8 Top Speech Pathology Masters Programs in Texas: 2026 ASHA-Approved Guide

Interested in speech pathology masters programs in Texas? Great news! Texas has 19 ASHA-accredited SLP programs spread across the state, so you’ll likely find one close to home.

Texas provides options that work for every aspiring speech-language pathologist. You can choose between traditional classroom learning or a more flexible approach. On top of that, 15 online speech pathology graduate programs in Texas let you earn your degree beyond the traditional classroom setting. Many SLP programs in Texas take just 20 months to finish and give you 400+ hours of supervised clinical learning at nearby schools and clinics.

1. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is a top choice if you want to pursue a Master of Science in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences (MSSLHS). Students get ready for success in healthcare and educational settings of all types through the program’s tough curriculum and hands-on training.

Program overview

The MSSLHS program at UT Austin has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Hearing Association through 2033. Students learn by doing and put theory into practice. They get detailed training in assessment and treatment methods.

UT Austin’s speech pathology graduate program stands out because of its expert faculty, caring approach, and strong mentorship. Students thrive in a supportive setting that pushes them beyond their limits and prepares them to make their mark in the field.

The Bilingual Certificate Program is a highlight that focuses on Spanish/English bilingual populations. Students learn skills to help bilingual individuals who have communication disorders. The program also lets you work with other departments and fields.

Students balance their classroom studies with clinical practice. They learn a complete set of assessment and treatment methods and apply their knowledge to ground situations. The program uses family-focused treatment methods among other therapeutic approaches.

Admission requirements

The MSSLHS program starts taking applications on September 1st, and you must submit by December 15th. Your recommendation letters need to arrive by January 5th. You can only start the program in fall at UT Austin.

You need these things to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in upper-division coursework
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• 25 observation hours completed during undergraduate studies

MSSLHS applicants don’t have to take the GRE. Not submitting GRE scores won’t hurt your chances during selection. The admissions team looks at everything – your grades, personal statements, recommendations, and what you might bring to the department.

The program received 303 applications and accepted 65 candidates for 2024-2025. Most successful applicants had GPAs between 3.67 and 4.00. They aim for 35 students in each class, and their latest first-year group had 32 full-time students.

Getting in isn’t easy. The committee doesn’t focus too much on any single factor. They look at each applicant’s strengths and what they can add to the program.

Program length and credits

Students need 57-60 credit hours over five semesters to finish the MSSLHS program. You can pick between thesis and non-thesis tracks to get your Master of Science degree.

Non-thesis students must finish their required courses plus six semester hours of electives. Three of these elective hours must cover research design and statistics. Thesis students complete their electives through thesis courses (SLH 698A and SLH 698B).

The curriculum follows a set order to build skills in professional areas that ASHA certification requires. Students also need clinical practice hours. The program requires 375 total clock hours of practicum, including 25 observation hours from before the program.

Graduates can work in clinical roles, teaching, or research in speech-language pathology. Their latest group had 24 full-time graduates, and many now work in medical centers, schools, and private practices in Texas and beyond.

2. University of Houston

The University of Houston runs an excellent Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology. Students learn to help people with communication and swallowing disorders at every stage of life. This program ranks among the best speech pathology graduate programs in Texas because of its clinical focus and supportive learning environment.

Program overview

The Master of Arts education program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Houston is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) through 2026. The next accreditation review will happen in February 2025.

Students learn to assess and treat people with communication and swallowing disorders, from babies to seniors. The program gives hands-on experience in many settings like homes, schools, private clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes.

High-quality instruction, lab work, and clinical practice prepare students for their professional careers. After graduation, students can apply for Texas state licensure and ASHA certification. Students can work with faculty mentors to become experts in specific areas.

UH stands out among Texas speech pathology masters programs by offering multicultural and bilingual options. The university serves as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, showing its steadfast dedication to diverse communities.

Admission requirements

Getting into UH’s SLP program isn’t easy – only 28% of applicants made it in Fall 2019. Applications must arrive by January 15 for fall admission. The program won’t look at incomplete applications.

You’ll need these prerequisites:

• Sciences and Statistics: Biological science, physical science (specifically physics or chemistry), social science, and statistics
• Communication Disorders: Anatomy & Physiology, Phonetics, Speech and Language Development, Speech/Language Disorders, Audiology, Aural Rehabilitation, Speech Science, and Clinical Procedures

Students must finish at least 12 hours of Communication Sciences and Disorders prerequisites by January 1 of their application year. All remaining prerequisites need completion by August 15 of admission year.

Your application package should include:

• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Updated résumé
• Personal statement of interest (maximum two double-spaced pages)
• Responses to two supplemental questions
• Application fee of $50

Strong candidates usually have an overall GPA above 3.5 and similar prerequisite/major GPA. Fall 2019’s accepted students averaged 3.82 overall GPA and 3.88 in major GPA, with GRE scores averaging 152 Verbal, 150 Quantitative, and 4.0 Writing.

Program length and credits

The master’s degree needs 49 academic credits: 31 in required content coursework, 3 in electives, and 15 in clinic assignments. You can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks.

The thesis track includes:

• 31 credit hours in content courses
• 15 credit hours of practicum experience
• 6 credit hours of thesis work
• An oral defense of the thesis

The non-thesis track requires:

• 31 credit hours in content courses
• 15 credit hours of practicum experience
• 3 credit hours of electives
• A comprehensive examination

Full-time students usually finish in two years (5-6 semesters). Part-time students take about three years (7 semesters). Part-timers take fewer courses during their first two years but switch to full-time during their second summer and final two semesters for externship placements.

Classes cover how to prevent, diagnose, and treat communication disorders in speech, language, cognition, hearing, and swallowing throughout life. The program aims for 40 students per class. Recent data shows 25 first-year students enrolled – 18 full-time and 7 part-time.

3. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University offers a Master of Science program that helps students become speech-language pathologists. The program has flexible options that fit different schedules and career goals. TWU stands as one of the respected speech pathology masters programs in Texas with both campus-based and remote learning options that match students’ priorities.

Program overview

TWU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) through 2028. The program stands out from other SLP programs in Texas because of its learning options and specialized tracks.

Students can choose between:

• On-Campus Option: Evening classes at Denton and Dallas campuses with hands-on practicum experiences 2-5 days weekly
• Distance Education Options:
  • Schools-focused Track: Classes held in regional Education Service Centers and through interactive webinars. New cohorts start every two years (odd years)
  • Healthcare-focused Track: Instruction mainly through webinars with three days on Denton campus each summer. New cohorts begin every two years (even years)

The program features quality education at affordable rates with small class sizes and available faculty. Students learn about prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders throughout life. The program also has outstanding Praxis exam pass rates and strong job placement results for graduates.

Students in the distance education program can work as licensed speech-language pathology assistants while studying. This setup gives them real-world experience alongside their academic training.

Admission requirements

The speech pathology graduate program at TWU is competitive with an average incoming GPA of 3.76. Students need:

• A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences or pre-master’s leveling courses
• A minimum 3.0 GPA in their last 60 hours of college coursework
• Prerequisite courses in:
  • Statistics
  • Biological science
  • Physics or chemistry
  • Social or behavioral science

Students must apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Required materials include:

• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• One-page letter of intent
• Current resume
• A short video (2-4 minutes) answering specific prompts

Distance education applicants must attend program information meetings before applying. Applications for the healthcare-focused track open August 15, 2025, for Summer 2026 cohort. The schools-focused track opens applications on August 15, 2026, for Summer 2027.

Program length and credits

Students need 61 semester credit hours to graduate. Full-time students usually finish in 6-7 semesters (about two years). The curriculum has:

• 41 credit hours of required academic coursework
• 2 credit hours of electives
• 18 credit hours of clinical practicum over six semesters

On-campus students’ clinical experience includes:

• A semester at TWU Denton’s Speech, Language & Hearing Clinic
• A semester at the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center
• Additional semesters at clinical sites throughout Dallas/Fort Worth and Denton areas

Students take 6-10 semester credit hours of academics plus practicum each long semester. This totals 9-13 credit hours (6-9 in summers). The intensive practicum schedule makes full-time work impossible during the program.

Students must pass a comprehensive exam before graduating. They must also meet professional standards by keeping immunizations current, passing background checks and drug screenings, and completing Basic Life Support training.

4. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas ranks among Texas’s best speech pathology graduate programs. Their Master’s program focuses on clinical training that helps students build careers serving children and adults with communication disorders. Students get unique hands-on training that gives them the skills they need to succeed in healthcare and educational settings of all sizes.

Program overview

UNT’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology combines academic instruction with clinical professional education. Students learn to work effectively in educational and medical settings. The evidence-based curriculum covers assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and research in communication disorders.

The program’s results speak for themselves. Graduates achieve a 100% pass rate on the ASHA Praxis Exam, and over 90% find jobs in the field within their first year after graduation. The program’s ASHA accreditation ensures graduates meet national certification and state licensure requirements.

Students learn both theory and practical applications, with emphasis on speech science, language development, and evidence-based practice. The program builds competencies in cultural awareness, ethical practice, and effective communication strategies through supervised clinical experiences. Strategic collaborations with schools, healthcare facilities, and private clinics in the region provide these clinical opportunities.

Admission requirements

The Fall admission window opens in September, and closes in January. The admissions committee might reject materials submitted after this deadline. The program’s competitive nature means applying doesn’t guarantee acceptance.

Essential admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended (undergraduate, graduate, and community college)
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from academic references or supervising SLPs)
• Completed Clinical Questions Form assessing clinical knowledge

While there’s no minimum GPA requirement, applicants with GPAs between 3.0 and 4.0 have better chances, and higher GPAs receive stronger consideration. The program no longer requires GRE scores. The admissions committee takes a complete look at each candidate’s overall GPA, last 60 hours GPA, Clinical Questions responses, and recommendation letters.

Each cohort usually includes at least 45 students. Speech-language pathology experience can strengthen applications, but it’s not mandatory.

Program length and credits

UNT’s master’s degree requires 39 graduate credit hours of coursework plus clinical practicum experience. Students can choose between:

• 39 semester hours of courses plus clinical practicum (non-thesis option)
• 33 semester hours of courses plus 6 semester hours of thesis credit and clinical practicum (thesis option)

Most students finish in five terms: fall, spring, and summer of year one, plus fall and spring of year two. Fall and spring semesters typically include 12 to 15 credit hours – about 3-4 academic courses plus clinical practicum (3 credit hours).

Non-thesis students must pass a comprehensive exam covering speech, language, swallowing, and hearing. Thesis students defend their research project.

Students must maintain a “B” grade point average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). Getting a “C” or lower in more than two academic courses could make students ineligible for the degree. Clinical practicum includes work at UNT’s Speech and Hearing Center and over 100 external sites, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools.

5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center runs a challenging Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program known for its clinical excellence and complete preparation. This demanding program ranks among the most respected speech pathology masters programs in Texas. Graduates excel in healthcare settings of all types.

Program overview

The Master of Science education program at TTUHSC is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The curriculum blends academic excellence with extensive clinical training to prepare students for professional practice in settings of all types.

Students get valuable hands-on experience in multiple environments during the two-year program. Their training starts in the university clinic and includes at least two external placements. Students can take externships throughout Texas and nationwide, beyond the local opportunities in Lubbock.

The program shows impressive results. Between 90-100% of second-year graduate students pass the Praxis Exam before graduation. Recent data reveals 100% program completion rates for 2023-2025 academic years. The Praxis exam pass rates are exceptional – 100% in 2024-2025 and 2022-2023, with 97.4% in 2023-2024.

Students collect 25-50 ASHA clock hours each semester in the campus clinic and about 85 clock hours per semester at externship sites. These externships happen in various settings like public schools, hospitals, early intervention programs, rehabilitation facilities, and home health agencies.

Admission requirements

Competition for admission runs high. Recent data shows 277 applicants with only 42 accepted and enrolled. Students must submit:

• $75 application fee
• GRE scores (for master’s degree applicants)
• For international students: TOEFL scores (minimum 550 paper/79 IBT)

The program looks for candidates with emotional stability, intellectual curiosity, scientific attitude, and personal warmth. Each year accepts roughly 40 students, making the selection process highly competitive.

Program length and credits

Students complete this program in two years (five to six semesters) through a lock-step curriculum where everyone takes courses together. Clinical practicum begins in summer or fall, and graduation happens at the end of the second spring semester.

The curriculum has no electives. Every student completes the same thorough coursework in key areas:

• Adult and pediatric language assessment and intervention
• Childhood speech sound disorders
• Dysphagia
• Motor speech disorders
• Voice and fluency disorders
• Augmentative and alternative communication

Students can pick between writing a thesis or taking comprehensive examinations. Clinical requirements combine university clinic experience with externships. This helps students gather all clock hours they need for state licensure and ASHA certification by graduation.

6. University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas houses its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at the prestigious Callier Center for Communication Disorders. This program combines state-of-the-art research with exceptional clinical training.

Program overview

U.S. News & World Report ranks the UTD speech-language pathology program at #10 nationally. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited this program. Students learn advanced concepts in child language development and disorders, autism spectrum disorders, bilingualism, literacy, speech production, and neurobiology of language.

The program’s research-rich environment makes it unique. Students can join faculty research projects at several prominent centers. These include the Callier Center, Center for BrainHealth, Center for Children and Families, and Center for Vital Longevity. The program creates well-rounded professionals ready for real-life settings by blending clinical approaches with scientific foundations.

Admission requirements

Students can start in fall, spring, or summer semesters. The deadlines are February 15, September 15, and February 15 respectively. The program takes an integrated approach to review each applicant’s portfolio, which needs:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA on undergraduate coursework
• GRE scores (both math and verbal required)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose essay outlining academic interests and career goals
• Resume
• TOEFL score of at least 80 on internet-based test (international applicants only)

The admissions committee looks at transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. A strong application package will boost your chances in this competitive program.

Program length and credits

Students must complete a minimum of 48 semester credit hours. The program takes five semesters of full-time study with an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology. Students from other fields usually need six semesters.

Each term combines coursework with clinical practicum/internship placements. Students must complete one semester of internship. A maximum of 9 semester credit hours of Practicum/Internship count toward the minimum required credits. Students often need extra practicum hours to meet ASHA certification and Texas state licensure requirements.

Students gain practical experience in clinical, educational, and medical settings both on and off campus. Graduates end up well-prepared to work in clinical, educational, and medical environments.

7. Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University provides a unique Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders program that features specialized Spanish-English training options for aspiring bilingual speech-language pathologists. Students looking for culturally responsive clinical preparation will find this program particularly valuable.

Program overview

The program’s bilingual SLP option makes it special by offering specialized training for assessment and intervention in both Spanish and English. Students can also participate in Spanish-language clinical practicum.

The program operates from the Woolfolk School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and has managed to keep American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accreditation since 1969. Students receive detailed coursework with strong clinical training elements to prepare them for service careers in speech-language pathology.

Admission requirements

Students must submit applications through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) by January 15. The requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in CSD with minimum 3.0 GPA (overall and in CSD coursework)
• Three references submitted through CSDCAS
• Personal statement/essay
• Resume
• Group interview with CSD faculty for selected applicants

The program welcomes 25-35 students each year, with students averaging a 3.45 GPA over the last three years (2021-2024).

Program length and credits

Students need to complete 50 semester hours. Full-time students finish the program in 5 semesters by following the recommended course sequence. Part-time students typically need 8-10 semesters.

The program’s foundation lies in clinical practicum, which requires 400 clock hours (325 at graduate level and 375 in direct client contact). Students learn at the university’s Harry Jersig Speech-Language-Hearing Center and external facilities like schools, rehabilitation centers, community clinics, and hospitals.

The program shows excellent results with a nearly 95% on-time completion rate. Every graduate passes the Praxis exam and finds professional positions.

8. Lamar University

Lamar University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program with rich clinical experience that helps students become skilled practitioners in healthcare and educational settings. The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Program overview

The master’s program at Lamar needs 54 hours to complete and shapes students into competent, caring clinicians ready for professional work. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders from various causes. Graduates can apply for ASHA certification and state licensure. The curriculum meets all national certification standards and gives students valuable hands-on experience.

Admission requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. The admission process needs:

• Minimum 3.0 overall GPA as calculated by CSDCAS
• CSDCAS application with all official transcripts
• Letter of intent
• Three recommendation letters
• ApplyTexas application

Students without speech and hearing sciences background may need prerequisite courses in phonetics, language acquisition, anatomy and physiology, audiology, and other core areas.

Program length and credits

The master’s program has 54 semester hours, with 10 academic courses and a clinical practicum sequence. First-year students work in Lamar’s Speech and Hearing Clinic, while second-year students join externships at public schools and medical sites. The final semester includes comprehensive examinations, though students can choose a thesis option instead. Students must complete at least 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum to meet ASHA requirements.

Choose Your Program Today

Your professional future depends on picking the right speech pathology master’s program. Eight exceptional ASHA-accredited programs in Texas await your discovery, and each one brings its own strengths to aspiring speech-language pathologists.

These top-rated programs have common ground: they provide rigorous academic preparation, extensive clinical experiences, and strong professional outcomes. All the same, their program structures, specializations, and admission criteria are substantially different. The University of Texas at Austin shines with its bilingual certification program, while Our Lady of the Lake University’s Spanish-English training sets it apart. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center shows off impressive Praxis exam pass rates, and the University of North Texas delivers exceptional employment outcomes.

Competition is fierce for spots in these programs, and most accept just a small number of applicants. Strong GPAs, relevant experience, compelling personal statements, and solid recommendation letters will boost your application’s chances. The competitive nature of these programs means you should think about applying to several of them.

Most programs take five to seven semesters (about two years) to complete and include clinical practicum requirements that give you hands-on experience. While many programs follow lock-step curricula, some let you choose between thesis and non-thesis options based on your career goals.

Rankings shouldn’t be your only consideration when choosing a program. Location, specialization opportunities, clinical placement variety, costs, and scheduling flexibility play vital roles too. Texas programs offer both traditional campus learning and distance education options to fit your needs.

This complete information helps you take your next steps toward becoming a speech-language pathologist with confidence. The experience demands commitment and perseverance, but making a real difference in people’s lives with communication disorders is definitely worth the effort.