Points of interest…
- DeSales launches part-time online MS-SLP with Fall 2027 start.
- Tuition costs $900 per credit, about $33,750 total.
- Median SLP salary tops $102,530 in Lancaster, PA.
Your Guide to DeSales University's New Online MS-SLP Program
Learn about the new online MS-SLP at DeSales: admissions, costs, clinicals, and accreditation.
For years, aspiring SLPs in Pennsylvania had two choices: relocate for a full-time campus program or postpone their career. DeSales University's new online MS-SLP offers a third path, with its first cohort enrolling in Fall 2027.1
Pennsylvania projects 444 annual speech-language pathology jobs and 3.6% growth through 2025, and the state's rural areas often go underserved. DeSales designed the part-time, distance-based program to tackle that imbalance, placing clinical rotations in students' home communities.
The result is a CAA-accredited degree built for working adults pursuing a second career in speech-language pathology, a direct response to the profession's persistent access problem.
Desales University's New Online MS-SLP at a Glance
DeSales University is launching a fully online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) with its inaugural cohort set to begin in Fall 2027.1 The program is offered on a part-time basis, making it particularly suited for working professionals and career changers who want to enter the field without putting their current employment on hold. It requires 68 credits and includes five clinical practicums, which satisfy slp clinical hours requirements while providing hands-on training in real-world settings.2 Unlike the traditional on-campus program, which follows a full-time, in-person format, this online pathway allows students to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling slp clinical placements in their local communities. While the on-campus program typically takes about two years of full-time study, the online version is designed to be completed over a longer period to accommodate part-time learners. By offering a flexible, accessible option, DeSales aims to address the critical shortage of speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania and across the country, especially in rural and underserved areas where graduate programs are scarce.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's 2025 forecast, speech-language pathologists can expect 444 annual openings and a 3.6% growth rate through 2025. That means stable demand for newly minted SLPs across the state.
Accreditation: CAA Status and What It Means for Your Career
CAA accreditation is the single most important credential for any speech-language pathology program, and DeSales University's online MS-SLP program has earned that distinction. The program's initial accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) was granted in 2026 and extends through January 2031.1 This is the same rigorous review process that evaluates on-campus programs, as CAA accreditation applies to all delivery modes, including the online format.2 For aspiring speech-language pathologists, graduating from CAA-accredited SLP programs is essential: this accreditation is a requirement for earning the CCC-SLP certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and for obtaining state licensure in Pennsylvania and most other states. While the program is newly accredited, this initial status is standard for first-time programs and does not diminish graduates' eligibility for certification or licensure; students who complete the program are fully prepared to meet national and state standards.
Did You Know?
Online students complete clinical rotations in their own communities, not on DeSales' campus. This local approach removes the need to relocate and lets you build professional connections where you plan to work.
How to Apply: Admissions Requirements and Deadlines for the Online Cohort
A December 1 early decision deadline and a February 1 final deadline mark the application cycle for the online MS-SLP cohort at DeSales University.1 All materials must be submitted through CSDCAS, the centralized application system for speech-language pathology programs.1 While the online cohort is newly launched, the university intends to maintain admissions standards consistent with its accredited on-campus program.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.1
- Standardized Tests: Like many slp grad schools without GRE, DeSales requires no GRE; a waiver is automatically applied for all applicants.2
- Prerequisite Coursework: A bachelor's degree is required, including foundational courses in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), commonly known as SLP prerequisites.2 Applicants without a CSD background must complete slp leveling courses, each with a grade of C or higher.1
- Application Materials: Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a current resume or CV are part of the standard submission.1
- International Applicants: A minimum TOEFL score of 90 is required for non-native English speakers.1
After the February 1 deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis if seats remain available. Applicants should confirm any cohort-specific updates directly with the program, as the first online cycle may introduce slight variations from the on-campus admissions timeline.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Online Students
DeSales University keeps its online MS-SLP tuition transparent and predictable. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program charges $900 per credit hour1, bringing the total tuition for required coursework to approximately $33,7502. This figure includes all course credits as well as a one-time $1,500 professional fee2 and a $125 graduation fee1. There are no hidden technology or lab expenses beyond these listed costs.
Online graduate students can use federal unsubsidized loans to pay for speech pathology graduate school. After submitting the FAFSA, you may borrow up to $10,250 per semester2, with a maximum program total of $30,7502. While there are no SLP-specific scholarships currently available2, the university offers monthly payment plans1 to spread out expenses. The online program’s cost does not differ from the on-campus offering; both share the same tuition rate and fee structure, so you won’t pay a premium for flexibility.
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Clinical Placements: How Desales Supports Online Students
Clinical training for speech-language pathologists has evolved to offer more geographic flexibility, and DeSales University’s online MS-SLP program reflects that shift by helping students complete placements close to home. The program requires 400 clinical hours, meeting the slp clinical hours requirements for ASHA certification, across five practicums.1 Students begin with an initial practicum at DeSales’ on-campus clinic, then transition to community-based settings near their own locations. Placement arrangements are program-facilitated but include student input: a Graduate Clinical Liaison and the Keypath partnership work with you to identify and vet appropriate sites, so you don’t have to secure placements alone.2 Supervision is provided by an ASHA-certified, state-licensed SLP, and up to 75 hours of simulation may count toward the total.3 This structure helps online students meet rigorous clinical requirements without uprooting their lives, making it feasible to stay in Pennsylvania or anywhere in the country while building essential hands-on skills.4
Online Vs. On-Campus: How the Two Paths Compare
While DeSales University offers both campus-based and online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degrees, the two paths are not identical in structure or experience.
Curriculum and Credits
Both programs confer the same Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology3, qualifying graduates for licensure and ASHA certification. However, the online track requires 68 credits2, slightly more than the on-campus 65 credits1. The difference reflects the part-time, distributed nature of the online format, which blends synchronous and asynchronous classes over a longer period. On-campus students follow a full-time, 24-month schedule with face-to-face instruction. Tuition totals $64,500 for each path[[CITE:1][CITE:2]], so cost parity holds despite the credit discrepancy.
Clinical Placement Logistics
On-campus students typically complete clinical rotations at partner sites near the university, with placements coordinated by the department. The online program supports hometown placements, allowing students to fulfill their 5 practicum requirements in their own communities. This model eliminates geographic barriers and lets working students maintain local professional and personal ties.
Admissions and Start Dates
The online program is designed for working professionals who hold a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a related field, fulfilling SLP prerequisites; those without the exact background may need to complete online SLP leveling programs. While specific deadlines vary, online cohorts may offer multiple start dates per year, compared to the traditional fall entry for on-campus. Admissions criteria are otherwise aligned, ensuring consistent quality across both modes.
Student Support and Services
Both tracks provide access to academic advising, career counseling, and faculty mentorship. On-campus students benefit from in-person office hours and on-site resources. Online learners receive equivalent support through virtual platforms, including tech assistance and remote advising sessions, key slp grad school factors to consider when choosing a program.
Questions to Ask Yourself
The online MS-SLP at DeSales is designed with working professionals in mind, offering asynchronous coursework that fits around your job and family commitments. If stability of income is a priority, this format can make balancing graduate school possible.
Success in an online program requires discipline and the ability to engage meaningfully through discussion boards, video conferences, and group projects. Reflect on whether you thrive in an independent learning environment where you manage your own pace.
DeSales arranges clinical placements near your home, sparing you the need to travel to campus or relocate. Consider if being able to serve your local community while building professional connections matters to your career goals.
Since the entire program, including clinicals, can be done from your current location, you avoid uprooting your life. For those with established ties, this can mean less disruption and lower costs.
Online Learning Experience and Student Support
DeSales University's online MS-SLP program requires 68 graduate credits and is structured for part-time learners, with the first cohort starting in Fall 2027.1 The program is fully online and delivered in partnership with Keypath Education, an established online program manager. While DeSales has not yet published specific software details, online SLP programs typically use a learning management system like Canvas or Blackboard to organize asynchronous coursework, including lectures, readings, and discussion boards, combined with scheduled live sessions for skills training and SLP clinical supervision. Part-time enrollment often translates to roughly 12, 15 hours of weekly study, but actual commitments vary.
Online students have access to the same support resources as on-campus learners, including academic advising, career services, and technical help. The university's Center for Educational Resources and Technology provides remote assistance, and the program director, Susana Keller2, oversees student progression. For complete information on technology requirements, synchronous session schedules, and support services, prospective students should visit the DeSales University MS-SLP program page or contact admissions. Professional standards, including CCC-SLP certification, are governed by ASHA and the CAA, which accredits the university's residential SLP program until 20313, ensuring robust educational quality.
SLP Salaries in Pennsylvania: What Graduates Can Earn
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) reports median annual salaries for speech-language pathologists across Pennsylvania’s metro areas. Lancaster tops the list at $102,530, followed by Philadelphia at $100,080. These figures show strong earning potential for DeSales graduates, especially in the populous eastern regions of the state.
| Area | Total Employment | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA | 290 | $102,530 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 50 | $101,030 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 3,570 | $100,080 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 190 | $98,110 |
| Chambersburg, PA | 90 | $97,030 |
| Lebanon, PA | 50 | $95,540 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 550 | $94,230 |
| Williamsport, PA | 60 | $93,130 |
| Reading, PA | 160 | $91,700 |
| Erie, PA | 140 | $87,670 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 460 | $86,440 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | 310 | $85,710 |
| Altoona, PA | 120 | $83,440 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1,200 | $82,400 |
| Johnstown, PA | 70 | $80,870 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Desales' Online MS-SLP
Considering DeSales University’s new online MS-SLP? Here are answers to common questions about accreditation, costs, admissions, and clinical placements to help you make an informed decision. If you don’t see your question, contact graduate admissions directly.
- Is the online MS-SLP program at DeSales fully accredited?
- Yes, the program has initial accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA, effective February 2026 through January 2031.1 This ensures graduates meet the standards for CCC-SLP certification and state licensure. DeSales University also holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.2
- How much does the online MS-SLP cost?
- Total program tuition is approximately $32,250 based on 2024-2025 rates. This covers all required courses. Indirect costs, including books, fees, and living expenses, are estimated at about $26,077. Federal unsubsidized loans of up to $30,750 are available to help cover expenses.3 Contact financial aid for a personalized estimate.
- How do clinical placements work for online students?
- Clinical placements are coordinated near your community, so you can complete hands-on training without relocating. DeSales works with a network of healthcare and school partners to arrange off-site practicum experiences.4 This approach allows you to gain real-world experience while meeting all clinical hours required for certification.
- What are the admissions requirements for the online MS-SLP?
- You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.5 International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 90, a common benchmark in TOEFL requirements for speech pathology. While a background in communication disorders is helpful, prerequisite coursework can often be completed after admission. The program welcomes diverse academic backgrounds.
- When does the online program start, and can I attend part-time?
- The first cohort launches in Fall 2027.4 The program follows a full-time, cohort-based schedule designed for timely graduation. Part-time enrollment is not currently offered. Check with admissions for updates as the program develops and expands in future years.
- Is the online program the same as the on-campus program?
- Yes, the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology delivers the identical curriculum, learning outcomes, and degree as the on-campus program. Course content, faculty expertise, and clinical training standards are equivalent to those of on-campus students, a hallmark of quality online speech pathology programs.6 Graduates of both formats are equally eligible for ASHA certification and state licensure, differing only in flexible, remote delivery.
- What is the application deadline for the online program?
- Applicants can meet an early deadline of December 1 for priority consideration, with a final deadline of February 1. Both deadlines apply to the Fall 2027 entry term. Submitting early is recommended, as the cohort may fill quickly. Visit the DeSales University graduate admissions page for updates or specific document requirements.
On-campus programs can require a move, but DeSales University’s online MS-SLP brings an accredited, flexible path to your community and CCC-SLP certification. With local speech pathology internships and a clear cost of $900 per credit, you can prepare for a career field that expects 444 annual openings in Pennsylvania alone. Request more information or start your CSDCAS application today to join the Fall 2027 cohort.
