Compare top-ranked online SLP programs, Utah licensure steps, tuition costs, and salary data to plan your career.
By Benjamin Thompson, M.S., CCC‑SLPReviewed by SLP Editoral TeamUpdated August 29, 202625+ min read
Points of interest…
No Utah university offers a fully online or hybrid CAA-accredited SLP master's program, so distance learners must enroll out of state.
Utah licenses SLPs through DOPL, and holding the ASHA CCC-SLP credential can streamline the application process.
SLP salaries in Utah vary by metro area, with some regions approaching or exceeding the national median wage.
BYU, the University of Utah, and Utah State provide accredited on-campus programs, while several respected online options accept Utah residents.
Utah's three CAA-accredited SLP master's programs, at BYU, the University of Utah, and Utah State, are all on-campus only, which creates a real bottleneck for residents who need scheduling flexibility. At the same time, the state's demand for speech-language pathologists continues to climb, particularly in rural school districts and growing metro areas along the Wasatch Front.
The practical tension is straightforward: limited in-state seats, no local online option, and a profession that requires a master's degree plus supervised clinical hours before you can apply for Utah licensure through DOPL. Out-of-state online programs fill that gap, though they come with out-of-state tuition rates that can run two to three times what Utah residents pay locally. For many students, the trade-off between cost and flexibility is the defining calculation.
Best Online SLP Master's Programs for Utah Students
Utah is home to respected on-campus SLP master's programs, but none of the state's CAA-accredited offerings are fully online, so Utah students who need flexibility often look to nationally available online and hybrid programs. The list below highlights the strongest of those options, and it flags any residency requirements that could limit a program's practical reach. Program-level earnings for these master's degrees are not yet published, so the profiles cite university-wide outcomes reported through federal data instead.
How we chose these schools
What went into the score
Online delivery flexibility
Institutional graduation rates
Graduate earnings outcomes
Program accreditation status
Tuition and debt levels
Where the data comes from
Independent program research
Internal program database
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Best for: Working professionals seeking a fully online path
San Jose State University brings more than 50 years of communicative disorders education to this list, with an evidence-based, multicultural curriculum spanning articulation, fluency, voice, dysphagia, and neurogenic disorders. The 66-credit program is built around a small online cohort, and no entrance exam is required. University-wide, former students report median earnings of about $79,000 a decade after enrollment, one of the strongest outcomes among the programs featured here. The institution's six-year graduation rate is roughly 69 percent.
66 total credit hours
No entrance exam required
3.0 minimum GPA with prerequisite courses
Applications due October 1, 2026
Small cohort model for online learners
Clinical placements in schools, hospitals, and private practice
Best for: Aspiring SLPs wanting local clinical placements
California State University-Northridge delivers its communicative disorders master's almost entirely through online coursework, with clinical practicum arranged at sites near where students live. The three-year cohort model is designed for working professionals and covers neuroanatomy, language disorders, voice disorders, and pediatric audiology. Graduates join an alumni network of more than 435,000, and university-wide median earnings for former students are about $59,000 a decade after enrollment. The campus reports a six-year graduation rate of about 57 percent.
Three-year cohort model
100% online coursework
Clinical practicum arranged near where you live
Covers neuroanatomy, language disorders, voice, and pediatric audiology
Best for: Part-time learners needing schedule flexibility
The University of South Carolina is a flagship research university whose speech-language pathology program is consistently ranked among the top 30 in the nation. Students can choose a full-time on-campus pathway or a part-time distance education route, with clinical training at the on-campus Montgomery Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic and partner sites. Former students report university-wide median earnings of about $62,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is about 79 percent.
Full-time and part-time options available
Campus or distance education pathways
Ranked among the top 30 SLP programs nationally
Clinical training at the on-campus Montgomery Clinic
Qualifies for state licensure and CCC-SLP
Public school teaching certification eligible
Employer partnerships include Prisma Health
Careers in health care, schools, or private practice
East Carolina University offers a master's in communication sciences and disorders with a speech-language pathology concentration, available through on-campus or distance education routes. The two-year, 56-credit curriculum keeps on-campus cohorts small at 30 to 32 students and arranges clinical placements in students' own regions. University-wide median earnings for former students are about $55,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is near 63 percent.
Speech-Language Pathology concentration
Two-year, 56-credit curriculum
On-campus or distance education options
Clinical placements arranged in your region
Small on-campus cohorts of 30 to 32
Casper situational judgment test required
Full-time internship at the end of the program
Graduate assistantships and travel awards available
California State University-East Bay offers two paths to a speech-language pathology master's: a campus-based hybrid option anchored by the on-campus Rees Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, and an online option that includes a two-week summer residency in California. The 60-unit curriculum requires 400 clinical hours across at least three settings, and foundational prerequisites can be completed after admission. Former students report university-wide median earnings of about $71,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is roughly 48 percent.
Three-year, part-time format
Two-week summer residency in California
Evening classes designed for working professionals
Princeton Review Best in the West
Fall start with one intake per year
Prepares for ASHA certification and state licensure
California State University-San Marcos runs a three-year, 76-unit hybrid SLP master's that combines asynchronous online coursework with weekly synchronous evening sessions. Students complete 400 clinical hours through four placements in schools, hospitals, or community settings, and specialty clinics broaden the clinical experience. University-wide median earnings for former students are about $63,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is about 55 percent.
76 total credit hours
Three-year, eight-semester format
Asynchronous coursework with weekly evening sessions
California State University-Monterey Bay uses a cohort model with a summer start, grounding its speech-language pathology master's in evidence-based practice, community partnerships, and innovative technology. The curriculum covers assessment, intervention, and prevention across the lifespan, with hands-on clinical experiences arranged through local partnerships. Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort are closed, so Utah students should watch for the next admission cycle. Former students report university-wide median earnings of about $59,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is near 59 percent.
Cohort model with a summer start
Evidence-based practice and community partnerships
Covers assessment and intervention across the lifespan
Clinical experiences through local partnerships
Applications closed for Summer 2026 cohort
Prepares for clinical certification and licensure
Careers in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice
Florida State University is a major public research university, and its distance learning master's in communication science and disorders is designed for part-time working students. The three-year curriculum covers articulation, voice, fluency, aphasia, and dysphagia, with a final full-time internship and no entrance exam. That said, the hybrid format requires residency in Florida, so it is not a realistic option for most Utah-based students. University-wide, former students earn a median of about $62,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is a strong 86 percent.
The University of South Florida's speech-language pathology master's follows a Suncoast Consortium model created for bachelor's-level clinicians already working full time in participating Florida public school districts. Students complete the same curriculum as their on-campus peers over nine semesters, with adult-based summer rotations and pediatric practicum at their own workplace. Because the track requires employment in a participating Florida district, it is not currently an option for Utah residents. University-wide median earnings for former students are about $58,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is near 77 percent.
Suncoast Consortium Track
Nine-semester, three-year program
Designed for full-time school district employees
Requires employment in a participating Florida district
Same curriculum as the residential track
Adult-based summer rotations at Lakeland Regional Health
The University of Cincinnati's speech-language pathology master's is built for part-time online learners, with coursework spanning language and literacy, aphasia, motor speech, dysphagia, cognition, voice, craniofacial anomalies, and stuttering. The three-year, eight-semester program includes an in-person clinical practicum beginning in the third semester and a partnership with the University of Akron. Students must live within four hours of Cincinnati, so despite its online format this program is not well suited to Utah residents. University-wide median earnings for former students are about $55,000 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's six-year graduation rate is about 75 percent.
Three-year, eight-semester part-time format
Coursework covers 12 disorder areas
In-person clinical practicum from the third semester
Collaboration with the University of Akron
Must live within four hours of Cincinnati
Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation
Why No In-State Online SLP Programs? What Utah Students Should Know
Utah is home to three well-regarded, ASHA CAA-accredited speech-language pathology master's programs, but none of them currently offer a fully online degree. If you need the flexibility of remote coursework, whether because of work obligations, family responsibilities, or geographic distance from campus, you will need to look at online speech pathology programs based in other states. That is not a drawback; it is simply the reality of the Utah SLP landscape right now.
Before you commit to an out-of-state online option, it is worth understanding what each in-state program brings to the table. If attending on campus is feasible for you, any of these three could be an excellent choice.
Brigham Young University
BYU offers a residential MS in Speech-Language Pathology that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).1 Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is approximately $4,336 per semester for in-state students and $8,672 for out-of-state students, with a per-credit cost of around $510.2 Those figures make BYU one of the most affordable SLP master's programs in the region. The program is delivered entirely on campus and includes supervised clinical practicum hours that satisfy ASHA certification requirements. BYU does not offer online or hybrid coursework for this degree.
University of Utah
The University of Utah's MS in Speech-Language Pathology is also CAA-accredited and delivered on campus in Salt Lake City. The program is known for its bilingual emphasis track, which prepares graduates to serve Spanish-speaking populations, a valuable credential in Utah's growing multilingual communities. Students interested in this specialty can learn more about what it takes to become a bilingual speech pathologist. Clinical hours are completed through the university's own clinic and external placements. Like BYU, the U of U does not currently offer a fully online or hybrid pathway for the SLP master's degree.
Utah State University
Utah State University rounds out the in-state options with a CAA-accredited, on-campus SLP master's program based in Logan. Because USU has a strong distance-education infrastructure across many of its graduate programs, prospective students frequently search for an online or hybrid SLP option here. As of now, the SLP master's program remains residential, with clinical practica completed in person. If USU introduces any hybrid components in the future, that would be a significant development for students in rural parts of the state.
Why Accreditation Matters
All three Utah programs hold accreditation from the CAA, which is essential for two reasons. You can verify a program's status using a directory of CAA accredited SLP programs.
Licensure eligibility: Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing requires graduation from a CAA-accredited program (or its equivalent) to qualify for a state SLP license.
ASHA certification: Earning the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) also requires a degree from a CAA-accredited program.
If you enroll in a program that lacks CAA accreditation, you risk being unable to practice in Utah or earn your national credential, regardless of the quality of instruction you receive.
Choosing Your Path
For students who can relocate to or commute to Provo, Salt Lake City, or Logan, the in-state programs offer strong clinical training, competitive tuition, and the advantage of building professional connections within Utah's SLP community. If on-campus attendance is not realistic for you, the accredited online programs ranked earlier in this guide provide a proven route to the same ASHA certification and Utah licensure. The key is confirming that any program you consider, in-state or out, holds current CAA accreditation before you apply.
How to Become a Licensed Speech Pathologist in Utah
Utah licenses speech-language pathologists through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). The process takes several years from graduate school through independent practice, but the steps are straightforward. Holding the ASHA CCC-SLP credential can streamline your application because Utah accepts it as verification of your clinical and educational qualifications, though it does not replace the state license itself.
Utah SLP License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
Once you earn your speech-language pathology license in Utah, keeping it active requires attention to renewal deadlines and continuing education. The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) oversees licensure, and falling behind on requirements can disrupt your ability to practice.1
Renewal Cycle and Fees
Utah SLP licenses follow a biennial (two-year) renewal cycle, with licenses expiring on May 31 of odd-numbered years. The standard renewal fee is $47, which is notably affordable compared to many other states. To renew, you must complete a renewal form, provide your personal information, answer a qualifying questionnaire, and sign an affidavit confirming you have met all requirements.3
If you miss the deadline, late fees apply on a tiered schedule:
More than 2 years past expiration: You must submit an entirely new application and meet all current licensure requirements from scratch4
Those late fees may seem modest, but letting your license lapse for more than two years means starting the application process over, which can be time-consuming and costly. Setting a calendar reminder well before each May 31 deadline is a simple way to avoid complications.
Continuing Education Requirements
Utah requires 20 hours of continuing education (CE) over each two-year renewal period. If you were licensed partway through a cycle, your CE hours are prorated so you only need to complete a proportional share before your first renewal.
Qualifying CE activities generally include ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs), university coursework, and other professional development approved by DOPL. While Utah does not currently mandate specific content areas for CE, choosing courses that align with your clinical focus or that expand your skill set is always a smart approach.
Reinstating a Lapsed License
If your license has lapsed but it has been fewer than two years, the reinstatement process mirrors standard renewal. You complete the renewal form, pay the applicable late fee, and attest that you have met CE requirements.4 However, once the lapse extends beyond two years, reinstatement is no longer an option. You would need to apply as a new licensee and satisfy whatever requirements are in effect at that time.
A Note on Telepractice Licensure
If you plan to provide teletherapy services to clients across state lines, be aware that Utah's licensure only authorizes you to practice within the state. As of now, Utah does not participate in a national SLP interstate compact, so delivering telepractice to clients in other states typically requires you to hold a valid license in each state where your clients are located. Conversely, out-of-state SLPs providing teletherapy to Utah residents generally need a Utah license. If telepractice is part of your career plan, verify the licensing rules in every state where you intend to serve clients.
It is also worth noting that DOPL is undergoing an organizational transition, with changes scheduled for May 6, 2026. Stay current with any announcements from the division to ensure you understand how this transition may affect your renewal process or requirements going forward.
Can you commit to two or three years on campus at BYU, the University of Utah, or USU?
Utah's in-state SLP master's programs are on campus. If relocating or commuting is not realistic due to work, family, or location, an accredited online program from another state may be your most practical path to the degree.
Do you have access to clinical placement sites near your Utah home?
Online SLP programs typically require you to complete supervised clinical hours locally. Some programs help arrange placements, while others expect you to secure your own. Knowing what support you need upfront can narrow your program list quickly.
Are you switching careers from a non-CSD bachelor's degree?
If your undergraduate major was not in communication sciences and disorders, you will likely need prerequisite leveling courses. Confirm whether your target program offers those courses online so you can complete them without delaying your start date.
SLP Program Tuition and Financial Aid for Utah Students
Because no Utah university currently offers a fully online SLP master's program, most Utah residents will pay out-of-state tuition when enrolling in an online or hybrid program elsewhere. For comparison, in-state graduate tuition at BYU, the University of Utah, and Utah State University typically falls in the range of roughly $7,000 to $14,000 per year for on-campus programs. The table below shows annual out-of-state tuition, effective net price, and median graduate debt for top online and hybrid SLP programs that accept Utah students. Utah is a SARA-participating state, which means students can enroll in online programs at SARA member institutions without additional state authorization hurdles. Additionally, the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) through WICHE may allow Utah residents to pay reduced tuition at select western universities offering SLP degrees, so it is worth confirming WRGP eligibility with each school. Common financial aid options include federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, the federal TEACH Grant (for students who commit to working in high-need schools), school-specific scholarships and assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement, which is increasingly available in healthcare settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
School
State
Format
Out-of-State Tuition (Annual)
Effective Net Price
Median Graduate Debt
California State University, Northridge
CA
Online
$19,062
$7,021
$13,872
California State University, East Bay
CA
Online
$19,187
$9,320
$16,544
California State University, Monterey Bay
CA
Hybrid
$19,383
$13,663
$12,750
California State University, San Marcos
CA
Hybrid
$19,686
$10,229
$17,350
San Jose State University
CA
Online
$20,014
$13,760
$15,000
Texas Woman's University
TX
Hybrid
$15,900
$11,963
$19,218
University of South Florida
FL
Hybrid
$21,126
$9,812
$17,988
University of Wyoming
WY
Hybrid
$21,822
$13,599
$18,000
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
NC
Online
$23,329
$10,965
$22,858
Florida State University
FL
Hybrid
$26,707
$11,297
$18,000
Admissions Requirements: GPA, GRE, and Prerequisites for SLP Programs
Getting into a graduate SLP program is competitive, so understanding what admissions committees look for will help you put together the strongest application possible. Because Utah does not currently have an in-state online SLP master's program, you will likely be applying to out-of-state online or hybrid programs, and each school sets its own criteria. Here is what to expect.
GPA and GRE Expectations
Most accredited SLP master's programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs look at your last 60 credit hours or your major GPA separately, so strong upper-division coursework can help offset a slower start. Among the top online programs available to Utah students, a 3.0 GPA minimum is the standard at schools like Florida State University and San Jose State University. For a deeper look at competitive benchmarks, our guide on how to get into slp grad school covers what admissions committees prioritize.
The GRE landscape has shifted dramatically. A growing number of no GRE SLP programs have dropped the requirement entirely or made it optional, reflecting a broader trend across graduate education. Florida State, San Jose State, and Binghamton University all waive the GRE for their online or hybrid SLP tracks. On the other hand, programs like the one at James Madison University still require GRE scores, and the University of South Carolina typically expects them as well. Always verify each school's current policy before you apply, as testing requirements can change from one admissions cycle to the next.
Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement
Expect to submit two to three letters of recommendation, ideally from faculty who can speak to your academic abilities and from supervisors who can attest to clinical or professional experience. Your personal statement should clearly articulate why you want to enter the field, relevant experiences with diverse populations, and your long-term career goals. Programs that use CSDCAS (the centralized application service for communication sciences and disorders) often include specific essay prompts, so read each one carefully.
Prerequisite Coursework and Bridge Programs
If your bachelor's degree is not in communication sciences and disorders, you will need to complete SLP prerequisites before or alongside your graduate studies. Common prerequisites include:
Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing: Covers the structures involved in speech production and auditory processing.
Phonetics: Focuses on the transcription and classification of speech sounds.
Introduction to audiology: Provides a foundation in hearing science and assessment.
Language development: Explores how speech and language skills emerge from infancy through adulthood.
Speech science: Examines the acoustics of speech and how sound is produced and perceived.
Some programs offer leveling or bridge coursework that lets you complete these prerequisites within the program itself, often adding one to two semesters before you begin core graduate work. East Carolina University, for example, offers provisional admission for students without a related bachelor's degree, and California State University-East Bay requires a bachelor's in a related field but integrates foundational content into its three-year timeline.
How Selective Are These Programs?
It helps to understand overall competitiveness, even though institution-wide acceptance rates do not reflect SLP-specific admissions. Among the online programs commonly chosen by Utah students, university-wide acceptance rates range widely, from about 24% at Florida State University to over 97% at California State University-East Bay. SLP cohorts are typically much smaller and more selective than these figures suggest, so treat them as general context rather than a predictor of your chances.
Practical Tips for Utah Applicants
Apply to four to six programs to give yourself a realistic range of options. Check whether each school uses CSDCAS and pay close attention to application deadlines, which can fall anywhere from December through March depending on the program. Before committing, confirm that the program provides clinical placement support in Utah or can arrange supervised experiences near your location. Clinical placements are a critical piece of your training, and distance learners sometimes need to take extra initiative in coordinating local sites. Programs like Florida State and Binghamton University integrate clinical rotations into their curricula, but the logistics of placing students across state lines vary. Asking about placement support early in the process can save you significant stress later.
Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook in Utah
Understanding what you can expect to earn and how competitive the job market is will help you plan your career with confidence. Utah offers a favorable landscape for speech-language pathologists, with growing demand across schools, hospitals, and private practices. Here is how to research speech language pathologist salary data specific to the state and its major metro areas.
Step 1: Check Statewide and Metro-Level Wage Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes detailed wage and employment figures for speech-language pathologists under SOC code 29-1127. Visit www.bls.gov/oes and filter by Utah to find the statewide median annual wage. You can also drill down into specific metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to compare earnings across different regions:
Salt Lake City: The largest metro area in the state, typically reporting the highest volume of SLP positions and competitive median wages.
Provo-Orem: Home to several large school districts and university settings, this corridor often shows strong demand for school-based SLPs.
Ogden-Clearfield: Another growing metro area with healthcare facilities and school systems actively hiring speech-language pathologists.
St. George: The southwestern part of the state has seen rapid population growth, which tends to drive increased need for allied health professionals.
Comparing wages across these MSAs helps you gauge whether relocating within Utah could meaningfully affect your earning potential.
Step 2: Explore Job Growth Projections
For national job growth projections, the BLS Employment Projections page at www.bls.gov/emp provides the projected 10-year outlook for SLPs. Nationally, the field is expected to grow significantly faster than average, driven by an aging population and greater awareness of speech and language disorders in children.
For Utah-specific projections, the Utah Department of Workforce Services at jobs.utah.gov publishes state-level employment forecasts. These projections can tell you how many new SLP positions are expected in the state over the coming decade, giving you a clearer picture of long-term job security.
Step 3: Consult Industry Salary Surveys
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) conducts annual salary surveys that often include regional breakdowns and data segmented by work setting, years of experience, and highest degree earned. These reports can help you understand not just what the median SLP earns in Utah, but how factors like working in a medical setting versus a school district affect your pay. You may also want to explore how holding the CCC-SLP credential influences compensation; our guide on CCC-SLP certification pay increase breaks this down in detail. ASHA's data tends to be more granular than BLS figures and can reveal trends that government statistics may not capture.
Step 4: Review Local Job Postings for Real-Time Insights
Government data provides a solid baseline, but real-time job postings fill in the gaps. Browse career pages on Utah school district websites (such as those for Jordan, Davis, and Granite school districts), hospital systems like Intermountain Health, and job boards like Indeed. Pay attention to posted salary ranges, signing bonuses, and benefits packages. Reviewing active listings also helps you understand which settings have the most openings and whether employers are offering incentives to attract candidates, a strong signal of high demand in a particular area.
By layering federal data, state projections, professional association surveys, and current job listings, you will develop a well-rounded understanding of what your SLP career in Utah can look like financially.
Utah SLP Salaries at a Glance
Speech-language pathologist salaries in Utah vary by metro area, with some regions approaching or exceeding the national median. This chart compares median annual SLP wages across Utah's largest metro areas alongside the national benchmark.
Online Vs. On-Campus SLP Programs: What Utah Students Should Know
Choosing between an online and on-campus SLP master's program is one of the biggest decisions Utah students face. Both paths lead to the same ASHA certification and Utah state licensure, but daily life as a student looks very different depending on the format you choose. Understanding the trade-offs, especially around clinical placements, can help you pick the option that fits your career stage, location, and learning style.
Pros
Online programs offer schedule flexibility that lets working professionals, parents, and rural Utah residents complete coursework on their own time.
No relocation is required, so students in St. George, Logan, or smaller communities can stay where they are while earning a graduate degree.
Online enrollment opens the door to nationally ranked programs outside Utah that may offer specializations not available at in-state schools.
On-campus programs at BYU, the University of Utah, and USU provide established clinical training sites with built-in supervision and patient populations.
In-state tuition at Utah's public universities can significantly reduce total program cost compared to out-of-state online tuition rates.
On-campus students benefit from direct faculty mentorship, collaborative research opportunities, and a close-knit peer cohort throughout the program.
Cons
Online students must independently arrange clinical practicum hours in Utah, often working with an externship coordinator to secure local placements or telepractice sites.
Some online programs charge out-of-state tuition rates, and not all participate in reciprocity agreements that would lower costs for Utah residents.
The in-person peer cohort experience is limited online, which can reduce networking and study group opportunities during a demanding graduate curriculum.
Utah's on-campus SLP programs have limited seats and highly competitive admissions, meaning strong applicants are sometimes turned away due to capacity.
On-campus programs require living near the university, which limits options for students rooted in parts of Utah far from Salt Lake City, Provo, or Logan.
Fixed class schedules at on-campus programs offer less flexibility, making it harder to hold a job or manage family responsibilities during the program.
Frequently Asked Questions About SLP Programs for Utah Students
Below are answers to the most common questions Utah students ask when exploring speech-language pathology programs. Each answer draws on licensing rules, salary data, and program details covered earlier in this guide.
How do I become a licensed speech pathologist in Utah?
You need to earn a master's degree from a CAA-accredited speech-language pathology program, complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours, pass the Praxis SLP exam (score of 162 or higher), and finish a supervised clinical fellowship. Once those steps are done, you apply for licensure through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
What are the best online SLP master's programs for Utah students?
Because no Utah university currently offers a fully online SLP master's degree, Utah students typically enroll in accredited out-of-state online programs. Top options frequently recommended on speechpathology.org include programs from schools with strong clinical placement networks that extend into Utah. Look for CAA accreditation, competitive Praxis pass rates, and support arranging local clinical sites.
Does Utah State University offer an online speech-language pathology program?
Utah State University offers a well-regarded on-campus SLP master's program, but it does not currently provide a fully online option for the master's degree. Students who need online flexibility should explore accredited out-of-state programs that accept Utah residents and allow clinical placements within the state.
What are the prerequisites for SLP programs if I have a non-CSD bachelor's degree?
Most programs require leveling or prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, language development, audiology, and speech science. Some programs bundle these into a post-baccalaureate bridge sequence. Expect to spend one to two additional semesters completing prerequisites before starting graduate-level coursework.
How much does an SLP master's program cost for Utah residents?
Tuition varies widely. In-state programs at schools like the University of Utah and BYU may range from roughly $20,000 to $40,000 for the full program, depending on credit requirements and fees. Out-of-state online programs often charge between $30,000 and $70,000 total. Financial aid, assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How much do speech pathologists make in Utah compared to the national average?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for speech-language pathologists in Utah is approximately $80,000 to $85,000, which falls slightly below the national average of roughly $89,000. However, lower cost of living in many Utah communities helps offset the difference, and salaries in medical settings tend to be higher than those in school-based positions.
Can I complete SLP clinical hours in Utah while enrolled in an out-of-state online program?
Yes, many out-of-state online SLP programs allow students to arrange clinical placements locally. You will need to confirm that your program's clinical coordinator can establish agreements with Utah-based sites such as hospitals, schools, or private practices. Starting the site-approval process early is important, as securing placements can take several months.
More Online SLP Programs Available to Utah Students
Beyond our top-ranked picks, here are additional online SLP master's programs that welcome Utah students. Explore these options to find a program that fits your goals.
California State University-San Marcos
This hybrid program blends online coursework with live weekend labs, offering an accelerated 76-unit curriculum over eight semesters including summers. Clinical placements across San Diego County provide over 400 supervised hours.
This part-time online MA program spans three years, combining rigorous coursework with in-person clinical practicum. Developed with the University of Akron, it covers language disorders, dysphagia, and more.
Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Testing and Training International
This medically-focused MS program offers flexible full-time or part-time online and on-campus options. Four clinical externships and telehealth training prepare students for healthcare careers.
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (Medical aspects of speech-language pathology)
This online MS program blends coursework with hands-on clinical experiences including telepractice and externships. Designed for working professionals, it spans three to four years with a holistic admissions process.
This fully online MA program requires 66 credits over five semesters, with asynchronous coursework. It emphasizes community service and professional development, preparing graduates for diverse settings.
This hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus clinical experiences, meeting the 2020 CCC standards. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, person-centered care, and ethical conduct.
Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science
Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science (Healthcare Specialization)
This online MSEd program offers a part-time option for working professionals. The 56-credit curriculum covers diagnostic methods, augmentative communication, and pediatric dysphagia.
This hybrid MS program combines online coursework with on-campus intensives over six semesters. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical practicums and nationwide externships.
This hybrid MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers both residential and online formats. Evening classes and extensive clinical experiences prepare graduates to diagnose and treat communication disorders.
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
This online MA program covers language, neurological, physical, speech-sound, and voice disorders over 72 credits. Clinical hours are gained through virtual and in-person placements.
This hybrid MS program combines online coursework with on-campus experiences. Students train at the UWEC Speech & Language Clinic and over 90 affiliated sites, with a 100% completion rate.
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
This hybrid MS program blends online coursework with on-campus intensives in Kansas City. It prepares students for certification, focusing on clinical skills and evidence-based practice.
This online MS program offers 57 credits over five semesters with no GRE required. The ASHA-aligned curriculum includes 100% online coursework plus in-person clinical practicums.
This hybrid MS program blends on-campus and online learning with flexible second-year internships. Accredited by CAA, it meets licensure requirements for Minnesota and offers modern facilities.
This hybrid MS program blends on-campus and distance education, offering small classes and high Praxis pass rates. Optional certificates in bilingual SLP or deaf and hard of hearing are available.
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
MS in Speech-Language Pathology (Bilingual SLP)
MS in Speech-Language Pathology (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
