3 Top-Rated Speech Pathology Master’s Programs in Oregon for 2026

Speech Pathology Master’s Programs in Oregon create exceptional career opportunities. The state ranks ninth nationwide for SLP salaries, with professionals earning $98,900 on average. Oregon’s SLP job market shows promising growth potential. Projections indicate a 28% increase through 2030, which is substantially higher than the 19% national average.

1. University of Oregon – Communication Disorders and Sciences Program

The University of Oregon’s Communication Disorders and Sciences Program ranks among Oregon’s top speech pathology programs. Its mission helps students understand, assess, and treat people who face challenges in speech, language, literacy, communication, cognition, and swallowing. This master’s program creates an environment that encourages inclusion, critical thinking, freedom to ask questions, and social justice. These elements build a strong foundation to train tomorrow’s speech-language pathology leaders.

Program highlights

The University of Oregon’s Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) program offers a detailed master’s degree that prepares students to become speech-language pathologists. Students learn together in cohorts that build a strong scientific and clinical foundation through a well-laid-out learning community.

The program’s crown jewel is the state-of-the-art HEDCO Clinic on campus. The clinic serves clients aged 2 to 93 with various diagnoses and conditions. Students get hands-on experience in a setting where they work with students from other clinical programs. On top of that, it has a Healthcare Simulation Lab with high-fidelity adult and newborn manikins. Students train in a controlled environment that mirrors real hospital settings.

The program puts equity, inclusion, and access at its heart. It prepares speech-language pathologists to help people from all ethnic, cultural, linguistic, social, and economic backgrounds. Faculty members show strong commitment to student training and value student input throughout their education. Many faculty lead cutting-edge research in their fields, and master’s students can join these research projects.

Another unique feature is the specialty clinic training model. Students rotate through immersion clinics that focus on specific groups:

• School Age Speech and Language Clinic
• Brain Injury and Concussion Clinic
• Clinic for Aphasia & Motor Speech & Voice
• Fluency Clinic
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinic
• Young Child Clinic

The program sits within the College of Education in Eugene, Oregon. The college ranks seventh among all graduate education programs at public institutions nationwide. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation and cultural activities that enhance the student experience.

Clinical training and practicum

The clinical training at University of Oregon follows a structured approach that emphasizes evidence-based practice and rational clinical decision-making. Throughout the program, students participate in practicum experiences at the University Speech Language Hearing Center (UOSLHC) and various off-campus sites. The UOSLHC operates as part of the College of Education’s multidisciplinary HEDCO Clinic, adhering to a philosophy of multidisciplinary intervention as part of the University of Oregon Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

First-year master’s students begin with CDS 621 Practicum I, which provides methodology, evidence-based practice, and clinic operations training. During their second year, students advance to CDS 622 Practicum II, which helps prepare them for medical and school externships through training in professional issues, documentation, ethics, school practicum requirements, and employment preparation.

The clinical training model at University of Oregon utilizes CHARTR (Charting Rational Treatment), an explicit model for clinical decision-making developed at the University’s Speech-Language-Hearing Center. This approach makes the clinical process more concrete and increases consistency in supervisor training and feedback, emphasizing the importance of clinicians providing clear, rational explanations for their decisions based on research evidence and current theory.

During their practica, students learn to follow a process of rational clinical decision-making using evidence-based practices, defining problems, developing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and accepting or rejecting hypotheses regarding clinical problems. At all clinical sites, students receive close supervision from professionals holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Second-year students participate in two full-time externships, typically one in an educational setting and one in a medical setting. Educational externships include the CDS 623 September Experience, a 4-week school externship designed to prepare students to work as speech-language pathologists in school settings. Medical externships (CDS 624) prepare students to work in medical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, and skilled nursing facilities.

Placement opportunities for these externships encompass:

• Public and private schools
• Early intervention programs
• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals
• Home health settings
• Skilled nursing facilities

Students gain placement experience across Oregon and in sites throughout the country, providing exceptional breadth of clinical exposure before graduation.

Curriculum and coursework

The University of Oregon’s CDS master’s program follows a full-time, two-year curriculum comprising seven consecutive terms. The coursework is meticulously designed to fulfill requirements for ASHA certification, Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA), program competencies, and Oregon state licensure.

The curriculum incorporates comprehensive coursework covering various aspects of speech-language pathology. Key courses include:

• CDS 651 School-Age Language Disorders (4 credits): Focuses on normal language development and language disorders in school-age children and adolescents, drawing from linguistics, psychology, education, and learning theory.
• CDS 652 Speech Sound Disorders (4 credits): Examines causes and consequences of phonological disorders, along with principles and procedures for assessment and intervention.
• CDS 654 Management of Adult Language Disorders (4 credits): Provides foundation in diagnosis and treatment of adult neurogenic language disorders, with concentration on aphasia and cognitive-linguistic changes associated with dementia.
• CDS 656 Voice Science and Disorders (3 credits): Covers anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various voice disorders.
• CDS 657 Augmentative Procedures for Communication Disorders (2 credits): Explores recent advancements in design, development, and use of systems supplemental to vocal speech and language.
• CDS 660 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits): Advanced study of speech disorders associated with lesions of central and peripheral nervous systems.
• CDS 663 Management of Acquired Cognitive Disorders (4 credits): Examines current theory and practice in cognitive rehabilitation, reviewing models and tools for treating attention, memory, and dysexecutive syndromes.
• CDS 665 Language Disorders in Children (4 credits): Addresses child language disorders and related topics, including principles of assessment and intervention, cultural awareness and sensitivity, clinical application, and working with families.

The program emphasizes scientific knowledge application through clinical practicum and completion of an evidence-based project or master’s thesis. All students complete a capstone project, which for most consists of an Evidence-Based Practice Project (EBP project). During their first year, students identify a clinical question to explore, and in their second year, they conduct an in-depth literature review, collect data through clinical application, write a formal paper, and present their findings to students and faculty. Some research-oriented students may alternatively complete a thesis.

Besides program requirements, students must meet all requirements established by the Division of Graduate Studies and become thoroughly familiar with ASHA Certification Standards. Prior to graduation, students must also take the PRAXIS II exam in Speech-Language Pathology as a requirement for ASHA certification.

Accreditation and licensure pathway

The master’s degree (MS) program in speech-language pathology at the University of Oregon holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association through 2028. This prestigious accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous national standards for quality education in speech-language pathology.

Completing the University of Oregon’s CDS master’s degree allows students to fulfill the requirements for ASHA certification, Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA), program competencies, and Oregon speech language pathology license. Students obtain knowledge of basic communication processes and professional issues through coursework and clinical experience that meet the requirements of the 2020 ASHA Certification Standards.

Nevertheless, each state maintains its own requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist and audiologist. The type of required state licensure often depends on the setting in which a speech-language pathologist will work. State licensing authorities, commonly referred to as “State Boards,” determine the specific educational and training requirements for SLP licensure in non-educational settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, and skilled nursing facilities.

For educational settings, state licensing authorities, often called “Educational Agencies,” credential SLPs under special teacher requirements in most states. However, Oregon is among the states (along with Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia) where SLPs are not credentialed under special teacher requirements.

The pathway to licensure through the University of Oregon program includes several key steps:

1. Complete all required academic and clinical practicum requirements within the program core
2. Fulfill all KASA requirements
3. Complete the Evidence-Based Practice Project or thesis
4. Take and pass the PRAXIS II exam in Speech-Language Pathology
5. Apply for the appropriate state license based on intended work setting

During the program, students participate in clinical practicum at the University Speech Language Hearing Center and various off-campus sites, accumulating the necessary clinical hours required for ASHA certification and state licensure. The program’s focus on evidence-based practice prepares students to meet the evolving requirements of the profession and stay current with best practices in speech-language pathology.

It’s important to note that laws, regulations, and policies regarding licensure may change at any time, so prospective speech-language pathologists should always check with their state’s licensing board for the most up-to-date information.

Through its comprehensive academic preparation, extensive clinical experiences, and commitment to evidence-based practice, the University of Oregon’s Communication Disorders and Sciences Program provides a clear pathway to professional licensure and a successful career in speech-language pathology.

2. Portland State University – Speech and Hearing Sciences Program

Portland State University’s Speech and Hearing Sciences Program stands out among Oregon’s speech pathology programs. The program focuses on developing skilled clinicians through hands-on experience and strong academic training. Students benefit from the urban Portland setting that gives them access to many types of clinical populations and leading healthcare facilities.

Program highlights

PSU takes an innovative approach to speech-language pathology education. Students learn in a vibrant urban environment that offers exceptional opportunities. The master’s degree program prepares graduates to help people with communication disorders of all types.

The university has Portland’s only on-campus speech and hearing clinic, where students start hands-on clinical work in their first year. Students work with real clients from the community under faculty supervision at this unique facility. This early experience gives them valuable skills before they move to external placements.

PSU’s faculty combines active researchers and experienced clinical professionals who bring proven practices to their teaching. Students learn the latest treatment approaches backed by science thanks to this mix of expertise. The faculty stays committed to student success and offers support throughout the program.

The program puts strong emphasis on multicultural skills through specialized courses focused on cultural and linguistic diversity. Speech-language pathologists need this preparation as communities grow more diverse. Students also learn through a mix of in-person and online case studies, which offers flexibility while maintaining high educational standards.

PSU offers a special Medical Speech-Language Pathology Concentration for students interested in specific career paths. This option provides advanced training for careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or nursing facilities. Students take specialized courses in areas like swallowing disorders, speech motor problems, and cognitive-communication issues in medical settings.

The program partners with top employers like Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Public Schools. These connections create valuable opportunities for clinical placements and future jobs. The program’s success shows in its job placement rate of nearly 100%.

Clinical experience and externships

Clinical training at Portland State University follows a thoughtfully structured progression that builds students’ skills through increasingly complex experiences. The program emphasizes learning by doing, offering unmatched opportunities for hands-on clinical practice throughout the curriculum.

First-year graduate students participate in specialty clinics on campus, where they develop foundational clinical skills under close faculty supervision. Throughout this initial phase, clinical faculty guide students through evidence-based assessment and treatment methodologies, establishing sound clinical reasoning. This early exposure to clinical practice distinguishes PSU from many other programs that delay hands-on experience.

According to the program structure, every graduate student completes 3-4 terms of PSU clinics followed by two full-time externships in community settings. This comprehensive approach ensures students gain experience across multiple practice settings before graduation. Throughout these experiences, students work directly with licensed speech-language pathologists who mentor them in developing professional clinical skills.

The externship component represents a particularly valuable aspect of PSU’s clinical education. The program’s externship committee facilitates placements that align with students’ interests and career goals. Through established partnerships across the Portland metropolitan area, students gain experience in educational, medical, and other clinical facilities. These diverse settings expose students to various communication disorders and treatment approaches.

PSU maintains strong relationships with numerous externship sites, including:

• School districts
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Private practices
• Early intervention programs

For students pursuing the Medical SLP Concentration, clinical requirements include at least two practicum sites in medical centers, which may encompass hospitals, outpatient clinics, or skilled nursing facilities. These specialized placements provide focused training in medical speech-language pathology, including experience with tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, and augmentative and alternative communication.

Beyond formal clinical placements, PSU offers additional clinical engagement opportunities for students at all levels. Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students can participate in guided observation, directed clinical assistantships, and volunteer experiences at summer camps. These early exposures help students build foundational skills and confirm their interest in the profession before beginning graduate studies.

The program’s emphasis on diverse clinical experiences ensures graduates are well-prepared to work with varied populations and disorders. First, students gain experience with a wide range of communication disorders through on-campus clinics. Thereafter, they apply these skills in real-world settings during their externships, developing professional competence and confidence.

Curriculum and electives

The Portland State University Speech and Hearing Sciences curriculum is deliberately structured to provide comprehensive education in both theoretical foundations and clinical applications. The master’s program spans two years (eight terms), offering intensive preparation for professional practice as speech-language pathologists.

From the outset, students engage with coursework covering normal and disordered aspects of communication across the lifespan. The program meets all academic and clinical requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Oregon.

PSU’s curriculum distinguishes itself through its flexible approach, allowing students to customize their education based on career interests. Unlike many programs that offer limited specialization options, PSU provides concentration tracks and diverse electives that prepare students for specific practice settings.

The Medical Speech-Language Pathology Concentration represents a standout feature of PSU’s curriculum. This specialized track provides rigorous, advanced training for students interested in medical settings. Students in this concentration gain specialized knowledge in:

• Clinical and instrumental assessment of dysphagia
• Treatment of motor speech disorders
• Voice disorders
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Language processing disorders
• Cognitive-communication disorders

Students pursuing this concentration must complete a research project related to medical SLP practice, with co-mentorship from faculty specializing in medical speech-language pathology. They must likewise engage in at least six approved community-based activities to further their education in medical speech pathology.

Beyond the medical concentration, PSU offers electives that allow students to explore specific interests. The program particularly emphasizes courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity. Students can choose from various electives on topics related to race, gender, and identity, preparing them to work effectively with diverse populations.

The curriculum balances foundational knowledge with practical application. Core scientific foundations in speech, language, and communication are complemented by extensive clinical practicum experiences. This integration of theory and practice ensures students develop both the knowledge and skills needed for effective clinical practice.

PSU’s program meets all academic requirements for ASHA certification and Oregon speech language pathology license. The curriculum satisfies the Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) standards established by ASHA, ensuring graduates meet national competency requirements for the profession.

For prospective students transitioning from other fields, PSU offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program in communication sciences and disorders—the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. This certificate meets the academic requirements for Oregon licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant while simultaneously preparing students for graduate study.

Accreditation and job placement

Portland State University’s master’s program in speech-language pathology holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This prestigious recognition ensures the program meets national standards for academic and clinical education in speech-language pathology.

The accreditation status confirms that PSU’s curriculum satisfies all requirements for ASHA certification and Oregon speech language pathology license. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) after completing their clinical fellowship year.

One of the program’s most impressive achievements is its job placement rate, which approaches 100%. This exceptional outcome demonstrates the high regard employers have for PSU graduates and the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for professional practice. The program’s strong reputation among employers stems from its emphasis on practical clinical training and evidence-based practice.

The total cost of PSU’s Speech Pathology Master’s program ranges from $43,284 to $43,986 in recent years. Despite this investment, the program maintains high accessibility, with an acceptance rate of 98% and 84% of students receiving financial aid. These figures illustrate the program’s commitment to making quality speech-language pathology education available to qualified candidates.

For admission to the graduate program, PSU evaluates applicants based on multiple factors. The program maintains rigorous academic standards, with most admitted students having a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work. In speech and hearing sciences coursework specifically, admitted students typically have GPAs around 3.75, generally ranging between 3.25 and 4.0.

Primarily, PSU values diverse experiences and backgrounds in its admission process. The department strongly considers experiences with diverse cultures, bilingualism, clinical experience, research experience, leadership, and volunteerism. Unlike many programs, PSU does not require GRE scores as part of the application process, having eliminated this requirement in June 2020.

Graduates of PSU’s program find employment across various settings, including:

• Public and private schools
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Early intervention programs
• Private practices

Many PSU graduates share positive experiences about their preparation for professional practice. For instance, one graduate highlighted how their internship experience led directly to a job offer, emphasizing the importance of the program’s hands-on training approach. Employers throughout Oregon seek PSU graduates for their strong communication skills, empathy, and passion for helping others.

The program’s connections with clinical facilities throughout the Portland metropolitan area create valuable networking opportunities for students. These relationships often lead to employment offers even before graduation. Moreover, the program’s urban location provides access to numerous employment opportunities in Oregon’s largest healthcare and educational institutions.

For students seeking careers in educational settings, PSU’s strong partnerships with school districts facilitate smooth transitions into school-based practice. Similarly, students interested in medical settings benefit from connections with prominent healthcare institutions in the region.

PSU’s commitment to preparing students for diverse practice settings ensures graduates have the versatility needed in today’s healthcare and educational environments. Whether working with children in schools, adults in rehabilitation settings, or specialized populations in research contexts, PSU graduates demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for effective clinical practice.

3. Pacific University – School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Pacific University’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders sits in Forest Grove. The school offers a unique approach among Oregon’s speech pathology programs. Students complete a two-year, full-time Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program focuses on hands-on clinical experiences through a community-based education model instead of an on-campus clinic.

Program highlights

The speech-language pathology master’s program at Pacific University stands out with its innovative community-based learning environment. Students become thoughtful clinicians through a curriculum that links classroom teaching with extensive clinical experiences. This method helps students build meaningful foundations as they advance through their studies.

The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders belongs to Pacific University’s College of Education. It has earned its place among top U.S. research institutions. Students learn from faculty who combine advanced evidence with client-centered care. These educators use both innovative and practical teaching methods.

The program excels at developing diverse, equitable, and inclusive professionals who become community leaders. The school aims to combine science, theory, and practice while sparking curiosity and critical thinking. This goal extends to showing genuine care for patients and creating authentic clinical experiences by working with underserved communities.

Each cohort includes approximately 35 students, which creates a close learning community. Small classes mean students get personal attention from faculty and work closely with classmates. Students can join Pacific University’s Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA). This membership offers great professional benefits and networking chances.

Clinical practicum and externships

The program uses a unique community-based model for clinical education. Students provide services directly in community settings instead of an on-campus clinic. This gives them exposure to real-life service delivery in a variety of environments. Students become better prepared by experiencing the complex nature of clinical work.

Most students work at seven different clinical sites during their studies. These sites include:

• Early intervention programs
• K-12 schools and specialty schools
• Rehabilitation centers
• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals and private practices
• Home health agencies
• Extended care and residential facilities

Clinical training progresses step by step. First-semester students build pre-clinical skills through on-campus labs, screenings, and supported clinical experiences. Students gain more independence in their second, third, and fourth semesters. The final semester focuses on full-time externships without academic classes. Students can choose placements anywhere, including Alaska or Hawaii.

Students work among future colleagues and build professional connections. They learn about real service delivery tasks. These include creating individualized education programs, managing caseloads, using productivity strategies, writing clinical documentation, and working with other professionals.

The school has partnerships with more than 200 facilities. These collaborations help support several direct service outreach programs. Many people who might not usually get speech-language services benefit from these initiatives.

Curriculum and specializations

Pacific University combines academic coursework with clinical practicum experiences. Students complete at least 400 clock hours of clinical experience. They work with different populations across all age groups. The Forest Grove campus hosts all academic courses in English.

Students study full-time for five semesters over two years. The program builds foundational knowledge and specialized training in communication sciences and disorders. Students learn about speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders for all ages.

Pacific uses active learning methods to help students remember material better, solve problems, and stay motivated to learn throughout their careers. This approach goes beyond individual classes and helps students connect theory with practice.

Research-minded students can choose a thesis option. They work with faculty mentors on research projects that add to the field’s knowledge. Even students who don’t write a thesis learn about evidence-based practice and critical thinking.

Students gain valuable experience working with different professionals. They collaborate with faculty, clinical supervisors, and allied health professionals in community settings. This teamwork prepares them for future career collaboration.

The School maintains several community partnerships that create unique learning opportunities. These partners include the Community Transitional School, Early Learning Community, Camp Yakety Yak, Pacific Psychology and Comprehensive Health Clinic, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, Outside In Portland, Camp More, and the Aphasia Network.

Certification and career outcomes

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits Pacific University’s Master of Science program. This accreditation shows the program meets national standards for professional practice preparation.

The program’s graduates show strong performance on certification exams. 93% of students passed the Praxis examination in 2022-2023. While slightly lower than previous years (90% in 2024-2025 and 92% in 2023-2024), these rates remain high. These results prove the program’s academic and clinical preparation works well.

Graduation rates remain strong. Recent years show excellent on-time completion—100% for both 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 cohorts. The 2022-2023 cohort saw 89% of students graduate on time. These numbers show how well the program supports its students.

Graduates can apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). The program meets all academic and clinical requirements for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification and Oregon speech-language pathologist licensure. Pacific also provides information about professional licensure requirements in line with Federal Regulations and State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

The program creates professionals who value community service and engagement. Student testimonials show the program builds both professional skills and compassion. One graduate said: “Pacific felt like home, they cared about who I was, my passions, my experiences, my motivation, and most importantly: my heart. They care about their profession and the populations we serve”.

Join Your SLP Program Today

These top-rated speech pathology programs in Oregon will prepare you for a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field. Each school delivers unique benefits that meet high professional standards. The University of Oregon features the HEDCO Clinic and Healthcare Simulation Lab where you get hands-on experience in controlled environments. Portland State University runs Portland’s only on-campus speech and hearing clinic and offers a specialized Medical SLP Concentration. Pacific University takes pride in its community-based approach that places students at seven different clinical sites during their education.

The job market looks bright for program graduates. SLP positions show a 28% projected growth rate through 2030, which beats national averages by a lot. Oregon’s SLP professionals earn around $98,900 yearly, making it the ninth-highest paying state nationwide. This mix of strong growth and great pay makes speech pathology a smart career choice.

Clinical training serves as the foundation of these programs, each with its own special focus. You’ll graduate with complete practical knowledge from settings of all types – whether you choose University of Oregon’s specialty clinic rotations, Portland State’s mix of campus and externship experiences, or Pacific’s direct community immersion model. These programs’ strong clinical preparation shows in their track record, with nearly 100% job placement rates and eager employers.

The field needs more PhD faculty members nationwide. This shortage creates extra paths for driven professionals who want to combine teaching with clinical work, opening doors to advance and shape the field’s future.

Your best choice comes down to finding the program that matches your career plans and learning style. These schools will get you ready for Oregon speech language pathology licensure and connect you with professional networks statewide. Any program you pick leads to a career where you change lives while enjoying job security, competitive pay, and room to grow professionally.