Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPFor those interested in pursuing a top-ranked speech pathology degree, Pennsylvania presents a strong case based on academic quality and future job prospects. What makes Pennsylvania special is the opportunity to practice in diverse professional settings, ranging from innovative medical facilities in Philadelphia to limited resources in rural areas and schools across the state, which prepare graduates for different career directions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data, Pennsylvania employed 6,860 SLPs with a mean annual wage of $88,790, just shy of the national median of $89,290. However, the state’s top 10% earn over $121,950, reflecting robust earning potential. According to the BLS, the demand for speech-language pathologists is increasing nationally by 18% from 2023-2033, with 13,700 annual jobs being created; however, the demographics of the state—especially the aging population and the need for education—enhance this trend in Pennsylvania.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Pennsylvania? peechpathology.org ranks top speech-language pathology degrees to help you choose the best one for you. Our list highlights programs known for quality, research, and clinical training. We focus on what matters to students and professionals in Pennsylvania. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Scranton, PA - Private 4-year - scranton.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Scranton's online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a Healthcare Specialization, preparing clinicians to serve diverse populations across the lifespan. This 63-73 credit hour program emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and ethical care while meeting ASHA certification standards. The blended learning format combines online coursework with clinical experiences. As a master's program, it requires entrance exams unless explicitly waived. The program holds CAA candidate accreditation status and incorporates Ignatian pedagogy foundations.
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Scranton's distance learning Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology prepares professional clinicians to address communication disorders across diverse populations. This 63-73 credit hour curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural sensitivity, and ethical clinical care while meeting accreditation standards for clinical competence. The program requires completion of prerequisites and application through graduate admissions. As a master's level program, entrance exams are required unless specifically stated otherwise. The program is currently a candidate for accreditation.
Doylestown, PA - Private 4-year - delval.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Delaware Valley University's online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is designed for students from any undergraduate background, offering a flexible path to certification in just 20 months. This fully online program delivers courses through Zoom and BlackBoard while requiring clinical externships in diverse settings like hospitals and schools. The curriculum covers essential topics including anatomy, child language disorders, and dysphagia, with small class sizes ensuring personalized instruction through a 4:1 student-faculty ratio. As a candidate for CAA accreditation, the program prepares graduates for professional practice without requiring a specific entrance exam for admission.
Bloomsburg, PA - Public 4-Year - commonwealthu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania's Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology undergraduate program builds a strong foundation for graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology. Students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge through state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-campus clinic, with a curriculum designed to meet ASHA accreditation requirements. The program offers opportunities to explore related fields like psychology and special education through minors, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in educational, clinical, or medical settings. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a hybrid program with in-person first-year courses and online evening classes later. The curriculum addresses disorders such as aphasia, swallowing issues, and motor speech problems, featuring hands-on clinical experience at an on-campus clinic. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, preferably in communication disorders, and no GRE is needed. This ASHA-accredited program is affordable and qualifies graduates for Pennsylvania licensure and national certification, boasting high Praxis pass rates and a 98% employment rate.
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - carlow.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Carlow University's Pre-Speech-Language Pathology program offers a fast-tracked 3-year Bachelor of Science degree that blends on-campus and online learning. Designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists, it prepares students for graduate studies with hands-on experience and a curriculum covering biology, psychology, and communication sciences. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, teamwork, and patient care. Admission requires a minimum 3.250 GPA, with applications accepted anytime for fall starts. This bachelor's level program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carlow University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 60-credit on-campus program completed over five semesters. This ASHA CAA-accredited program emphasizes interprofessional collaborative education, preparing students to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. It features a Voice & Aerodigestive Disorders specialization for medical SLP careers. Students develop clinical skills through labs, simulations, and externships in school and healthcare settings. Admission requires a CSDCAS application with a July 1 deadline for fall start. The program requires an entrance exam as part of the application process. Cost is $998 per credit, with scholarships and assistantships available.
Bethlehem, PA - Private 4-year - moravian.edu
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Moravian University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time, two-year campus program in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Using problem-based learning and interprofessional education, it prepares graduates for clinical practice. The curriculum includes clinical offerings, and admissions requirements are available. This master's program requires an entrance exam.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Moravian University's Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate (SLPD) is a hybrid program combining online learning with a three-day summer residency. Designed for practicing clinicians, this five-semester program focuses on research, clinical skills, and leadership development through evidence-based approaches and interprofessional collaboration. The doctorate program requires an entrance exam.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - sju.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's University's Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides undergraduate preparation for speech-language pathology careers through a comprehensive curriculum covering linguistics, speech development, and disorders. The program requires 25 observation hours and features an articulation agreement with Salus University to facilitate graduate studies. Located in Philadelphia with faculty who are active practitioners, this campus-based program emphasizes individualized instruction and a liberal arts foundation. No ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement is specified, preparing students for master's programs and diverse career paths in schools, hospitals, and clinics.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's University's two-year, 57-credit Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology prepares graduates for Pennsylvania licensure and CCC-SLP certification through comprehensive on-campus study in Philadelphia. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience with 400 supervised fieldwork hours across diverse settings, focusing on assessment and treatment of speech, language, and communication disorders for all age groups. Admissions require official transcripts, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation, with no entrance exam mentioned. Tuition starts at $914 per credit, and the program offers small class sizes with expert faculty guidance.
California, PA - Public 4-Year - pennwest.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pennsylvania Western University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 60-credit program that prepares graduates for certification and licensure. The curriculum comprehensively covers communication and swallowing disorders, research methods, and evidence-based practice. Students gain hands-on experience through five clinical rotations in on-campus clinics and external placements. This CAA-accredited program is offered both in-person at California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses and online. The program requires an entrance exam for admission.
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
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West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology features a Bilingual Emphasis concentration for working with English language learners. This on-campus program prepares graduates for ASHA certification and Pennsylvania educational specialist credentials through clinical experience at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks while gaining hands-on experience with bilingual populations. The program requires meeting graduate school admission requirements, but no specific entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program. Graduates typically find employment in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
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West Chester University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology offers a specialized Bilingual Emphasis Course Sequence (BECS) concentration focused on Spanish-English bilingual individuals with communication disorders. Students complete core curriculum plus specialized bilingual assignments in courses like SPP 501, 511, and 560, with clinical practicums featuring bilingual client experiences under expert supervision. Admission requires acceptance to the CSD graduate program plus a supplementary BECS application, with students maintaining a B or better in all BECS-specific work. No specific entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program, which prepares speech-language pathologists for bilingual clinical practice.
Philadelphia, PA - Public 4-Year - temple.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Temple University's Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language and Hearing Science provides foundational knowledge for aspiring speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This 122-credit campus program blends theory with practical experience through courses in anatomy, linguistics, and neuroscience. It prepares students for graduate studies in communication disorders and requires a strong academic record for admission. The program is accessible with financial aid options and serves a diverse student body. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specific requirements should be verified with the university.
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Temple University's Master of Arts in Speech, Language and Hearing Science is a clinical professional degree preparing students to become speech-language pathologists. This two-year program (three years for those without a CSD bachelor's) includes rigorous clinical training to evaluate, diagnose, and treat communication disorders across diverse populations. Students gain experience through 80+ clinical affiliate sites and supervised research. The program requires a bachelor's degree for admission and prepares graduates for ASHA membership and careers in hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. Pennsylvania residents pay $1,204 per credit; out-of-state students pay $1,649.
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Temple University's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology focusing on adult language disorders is a research-driven program preparing scholars for leadership in academia and research. Students engage in interdisciplinary studies with specialized coursework and collaborate with institutions like Temple University Hospital. The program offers competitive research and teaching assistantships, requires 45 credit hours, and has a 7-year completion limit. Admission requires a graduate degree, and the program emphasizes rigorous research methodology without requiring a specific entrance exam.
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Temple University's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology focusing on child language and literacy development and disorders prepares students for leadership in research, teaching, and clinical services. The program emphasizes original research with coursework in psycholinguistics and biostatistics, and offers interdisciplinary study opportunities. Designed for full- or part-time completion within 7 years, it requires a bachelor's in a related field, a statement of goals, and a writing sample. No specific entrance exam is mentioned as required for this graduate-level program.
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Temple University's PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology focusing on motor speech prepares students for leadership in research, teaching, and clinical services. The program offers interdisciplinary electives in biostatistics, education, and psychology, and benefits from affiliations with top institutions. Flexible full- or part-time study options are available with research and teaching assistantships. Admission requires a bachelor's in related fields and statistics coursework. No specific entrance exam is mentioned as required for this graduate-level program.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - jefferson.edu
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Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year, 60-credit campus program that prepares students for clinical certification and state licensure. Operating through the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, this full-time cohort program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and diverse clinical experiences across multiple settings. Students complete multiple practicum placements and benefit from access to the Jefferson hospital network. The program is currently a candidate for CAA accreditation. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam unless otherwise specified.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson University offers a specialized Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in voice and swallowing disorders. This two-year, 60-credit campus program prepares students for clinical certification and state licensure through diverse academic coursework and multiple practicum placements. The program features specialized clinical fellowships in voice and swallowing, advanced electives in medical speech-language pathology, and access to Jefferson's hospital network. Operating as a full-time cohort program with fall starts, this master's level program requires an entrance exam unless otherwise specified.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a medical/rehabilitation setting concentration provides specialized training for clinical practice. This two-year, 60-credit campus program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration within rehabilitation sciences and prepares graduates for state licensure and school certification. Students gain diverse clinical experiences across various settings, with advanced electives allowing specialization in medical speech-language pathology. The program operates on a full-time cohort model at the Center City campus and is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. This master's level program requires an entrance exam unless otherwise specified.
For those considering a Bachelor’s in speech pathology and Master’s in Pennsylvania, the decision depends on career plans and the initial level of study, as the state has certain features that make it different from other states. A Bachelor’s degree—this is four-year education, 120 credits—is an introduction to communication sciences and disorders; such programs are offered by Penn State or West Chester University and cost $650-$700 per credit in-state or $1,200-$1,350 out-of-state.
The early contact with the field is a significant advantage of the state due to its location close to a large number of clinical sites, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This availability helps undergrads see SLPs work in hospitals, schools, and even rural areas, than in other states with limited possibilities. The state has a strong employment market with 6,860 speech-language pathologist jobs as of May 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which has been increasing steadily due to the increasing population, making a Pennsylvania Bachelor’s degree a good starting point for the growing profession.
A Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, however, is the ticket to licensure and advanced practice, and it follows a two-year, 36 credit hour program after a Bachelor’s degree from schools like Temple University or the University of Pittsburgh, which costs between $1,000-$1,100 in-state and $1,600-$1,700 out-of-state. Pennsylvania’s Master’s programs are particularly strong, according to their depth — think very strong clinical training and faculty with practice connections — to help graduates enter a field where the BLS reports the mean salary is $88,790, with top earners making more than $121,950.
When compared to coastal states like California, Pennsylvania tends to be equal or better in areas of affordability, quality, and job prospects, which also include a variety of practice settings, from large metropolitan medical facilities to sparse rural areas. Pennsylvania’s SLP community is robust, with job growth expected to increase 18% nationally from 2023-2033, making a Master’s degree here less a matter of education and more a direct pathway to a rewarding career with real benefits.
For professionals or students in Pennsylvania interested in advanced degrees in speech-language pathology, understanding the difference between a PhD in Speech Pathology and a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) helps define unique career paths that are enhanced by the state’s specific environment. A PhD, four to six years and 60 to 90 credits, is the highest level of achievement for research and academic contribution.
Pitt has one of the most prestigious PhD programs in Communication Science and Disorders in Pennsylvania, focusing on innovative research in specific areas like swallowing or language development. This path is for those who desire to teach at the university level or to lead studies in defining the future of speech pathology. Costs are approximately $1,000 to $1,100 per credit in-state and $1,600 to $1,700 out-of-state. The state has close proximity to diverse populations and top-notch medical centers, which present unique research opportunities for PhD candidates. Many graduates see their salaries rise well above $121,950, making it a good investment if one has a passion for discovery rather than direct patient care.
In contrast, the SLPD is a 3-4 year, 60-90 credit clinical doctorate that focuses on leadership and complex patient care for the experienced SLP rather than research. There is no standalone SLPD program in Pennsylvania, but nearby options include Pitt’s hybrid Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) or national online speech pathology programs like Rocky Mountain University or Nova Southeastern University (costing $700–$1,200 per credit).
The SLPD is attractive to clinicians who wish to achieve excellence in practice or administration without moving—ideal for Pennsylvania’s SLPs working in urban hospitals or rural schools. The BLS expects an 18% increase in national jobs up to 2033, and Pennsylvania’s mean SLP salary of $88,790 is stable, with clinical experience driving up the numbers. Pennsylvania provides a strong base for SLPs and real-world diversity, whether one seeks the academic reputation of a PhD or the practical outcomes of an SLPD.
In Pennsylvania, to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), one has to fulfill certain educational and experiential requirements. The educational requirement is a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), which is an affiliation of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). This usually entails 36 – 60 credits in topics such as communication disorders and clinical methods. They must have 400 hours of clinical practicum supervised by a supervisor, including 25 hours of observation and 375 hours of direct practice, and then follow a 36-week, full-time supervised professional experience of 1,260 hours, which is often referred to as a clinical fellowship.
They must also pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam, which is administered by ETS. Application fees range between $50 to $100, processed through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), with additional costs for the exam. Out-of-state licensees are allowed in Pennsylvania if the standards of the other state are similar to or higher than those of the Commonwealth or through an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) waiver. The state’s clinical settings are also diverse – from advanced hospitals to rural schools which enhance the speech pathology licensure process and help prepare SLPs for an effective career.
License renewal guarantees that SLPs are up to date and ready to perform their duties. Licenses are renewable every two years and expire on July 31 of even-numbered years. The cost of the license is about $65. Practitioners must complete 20 clock hours of continuing education (CE) per cycle, and two (2) hours of the CE must be on child abuse recognition and reporting training, known as Act 31, in the state of Pennsylvania. CE must be related to speech-language pathology practice and reported through the PALS system, and the provider must maintain evidence of completion for audit.
Practicing as a speech pathologist without a valid license can lead to disciplinary measures, and the penalty for waiting until the last minute to renew is $5 per month. This is a good model for a strong workforce in a state where SLPs earned a mean salary of $88,790 in 2023, as reported by the BLS, with top earners making more than $121,950 in a field projected to grow 18% nationally from 2023-2033.
For individuals wanting to quickly start a SLP career in Pennsylvania, there are several programs that provide an accelerated path to speech pathology licensure without compromising on quality. The University of Pittsburgh: At the master’s level which is the minimum for SLP licensure, the University of Pittsburgh provides a fast track Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology that can be completed in as soon as 20 months for full time students with a relevant bachelor’s degree. This 36 credit hour program includes intensive coursework along with clinical practicums, which benefit from the medical community of Pittsburgh.
Temple University also offers a fast track through its Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, which can be completed in two years or less with summer sessions and a focused 36 credit curriculum. The costs are in line with state norms, ranging from $1,000 to $1,100 per credit in-state and $1,600 to $1,700 out-of-state, however, accelerated timelines may reduce the overall costs by shortening the enrollment period. These programs take advantage of Pennsylvania’s clinical SLP settings, ranging from urban hospitals to suburban schools so graduates can enter the workforce quickly.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Scranton |
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| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh |
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Temple University
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For the students who want to pursue their career in speech-language pathology but are budget constrained, there are several affordable SLP degree programs in Pennsylvania that provide a quality education at a lower cost. The bachelor’s degree which is offered by West Chester University has Communicative Disorders as its area of focus and it currently charges $650 per credit in-state, which makes it approximately $78,000 for the 120 credits. For the master’s degree that is needed for SLP licensure, Bloomsburg University has a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology which costs about $516 per credit in-state, thus the whole program which is 36 credits is less than $20,000 although for out of state students the charge is $774 per credit.
Another school that is also worthy of mention is Edinboro University which is now a part of PennWest, it also offers a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology at $516 per credit in-state, thus combining affordability with an ability to access rural clinical placements. These programs harness Pennsylvania’s heterogeneous practice settings, including small towns’ schools and cities’ clinics, to guarantee clinical practice without a hefty price tag.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania |
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| Pennsylvania Western University |
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| West Chester University of Pennsylvania |
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