Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Benjamin Thompson, M.S., CCC‑SLPSeveral colleges in Colorado offer Speech-Language Pathology degree programs which are accredited and well-suited to the clinical and research environments of the state. The University of Colorado at Boulder is especially noted for its research emphasis along with its nationally ranked master’s and Ph.D. programs in communication disorders. The program offers a very challenging course of study which is suitable for students who are planning to work as clinicians or to attend school for further advanced study. The University of Northern Colorado offers a flexible path with an online hybrid master’s option to support working professionals. It has a long-standing reputation for excellent clinical training particularly in school settings.
Metropolitan State University of Denver stands out with its accelerated master’s program which enables students to finish their studies within 18 months. This program is also very affordable and provides practical experience in a vibrant urban setting. The universities in Colorado are great for those who want a traditional on-campus learning experience as well as a modern online SLP learning experience. The diverse populations of Colorado provide real-world clinical opportunities and the scenic locations and progressive communities make it a rewarding place to study. You will be able to find an undergraduate foundation, a master’s to become certified Speech Pathologist, or a research-focused Ph.D. at Colorado, regardless of whether you are looking for, you will find a quality education paired with practicality and affordability.
Looking for the best speech-language pathology programs in Colorado? peechpathology.org ranks top speech 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 Colorado. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado's online Master's in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to diagnose and treat diverse communication disorders through supervised clinical practicum. This ASHA-accredited program requires 34 core credit hours and includes 14 clinical practicum hours, covering areas like articulation, language, and neurological disorders. Graduates are eligible for national certification and state licensure, with career opportunities in schools, hospitals, and private practice. The fully online format offers flexibility for working professionals, and no entrance exam is required for admission.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Northern Colorado's hybrid Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology combines online learning with a two-week summer campus visit. This 61-69 credit hour, three-year program is ASHA-accredited and prepares students for ASHA certification and Colorado licensure. It includes clinical practicum and internship opportunities in public schools, with no GRE required for admission. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses, with tuition at $688 per credit hour and financial aid available.
Boulder, CO - Public 4-Year - colorado.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Boulder's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (M.A.-SLP) delivers comprehensive clinical training across Boulder and Denver metro healthcare and educational environments. This rigorous campus program emphasizes advanced communication sciences and pathological communication research, preparing graduates for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence and state licensure. Accredited through 2030, it offers diverse clinical rotations in schools, hospitals, and clinics, focusing on medical and educational applications of speech-language pathology. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Concentration: School Speech-Language Pathologist (ages 0-21) - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Colorado Boulder's M.A.-SLP with a School Speech-Language Pathologist concentration (ages 0-21) specializes in pediatric and adolescent communication disorders within educational settings. This campus-based program integrates theoretical foundations with hands-on clinical education, targeting ASHA's CCC credential and professional licensure. Accredited by ASHA through 2030, it provides extensive training in Boulder/Denver area schools, emphasizing evidence-based practices for diverse student populations. An entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program focused exclusively on school-based speech pathology.
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - msudenver.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Metropolitan State University of Denver's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 23-month campus-based program that prepares clinical professionals through interprofessional education, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice. With small cohorts of 24 students, it offers personalized instruction and hands-on clinical training in state-of-the-art facilities. The program emphasizes affordability and includes a bilingual specialization option. It requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and does not mandate an entrance exam, as none is specified. Highlights include candidacy status with ASHA, application deadline of January 15, and eligibility for the Western Regional Graduate Program.
Students will learn about communication disorders while they complete their Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This degree prepares them for entry-level positions like Speech-Language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant. The admission process typically includes a high school diploma or GED certificate and acceptable ACT or SAT test results. A bachelor’s degree can be sufficient for entry level positions and is a good option if you are unsure if you want to go to graduate school in the future.
At institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver, students receive training for clinical licensure and advanced practice in Speech-Language Pathology through their master’s degrees. Admission requirements typically specify a communication disorders or related bachelor’s degree along with recommendation letters and satisfactory GPA and completion of specified prerequisite courses.
With a SLP master’s degree, the job possibilities expand to include practicing as a certified Speech Pathologist in schools, hospitals or private clinics. Other roles that graduates may step into include leadership, research and supervision of support staff. Colorado presents many students with both diversity and recognized programs to learn from faculty and gain real clinical experience. Regardless of whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree Colorado offers the perfect environment to build a fulfilling career in this field.
Colorado students can obtain doctorate degrees in Speech Pathology as a PhD in research-oriented programs or as a clinical doctorate known as SLPD. The University of Colorado Boulder offers the PhD for individuals who wish to work in research and teaching or clinical theory advancement. Applicants can expect degree requirements that include a master’s degree in speech and language pathology, strong recommendation letters, minimum GPA, and some degree programs may still require a GRE score. Completing a PhD, creates job opportunities to work as a university professor, clinical research or a policy advisor in healthcare.
As a current example, the SLPD is the preferred pathway for practicing clinicians who want to expand their practical skills and leadership abilities. This degree is specifically for master’s and certification holders in speech pathology who want to advance their clinical practice skills. The admissions standards consist of a documented clinical history, previous professional experience, recommendation letters and evidence of a desire for advanced clinical management. After completing an SLPD program, graduates work as clinical directors, or advanced practice clinicians and specialized practitioners in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private clinics.
The state of Colorado, like most states, requires Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) to be licensed in order to work directly with patients. Licensure is managed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). DORA will review applications to ensure that the applying Speech Pathologist meets the requirements. First, the applicant must have at least a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or equivalent relevant field from an accredited university. Accreditation is managed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
After graduation, the aspiring SLP will do a 400-hour clinical fellowship under the supervision of a licensed SLP. The final big portion of the licensure application is to pass a relevant national exam or obtain a certificate of clinical competency from ASHA. The most common national exam that potential candidates take is the Praxis. Once you have your test scores or certification, you can pay the fee and apply for licensure.
Colorado enables students to pursue innovative accelerated options to achieve a Speech-Language Pathology career sooner. Now available are integrated bachelor’s and master’s programs at some schools which allow students to begin graduate coursework in their last year. By choosing this streamlined path, students can cut their total enrollment through rigorous academic and clinical requirements.
Selecting the traditional path means you will earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in before moving directly into a separate two-year master’s program but these combined tracks enable you to enter the workforce sooner. Speech pathology master’s programs in Colorado, designed for students holding a related bachelor’s degree, provide intensive coursework together with clinical placements to ensure a faster learning experience.
Online SLP degrees and hybrid formats which were previously limited now serve as flexible learning options for balance between work and study commitments. These formats provide accelerated scheduling with concentrated clinical experiences while maintaining quality education. Accelerated SLP programs in Colorado provide measured tuition reductions plus rapid career start for students to benefit from. Created to serve ambitious students, these fastest speech-language pathology programs deliver high-quality training in reduced time and maintain critical hands-on experience.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Colorado Boulder |
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| University of Northern Colorado |
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| Metropolitan State University of Denver |
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Colorado residents can attend several Speech-Language Pathology schools which offer an affordable SLP education. Students can find suitable cost-effective options at bachelor’s levels at the University of Northern Colorado and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Resident students pay in-state tuition rates which usually range between $8,000 and $10,000 per year at these institutions. This helps students build a good speech pathology academic background without having to pay a lot of money.
In graduate education, Colorado SLP master’s programs are quite affordable as well. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers an accelerated speech pathology master’s program that is designed to be both efficient and affordable. The graduate tuition in Colorado also differs based on the institution but most of the programs keep their fees reasonably low through funding from the state and financial assistance, with some programs charging as little as $8,600 per year for a full-time schedule. These reasonably priced options enable you to concentrate on gathering the required clinical experience for certification without exceeding your financial means. With Colorado, you can find good value-led paths from your bachelor’s prep to your master’s level preparation in Speech-Language Pathology.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Northern Colorado |
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| Metropolitan State University of Denver |
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| University of Colorado Boulder |
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