.
Worcester State University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Worcester State University has expanded its speech pathology offerings with a combined BS/MS SLP program. Students can now earn both degrees in just five years. The university offers one of the most available speech pathology programs in Massachusetts with flexible scheduling options.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Worcester State is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association through 2027. The next accreditation review will take place in February 2026. Students prepare for careers in a variety of settings, such as public schools, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private practice.
The university’s on-campus Speech-Language Pathology Center stands out as a unique feature. Students get hands-on experience by working with community members who have fluency issues, voice disorders, and language disorders. The center provides these services free of charge to clients. This setup benefits both students who need practical training and community members who need care.
The program focuses on evidence-based practice. Faculty members update and modify it based on social, economic, cultural, and professional changes. Their mission focuses on teaching students about communication sciences, disorders, and differences throughout life.
Program duration
The program offers three tracks to fit different schedules:
- Accelerated Track: Complete the program in 6 semesters (including summers)
- Full-Time Track: Complete the program in 8 semesters (including summers)
- Part-Time Track: Complete the program in 9 semesters (including summers)
Students need fifty-five (55) semester credit hours to earn their master’s degree. Classes run in the afternoon, late afternoon, and evening to help working professionals.
Undergraduates can take a faster route through the combined BS/MS program. They can apply after completing 60 credits with a minimum 3.5 GPA in their Communication Sciences and Disorders courses.
Clinical experience
The clinical practicum plays a vital role in the curriculum. Students must complete:
- 25 hours of observation of clinical work
- 375 live hours of diagnostic/therapeutic work in three different clinical settings
The university works with more than 75 placement sites throughout New England. Students must complete one practicum at the Worcester State University Speech-Language-Hearing Center, where they help community members at no cost.
A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that internship experience gives students a competitive edge. Graduates with paid internships earn starting salaries 20% higher than those without internship experience.
Licensure preparation
After graduation, students can apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Massachusetts state licensure, and teacher certification through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The program has achieved a 100% employment rate for graduates in the last five years. This success rate shows how well it prepares students for their careers. Students must pass the NESPA examination in Speech-Language Pathology and finish either a departmental comprehensive examination or a master’s thesis.
Admissions requirements
To join the program, you need:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- To submit your application through the CSDCAS system between July 15th and January 15th
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
The prerequisites include 18 credit hours in basic human communication processes and audiology. These courses cover anatomy, phonetics, development, speech science, hearing science, and audiology. More than half of these courses must be completed when applying, with grades of B- or higher and no more than 7 years old.
The program received 158 applications and accepted 55 students in 2022. Admitted students’ GPAs ranged from 2.55 to 4.00, with a target class size of 35. The program currently has 95 graduate students enrolled (88 full-time, 7 part-time).
Bridgewater State University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Bridgewater State University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program sits in the College of Education and Health Sciences. The program ranks among the best speech pathology programs in Massachusetts and will build your foundation to help people with communication disorders.
Program overview
BSU’s graduate program equips students through balanced academic and clinical coursework. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders at every life stage. The program holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This accreditation means your degree meets national quality standards.
The program has specialized classes that cover key communication disorder areas:
- Dysphagia and Feeding
- Voice Disorders
- Language Disorders (Birth-Age 5 and K-12)
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Cognitive Communication Disorders
- Fluency Disorders
You’ll become skilled at working with people who have cognitive, physical, and social disorders. The program also covers language and hearing impairments and traumatic brain injuries. Your training will prepare you to improve your clients’ communication abilities and make real changes in their lives.
Program duration
Students can finish BSU’s speech-language pathology master’s program in two years of full-time study. You’ll need 55 credits total, with 49 credits of required coursework, clinical practicum experiences, and a 3-credit capstone experience with oral defense.
Your GPA must stay at 3.0 or higher throughout the program. The program will place you on academic probation if your GPA drops below this mark. Two semesters on academic probation will lead to dismissal from the program. Every course requires at least a B- grade.
Clinical experience
The Speech-Language-Literacy Center (SLLC) makes BSU’s program unique. Since 1982, this center has served the university and local communities. Students train here under a “No Fee for Service” model that supports graduate education.
Your clinical training requires 375 practicum hours beyond the 25 observation hours needed for admission. These hours must cover diagnostic and treatment services for various communication disorders and swallowing across age groups. Your clinical path includes:
- Original clinical experience (COMD 581)
- Advanced clinical experience (COMD 582) with at least 9 credits
Massachusetts-licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists will guide you as you work with patients of all backgrounds.
Licensure preparation
The program readies you for professional certification and licensure. After graduation, you’ll meet the academic and clinical requirements to pursue:
- National certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- State licensure as a speech-language pathologist
You’ll develop skills in all disorder areas needed for professional practice. The capstone experience (COMD 598) with oral defense serves as your final requirement and shows you’re ready to enter the field.
Admissions requirements
BSU’s speech-language pathology program needs a bachelor’s degree and specific prerequisite courses. Each prerequisite requires at least a B- grade. Required courses are:
- Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Speech Anatomy and Physiology
- Speech and Hearing Science
- Language Acquisition
- Phonetics
- Introduction to Audiology
- Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing
- Linguistics
You’ll also need a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA, three recommendation letters, a letter of intent, personal interview, and official transcripts. The GRE requirement asks for 300 overall (verbal 150, quantitative 150) and analytical writing score between 3.5-5.0.
Graduates can become speech-language pathologists or pursue related specialties. Speech-language pathology assistants earn more than $50,000 yearly.
MGH Institute of Health Professions – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
MGH Institute of Health Professions, the graduate school affiliate of Mass General Brigham, offers one of Massachusetts’ best speech pathology programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks it 10th among 260 programs nationwide and lists it as a top 10 healthcare career.
Program overview
The program combines educational and medical speech-language pathology training with a “clinical excellence curriculum” that helps students become skilled at critical thinking, clinical problem-solving, and professional skills. Students can study both educational and medical courses with core requirements and specialty electives. They can choose from concentration areas like adult neurogenic communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, early intervention, literacy, medical speech pathology, and voice disorders. Students work with renowned faculty who research autism, voice, literacy, aphasia, motor speech disorders, and phonology.
Program duration
Students need 72 credits to graduate from this six-semester MS-SLP program. The curriculum needs 60-70 core credits based on concentration plus elective credits. Students must finish their degree within five consecutive academic years after they start. Students who took undergraduate courses in Aural Rehabilitation need extra elective credits to reach the 72-credit minimum.
Clinical experience
Students start their clinical rotations at the modern on-campus Speech, Language and Literacy Center. They continue for three to four semesters at more than 200 leading hospitals, clinics, centers, and schools across Greater Boston. This creates a continuous connection between classroom learning and clinical practice. The program’s link with Mass General Brigham lets students access top hospitals and clinical sites. Recent enrollment data shows the institute’s 99% program completion rate.
Licensure preparation
The program prepares graduates to meet ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence national standards and qualify for licensure anywhere in the U.S.. Students excel in certification exams with 96.5% average Praxis examination pass rates over four years. The pass rates stand at 100% in 2020-2021, 93.4% in 2021-2022, 98% in 2022-2023, and 94.8% in 2023-2024.
Admissions requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to apply. The program uses CSDCAS (Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service) and needs:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Three recommendation letters
- Statement of intent
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
Required prerequisites cover courses in communication disorders, phonetic transcription, anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms, speech-language acquisition, audiology, biological science, social science, physical science, and statistics. About one-third of each new class gets scholarships that cover 25% to 100% of tuition costs.
Boston University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Boston University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology ranks #5 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious ranking shows BU’s excellence in preparing future speech-language pathologists.
Program overview
The program blends outstanding clinical training with strong academic preparation. Students graduate with confidence to handle any practice situation. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has fully accredited this program that prepares students for ASHA certification and Massachusetts state licensure.
Students benefit from a unique mix of clinical, academic, and research opportunities beyond basic certification requirements. The program’s success shows in its impressive 99.17% three-year average completion rate.
Program duration
Students complete four full-time semesters plus a minimum of 4 summer credits. The exact requirements depend on completed prerequisites. Each student’s course plan aligns with their professional goals and individual needs. The degree requires at least 68 graduate-level units (60+ at Boston University). Students must finish all requirements within five years of starting the program.
Clinical experience
Students begin their clinical practicum after finishing undergraduate prerequisites through a well-planned four or five-semester sequence. This step-by-step experience builds evaluation and treatment skills with different populations. Students work with clients from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds of all ages in multiple settings.
BU’s own clinical centers give graduate students valuable hands-on experience:
- Academic Speech, Language & Hearing Center
- Aphasia Resource Center
These centers provide specialized services under faculty supervision. Students then complete field-based experiences at Boston’s renowned educational and medical institutions.
Licensure preparation
The program’s excellent preparation shows in its 97% PRAXIS examination pass rate over three years. Graduates qualify for licensure in all 50 states, demonstrating the program’s strong preparation for nationwide practice.
Admissions requirements
BU reviews applications with an integrated approach. The program doesn’t require a minimum undergraduate GPA, though enrolled students’ mean GPA was 3.75. Applications must reach CSDCAS by January 5, 2026. The main requirements include three recommendation letters, three short essays, and a CV/resume. The program welcomes candidates from various academic backgrounds since it doesn’t require GRE scores or prerequisite coursework.
Regis College – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Regis College partners with Rockhurst University to deliver an outstanding speech pathology program in Massachusetts. The program stands out for its excellent clinical training at various community-based sites.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology equips students to help children and adults who struggle with communication and swallowing impairments. Students learn ethical and culturally sensitive approaches to treat conditions from language delays and autism spectrum disorders to aphasia and swallowing disorders. The program combines knowledge from language, psychology, education, and medicine to build essential therapeutic skills.
Program duration
Students can choose between full-time and part-time options in this 56-credit program. The full-time track takes two years across six semesters, including summer terms. This path helps students start their careers quickly. The part-time option spans nine semesters, which works well for professionals who need scheduling flexibility.
Clinical experience
Students begin hands-on labs and competency-based instruction right from their first year. The program’s state-of-the-art simulation center lets students practice in various clinical situations before heading to ground settings. Students develop their skills through service learning opportunities that blend classroom knowledge with practical experience.
Licensure preparation
The program prepares students for roles in healthcare or educational settings. Students learn to work with clients who have brain injury, dementia, hearing impairment, stuttering, and motor speech disorders through extensive training.
Admissions requirements
Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must complete prerequisite courses in phonology/phonetics, language acquisition, audiology, speech science, and anatomy. The program accepts students with up to two missing prerequisites, which they must complete before their second semester. Students should apply by January 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring admission.
Choose a Massachusetts SLP Master’s Today
Your choice of speech pathology program will shape your educational experience and career path. Massachusetts is an ideal place for future speech-language pathologists. The state has seven ASHA-accredited programs that offer different paths to licensure. Each school brings something special to the table. You can choose Emerson College’s flexible online format, head over to Northeastern for research opportunities, or take advantage of Worcester State’s pro bono clinical center.
These programs share some key features. Every school gives you plenty of chances to work with people from all walks of life. Most schools offer fast-track options so you can start working sooner while getting complete training. The programs have high pass rates for licensure exams and great job placement numbers. This shows how well they prepare students for real-world practice.
Speech pathology graduates can look forward to great financial rewards. Licensed speech therapists in Massachusetts earn about $92,800 per year, which makes your investment in education worthwhile. On top of that, many programs have good financial aid packages. This career path might be more available than you think.
Take time to think over each program’s strengths. Emerson College works great for working professionals. Northeastern University shines in research. Worcester State University gives you multiple program options. Bridgewater State has a specialized Speech-Language-Literacy Center. MGH Institute ranks among the nation’s best. Boston University holds the #5 spot nationally. Regis College lets you start simulation-based learning right away.
The field of speech pathology is growing faster than ever. Job opportunities should increase 29% through 2030. Massachusetts is a hub for healthcare and education, which creates plenty of job options. Starting your speech pathology career in Massachusetts lets you help others with communication challenges while building a secure professional future.