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April 16, 2025The state of Arkansas supports multiple solid CAA-accredited programs which will enable you to build a rewarding career assisting people with communication difficulties. You’ll discover Arkansas programs available regardless of whether you’re beginning your journey with a bachelor’s degree or need a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Arkansas State University along with the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas provide Communication Sciences and Disorders courses for students who are starting their academic journey. The undergraduate degree serves as foundational training for acceptance into the required master’s degree program for becoming a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
For graduate school students, UAMS presents a top-rated program which partners with UA Little Rock while Arkansas State and Harding University along with UCA and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offer high-quality master’s degree options. Every program provides clinical training with UAMS focusing on medical settings and UCA emphasizing school-based work in addition to international experiences offered by Harding. While completing a speech pathology degree in Arkansas, you will enjoy affordable tuition, small class sizes, and lots of opportunities to gain experience in clinical settings.
Like most states, residents will benefit from cheaper in-state tuition rates at public universities than out-of-state tuition or the flat rate that most private universities charge. Arkansas maintains a high employment rate for SLPs which creates positive job opportunities after graduation. Arkansas offers a first-rate education at reduced prices making it an ideal starting point for speech-language pathology careers.
Explore the top-rated speech-language pathology programs in Arkansas with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best SLP schools in Arkansas for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders stands as Central Arkansas' sole public program, equipping students for advanced study in speech-language pathology. This campus-based curriculum emphasizes evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders across all ages, with graduates entering varied healthcare and educational environments. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores, and the program supports students through dedicated faculty advising, research opportunities, and scholarship options to foster success in this critical healthcare field.
Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arkansas State University's Master of Communication Disorders is a 49-semester-hour, ASHA-accredited program that equips students with advanced skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of speech, language, and hearing disorders. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical practice under supervision, preparing graduates for national CCC-SLP certification and Arkansas state licensure. Admission is competitive and requires GRE scores, along with undergraduate coursework and professional recommendations. The program focuses on comprehensive disorder coverage and has a February 15 application deadline.
Arkadelphia, AR - Private 4-year - obu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ouachita Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders that prepares students for graduate studies in speech pathology and audiology. This program uniquely blends a Christian perspective with rigorous academic training, featuring supervised clinical practicum led by nationally-certified faculty. Students gain extensive experience in assessing and treating communication disorders across all age groups. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills development and ethical healthcare practices, supported by a military-friendly environment and Southern Baptist affiliation.
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas' undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program provides comprehensive preparation for advanced speech-language pathology study through a 120-semester hour curriculum. Students develop strong foundations in communication processes, biological principles, and clinical diagnostics with 46 CSD department credits. The program maintains rigorous standards with 2.75 overall and 3.0 major GPA requirements, covering essential science prerequisites. While this bachelor's program serves as a crucial step toward professional licensure, ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements are not specified in the provided data.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a rigorous 6-semester campus program requiring 54 credit hours with 400 clinical practicum hours. This ASHA-accredited program prepares students for advanced clinical practice through extensive academic and clinical training across diverse patient populations. Admission is competitive, typically requiring a 3.4+ GPA and bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework. The program includes off-campus clinical experiences and a thesis option. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements are not specified in the provided data.
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu
Concentration: speech-language pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a speech-language pathology concentration. This CAA-accredited, campus-based program spans five semesters over two years, including one summer term. With cohorts limited to 24 students, it provides personalized training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the program leverages its medical sciences campus for extensive clinical experience. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is an entry-level degree that sets the stage for a career in speech-language pathology. Perfect for beginners, it provides foundational knowledge of speech, language, and hearing. Almost all colleges require entry-level applicants to present both a high school diploma and a strong GPA along with coursework in both math and science. After a bachelor’s, students can decide on work as a speech-language pathologist assistant or continue into research and support services roles.
A master’s degree is part of the requirements in Arkansas to become a licensed Speech Pathologist. In addition to building on the course work you did in your undergraduate degree, your master’s degree program will provide you with opportunities to spend time in clinical settings. The admission requirements for a typical SLP Master’s Degree program include a related bachelor’s degree, competitive GRE scores, letters of recommendation and experience either volunteering or working clinically. Once you obtain your master’s, you will have the ability to work in schools, hospitals and private clinics. You may also find work at rehabilitation centers or healthcare organizations. Your career objectives should determine your selection between the two choices. A Master’s degree opens the door for direct life-improving clinical practice which makes it the ideal choice for those seeking to work directly with patients. However, for either entry-level positions or licensed speech-language pathologists, a speech pathology bachelor’s degree in Arkansas serves as a foundation.
The state of Arkansas has two main options for a doctorate degree in speech pathology: the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). Even though the state of Arkansas does not currently have an SLPD, a number of programs elsewhere do serve the professional who wants this specialized degree. The University Central Arkansas offers the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders for those who wish to work in research or as a professor at a university. This research-oriented degree helps to create the leaders of tomorrow’s science through study in speech, language and hearing sciences. The admission requirements usually involve a master’s degree, good academic background, reference letters and research experience. Some of the jobs that graduates have included being professors, researchers, or in academic administration.
In contrast, the SLPD is a clinical doctorate that is aimed at enhancing the clinical practice and management, particularly leadership, in a practice setting. Even though there is no SLPD in Arkansas, those who decide to pursue this elsewhere can become leaders in healthcare practice and manage big teams or clinical departments. Admission to SLPD programs is very similar to that of the PhD- a master’s degree in SLP, clinical experience, and strong recommendations. The decision between a Ph.D. and an SLPD in Arkansas is whether you are interested in research and education or clinical work and management.
The path to obtaining a speech-language pathologist licensed in Arkansas is one of strict guidelines. First, you need to complete your master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program. These programs offer both classroom learning and clinical practice experience. You will typically do 400–600 hours of supervised clinical practicum during your graduate studies. The following step after graduation is the clinical fellowship. The fellowship continues for 36 weeks equivalent to 1,260 hours applying supervised professional practice. The fellowship plays a critical role as the link between academic learning and practical clinical experience. The state also demands a background check while optionally needing a liability insurance certificate. Most workers feel it beneficial to obtain ASHA certification which grants the CCC-SLP Certificate of Clinical Competence, though this is not always mandatory. Both licensure and certification require SLP professionals to stay current through continuous education efforts.
Some excellent options exist for those seeking the fastest SLP degree path from high school to career start. Undergraduate programs within Communication Sciences and Disorders typically take four years to finish. These programs establish your basic knowledge which is required for future graduate coursework. Among Arkansas colleges, Harding University stands out with its accelerated five-year dual-degree program for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The program helps dedicated students complete their speech pathology bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five consecutive years. This swift educational pathway eliminates both financial burdens and extended enrollment needs.
After completing your undergraduate studies you will need a two-year full-time SLP master’s program in Arkansas to continue your training. These programs provide comprehensive training through classes and 400–600 hours of clinical experience. The in-person coursework in Arkansas ensures full compliance with licensure requirements although there are no online speech-language pathology master’s programs available.
If you prefer research and teaching over clinical practice the University of Central Arkansas features a PhD program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Because obtaining a PhD requires more time than a master’s degree some institutions design transition paths from master’s to doctoral studies. So business owners and individuals seeking quick solutions, choose Harding University’s dual degree program or those undergraduate and master’s programs which offer fast-tracked learning.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Ouachita Baptist University |
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| Arkansas State University |
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| University of Central Arkansas |
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Arkansas residents seeking affordable Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs with cheaper tuition will find several options that meet their needs. Public universities such as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UCA and Arkansas State University offer low tuition rates for their undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders programs. For example, the in-state tuition for a bachelor’s degree at UCA or UA Little Rock is about $335 per credit which makes it very affordable.
The master’s degree in SLP is also relatively cheap at Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock among other institutions. The in-state tuition for the master’s program at these two institutions is between $335 and $446 per credit hour. The private universities like Harding University have higher tuition rates compared to other institutions and provide more scholarships that can help to cover the expenses ($876 per credit).
Compared to doctoral programs in other states, Ph.D. programs such as that offered at the University of Central Arkansas are relatively affordable with in-state tuition at about $335 per credit hour. Speech pathology doctorate programs are pricey but those in Arkansas are more bearable for graduate and doctoral level students due to in-state fees. It is therefore advisable to opt for the public universities and take advantage of the in-state tuition rates.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Arkansas State University |
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| University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
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| University of Central Arkansas |
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