Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Elizabeth Monroe, M.S., CCC‑SLPMichigan has several good Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, so it is a good state to be an aspiring SLP. Many public universities, including Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Michigan State, provide bachelor’s of Communication Sciences and Disorders. These programs include phonetics, language development, and audiology, among other speech-language pathology areas of learning. For graduate students, Grand Valley State and Wayne State provide accredited master’s programs that offer clinical training to help you prepare for the required fellowship and the Praxis exam. It also has a speedy 16-month format; Andrews University and Calvin University provide private options as well.
Michigan is notable due to its strong job market, especially in schools and major health systems including Beaumont or Spectrum Health; the average salary is in the low-to-mid $80,000 range. The demand for SLPs is increasing rapidly because of an increasing population of older people and more screening for communication disorders in children. Choosing Michigan, you can take advantage of hospitals, clinics, and educational agencies that are supporting you and your way to a successful and rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist.
Explore the top-rated speech-language pathology programs in Michigan with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best SLP schools in Michigan for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - calvin.edu
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Calvin University's on-campus BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology in Grand Rapids, MI, prepares students for graduate studies in speech pathology or audiology by focusing on communication challenges. This bachelor's program does not specify entrance exam requirements like ACT or SAT; prospective students should consult the university for admissions details. It provides a comprehensive curriculum to enhance individuals' quality of life through skill development.
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Calvin University's online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a 2-3 year program requiring 72 credits at $940 per credit, with no GRE/GMAT needed. It integrates clinical hours within a Christian framework, boasts a 100% PRAXIS exam pass rate, and prepares students for ASHA certification. Admission is competitive, requiring a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, three recommendations, and CSDCAS application, with priority by January 15. Financial aid is available, and up to 6 credits can be transferred.
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The campus-based Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Calvin University offers a faith-integrated curriculum over 2-3 years, costing $940 per credit with no GRE required. It includes clinical training, achieves a 100% PRAXIS pass rate, and prepares graduates for careers with a median salary of $89,290. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, three recommendations, and CSDCAS application, with priority by January 15 and rolling admission until May 15.
Detroit, MI - Public 4-Year - wayne.edu
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Wayne State University's Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a preprofessional path in Detroit, blending mathematics, psychology, and physical sciences. This 120-credit campus program prepares students for graduate studies and ASHA clinical certification through hands-on research opportunities and state-of-the-art labs. Foundational and advanced coursework in audiology and phonetics provides practical experience in treating speech and hearing disorders. With projected 21% job growth for speech-language pathologists by 2031, this bachelor's program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams.
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Wayne State University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is an entry-level graduate program that transforms students into skilled clinicians through rigorous curriculum and comprehensive clinical training. This two-year, campus-based program prepares graduates for ASHA certification and state licensure while addressing diverse communication disorders across all age groups. Students benefit from experienced faculty guidance, research opportunities, and multiple clinical practice courses. The program emphasizes practical skills, inclusivity, and thorough understanding of language, voice, and fluency disorders. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
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Wayne State University's MA-SLP program blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience to equip graduates for certification as speech-language pathologists. This campus program covers language development, disorders, and neuroscience while integrating hands-on clinical practice throughout. Out-of-state students qualify for reduced tuition, and the curriculum prepares for diverse career paths with focus on language, voice, and fluency disorders. Faculty provide experienced guidance alongside advanced research opportunities. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Wayne State University's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with Speech-Language Pathology concentration prepares students for academic, research, and advanced clinical careers. Located in Detroit with proximity to major health centers, this campus program requires an M.A. or M.S. degree, GRE scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Emphasizing individualized coursework and original research in areas like child language and neuroimaging, it encourages multiple research lab experiences but does not lead to clinical licensure. An entrance exam (GRE) is required for this doctorate level program.
Berrien Springs, MI - Private 4-year - andrews.edu
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Andrews University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology provides a campus-based education combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience for careers in speech therapy and audiology. The program emphasizes science and communication courses, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent for admission. As a bachelor's level program, it does not mandate ACT or SAT exams, focusing instead on foundational skills and financial aid accessibility to support students in entering the healthcare field.
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Andrews University's Master of Speech-Language Pathology program emphasizes rigorous academic coursework integrated with extensive hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. The program fosters a supportive environment that encourages research and professional development. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. With varied application deadlines, early submission is advised to secure a spot in this comprehensive training pathway.
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The Transitional 3-Year Track for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology at Andrews University offers a flexible structure tailored for students at various life stages, blending academic rigor with practical clinical training to prepare for professional certification and licensure. This program supports diverse educational backgrounds with a focus on adaptability and success in speech pathology careers. Admission includes GRE scores as part of the requirements, ensuring a pathway to advanced practice in communication sciences.
Ypsilanti, MI - Public 4-Year - emich.edu
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Eastern Michigan University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology provides comprehensive clinical training through on-site practicum and off-campus internships, preparing graduates for diverse professional settings. The program welcomes students from various academic backgrounds, offering a flexible pathway that typically extends to three years for those without prior speech pathology experience. Notably, no GRE scores are required for admission, which has deadlines of January 15 for Fall and June 30 for Winter. Students gain hands-on experience serving both children and adults, supported by required recommendation letters and a personal essay.
Concentration: Pediatric Focus - Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Michigan University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with a Pediatric Focus emphasizes specialized training for working with children through accredited clinical practice. The program includes extensive hands-on experience at the on-site Speech and Hearing Clinic and off-campus internships, completed in two years full-time for students with an SLP undergraduate background. Admission does not require GRE scores but needs three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a CV/resume, with Fall and Winter application deadlines. Evening classes offer flexibility, particularly benefiting working students pursuing this concentration.
Concentration: Adult Focus - Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Michigan University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with an Adult Focus concentrates on clinical practice for adult populations, integrating academic and hands-on training through the on-site clinic and internships. This accredited program spans 2-3 years full-time and requires no GRE scores for admission, instead mandating three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a CV/resume with January 15 and June 30 deadlines. Graduates are equipped to address diverse communication needs in various settings, supported by a curriculum that empowers them as future speech-language pathologists.
Marquette, MI - Public 4-Year - nmu.edu
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Northern Michigan University's Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate curricula focused on human communication processes and disorders. Students gain practical experience through videotaped and live observations, plus clinical practicum at the NMU clinic, preparing for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. Graduate programs require a GPA above 3.0 and an entrance exam for admission. The curriculum includes courses in biology, statistics, physics, linguistics, and technical writing, supported by specialized communication sciences training for real-world application.
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Northern Michigan University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time, two-year graduate program that prepares students for professional certification through advanced training in human communication processes and disorders. The program emphasizes extensive clinical training with hands-on experience under certified faculty supervision, including clinical practicum courses. Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in schools, hospitals, and private practices. This master's level program requires an entrance exam for admission. The curriculum focuses on building foundational knowledge and practical skills, with upcoming details to be announced.
Kalamazoo, MI - Public 4-Year - wmich.edu
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Western Michigan University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year campus-based program that prepares students for ASHA certification. It emphasizes interprofessional clinical training, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practices through hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities. The program offers diverse clinical opportunities and graduate assistantships, with a holistic admissions process and a January 15 application deadline. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu
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Michigan State University's Ph.D. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders equips students for academic, industry, and clinical leadership through rigorous research training. The program emphasizes personalized goals in communication sciences, covering research ethics, statistics, and cognitive science. Students develop practical skills in grant writing, publishing, and teaching, supported by assistantships and tuition waivers. It requires an entrance exam for admission, focusing on advancing knowledge in speech, language, and hearing sciences with hands-on lab rotations and diverse career pathways.
Mount Pleasant, MI - Public 4-Year - cmich.edu
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Central Michigan University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a campus-based program that prepares students for clinical certification through rigorous training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences across diverse populations, supported by state-of-the-art research facilities and supervision. It is accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation and offers both on and off-campus clinical opportunities. This residential program does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on developing critical thinking and ethical standards for successful careers as speech-language pathologists.
If you are choosing between an SLP bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in speech-language pathology in Michigan, you are in luck. The basics you require are provided by the bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) offered by colleges such as Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan. Expect classes in speech anatomy, phonetics, and language development. Admissions usually just need a high school diploma or GED, your GPA, and test scores like the ACT or SAT (though some schools may be test-optional now). With that degree, you can get work as a speech-language pathology assistant or in other support roles.
However, to become a fully licensed SLP in Michigan, you will need a master’s. Wayne State, Western Michigan and Grand Valley State desire you to have CSD prerequisites or an undergrad background in the field along with a good GPA and letters of recommendation. Some also require the GRE. Yes, a master’s can be costly. You will find that in-state tuition is in the $20,000 to $40,000 range for the entire master’s degree. But most people find the payoff is worth the cost as Speech Pathologists in Michigan earn well in the low-to-mid $80,000s, with plenty of job openings in schools and hospitals.
With just a bachelor’s, you won’t be able to work in that same pay range, but you can work in support roles or progress to a master’s at a later time. In total, Michigan’s strong healthcare networks, increasing schools, and community support make this state a great choice for both bachelor’s and master’s SLP programs.
If you are thinking of taking your SLP career as far as it can go, you might have your eye on a doctoral path. In Michigan, Wayne State and Michigan State University offer PhD programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which are research heavy and get ready for academic careers. Typical admission requirements include a master’s degree (sometimes in speech language pathology or a related field), letters of recommendation and a good academic record. These programs can lead to jobs such as university professors, research scientists, or managers in healthcare. Tuition for a PhD is different from that of a master’s program because many students receive stipends or assistantships that pay for part or all of their tuition.
Currently, there is no in-state option for an advanced clinical doctorate, aka SLPD. However, most people here opt for online speech pathology programs or out-of-state SLPD programs if they want to enhance their clinical and leadership abilities. An SLPD usually demands a master’s in speech-language pathology, a current SLP license, and in some cases, the CCC-SLP credential. You can move up to the top levels of administration, supervision, or therapy with a clinical doctorate. The salary will depend on the industry but SLP doctorate degree holders in this state can earn more than the master’s level salary, particularly if they get faculty positions or management positions in hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
In Michigan, becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist is rather simple. First, you have to obtain a graduate degree in speech pathology from an institution that has been accredited – this is usually a master’s degree. Once you have completed your studies, you will have to do a clinical fellowship of at least 1,260 hours supervised (this can take about nine months). That fellowship allows you to gain experience while you are still under the regulation of another SLP. However, one must pass the Praxis exam in speech-language pathology, which is a national exam to determine the competency of individuals who want to practice the profession.
You can only apply for the full Michigan SLP license from the Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology after that.
When applying, you will require copies of your official transcripts, a document that proves the number of supervised hours you have rendered, and a Praxis score of at least 160. A background check, human trafficking awareness training, and implicit bias training are also required to practice.
After being fully licensed, your Michigan SLP license will be valid for two years and be renewed every two years, and the licensee must have at least 20 hours of CE. At least one of those CE hours must address pain management strategies. However, ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) may be the preferred credential. It can also be used to show professional standards when you change states or wish to advance your career to higher speech pathologist positions in hospitals, schools or private clinics.
If you are looking for the quickest way to become a speech-language pathologist in Michigan, there are a few ways that will help you beat the standard timelines. The usual time for a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is four years, but Andrews University has a combined bachelor’s and master’s track that can bring the total time to about five years instead of six. That’s a pretty big deal if you want to start working sooner and pay a bit less in tuition.
For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, a standard master’s degree is usually two years. Among these, Grand Valley State has a 16-month master’s program for students who have fulfilled all the entry requirements. This accelerated SLP degree track, which moves quickly through coursework and clinical training, has graduates able to proceed directly to their clinical fellowships with minimal delay. Doctoral programs, like a PhD, can take at least four years, but if you factor in research or teaching duties, it could be longer still.
There isn’t currently a combined SLP master’s/doctoral path that cuts more time from the program in Michigan, but you can look at out-of-state or online SLPD programs if you are interested in advancing clinically without having to be in school for more years than necessary. Ultimately, it will depend on your current situation and how much intensity of study you are willing to undertake to find the fastest way for you.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Calvin University |
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| Eastern Michigan University |
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| Michigan State University |
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If you’re looking to keep costs down while pursuing speech-language pathology in Michigan, you’re definitely not alone. Attending a public university can sometimes save you from accumulating too much student loan debt. If you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the cost of attendance at Central Michigan or Eastern Michigan is $12,000 to $15,000 per year for in-state students. If you are thinking that is pricey, just remember it is cheaper than the private schools.
For master’s programs in speech pathology, you may be able to do it for between $20,000 and $40,000 all told—again that’s assuming you can get in-state rates. EMU, WSU, and WMU are typically within that price range, but the final cost will vary based on credit hours and university fees. Eastern Michigan, Wayne State, and Western Michigan generally fall into that price range, though the exact amount depends on credit hours and university fees. Private colleges like Calvin or Andrews may run higher, sometimes above $900 per credit, though they do offer scholarships or other financial support.
If a PhD is on your radar, you might actually spend less than you think if you land a teaching assistantship or research stipend. That kind of funding can offset tuition in a big way. As for an SLPD, Michigan doesn’t currently offer one in-state, so you’d likely have to look to online SLP programs or elsewhere. In the end, balancing cost with your career goals is the name of the game here.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Calvin University |
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| Wayne State University |
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| Andrews University |
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