Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Elizabeth Monroe, M.S., CCC‑SLPNew York is one of the leading states in the country to get your degree in speech-language pathology (SLP). New York has an abundance of accredited programs, strong job market, and an above average salary. New York has more than two dozen accredited master’s programs and several high-quality undergraduate options across the state’s well-respected public universities, including SUNY and CUNY, as well as prestigious private institutions like NYU, Columbia, and Syracuse University, which makes it unparalleled in educational diversity.
The strong job outlook is one of the standouts why you should get into an SLP career in New York. The state’s aging population coupled with increasing awareness of communication disorders has led to rising need for trained speech pathologists. The New York State Department of Labor has forecast job growth in this field to outperform the national rates with growth of approximately 25% (vs 21% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics nationwide).
In addition to the growth that will bring additional jobs to school SLPs, pediatric speech-language pathologists, and medical SLPs, the SLPs in New York earn more than the national average. Speech pathologists in New York salaries start at approximately $55,000 annually for entry level positions and climb to greater than $100,000 with experience.
Explore the top-rated speech pathology programs in New York with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best speech pathology schools in New York for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
New York, NY - Private 4-year - columbia.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a comprehensive 55-credit program that blends rigorous academics with extensive clinical training through the on-campus Mysak Clinic. It prepares students for New York State certification in speech-language pathology, offering multiple tracks including initial certification and bilingual extension. The curriculum emphasizes diverse clinical settings and research integration, with over 90% of students opting for certification paths. As a master's-level program, it may require an entrance exam, though specifics are not stated in the data.
Concentration: Bilingual Extension - Campus Based - Visit Website
This Master of Science program at Columbia University focuses on a Bilingual Extension concentration, accredited by ASHA and spanning two years with 55 credits. It includes clinical practicum and prepares graduates for NY State licensing and ASHA CCC-SLP certification, requiring five prerequisite courses. The program emphasizes bilingual services in communication disorders. For this master's degree, an entrance exam might be required, but details are not provided in the data.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with professional certification is a two-year, 55-credit program accredited by ASHA. It combines academic coursework with clinical practicum, enabling eligibility for NY State licensure and ASHA certification in areas like speech and language disorders. A minimum of five prerequisite courses is needed. As a master's program, entrance exams could be required, though the data does not specify.
Concentration: Bilingual Extension - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focused on a Bilingual Extension concentration, this Master of Science program at Columbia University offers 55-58 credits with options for initial NYS certification and professional tracks. It features hands-on training at the Mysak Clinic and international learning experiences, preparing students for diverse settings in speech-language pathology. An online prerequisite program is available. For this master's-level offering, entrance exam requirements are not detailed in the data.
Concentration: Initial Certification in Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities - Campus Based - Visit Website
This Master of Science program at Columbia University specializes in Initial Certification for Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities (TSLD), requiring 55 credits over two years including a summer session. Accredited by ASHA, it has a bilingual-multicultural focus and includes clinical practicum, with most students pursuing TSLD certification. Admission necessitates five prerequisites and a comprehensive application. As a master's program, it may require an entrance exam, but the data does not confirm this.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a research-intensive program requiring 75 credit points and a dissertation, with a focus on translational research and bilingualism. It employs an apprenticeship model, involving faculty research projects, and admits students with a master's degree for full-time campus study. For this doctorate-level program, an entrance exam is typically required, though specific exam names are not mentioned in the provided data.
New York, NY - Private 4-year - yu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Speech Pathology and Audiology baccalaureate program at Stern College for Women provides a foundation in anatomy, physiology, and clinical skills for addressing speech, language, and hearing disorders. Emphasizing culturally relevant care, it includes hands-on clinical experience, observation hours, and activities like the Speech Pathology-Audiology Club and NSSLHA chapter. Graduates are prepared for advanced graduate studies and careers in the field. This program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
Concentration: medical aspects of speech-language pathology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology offers a 55-credit hybrid program specializing in medical aspects, preparing students for healthcare careers with flexible full-time or part-time options. The curriculum includes four clinical externships and advanced diagnostic technology training, covering diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders across all life stages. Graduates are equipped for ASHA certification and state licensure, with strong job prospects and salaries ranging from $66,000 to $100,000. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology is a 55-credit hybrid program based in New York City, focusing on medical SLP with training in advanced diagnostic technologies and telehealth. Students can choose full-time or part-time study, including four clinical externships, to gain comprehensive experience across patient lifespans. The program prepares graduates for ASHA certification and high-demand careers, with competitive salaries from $66,000 to $100,000. An entrance exam is required for admission.
New York, NY - Private 4-year - nyu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
New York University's on-campus MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders is a 48-credit program preparing students for licensure as speech-language pathologists. It emphasizes prevention, assessment, and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders, integrating research with clinical practice. Admission requires GRE scores, a bachelor's degree, and letters of recommendation, with a January 1 deadline. The program includes supervised clinical practicums in diverse settings, offering hands-on learning and specialization opportunities, such as in bilingual speech-language pathology, to equip graduates for careers in schools, hospitals, and private practices.
Concentration: Bilingual Extension Track (BET) - Online Learning - Visit Website
New York University's online MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a Bilingual Extension Track (BET) focuses on preparing students for licensure as speech-language pathologists with specialized training in culturally responsive interventions for multilingual populations. This 48-credit program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical training, including two off-campus externships and an optional master's thesis. Admission requires GRE scores and has a January 1 deadline for fall starts. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and offers full-time study, equipping graduates for advanced roles in diverse clinical settings.
Concentration: Bilingual Extension Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
NYU Steinhardt's on-campus MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a Bilingual Extension Track prepares students for licensure through a 48-credit, hands-on curriculum that includes culturally responsive practices. This full-time program does not require the GRE for admission but needs two academic recommendation letters and has a January 1 application deadline. It focuses on diagnosing and treating communication disorders across diverse populations, offering both on-campus and online formats to develop advanced clinical skills for careers in healthcare and education.
Concentration: Intensive Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
New York University's on-campus MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders Intensive Track is designed for science and liberal arts graduates, offering a 48-credit program that leads to professional licensure without requiring the GRE. Admission recommends a minimum 3.0 GPA and two academic recommendation letters, with a January 1 deadline. The program emphasizes culturally responsive curriculum and provides 400 direct clinical hours, focusing on diagnosing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders. It includes options like the Bilingual Extension Track, preparing graduates for roles in various healthcare and educational settings.
Campus Based - Visit Website
New York University's on-campus PhD in Communicative Sciences and Disorders is a full-time, research-focused program with 36–48 credits, preparing students for careers as independent scholars. It requires a demonstrated research interest for admission, with applications due by January 6 for a fall start, but does not specify an entrance exam. The program offers full funding for five years, including tuition, fees, health insurance, and a living stipend, and involves faculty mentorship, lab rotations, and teaching opportunities. Students engage in cutting-edge research on speech, language, and swallowing, tailored for interdisciplinary academic paths.
Hempstead, NY - Private 4-year - hofstra.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a 52-credit program that prepares clinicians to serve individuals with communication disorders across pediatric and adult populations. The ASHA-accredited curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional ethics, and comprehensive assessment and intervention strategies. Students complete 375 clinical contact hours through external placements and the on-campus community services clinic. The program offers a standard track and a teacher certification option, with full-time completion in two years. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and relevant prerequisites; no entrance exam is mentioned as required.
Concentration: Teacher Certification - Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with Teacher Certification (TSSLD) focuses on preparing expert clinicians for communication disorders, with an emphasis on educational settings. This 52-credit, ASHA-accredited program includes 375 clinical contact hours at the Saltzman Center and external placements, training students to assess and treat all age groups. The curriculum meets rigorous standards, and graduates are qualified for roles in schools, hospitals, and private practices. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and recommendations; no entrance exam is specified as required for this master's level program.
Concentration: Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with Teacher Certification at Hofstra University specializes in the Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) concentration, equipping graduates for school-based roles. This 52-credit program provides comprehensive training in evaluating and treating communication disorders through academic coursework and clinical practicums in diverse settings. ASHA-accredited, it ensures readiness for professional environments with a focus on pediatric and adult populations. Full-time students finish in two years, meeting admission criteria of a 3.0 GPA and prerequisites; no entrance exam is noted as necessary for this master's program.
Concentration: Bilingual Extension - Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with Bilingual Extension centers on the Bilingual Extension concentration, preparing clinicians to serve diverse linguistic populations. The 52- to 57-credit program includes 375 clinical contact hours through on-campus and external placements, covering pediatric and adult settings. ASHA-accredited, it offers tracks with or without teacher certification, emphasizing evidence-based practices. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, prerequisites, and recommendations, with full-time completion in two years; no entrance exam is indicated as required for this master's level offering.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a CAA-ASHA accredited program that focuses on bridging communication gaps through research and evidence-based practices. Students gain hands-on experience at the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, preparing for roles in schools, hospitals, and private practices. The program evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders, with no GRE required for admission, making it accessible. This master's level program does not mandate an entrance exam, as explicitly stated, and emphasizes clinical readiness for diverse populations.
Buffalo, NY - Public 4-Year - buffalo.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University at Buffalo's PhD in Communicative Disorders and Sciences with a Speech-Language Pathology concentration provides advanced research and clinical training. Students engage in interdisciplinary studies, utilizing state-of-the-art labs and collaborating with faculty across disciplines. The program emphasizes university teaching, clinical practice, and personalized curriculum development, preparing graduates for leadership roles in academia and clinical settings. Admission requires a strong academic background and research potential. An entrance exam is required for this doctoral program.
Concentration: Speech Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Speech Science, this PhD program at the University at Buffalo offers specialized training in speech-language pathology and audiology research. Students benefit from individualized curricula, access to advanced research facilities, and opportunities in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. The program prepares graduates for academic and clinical research careers, with financial aid and teaching assistantships available. Admission is based on academic excellence and research potential, and an entrance exam is required for this doctoral level.
Concentration: Language Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Language Science concentration in the University at Buffalo's PhD program delivers cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in speech, language, and hearing sciences. Students pursue personalized research agendas with access to advanced facilities and faculty expertise in linguistics, neuroscience, and technology. This program equips graduates for leadership in academia and clinical research, fostering a collaborative environment. Admission requires a strong academic background and research commitment, with an entrance exam necessary for this doctorate.
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - hunter.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hunter College's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time, 68-credit campus program designed to prepare students for professional certification and licensure. The curriculum spans up to six semesters with a locked course sequence, covering comprehensive assessment and treatment of communication disorders. Students benefit from affordable tuition at $11K annually and flexible class schedules including day and evening options. The program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and the GRE General Test for admission, with a February 1st application deadline. Graduates are eligible for ASHA certification, state licensing, and teaching credentials in speech and language disabilities.
Bronx, NY - Public 4-Year - lehman.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lehman College's Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology offers a foundational, campus-based education in the Bronx, NY, ideal for students pursuing graduate studies in communication sciences. The program explores typical and atypical development of speech, language, and hearing, incorporating cultural influences to address communication disorders. With competitive tuition and CUNY admission standards, it requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam, providing a solid base for careers in helping professions without a specific concentration.
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Lehman College's M.A. in Speech Language Pathology is an ASHA-accredited, campus-based program that prepares students for the CCC-SLP credential and New York State licensure. Emphasizing clinical practice at the on-site Speech and Hearing Center, it provides hands-on training in diagnosing and treating speech, language, and hearing disorders across diverse populations. The curriculum integrates research opportunities and encourages professional presentations, requiring specific prerequisites for admission. This program does not mandate an entrance exam, focusing instead on comprehensive, practical education for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Syracuse, NY - Private 4-year - syracuse.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Syracuse University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a comprehensive 46-53 credit program that prepares students for ASHA certification through advanced clinical practicum every semester. The curriculum covers diverse disorders from childhood language issues to neurogenic communication problems, with training for both school and clinical settings. The program requires a comprehensive final semester exam and offers additional courses for non-CSD undergraduates. This campus-based program emphasizes evidence-based techniques and research, preparing graduates for healthcare and educational careers.
Concentration: Optional Concentration in Neuroscience - Campus Based - Visit Website
Syracuse University's Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology with an optional Neuroscience concentration provides individualized research experiences with close faculty mentorship. Students utilize state-of-the-art technologies like ultrasound and EEG while benefiting from proximity to medical centers for collaborative research. This small campus program emphasizes research publication, teaching opportunities, and personalized study plans. The program requires an entrance exam and prepares graduates for leadership roles in speech-language pathology research and academia.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Syracuse University's Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology offers personalized mentorship and access to advanced research technologies including the on-campus Gebbie Clinic. Students engage in cutting-edge research with opportunities for publication, teaching, and networking with professionals. Located near top medical centers, this campus program provides dedicated lab and office space while emphasizing research design and clinical training. The program requires an entrance exam and prepares graduates for academic and clinical leadership positions.
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - ccny.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY City College's campus-based Speech Pathology program provides a comprehensive education focused on developing communication skills, preparing students for entry-level roles or advanced studies. Known for affordable tuition, the program emphasizes a strong foundation in speech-language pathology without requiring a specific entrance exam. Admissions typically need a high school diploma with a preference for science and communication coursework. Prospective students should verify current application details on the college's website for accurate requirements.
Ithaca, NY - Private 4-year - ithaca.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ithaca College's campus-based Speech-Language Pathology B.S. program prepares students as communication specialists through rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences at the campus speech and hearing clinic. The curriculum includes observations and therapy sessions, with opportunities for study abroad and automatic acceptance into graduate programs. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT exams for admission, though this is not explicitly stated.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ithaca College's online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) provides a flexible, accredited pathway for working professionals, with fully online coursework and clinical placements near students' homes. The program can be completed in as little as 2.7 years, featuring immersive virtual simulations and dedicated faculty support. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA; no entrance exam is mentioned as required.
When choosing a career in speech-language pathology in New York, the decision between a bachelor’s and master’s degree depends on your future career plans and the level of education you currently pursue. The base degree in this field is a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders which is offered by Brooklyn College (CUNY), SUNY Buffalo State, and Adelphi University among others. Students who are interested in speech therapy but are not quite sure about their future career or want to get a good grounding before moving on to graduate school often choose to do an undergraduate course.
Some of the jobs one can get with this level of education include; Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), speech therapy aides, audiology assistants or even special education paraprofessionals. However, such positions are not directly related to speech-language pathology and are considered to be support roles as licensure requirements call for advanced education.
Conversely, a master’s degree in speech pathology is necessary for anyone wanting to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in New York. The master’s programs in the state—including programs at Queens College, SUNY Fredonia, or the innovative online Speech@NYU—serve as the gateway to a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and even teletherapy.
These programs’ admissions are usually after a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences or any related field; however, for students from other disciplines, there are usually ways of meeting the prerequisites. Not only do the graduates of master’s programs meet the state licensing requirements but also work in a thriving job market with high paying jobs. For those who want to make a real difference to patients’ lives, and particularly in clinical or educational settings, a master’s degree is a clear and rewarding route in New York.
In New York, prospective doctoral candidates in Speech-Language Pathology must decide between a research focused PhD or a clinically focused doctorate in speech pathology. Reputable institutions such as NYU and Columbia University (Teachers College) provide PhD programs for individuals who are planning to pursue careers in academia, research or as higher education teachers. PhD programs often require applicants to have a good academic record from the master’s program, research experience, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a clear statement of purpose. Their graduates are well-placed in academic, research or healthcare management positions.
At the moment, New York universities do not provide on-campus clinical SLPD programs but professionals practice online SLPD degrees offered by renowned universities in the USA. These degrees are particularly suitable for current clinicians who want to build their clinical skills, become leaders, and gain more practical experience. Some examples of requirements for admission include: a master’s degree in SLP, clinical certification, working experience and professional references. Graduates are able to work in advanced clinical management positions, private practice direction or clinical faculty. The online formats help the working clinicians to be able to pursue advanced education without compromising on their speech pathology career.
If you’re looking to become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in New York, you’ll need to meet certain licensure and certification standards set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). While the path might seem daunting initially, each step ensures you’re prepared to deliver quality care and meaningful change in your clients’ lives.
The first step on your path to becoming a licensed SLP in New York is graduating with a master’s degree. This can be a Master’s of Science or Master’s of Art in Speech Pathology. These programs contain the coursework you need in areas such as language development, speech disorders, and audiology. New York also requires that you complete at least 400 clinical hours during your degree program.
After you graduate, you will continue gaining practical experience with a 9 month clinical fellowship. You can condense this into as few as 36 weeks if you are doing it full-time. During this fellowship, you are working with an experienced SLP to refine and put into practice the theories and information that you learned during your graduate degree.
When you are close to finishing your fellowship, you will need to take the Praxis exam. This is a national exam that will test your knowledge in Speech-Language Pathology. With all your clinical experience, you should be ready for the test and easily score the 162 that you need to pass.
Once you have finished all these steps, you will be ready to apply for your license from the New York State Education Department (NYSED)! To apply, you just need to show the documentation for your degree and fellowship, exam scores, pay the application fee (currently about $300) and pass a background check. You will need to be 21 to get your license, but this isn’t generally an issue for people as you will need to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree before you are eligible to apply for a license.
Maintaining your New York SLP license is simple. You will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits for each renewal period. The renewal period is longer in New York than many states, with licenses only requiring renewal once every 3 years. Renewing your license and completing continuing education credits ensures that the professionals practicing in New York are using the most recent research based practices to help their clients.
There is another certification that is required for those speech-language pathologists that are planning to work in the New York public school system. It is the Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification. In addition to the standard licensure requirements, you will need to complete additional pedagogy coursework, pass the NYSTCE Educating All Students (EAS) exam, complete a school based practicum, and complete additional workshops.
If you are anxious to get into the field of speech language pathology as fast as possible, then New York has some accelerated ways to help you through your education. Traditional master’s programs are usually 2 years of full time study but some universities, like LIU Brooklyn, have combined Bachelor’s/master’s programs which allow students to get both the degrees in a shorter time. Furthermore, if you have already obtained your bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or similar field, intensive master’s programs such as those offered at SUNY Fredonia or Queens College (CUNY) can be completed in five semesters (or about two years) with full time enrollment.
Although the speech pathology doctoral programs like the PhD may demand four to five years because of the research component, clinical doctorate programs (SLPD) that are mostly offered online SLP programs by out of state universities can be completed by part time professionals within two to three years. These options enable enthusiastic students to leave the classroom and to engage in valuable professional work quickly.
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Columbia University in the City of New York
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For the students who want to study speech-language pathology in New York without spending too much, the best options are usually the state’s public universities, which are less expensive SLP options than private universities as New York residents. For example, attending a master’s course at a public university is often much cheaper than attending a private university, where tuition is often more than $60,000 to $90,000.
The bachelor’s programs at these public universities also give students a financial start for students who intend to continue to more speech pathology advanced degrees. Although financial aid, scholarships and assistantships can help cut the cost at both public and private schools, attending a public university is the best decision for students who want a quality education in speech-language pathology at an affordable price in New York.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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