5 Top Speech Pathology Programs in Tennessee

Want to find speech pathology programs in Tennessee that lead to great career outcomes? The numbers tell an amazing story – some programs have achieved 100% job placement after graduation and perfect first-attempt pass rates on the national Praxis examination.

The career outlook makes this a perfect time to pursue an MS in speech language pathology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects speech-language pathologist jobs will grow 15% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than most other careers. These Tennessee programs offer flexible learning options from distance education to complete two-year programs that span five semesters.

1. Tennessee State University – Online MS in Speech and Hearing Science

Program overview

Tennessee State University (TSU) is known among speech pathology programs in Tennessee. Its flexible online Master of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Science offers excellent opportunities. The program has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) through 2027. The next review will take place in August 2026. As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), TSU brings unique points of view to speech pathology education while maintaining high standards.

You’ll be ready to get the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and become a licensed speech-language pathologist after completing this program. Each cohort accepts about 30 students, so you’ll get individual-specific attention throughout your educational trip. TSU’s Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology reports to two deans – the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. This structure gives you a complete oversight of your education.

The program focuses on classroom knowledge and clinical experiences you need to understand normal communicative processes. You’ll learn everything about communication and swallowing disorders, diagnosis techniques, remediation, and management.

Course structure and duration

The online MS program runs on an eight-semester, part-time track with spring-summer-fall academic year. Classes start in January of odd years (2027, 2029, etc.), which lets you plan your education ahead. You’ll need to complete 53 total semester credit hours, which include:

• 41 semester hours of required courses
• 6 semester hours of focus courses (required for students seeking Education Endorsement or lacking requisite knowledge in Speech and Hearing Science)
• Additional clinical practicum hours

The curriculum covers key areas including:

• Speech science and instrumentation
• Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
• Voice, articulation, and language disorders
• Adult aphasia and neurogenic speech disorders
• Methods of research and professional practices

You’ll finish your degree by completing either a comprehensive examination or thesis. This well-laid-out approach helps you build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in speech-language pathology.

Clinical practicum opportunities

Clinical experience plays a vital role in TSU’s speech pathology master’s program. You must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum experiences in speech-language pathology. Speech-language pathologists with ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence will supervise these hours.

The clinical practicum follows these steps:

1. Summer 1: Online practicum (Simucase/Telehealth)
2. Summer 2: Six-week in-person practicum at LAF Clinic in Nashville, TN
3. Fall/Spring 3: School externship placement near your home
4. Summer 3: Medical externship placement near your home

This step-by-step approach helps you build skills gradually in different clinical settings. The program is mostly online, but you’ll need to visit Nashville during the second summer for a six-week clinical practicum. Plan your transportation and accommodations for this period.

Students can complete 25 hours of clinical observation online or on campus. The remaining 375 clinical clock hours must come from direct client/patient contact across nine areas of speech-language assessment and intervention for all age groups.

Admission requirements

You’ll need to apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Applications are due every even year by June 1 (2026, 2028, etc.). You’ll hear about your acceptance status in July.

Requirements for unconditional admission:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 146 minimum (verbal) and 140 minimum (quantitative)

Requirements for conditional admission:

• GPA between 2.75 and 3.4 with an acceptable GRE score

Your application package must include:

• Official bachelor’s degree transcript and transcripts from all attended accredited US colleges/universities
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from college-level instructors)
• Personal essay about your interest in speech-language pathology
• Application fee

Students without a speech-language pathology background must complete five prerequisite courses before applying: Phonetics, Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism, Introduction to Speech/Hearing/Language Disorders, Clinical Methods in Articulation Disorders, and Language and Speech Development in Children.

Note that TSU accepts distance education applicants only from states approved by NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements). The distance education program cannot accept international applicants.

Technology and online learning tools

TSU uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver a strong online learning experience. The program combines:

• Asynchronous learning through eLearn@Tnstate (the university’s online learning management system)
• Synchronous sessions via Zoom Virtual Classroom

The Office of Distance Education and Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology offers a complete online orientation at the start of each semester. You must finish this orientation, take an online mastery test, and give your professors a Certificate of Completion. This ensures you’re ready to use the online learning environment.

Most work happens online, but professors might ask you to come to the TSU campus for certain exams or activities that work better in person. You can also take exams at approved testing sites in the Consortium of College Testing Centers.

The program combines academic and clinical instructional technologies to improve learning. This helps you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills even in a distance learning format.

2. University of Tennessee Health Science Center – MS in Speech Pathology

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) runs a top-ranked Master of Science program in speech-language pathology. Students learn through challenging academic courses and hands-on clinical experiences.

Program highlights and structure

The UTHSC speech pathology program in Knoxville, Tennessee has a complete curriculum. Twenty-four clinical and academic faculty members bring their expertise to all areas of speech-language pathology. The program switched from a 5-semester to a 6-semester structure in 2020 [link_1]. Many quality speech pathology programs made this change to better handle the growing clinical practice requirements.

Students will start the program in Summer instead of Fall from 2025. This change helps spread out coursework more effectively. The program runs for 6 semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring, summer) and requires full-time attendance. There are no online options. Students must live in Knoxville to finish most program requirements. They can complete their externships at approved sites anywhere in the United States.

Students without communication disorders background can take an extended track. This track adds 2 semesters of undergraduate prerequisite courses before graduate studies. Each student works with an experienced faculty advisor throughout their time in the program.

Clinical training and externships

Clinical education is the foundation of UTHSC’s speech-language pathologist training. Students train both “on-campus” and “off-campus”. On-campus training happens at the Speech and Language Clinic or Early Intervention Services. Clinical faculty with ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and Tennessee state licenses supervise these sessions.

Faculty closely guide students in early semesters. Students gain more independence as they progress. They move to part-time off-campus work during their fourth, fifth, or sixth semesters. This usually takes 1½ to 2 full days per semester. Full-time off-campus rotations follow. Students spend one of their final two semesters doing full-time off-campus externships.

Off-campus training sites include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, private practices, and schools. Students must show professional skills and earn a “B” grade or higher in their first two clinical education semesters to advance. This step-by-step approach gives students varied experiences and builds their independent practice skills.

Elective courses and specializations

The MS-SLP program has required courses, but students can also pick advanced elective courses in specialized areas. They can also choose specialized clinical training in:

• Alternative and augmentative communication
• Literacy
• Autism
• Voice disorders
• Stuttering
• Motor speech disorders
• Swallowing disorders
• Cognitive communication disorders
• Aphasia

Research-minded students can write a thesis instead of taking comprehensive exams. The thesis track needs 75 semester hours of approved graduate credit. This includes six semester hours of 500 (Thesis) credit for original research. Students planning doctoral studies often choose this path.

Students taking comprehensive exams do so in their final academic semester, usually in Fall of their last year. The exam runs for 6½ hours. It has a 2-hour section covering the entire field and 4½ hours on nine major speech-language pathology areas.

Student outcomes and Praxis pass rate

UTHSC’s speech pathology program shows outstanding results. All graduates have passed the national Praxis examination on their first try over the last five years. This beats the national average by a wide margin – only 81.5% passed nationwide in 2024-2025.

The program has found jobs for 100% of its graduates since 2014. Recent graduation rates remain strong:

• 2024/2025: 98% completion rate (45 students on time, 1 not completing)
• 2023/2024: 98% completion rate (45 students on time, 1 not completing)
• 2022/2023: 98% completion rate (53 students on time, 1 not completing)

These numbers show how well the program prepares students for speech-language pathology careers. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited the program through May 31, 2030.

Scholarships and assistantships

UTHSC helps students with various financial support options. Small assistantships and scholarships become available after the first semester, depending on yearly funding. The program looks at all current students’ clinical and academic performance for these opportunities automatically.

Several scholarship funds help speech pathology students:

• Annette Brown Memorial Downtown SERTOMA Club Endowment: Based on financial need and grades
• Sol Adler Memorial Fund: Helps PhD students studying children’s language disorders, multicultural aspects, or clinical service to unique child populations
• Jerry Carney/ASHA Leadership Scholarship: Awards based on grades and possible financial need
• Mary A. Jones Scholarship: Looks at both financial need and grades
• Ethel Piper Scholarship: For students planning to work with children who have communication disorders
• Harold A. Luper Fund/Scholarship: Open to graduate students needing financial help

Assistantships need extra department work, but scholarships don’t. Students must have health insurance while at UTHSC. They can use UTK Student Health Services.

3. East Tennessee State University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. Students learn to diagnose and treat communication disorders in both children and adults through a comprehensive approach.

Program goals and curriculum

ETSU’s speech pathology master’s program aims to create skilled clinicians who deliver exceptional care to their patients. Students receive detailed education about disorders and conditions they’ll encounter, and the curriculum meets or exceeds ASHA certification standards.

This accredited 2-year program needs 60 total credits split between:

• 29 credits of core requirements covering neurological bases of communication, language disorders, clinical phonology, and research methods
• 16 credits of clinical practicum
• 9-15 credits of advisor-approved electives
• Either a thesis (6 credits) or non-thesis culminating experience

Students follow a well-laid-out curriculum with courses like Motor Speech Disorders, Dysphagia, Adult Language Disorders, and Voice Disorders. The program combines academic excellence with hands-on practice. Each student gets ongoing support from experienced faculty members who serve as academic and clinical advisors.

First-year students usually take 15 credits their first semester and 14-15 credits in spring. Second-year students finish their remaining requirements over two semesters plus a summer term for externships.

Clinical settings and hands-on experience

Students get exposure to various clinical settings for both pediatric and adult care. The program offers multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experience in schools, clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals both on and off campus.

Clinical practicum sites include:

• School systems: Johnson City Schools, Kingsport City Schools, Carter County Schools, and others
• Hospitals: Johnson City Medical Center, Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital, Holston Valley Medical Center
• Long-term care centers: Greystone Health Care Center, Holston Manor Rehabilitation Center
• Specialty centers: Children’s First Developmental Center, Dawn of Hope

Students must complete 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practice. This includes 25 hours observing and 375 hours of direct client contact (minimum 325 at graduate level). They develop expertise treating various disorders including autism, cleft palate, phonological disorders, aphasia, dysphagia, and voice disorders.

Faculty members with ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence supervise all clinical experiences. Students advance through three clinical competency levels over five semesters. ETSU students can perform modified barium swallow imaging studies at the local VA hospital, which are a great way to get medical experience.

Career opportunities for graduates

ETSU’s speech-language pathology graduates find excellent employment opportunities in many settings. Career paths include:

• Clinical environments
• Pediatric and geriatric settings
• School-based positions
• Hospital and rehabilitation centers
• Private practice opportunities
• Home health and hospice care
• Public health roles

The university’s Career Services Office helps students and alumni with resume development, interview preparation, position searches, salary surveys, and other career-related services. The job market looks promising – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 19% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations.

Graduates have strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience. They can serve clients with diverse communication needs throughout their lives, making them sought-after candidates in this growing field.

Student success metrics

ETSU’s program shows impressive results in preparing speech-language pathologists. Recent completion rates tell the story:

• 2023-2024: 100% completion rate (35 students completing on time)
• 2022-2023: 100% completion rate (32 students completing on time)
• 2021-2022: 100% completion rate (39 students completing on time)
• Three-year average: 100% completion rate

Praxis examination results are equally strong:

• 2023-2024: 100% pass rate (20 of 20 students)
• 2022-2023: 97% pass rate (31 of 32 students)
• 2021-2022: 100% pass rate (39 of 39 students)
• Three-year average: 99% pass rate

Data from 2018-2021 shows similar success with a 96.9% three-year average completion rate and a perfect 100% three-year average Praxis pass rate. ETSU’s program managed to keep a 100% employment rate for graduates during 2018-2021.

These numbers exceed national averages and show the program’s dedication to student success and professional preparation.

Accreditation and licensure readiness

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits ETSU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program received an eight-year re-accreditation after a full self-study and site review in October 2019.

The program prepares students for:

1. ASHA certification, including attainment of the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
2. Tennessee state licensure
3. Tennessee public school licensure

Students get everything they need through rigorous coursework and diverse clinical experiences. ETSU provides details about each state’s licensure requirements, helping students understand what they need to practice in their chosen state.

ETSU follows a strategic plan aligned with the university’s vision and mission, the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences, and ASHA. The university and program’s accreditation ensures graduates receive education that meets national professional practice standards.

4. Austin Peay State University – Master of Speech-Language Pathology

Austin Peay State University (APSU) excels among Tennessee’s speech pathology programs. The Department of Health and Human Performance offers a detailed Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) degree. Students can build rewarding careers through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on training.

Program format and delivery

The APSU Master of Speech-Language Pathology runs as a full-time program over two years, spanning five semesters with one summer term. Students need 54 total credit hours. This includes 42 credits focused on critical thinking, communication skills, and clinical problem-solving, plus 12 hours of clinical practicum.

The program follows a step-by-step model that grows with students. The first year and a half takes place on campus with face-to-face learning. The final semester switches to a mix of in-person and online classes. This change gives students more flexibility as they get ready for their clinical fellowship.

Students start with traditional classroom learning in their first year, supported by web-based tools. Starting that summer, classes begin to include more online elements. Some courses become hybrid, with up to half the content delivered online.

Clinical experience and community clinic

The APSU Speech-Language & Swallowing Community Clinic sits at the heart of this Tennessee-based master’s program. The clinic helps people of all ages. Opened in fall 2022, this 2,000-square-foot facility on Marion Street offers free treatment for various communication disorders.

The clinic helps people who have speech, language, fluency, and voice challenges. They also support those who need augmentative and alternative communication. The team works with children and adults who have feeding or swallowing problems caused by developmental delays, birth conditions, or other health issues.

Students work as clinicians under the watchful eye of experienced speech-language pathologists. These supervisors hold ASHA certification and Tennessee state licenses. This setup helps maintain high-quality care while students develop their skills. Students start with on-campus training before moving to off-campus locations, creating a complete learning path.

Accreditation and licensure eligibility

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has granted the MSLP program Candidacy for Accreditation status. Candidacy works as a “preaccreditation” status for new programs, lasting up to five years.

The current Candidacy Accreditation runs from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2027. The program plans to apply for initial accreditation in February 2025. Students in this program have the same rights and benefits as those in fully accredited programs.

Unique features and student support

The program shines with features that make learning more effective. The campus clinic uses state-of-the-art tools like eye-tracking glasses and remote video cameras. The clinic’s themed rooms and special equipment create a real-world feel that impressed the first group of graduate students.

Students at APSU get:

• Personal attention through TRIO Student Support Services
• Their own computer lab and tech resources
• Full Help Desk Support from the Office of Information Technology
• Help with online learning technologies

Every client interaction follows a model focused on building meaningful connections with family and friends. This shows how committed the program is to developing caring and skilled professionals.

Hybrid learning in final semester

APSU mixes different learning styles to get students ready for their careers. The final semester combines in-person and online classes, helping students adjust to professional work.

The second year brings more online and hybrid courses. Students learn both technical skills and flexibility needed in modern healthcare. Faculty members stay close by to help with program questions, advice, and clinical training.

The program’s design, moving from traditional to hybrid learning, gives students both core knowledge and practical skills for successful careers in speech-language pathology.

5. Vanderbilt University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

U.S. News and World Report ranks Vanderbilt University first in the country. The School of Medicine runs an exceptional MS in Speech-Language Pathology program.

Program flexibility and duration

The program takes 5-6 full-time semesters (20-24 months) based on your academic background. New students start each fall. You’ll need to complete 52-59 semester hours. The program welcomes students without prior speech-language pathology experience.

Early clinical immersion

Clinical training starts right from your first semester. Students work at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center outpatient clinics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, and various community settings. The program concludes with a ten-week externship at your chosen site.

Faculty expertise and mentorship

Almost every faculty member actively practices clinically while teaching. Their hands-on experience brings real-life examples into classroom discussions. Senior faculty members guide small group collaboration, showing Vanderbilt’s dedication to mentorship.

Accreditation and outcomes

The program’s success speaks through its numbers. Alumni surveys from 2022-2025 show 100% Praxis examination pass rates and 100% employment rates. Students completed their studies within expected timeframes during this period.

Research and specialization options

Students can shape their education through specialty tracks, electives, or an optional research thesis. The Childhood Hearing Loss Specialty Track is reputable with its three-week immersion program at specialized facilities. Vanderbilt uniquely combines speech-language pathology, audiology, and deaf education in this interdisciplinary training approach.

Get Started Today

Picking the right speech pathology program is a vital step to build a rewarding career in this growing field. Tennessee stands out with exceptional options that blend academic excellence, clinical experience, and impressive outcomes. These five programs give you unique advantages based on your needs and goals.

Tennessee State University’s online format makes quality education available to students anywhere. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has achieved perfect Praxis examination pass rates and job placement numbers. East Tennessee State University shows similar excellence with 100% completion rates and near-perfect Praxis success. Austin Peay State University features advanced clinical facilities even as a newer program. Vanderbilt University tops the list with its national ranking and hands-on clinical approach from day one.

Speech-language pathologists enjoy strong job prospects, with 15% growth expected through 2034 – this is nowhere near the average for other careers. This quick expansion and Tennessee’s high-quality training programs create the perfect setting to start your career.

You’ll find a Tennessee speech pathology program that lines up with your goals, whether you want online learning, early clinical experience, hybrid options, or a nationally recognized school. Your journey to help people with communication disorders starts with the right educational foundation, and these five programs are Tennessee’s finest choices.