6 Speech Pathology Masters Programs in Missouri
Missouri offers more quality speech pathology programs than you might expect. The state proudly features 11 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs, including 9 master’s programs and 2 doctorate options.
A master’s degree remains essential to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in Missouri. The path to admission can be quite competitive. Southeast Missouri State University’s Master of Arts in Communication Disorders program demonstrates this reality – they select just 18 students from a pool of 100 applicants. The University of Missouri stands out with one of the nation’s oldest nationally accredited speech-language pathology programs.
Here, we introduce you to six speech pathology master’s programs across the state. These programs are a great way to get valuable education with their impressive faculty-to-student ratios and specialized focus areas. You might find the perfect match to start your educational experience.
Southeast Missouri State University – MA in Communication Disorders
Southeast Missouri State University runs one of Missouri’s most respected speech pathology master’s programs through its Department of Communication Disorders. Students find exceptional clinical opportunities and impressive outcomes in this hidden gem for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Communication Disorders at Southeast Missouri State University helps students build careers as Speech-Language Pathologists. Students can get Missouri licensure and ASHA certification. The curriculum covers detailed study in communication disorders, language development, acoustics of speech, audiology, and various disorders throughout life. Students learn to diagnose communication disorders and recommend therapies for people of all backgrounds.
Students experience both rigorous classroom instruction and extensive clinical work to build theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program combines classroom hours with clinical therapy hours to prepare students for professional practice. The department now offers an online graduate leveling program of 29 credit hours for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields, which started in spring 2023.
Accreditation & recognition
The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has nationally accredited the Communication Disorders Master’s program. This prestigious status shows the program meets high standards for academic and clinical education in speech-language pathology.
Key organizations have awarded multiple credentials and licenses to the program. These include the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE). Graduates can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), which they need for professional practice.
Tuition & financial aid
Domestic graduate students will pay $439.80 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. This includes $395.00 in tuition and $44.80 in general fees. International students pay $756.80 per credit hour, with $712.00 in tuition plus the same general fees. Communication Disorders graduate students pay an extra program fee of $35.00 per credit hour.
The university helps 98% of students with some form of financial aid. Both first and second-year graduate students can apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships. These assistantships give students professional experience and a yearly stipend. Recent reports show the program’s total cost has risen from $23,728 in 2019 to $25,903 in 2021.
Career outcomes
Graduate success rates prove the program works well. All graduates find jobs throughout Missouri and nationwide. Speech-Language Pathologists earn $95,410 on average per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field grows 25% faster than other occupations from 2019 to 2029.
Student performance on the Praxis exam shows remarkable results. The three-year average pass rate reaches 98%. The program completion rate stays high too, with 98.41% of students finishing within the expected timeframe over three years. These numbers show how well the program prepares students for their careers.
Admission requirements
Students need these requirements to join this competitive program:
- An undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited college or university
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the last 2 years (at least 30 credit hours)
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume
- An application with personal statement
- A fifteen-minute web-based interview
The program dropped the GRE requirement for the 2023 application cycle. Students must submit all materials by January 15 for the next summer semester cohort. Incomplete applications won’t be considered. Competition remains high with a 79% acceptance rate from 7,213 applicants.
Unique features
The state-of-the-art Center for Speech and Hearing sets this program apart. Graduate students work hands-on with clients of all ages who have various communication disorders. Students create and carry out treatment plans, run diagnostics, and evaluate clients for speech or language disorders under supervision. This clinical experience helps students develop professional skills and complete the 400 hours needed for licensure.
Expert faculty members actively research in many areas, including dichotic listening, animal-assisted therapy, dementia and other neurogenic disorders, and interprofessional education. Students praise the interactive curriculum, research opportunities, and exceptional teaching faculty as a “life-altering learning experience”.
Fontbonne University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Fontbonne University ranks among the top speech pathology programs in Missouri with its complete Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The university announced its closure in summer 2025. However, the program keeps its accreditation status until closing, which makes it a viable option if you plan to enroll soon.
Program overview
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology at Fontbonne equips clinicians to work with patients of all backgrounds who experience communication disorders. Students with an undergraduate SLP degree and completed prerequisites can finish the program in 5-6 semesters. Students without an SLP background need 7-8 semesters to complete leveling courses that fulfill prerequisite requirements. The curriculum helps students become skilled at diagnosing and treating disorders of language, phonology, articulation, voice, fluency, and neurologically-based conditions.
Accreditation & recognition
The Master of Science education program in speech-language pathology at Fontbonne University currently holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This prestigious accreditation extends through 2028, with the next review set for August 2027. Graduates can seek state licensure and ASHA certification after completing their academic and clinical experiences.
Tuition & financial aid
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program costs about $875 per credit hour, plus a resource fee of $35 per credit hour. Students can access various financial assistance options. These include merit and talent scholarships, need-based grants, student employment, alternative payment plans, and low-interest loans. Active-duty military personnel and veterans get a 15% tuition discount. The university’s Friends and Family Referral Program gives current graduate students a $500 scholarship each semester when they bring in new graduate students who enroll at the same time.
Fontbonne University career outcomes
The speech-language pathology program’s track record speaks for itself with a 100% placement rate for graduates and a perfect pass rate on the national exam. Graduates work in hospitals, schools, community agencies, state and federal organizations, special school districts, schools for the deaf, autism agencies, and rehabilitation centers. SLP careers show excellent employment prospects nationwide since 32 states report ongoing shortages.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (students with 108 undergraduate hours can apply before finishing their degree)
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from their undergraduate major department’s faculty member
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Self-statement of 500-600 words explaining their goals and reasons to pursue graduate study
Students should submit applications by February 1st of their planned enrollment year. The program favors applicants with undergraduate degrees in deaf education, early childhood education, special education, elementary education, or speech-language pathology.
Unique features
The program stands out with two emphasis tracks: working with children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or focusing on adults with neurogenic communication disorders. The Eardley Family Clinic for Speech, Language and Hearing is a great way to get practical experience. Students provide free speech and language evaluations and therapy for communication disorders, helping patients aged 2 to 98. The clinic focuses on early intervention and family-centered therapy. Family members learn to communicate with their loved ones and continue therapy goals outside clinical settings.
St. Louis provides the perfect setting for clinical placements. Students find many opportunities locally while staying connected with professors and Fontbonne’s supportive community. The program helps students develop a sense of purpose from day one. Graduates become global citizens who think critically, act ethically, and serve responsibly.
University of Central Missouri – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
The University of Central Missouri has run one of the state’s oldest speech-language pathology programs since the 1940s. Their MS in Speech-Language Pathology program blends academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience. Students become well-prepared professionals who help people with communication and swallowing disorders.
Program overview
UCM’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology prepares graduates to work as speech-language pathologists with patients of all ages. Students learn through problem-based scenarios and develop their skills with case studies and direct knowledge application. The program teaches assessment and treatment skills for various communication and swallowing disorders, such as stroke, autism, hearing loss, and dyslexia.
Students complete the program in six semesters, which includes both coursework and extensive clinical practice. They spend five out of six semesters providing clinical services at the university’s on-campus center under professional supervision. This setup lets them apply their classroom knowledge to real-life cases.
Accreditation & recognition
The program has managed to keep its continuous accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) since 1977. The current accreditation runs through August 31, 2030. This status shows that graduates receive quality education meeting national standards.
US News & World Report named the program a Best Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Program in 2021. The faculty members all hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and have licenses from the Missouri Board of Hearing Arts.
Tuition & financial aid
Students can get financial help through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using UCM’s code 002454. The university provides merit scholarships, need-based grants, and graduate assistantships. Communication Disorders offers graduate scholarships through the UCM Alumni Foundation. Students must apply by February 1 each year.
Summer enrollment requires FAFSA data on file. The university won’t accept applications after June 30, 2025, for the 2025 summer session. The total cost of the program rose from $24,927 in 2019 to $27,427 in 2021.
Career outcomes
The program shows impressive career statistics:
- 100% employment rate over the last three years
- 98% pass rate on the Praxis subject assessment in Speech-Language Pathology
- 98% two-year program completion rate
Graduates work in schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices across Missouri, Kansas, and nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists speech-language pathology as a high-demand field with excellent job prospects.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (3.2 for applicants with completed graduate degrees)
- Completed application through the Communicative Sciences and Disorders Central Application System (CSDCAS)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal essay following the prompt provided in CSDCAS
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities
CSDCAS must verify applications by February 1 for summer admission and March 1 for fall admission.
Unique features
The Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders stands out as the program’s crown jewel. This center serves as both a training facility and community resource. Students work in fifteen treatment rooms with digital monitoring, specialized clinics, and modern equipment.
Students get practical experience through several specialized offerings:
- The Functional Feeding and Swallowing Clinic
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinic
- RiteCare Early Childhood Language and Literacy Lab
- Parkinson Voice Project utilizing SPEAK OUT!® and The LOUD Crowd® programs
These specialized clinics give students unique learning opportunities while serving local community needs. Students also complete three off-site practicum experiences alongside their on-campus clinical work. This exposes them to different professional settings.
Rockhurst University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Rockhurst University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program builds on Jesuit principles that emphasize ethical practice and cultural sensitivity. The program is known for its exceptional clinical training at multiple locations. Students learn to help diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders.
Program overview
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology at Rockhurst needs 48 credit hours. This includes 37 hours of core coursework, at least 4 credit hours of electives, and 7 credit hours of clinical practicum. Students study everything in speech pathology from articulation to swallowing disorders and aphasia. The program ends with a capstone project where students work with faculty mentors on research projects during their final semester.
Students who study full-time finish in two years (five semesters). Part-time students complete the program in about three years. Starting Fall 2025, students can choose from three new satellite locations with hybrid/distance education options in Denver, Phoenix, and Omaha.
Accreditation & recognition
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits this program. This prestigious recognition will give a solid foundation that meets national standards for academic and clinical education.
This 20-year old program has become a respected name in training Speech-Language Pathologists. The program’s continued accreditation shows its steadfast dedication to educational excellence and professional preparation.
Tuition & financial aid
First-year SLP students starting Fall 2025 will pay tuition of $1,013 per credit hour. Second-year students (Fall 2024 entry) pay $993 per credit hour. Students should think over these additional fees:
- Student activity fee: $145 per semester (full-time) or $12.40 per credit hour (part-time)
- University fee: $163 per semester (full-time) or $20.62 per credit hour (part-time)
- Technology fee: $190 per semester (full-time) or $17.80 per credit hour (part-time)
- Clinical fee: $40
Rockhurst helps students with several financial aid options. The Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean’s Scholarship gives $10,000 to two eligible SLP master’s students over two years. BJC/Saint Luke’s employees get a 10% tuition discount.
Federal Direct loans (up to $20,500 yearly) and Federal Grad PLUS loans help students fund their education. FastWEB connects students to more than 400,000 private sector scholarships.
Career outcomes
The program’s results speak volumes. 100% of 2015 graduates found jobs within a year after graduation. Students pass the Praxis exam at 97% – higher than the national average in 2016. Speech-Language Pathology jobs are in high demand at healthcare facilities of all sizes.
Admission requirements
Rockhurst’s MS in SLP program asks candidates to:
- Have an undergraduate degree in SLP or complete leveling coursework (at least 36 semester credit hours)
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in both cumulative and major courses
- Complete ASHA-required prerequisites in biological, physical, behavioral sciences and statistics
- Show they can handle core Speech-Language Pathology duties
- Have strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills
Students must apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Application Service (CSDCAS) by January 15. Faculty might ask for a personal interview.
Unique features
The program’s extensive clinical network sets it apart. More than 125 clinical affiliations are a great way to get experience with diverse populations in pediatric and adult settings. Students work in urban and rural schools, children’s hospitals, private practices, acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.
The program’s focus on ethics matches Rockhurst’s Jesuit mission. Students become sensitive and grounded clinicians who want to help others. Rockhurst combines academic excellence, clinical expertise, and ethical principles to create speech-language pathologists who make real differences in their patients’ lives.
Maryville University – Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Maryville University stands out among Missouri’s speech pathology programs with its online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. Students can pursue their career goals without moving or leaving their current jobs through this flexible yet academically rigorous program.
Program overview
The online MS in Speech-Language Pathology takes 5 semesters to complete with 57 credit hours. The curriculum meets American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards and prepares students to work with patients of all ages. Students learn about speech sound disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, dysphagia, and communication disorders in special populations like autism and cleft palate. The program combines academic learning with clinical practice to develop evaluation, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment skills.
Accreditation & recognition
The program has earned accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA. This respected credential shows that the program meets national standards for academic and clinical education. Graduates can qualify for ASHA certification and state licensure after completing their Clinical Fellowship Year.
Tuition & financial aid
Students pay $900 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year, which comes to $51,300 for the complete program. Online programs have a technology fee of $775 per semester. The total cost, including all fees, reaches about $57,300. Students can pay through credit cards or employer assistance programs. The university helps students get federal, state, private, and institutional financial aid.
Career outcomes
The program boasts impressive results. All responding recent graduates found employment, and 95% passed the national Praxis exam on their first try. U.S. News & World Report ranks speech-language pathology as the No. 11 best job in America for 2023. Salaries are competitive – clinical service providers earn a median of $82,000 yearly, while administrators and supervisors make around $113,000.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or equivalent coursework
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 major GPA
- Completed prerequisite courses with grades of “C” or higher
- Knowledge in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences
- Application through CSDCAS with deadlines of September 1st for spring enrollment and February 1st for fall enrollment
Unique features
Students can complete the entire program online without visiting campus. The program teaches culturally responsive practices to help graduates serve people of all backgrounds. Experienced faculty provide individual mentorship in a shared learning environment. Students also receive specialized training to work with underserved populations and learn to use advanced technologies in clinical practice.
Truman State University – MS in Communication Disorders
Truman State University, 56 years old, is home to one of Missouri’s hidden gem speech pathology programs through its Master of Arts in Communication Disorders. This hands-on graduate program has earned high marks for academic excellence and student achievement.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Communication Disorders (CMDS) program helps students build careers in speech-language pathology with specialized coursework and hands-on experience. Students learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making through close work with faculty. This 46-credit program includes advanced studies in communication disorders assessment and treatment, clinical practicum experiences, and Clinical Process Commentaries.
Accreditation & recognition
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits the program. This respected credential helps graduates meet the strict requirements for professional credentials.
Tuition & financial aid
In-state graduate students will pay $9,878 for the 2025-26 academic year, while out-of-state students face $18,947 in tuition costs. Students should budget an extra $1,148 for fees. The program’s total cost comes to $26,112. Truman helps students manage these costs through scholarships, grants, loans, and flexible payment plans.
Career outcomes
The program’s results speak volumes – students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the national Praxis examination in the last three years. The program completion rate stands at 96% over three years. Truman ranks #1 in Missouri and #7 nationwide for job placement.
Admission requirements
Prospective students must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Maintain an acceptable cumulative GPA (preference given to higher GPAs)
- Demonstrate appropriate undergraduate preparation
Fall admission deadlines are February 15 (priority) and June 1, while spring admission deadlines are September 15 (priority) and November 1.
Unique features
The university’s Speech and Hearing Clinic sets this program apart. Students work with children and adults under supervision to get real clinical experience. Each therapy room comes equipped with direct observation and video recording capabilities. Students can use traditional therapy materials, tests, and clinical computing resources throughout the day. The program lets students explore research in a variety of areas, including emergent literacy in at-risk children.
Pick a Missouri SLP Masters Today
Missouri’s speech-language pathology programs give students a chance to get quality education that’s both economical and academically strong. Seven programs stand out as the state’s best kept secrets, each bringing its own unique strengths to the table.
Students who look past big-name schools often find programs with excellent clinical training, great teacher-student ratios, and strong job placement rates. Southeast Missouri State University’s students achieve nearly 100% success on Praxis exams and job placement. Rockhurst University connects students to more than 125 clinical partners. Maryville’s 100% online program lets students balance their studies with life’s demands.
Students can choose what fits them best. University of Central Missouri’s Welch-Schmidt Center focuses on hands-on experience. Fontbonne offers specialized tracks.
These top programs attract many applicants. Students should start their applications early to boost their chances. Most schools accept applications from January through March for fall classes. They typically need a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Speech-language pathology jobs grow faster than most fields, and this is a big deal as it means that median salaries top $82,000 per year. Truman State ranks #1 in Missouri for getting graduates into jobs, showing how well these schools prepare future professionals.
Your ideal program choice depends on what matters most to you. These six schools build strong foundations for speech-language pathology careers. Looking at program costs, clinical training, specialty areas, and locations might help you find the right fit among these Missouri schools.