Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPMissouri is a great place to consider if you want to become a speech-language pathologist because of the variety of accredited SLP programs, low cost, and job availability. Public universities’ in-state tuition stands between $300 and $450 per graduate credit; this is often cheaper than the tuition in many other surrounding states. However, private institutions and out-of-state schools are more expensive. This affordability is in line with the projected 25% growth of speech pathologist jobs in Missouri in the next decade, which is higher than the national average of 18-19%. Also, Missouri has a relatively low cost of living, and the average annual salary of a speech-language pathologist is about $80,000, which makes it possible to have a comfortable life.
Graduates are provided with plenty of clinical practice in metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as in the rural areas which require speech-language pathology services. If you are looking for a speech-language pathology undergraduate or graduate degree, or clinical training, Missouri has what it takes to meet your needs in terms of affordability, quality, and future employment.
Speechpathology.org brings you the top SLP programs in Missouri based on what students care about most: strong academics, real-world experience, and reputation. Discover leading speech pathology programs in Missouri and learn how we choose them at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu
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Missouri State University-Springfield's campus-based undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program features a Speech Language Pathology concentration. With affordable tuition and instruction from experienced clinicians, it prepares students for graduate studies or supporting roles in clinics and nursing homes. The curriculum emphasizes bridging communication gaps and building speech-language pathology skills. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
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Missouri State University-Springfield's campus-based Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate program offers an Audiology concentration. This strategic pathway provides comprehensive training in hearing sciences, preparing students for graduate audiology programs or healthcare support roles. The clinician-taught curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills for diagnosing communication challenges. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield offers a hybrid Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Speech Language Pathology track. This ASHA-accredited graduate program spans four regular semesters plus a summer, blending academic, clinical, and research training to prepare students for professional careers. The curriculum focuses on identifying and meeting communication needs across diverse populations. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam for admission.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - maryville.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Maryville University's online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology requires no GRE exam and spans five semesters with 57 credits at a total cost of $57,300. This fully online program includes clinical practicums in the final three semesters and prepares students for ASHA certification and state licensure. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or equivalent coursework with a 3.0 GPA minimum, offering start dates in January and August.
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Maryville University's campus-based Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program requires 36 credits of coursework covering speech sound disorders, language disorders, and dysphagia, plus 21 credits of clinical experiences in school and medical settings. The program prepares students for the PRAXIS exam and emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and professional ethics. Admission requires undergraduate prerequisites in communication sciences with a February 1st deadline.
Columbia, MO - Public 4-Year - missouri.edu
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The Bachelor of Health Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at University of Missouri-Columbia prepares students for graduate study or immediate work as speech-language pathology assistants. With a low student-faculty ratio and hands-on experience opportunities, the program requires 42 hours of SLHS coursework within a 120-credit graduation total. Admission demands 30 college credit hours and a 3.0 GPA. This bachelor's-level program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
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The University of Missouri-Columbia's Master of Health Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a Speech-Language Pathology emphasis prepares students for clinical practice through 48 credit hours of graduate coursework requiring B- or higher grades. This two-year program includes at least 375 supervised clinical practicum hours and requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA on the last 60 credits. Students without a related undergraduate background need 26 additional prerequisite credit hours. Admissions utilize the CSDCAS application system with a January 15 deadline and require TOEFL scores for international applicants. This master's-level program does not require an entrance exam.
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As Missouri's only PhD program in Speech-Language Pathology, this University of Missouri-Columbia offering focuses on research and practical experience in areas like language, literacy, fluency, and aphasia. The campus-based program provides hands-on learning opportunities through various clinics and services, preparing graduates for rewarding careers in speech-language pathology. Admission requires a strong academic background and passion for improving communication and swallowing disorders. This doctorate-level program does not require an entrance exam.
Kirksville, MO - Public 4-Year - truman.edu
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Truman State University's Master of Arts in Communication Disorders is an ASHA-accredited graduate program with over 50 years of experience preparing speech-language pathologists. This rigorous 46-credit curriculum requires 400 clinical contact hours and a 3.00 minimum GPA, with GRE scores considered in admissions. Students gain hands-on experience through diverse clinical internships and campus-based speech clinic exposure to various populations. The program offers an optional thesis track and meets professional credentialing requirements for careers in schools, medical centers, rehabilitation facilities, and private practice.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - slu.edu
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Saint Louis University's undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program provides comprehensive training in speech pathology and audiology, preparing students for graduate studies or entry-level professional roles. The program requires 38 credits, 25 clinical observation hours, and includes an optional clinical practicum and capstone project. With a focus on evidence-based practice, students learn to assess and treat communication disorders across diverse populations. Annual tuition is approximately $54,760. This bachelor's-level program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
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Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is a two-year, 58-credit program that includes clinical practicum each term. This campus-based program requires a bachelor's degree in communication sciences, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and application through CSDCAS. With a 97% graduation rate and 99% employment rate, the program prepares students for speech-language pathology careers through evidence-based practice serving diverse populations. Tuition ranges from $5,820 to $13,580 per term. The program requires the Praxis exam for certification.
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Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year, six-semester program requiring 58 credits. Students complete clinical practicum each term and prepare for careers in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or prerequisite courses, a 3.0 GPA, and application through CSDCAS. The program boasts a 97% graduation rate and 99% employment rate. Tuition varies from $5,820 to $13,580 per term. The program requires the Praxis exam for certification.
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Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences prepares students to serve diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders. This six-semester, 58-credit program includes clinical practicum each term and starts in summer. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or leveling courses, a 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and application through CSDCAS. With a 97% graduation rate and 99% employment rate, tuition ranges from $5,820 to $13,580 per semester. The program requires the Praxis exam for certification.
Warrensburg, MO - Public 4-Year - ucmo.edu
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The University of Central Missouri's Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology provides comprehensive training for those passionate about helping individuals with communication disorders. This campus-based program features a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and hands-on clinical experience at the on-campus Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders. The curriculum covers audiology, aural rehabilitation, and multicultural issues in communication disorders, preparing graduates for immediate employment as speech-language pathology assistants in Missouri or for graduate studies. Financial aid options including scholarships are available. This bachelor's program does not specify ACT or SAT requirements in the provided information.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Missouri's Master of Science in Communication Disorders is a campus-based graduate program that prepares students for speech-language pathology careers. This program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission and uses the CSDCAS application system with deadlines in February and March. Students complete 400 clinical hours across onsite and offsite placements, covering disorders from autism to swallowing issues. The program takes six semesters for students with a communication disorders background or nine semesters for others. It offers scholarships and assistantships, features interprofessional education, and has high completion and employment rates. No entrance exam is required for this master's program.
Cape Girardeau, MO - Public 4-Year - semo.edu
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Southeast Missouri State University's Master of Arts in Communication Disorders features a Speech-Language Pathology concentration delivered on campus. This CAA-accredited graduate program requires 58 credits, including clinical practicum and specialized coursework in disorders across age groups. Admission mandates a 3.0 GPA, CSDCAS application by January 15, and a virtual interview if invited. Notably, no GRE is required. The curriculum prepares students for ASHA certification and Missouri licensure, with strong employment outcomes and high Praxis pass rates. Scholarships and graduate assistantships support students in this summer-start program.
Kansas City, MO - Private 4-year - rockhurst.edu
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Rockhurst University's campus-based Speech-Language Pathology program in Kansas City, MO, prepares students for careers in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. This comprehensive program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and a strong academic foundation. As a Roman Catholic institution, it offers a supportive environment and is military-friendly. The program requires a robust academic background for admission, though specific entrance exam requirements for graduate-level programs are not detailed in the provided information.
Kirksville, MO - Private 4-year - atsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
A.T. Still University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 66-credit, two-year hybrid program that blends residential and online coursework. This program emphasizes culturally responsive care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration while developing telepractice skills. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters through CSDCAS, and no GRE exam. The curriculum includes clinical practicums and prepares students for the Praxis exam, with financial aid available for tuition and fees.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This two-year hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at A.T. Still University focuses on preparing clinicians for diverse communication disorders through multicultural education and bilingual service delivery. The 66-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, interprofessional collaboration, and telepractice methodology across multiple clinical settings. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework and a minimum 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam specified. Students gain extensive clinical experience and preparation for ASHA certification.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - fontbonne.edu
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Fontbonne University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides a comprehensive foundation for graduate studies or immediate work as a speech-language pathology assistant in Missouri. Students gain hands-on experience in the Eardley Family Clinic while studying normal language development and communication disorders. Accredited by ASHA, the program prepares students for state licensure and certification. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission at the bachelor's level and features an active student association.
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Fontbonne University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a specialized concentration in working with children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This campus-based program provides extensive hands-on clinical experience through the on-campus Eardley Family Clinic, which offers free speech and language services to individuals aged 2-98. Students participate in unique therapy camps like Camp F.I.R.E. for literacy and Camp G.O.A.L.S. for maintaining therapy goals. The program boasts a 100% post-graduation placement rate and 100% pass rate on national exams. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
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Fontbonne University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology features a concentration in working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders. This campus-based program includes clinical practicum hours at the on-campus Eardley Family Clinic, where students gain experience with diverse populations. The curriculum incorporates specialized programs like Aphasia Boot Camp and AAC Camp, preparing graduates for high-demand careers in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. With 100% placement and national exam pass rates, this program requires an entrance exam for admission at the master's level.
A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in Missouri, as a rule, requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and a good GPA and scores in standardized tests for admission. In the first year, students are expected to take about 120 credits which provide them with a general education in speech and hearing science, phonetics and language development.
After graduating with an SLP bachelor’s degree, many graduates become Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), work in other healthcare or education support roles, or prepare for advanced studies and applications to graduate programs. The career outlook for SPLAs is ok in Missouri with an average annual salary of $30,000 to $40,000. For a higher annual salary and more job responsibilities, many speech pathology bachelor’s degree grads continue on to become a licensed Speech-language pathologist.
A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) is the minimum degree requirement to practice as a fully licensed SLP. Most master’s degrees of speech pathology require a bachelor’s degree in CSD or completion of specific prerequisite ‘leveling’ courses. Applicants will likely need to submit letters of recommendation and have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate work. Master’s degrees in SLP average 50-60 credits and take approximately 2 years to complete. The tuition costs can range from $300 – $450 per credit for students at public universities taking advantage of in-state tuition.
Speech-language pathologists in Missouri can expect to earn an annual salary of $80,000 and up depending on whether they achieve ASHA’s CCC-SLP certification. This higher earning potential can usually justify the extra tuition as compared to that of a bachelor’s program. If you can’t find many in-state master’s programs that fit your schedule, some fully accredited online speech pathology programs can be great alternatives to ensure that Missouri students have options and good careers in both clinical and educational practice.
There are 2 main doctorate degrees in speech pathology: a PhD and clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). Missouri currently only has 1 PhD program available. The University of Missouri (Columbia) has a strong PhD option for those looking to continue their education. The research focused program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the graduate level typically requires a master’s degree or its equivalent for admission, along with strong letters of recommendation, a competitive GPA (often 3.5+) and a clear research statement.
To graduate, students will complete a pretty hefty load of coursework, teaching responsibilities, and a dissertation. In-state PhD candidates typically pay between $300 and $450 per credit in tuition, significantly lower than many other states. This degree prepares graduates for careers in academia, scientific research, and leadership roles in the development of clinical guidelines.
In contrast to the research focused PhD program, the SLPD is designed to enhance advanced clinical speech pathology practice. Unfortunately, there is not currently and SLPD program available in Missouri, so prospective students commonly seek fully accredited online or out-of-state programs. Admission requirements for SLPD offerings elsewhere often include a master’s in SLP, a current CCC-SLP, and documented clinical experience. These programs tend to run 30–45 credits over two to three years, preparing graduates for high-level clinical oversight, policy advocacy, and managerial positions. While SLPD salaries mirror experienced SLP pay, PhD holders often command higher earnings in research, teaching, and administrative roles.
Getting your Missouri SLP License requires the following criteria: A master’s degree or above in Speech-Language Pathology from an ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) program. It also required completing at least 400 clinical hours, including 25 observation hours and 375 hours of patient contact. You must also pass the Praxis exam in Speech Pathology before starting a clinical fellowship of about 36 weeks of full time work under supervision. The provisional license is issued by Missouri’s Board of Healing Arts during that fellowship. Licensure application follows fellowship completion. It entails a background check and the submission of forms based on your education, exam scores, and supervised experience.
Speech Pathologists must have their Missouri SLP License renewed every two years, which requires 30 hours of continuing education. Maintaining up to date with new therapy methods, ethics standards and clinical technologies maintains your practice and, in turn, your licensure.
If you want to be an SLPA, you will have to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or its equivalent. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree, but it is not in a related field, there are 21 more CSD specific credits that can be taken in anatomy/physiology of speech, phonetics, speech language development and disorders, and clinical methods that will be considered the equivalent of a CSD bachelor’s degree. You will need 50 clinical hours with at least 25 hours of supervised observation and 25 hours of hands-on clinical training before you can obtain your Missouri SLPA License.
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for licensure through the state. Application will require a background check and fee payment. There aren’t any required tests to become a SLPA in Missouri, but ASHA does offer a Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification (C-SLPA) that you can get. Once you have your license you will be able to practice under a licensed SLP.
The speech-language pathology (SLP) programs in Missouri are traditionally four years for a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and two more years for a master’s degree in SLP. But if you are looking for the fastest SLP programs, there are some pretty good shortcuts available to you. For instance, Saint Louis University has a rather innovative five-year accelerated speech pathology program that enables exceptional undergraduates to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and thereby qualify for state licensure.
Normally, a regular bachelor’s degree is 120 credit hours and a master’s degree is 50-60 graduate credit hours over two years. Thus, through the combination of these requirements, it is possible to eliminate the need for almost a full year, thus allowing students to enter the speech-language pathology profession a year earlier.
Missouri does not have any combined master’s doctoral (PhD or SLP D) programs, but the University of Missouri in Columbia does offer Missouri’s only PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. In research or academia, you can usually move straight from the master’s to the PhD, depending on your interests and the availability of supervisors in the faculty. No matter the path, you may want to finish sooner to take full advantage of Missouri’s solid job market for SLPs — which is growing faster than in many surrounding states — and get a start on a career that can be both rewarding and lucrative.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Maryville University |
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| Missouri State University |
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| University of Central Missouri |
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If you are looking to keep the costs of your tuition fees to a minimum, there are several cheap SLP programs in Missouri that offer a good standard of education at an affordable price. Some state universities, for example, Truman State University of Southeast Missouri State, provide Communication Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s degree at $250-$370 per credit for in-state students, which is much cheaper than in many other states.
If you want to become a fully licensed speech-language pathologist, master’s programs at public universities like Missouri State or University of Central Missouri are usually $300-450 per graduate credit in-state. This may not seem like a lot, but if you are looking at 50-60 credits, this can save you a significant amount when compared to the private tuition rates that may be more than $700k per credit.
For the students planning to pursue research or academic careers, University of Missouri’s PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences has the same price structure as the master’s level PhD programs – $300 – $450 per credit. Many PhD students are also able to get graduate assistantships or fellowships that include tuition waivers and a stipend that greatly reduces the overall costs. Despite the fact that Missouri does not have an SLPD, all the accredited online or out-of-state SLPD programs are available to you if you want to pursue a clinical doctorate. Either way, the in-state tuition and potential funding sources make Missouri a cost-effective location to begin your SLP education.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Missouri State University |
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| University of Missouri |
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| Maryville University |
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