Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Alexandra Turner, M.A., CCC‑SLPSeveral institutions in Virginia are ASHA accredited Speech-Language Pathology programs and are different in their approaches. JMU in Harrisonburg provides a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which provides rich hands-on training experience through its on-campus clinic. Radford University has a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a special emphasis on the needs of the rural population. The coastal region is also covered by ODU in Norfolk, which offers a Master of Science in Speech Pathology. UVA in Charlottesville has a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, which is especially noted for its interdisciplinary focus.
The job market is one of the most attractive aspects of Virginia, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of SLP jobs to increase by 18% from 2023-2033, consistent with the national rates. The mean annual speech pathologist salary in Virginia is estimated to be $85,000 which is quite close to the national median salary of $89,290. The combination of large cities and counties, including Richmond and the Shenandoah Valley, offers a wide range of job options, including in schools and healthcare, where SLP shortages in rural areas are a major focus — a feature that is not always evident in other states.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Virginia? peechpathology.org ranks top speech pathology degrees to help you choose the best one for you. Our list highlights programs known for quality, research, and clinical training. We focus on what matters to students and professionals in Virginia. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Harrisonburg, VA - Public 4-Year - jmu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
James Madison University's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology is a hybrid program that integrates rigorous academics with diverse clinical experiences. Students develop advanced skills in diagnosing and treating communication disorders, preparing for ASHA certification. The program requires the Praxis exam for certification, boasts a 100% pass rate, and achieves exceptional employment outcomes. Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, it offers practical training across multiple settings, positioning graduates for success in healthcare and education. This five-semester full-time program is nationally ranked and military-friendly.
Charlottesville, VA - Public 4-Year - virginia.edu
Concentration: Speech Communication Disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Virginia's Ph.D. in Speech Communication Disorders is a research-intensive doctoral program designed for professionals with master's degrees who seek careers as scholars and researchers in speech-language pathology. This 3-4 year, 78-credit program emphasizes advanced research methodologies, clinical expertise, and interdisciplinary skills through research apprenticeships, teaching internships, and faculty mentorship. Students develop independent research capabilities and complete comprehensive exams and a dissertation. The program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, for admission. Funding packages are available to support doctoral candidates in this rigorous academic environment.
Hampton, VA - Private 4-year - hamptonu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hampton University's undergraduate Communicative Sciences and Disorders program provides a comprehensive foundation for graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology, requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Students complete 50 clinical experience hours under ASHA-certified faculty supervision, gaining hands-on skills in diagnosing and treating communication disorders with diverse patients. The 122-semester-hour curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates to address various communication challenges in children and adults through direct clinical work.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hampton University's ASHA-accredited M.A. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares students for clinical excellence in speech-language pathology through rigorous academic and hands-on training. The program features a full on-campus clinic, over 50 clinical practicum agencies, and services to more than 20 schools, emphasizing multicultural communication. As a residential graduate program at an HBCU, it requires an entrance exam and focuses on diagnosing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders across diverse populations in healthcare and educational settings.
Radford, VA - Public 4-Year - radford.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Radford University's undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program builds a strong foundation in human communication sciences, covering language development and speech mechanisms. This Bachelor of Arts degree includes 43 credits of specialized coursework with a scientific and clinical focus, preparing students for advanced studies or careers in schools and clinics. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require ACT or SAT exams for admission, though this is not specified in the data.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Radford University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Speech-Language Pathology concentration offers ASHA-accredited training through two tracks: a traditional two-year path and a three-year leveling option for students without prior background. The program provides intensive clinical experience across 190 externship sites, achieving a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and employment rate. It requires an entrance exam (Praxis) for certification and prepares graduates for the projected 19% job growth by 2032 in healthcare settings.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Radford University's Master's program in Speech-Language Pathology, accredited by ASHA, focuses on innovative faculty-student collaborations in a supportive environment. It prepares students for national certification and state licensure, with competitive admission requiring consultation of the Graduate Catalog for specifics. The program emphasizes student-centered learning and professional practice readiness, though entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided data.
Winchester, VA - Private 4-year - su.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Shenandoah University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a 60-credit, campus-based program focused on comprehensive training for addressing speech, language, and swallowing disorders in diverse age groups. Students accumulate 400 clinical practicum hours in settings like schools and healthcare facilities, equipping them with practical skills for diagnosis and treatment. The program is designed to meet national certification standards, positioning graduates for careers in a field ranked among the top 10 best jobs for 2025. As a master's level offering, it requires the PRAXIS entrance exam, and it features predominantly in-person instruction with varied clinical placement opportunities to enhance learning.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shenandoah University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 60-credit hybrid program blending in-person and online learning to train professionals for dynamic healthcare settings. Students complete at least 400 clinical practicum hours under certified supervision, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating communication disorders across pediatric to geriatric populations. The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic techniques, intervention strategies, and professional ethics, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices. As a master's program, it requires the PRAXIS entrance exam for certification, and it includes interprofessional learning components while being a candidate for CAA accreditation.
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology provides foundational education in normal and disordered communication processes, preparing students for graduate studies. The campus-based program includes courses in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, complemented by research opportunities and hands-on practicum experiences. Admission requires a 2.50 GPA and completion of foundational courses, with no ACT or SAT entrance exam mentioned. Costs vary by residency, starting at $408 per credit for Virginia residents, and the program supports military-friendly rates. Located in Norfolk, VA, it emphasizes direct peer and faculty interaction to build essential skills for advanced study.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a rigorous two-year residential program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. This comprehensive program prepares graduates for ASHA certification and state licensure through extensive clinical training, including on-campus practica and two off-campus externships in diverse settings like schools and hospitals. The competitive admissions process requires a minimum 2.80 undergraduate GPA and three recommendation letters, with no GRE exam required for entrance. Students complete 53 graduate credit hours with an application deadline of February 1st, benefiting from direct faculty engagement in Norfolk, VA.
Farmville, VA - Public 4-Year - longwood.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Longwood University's Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides foundational training in speech, language, and hearing pathologies for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This campus-based program includes an accelerated track allowing seniors to take graduate courses, potentially reducing master's degree time by one year. It requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission and focuses on preventing, identifying, and treating communication disorders in diverse settings like schools and clinics. With a 3.5 GPA requirement for the graduate track, students gain practical skills and can pursue complementary minors.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Longwood University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a rigorous 52-credit campus program accredited by ASHA, preparing students for speech-language pathology careers. It emphasizes extensive clinical training in educational and medical settings, covering communication disorders across all ages with an evidence-based practice focus. Graduates achieve high Praxis exam pass rates and 90% employment within six months, with full-time completion in 5-6 semesters. The program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, for admission and offers thesis or professional portfolio options.
The two most common degrees that students get in the Speech Pathology field are a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Communication Sciences and Disorders or a master’s in SLP. The bachelor’s degree provides the foundation for those looking to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant or to continue their education. Bachelor’s programs include classes like anatomy and physiology, phonetics, speech science, and audiology.
The SLP master’s degree builds on the foundation of the bachelor’s degree with more advanced coursework and clinical experiences. Admission to these programs can be competitive and applicants will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, GRE scores, letters of recommendations and a personal statement. Individual program requirements may vary, so it is important to make sure you check the requirements before applying. Completing a master’s degree opens the door to becoming a licensed SLP, which allows you to practice independently in a variety of settings.
Two Virginia universities that are affiliated with doctorate degrees in Speech Language Pathology or similar divisions are James Madison University (JMU) and the University of Virginia (UVA). JMU’s PhD program in Educational Policy, Research and Evaluation is affiliated with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and concentrates on research and scholarly writing. Advanced research in speech, language and hearing is learned at JMU; students often work on the research of faculty members and in specific areas of the discipline.
The University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education offers a PhD in Education with a focus on Communication Disorders and Sciences. Students in this track are exposed to demanding classes in language development, speech science, and research methods, in the process of being prepared for academic and research careers to contribute new knowledge to speech-language pathology. As with most PhD programs, UVA has a strong emphasis on research, and students are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and write a dissertation under the supervision of their advisors.
At this moment, there is no separate clinical doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology SLPD that is available in Virginia, so students interested in an advanced clinical focus often have to search for such programs outside the state or pursue fellowships and speech pathology certificates after the master’s degree. Those interested in doctoral study in Virginia should check the particular university’s entrance requirements, scholarships, and the areas of interest of the faculty at JMU or UVA as these two institutions differ strongly in their approaches.
In Virginia, an SLP must be licensed by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The Board has set some minimum requirements that include a master’s or doctoral degree from an ASHA accredited institution, completion of a clinical fellowship year supervised by a licensed SLC (CFY), passing the PRAXIS exam and no history of disciplinary actions. The application fee is $100 and the licensure fee is $50, for a total of $150.
For those in training, a provisional license is available for up to 24 months, which may be renewed once, if the person is supervised by a licensed SLP. SLPAs must have a bachelor’s degree, courses in communication disorders, completion of an SLPA certificate program that includes clinical training hours, and practice under the supervision of a licensed SLP. The registration fee is $50; renewals are good for 2 years and require 20 continuing education hours and a $25 fee, according to the Virginia Board.
Many SLPs pursue ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) which is available to those who complete an accredited graduate program, the PRAXIS exam of speech pathology, and a clinical fellowship. In the case of SLPAs, ASHA provides the C-SLPA certification, which is based on a degree, supervised hours, and an exam, to increase professional standing.
In Virginia, the process of accelerating the time to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) involves identifying the programs that can help achieve this goal. Several institutions offer such options that can help reduce the time to completion of the degrees needed.
Longwood University offers an accelerated stream that permits students to take graduate level courses in their last year of undergraduate studies. This pathway enables students to finish both their SLP bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shortened time frame. To be eligible, students will apply during their junior year and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, have four letters of recommendation (at least two from Longwood CSD faculty), and have participated in at least one CSD extracurricular activity.
The University of Virginia has a Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders that can be completed in five semesters if the student has a communication sciences background. For students who do not have previous coursework in the field, the program is lengthened to seven semesters. This structure enables the students to choose the mode of learning as per their academic background.
James Madison University (JMU) provides an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology for nontraditional students and career changers. This program continues for three years and is offered online to suit the busy schedules of the students. Although it is not an accelerated SLP program in the usual sense, the online delivery enables students to schedule their studies to suit their lifestyles.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Virginia |
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| Longwood University |
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| James Madison University |
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Assessing the availability of affordable Speech-Language Pathology programs requires the consideration of both the nearby options in Virginia and the reasonably priced online programs across the United States. In Virginia, James Madison University (JMU) provides an online Master of Science in SLP at the cost of about $25,245 all told for in-state students, perfect for career switchers who appreciate the ability to work at their own pace. Longwood University offers online preparatory courses in SLP at $285 per hour for Virginia residents, which can be useful for students who need the building blocks of a master’s degree program.
The traditional, on-campus Master of Science in SLP offered by Old Dominion University (ODU) has a tuition fee of $620 per credit hour for Virginia residents and offers rich clinical practice. The University of Virginia (UVA) has a residential Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders which is $18,990 per academic year for in-state students, to prepare students for licensure and certification. The speech pathology program at Radford University is also offered; however, the tuition details are not readily available and can only be obtained by contacting the institution directly.
Therefore, in terms of pricing, in-state tuition is usually cheaper, and it is wise to become a resident of Virginia. Using financial aid, scholarships and assistantships is important to help bring down the costs even further. In general, it is recommended that prospective students compare the prices of tuition, the type of program, clinical practice, and their career plans to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective SLP program.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Old Dominion University |
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| Longwood University |
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| Radford University |
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