Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Elizabeth Monroe, M.S., CCC‑SLPThere are many Speech Pathology programs available in Florida, from Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders to Master’s, Ph.D., and even a clinical doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology. Some of the best public schools to attend are University of Florida, University of South Florida and Florida State University which offer cheap yet quality programs. For those who need flexibility, some of the universities, including NSU and FSU, offer online speech pathology programs or part time classes that can help you balance between study and work. Florida’s programs often have an accelerated SLP path which means that you can get your degree faster without having to sacrifice quality.
Florida is also great because of the high focus on bilingual and multicultural training, particularly in schools based in cities like Miami. This is important in order to prepare for the needs of local populations and will help to make you more valuable to your future employers. When you graduate from a Florida university, you will have fulfilled the state’s licensure requirements which include clinical supervision, clinical fellowship, the Praxis exam. All in all, if you are looking for quality, flexibility, and cultural experience, Florida is an ideal place to get your SLP education.
Looking for the best SLP programs in Florida? 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 Florida. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
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Florida State University's undergraduate Communication Science and Disorders program provides a comprehensive 42-credit foundation for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. Meeting ASHA standards, this campus-based program covers anatomy, language development, and clinical interventions while preparing students for graduate studies. With 18% projected job growth, it offers clinical observation opportunities without requiring ACT or SAT exams for admission.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's hybrid Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders prepares students to diagnose and treat communication disorders through a flexible 61-credit program. Combining fully online coursework with hands-on clinical placements in Florida schools, hospitals, and clinics, this ASHA-accredited program addresses the speech-language pathologist shortage. Designed for working professionals, it offers part-time study options without requiring entrance exams.
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Florida State University's campus-based Ph.D. in Communication Science & Disorders prepares graduates for leadership roles in research, teaching, and clinical practice. This program emphasizes applied clinical research with specializations in developmental disabilities and neurologically-based communication disorders. Admission requires a master's degree, 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores, with close faculty collaboration in Tallahassee fostering academic excellence.
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Florida State University's Ph.D. in Communication Science & Disorders with a Developmental Disabilities concentration trains researchers and scholars for leadership roles. This campus-based program emphasizes applied clinical research in autism spectrum disorders, early intervention, and school-age language development. Admission requires a master's degree and 3.0 GPA, with GRE scores recommended for priority funding consideration by January 1st.
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Florida State University's Ph.D. in Communication Science & Disorders specializes in Neurologically-based Communication and Cognitive Disorders, preparing students for academic and research leadership. This campus-based program requires a master's degree, 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores for admission. Students engage in applied clinical research and gain teaching experience while working with faculty experts in this focused area.
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu
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The University of Florida's Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a rigorous 5-semester campus program that prepares students for speech-language pathology careers. It features a 98.9% completion rate and 100% first-attempt Praxis pass rate, with small class sizes of 25-30 students and extensive clinical practicum opportunities. This master's program requires an entrance exam (Praxis). Graduates achieve a 97.7% employment rate through evidence-based training in communication and swallowing disorders.
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This Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science with a Concentration in Communication and Swallowing Sciences and Disorders is an interdisciplinary research-focused doctoral program. It prepares students for academic or clinical research careers through specialized training in communication disorders research, hands-on experiences, and collaboration with expert faculty. This doctorate program requires an entrance exam.
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The Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science with a Concentration in Communication and Swallowing Sciences and Disorders offers cutting-edge interdisciplinary training for researchers. Students develop advanced skills in research methods, statistics, and leadership, focusing specifically on communication and swallowing disorders to prepare for impactful careers in academia and healthcare innovation. This doctorate program requires an entrance exam.
Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Jacksonville University's hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program offers flexible study options with both in-person and online components. This 60-credit hour program includes clinical placements and uses CSDCAS for applications. Admissions require transcripts, a statement of intent, resume, three recommendation letters, and optional GRE scores. International applicants must meet TOEFL requirements. The program is accredited by ASHA and features cohort-based learning with synchronous online classes on Eastern Standard Time. Employment rates reach 99% with median salaries of $89,290, and scholarship funding is available.
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Jacksonville University provides an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with flexible distance education options. This 60-credit hour program includes academic coursework with labs and two full-time clinical placements in the final semesters. Applications through CSDCAS require unofficial transcripts, a statement of intent, resume, three recommendation letters, and optional GRE scores. International students must meet TOEFL requirements. The program is accredited by CAA and features synchronous online classes on Eastern Standard Time with cohort-based structure and healthcare organization partnerships.
Miami, FL - Private 4-year - albizu.edu
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Albizu University-Miami offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a 60-credit hybrid program blending online coursework with on-campus labs. This master's-level program requires an entrance exam and prepares graduates for clinical careers through ASHA-aligned curriculum and extensive clinical practicum experiences. Students develop skills to diagnose and treat communication disorders across diverse settings, with eligibility for provisional licensure upon completion.
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
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Nova Southeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language and Communication Disorders provides foundational training for careers in this high-growth field. The campus-based program combines face-to-face and online courses with hands-on clinical experience at the on-site Speech Language Clinic. Students learn about communication disorders across diverse populations, preparing for licensure as speech-language pathology assistants or advanced graduate study. With 25% projected job growth through 2029 and competitive starting salaries around $79,120, this program offers a direct pathway to making meaningful impacts in healthcare.
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Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a hybrid program requiring 54 credits over 8-12 terms. It includes 400 supervised clinical hours at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus or online. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, specific prerequisites, 25 guided observation hours, and a CSDCAS application. The program is CAA-accredited and does not require the GRE, though the Praxis exam is needed for completion. Winter or fall start dates are available, with clinical practicums, electives, and a capstone course included. Transfer credits are allowed, and alumni may qualify for tuition discounts.
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
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The University of South Florida's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program provides comprehensive clinical training through both Residential and Suncoast tracks. This six-semester, full-time program integrates coursework with hands-on practicum experiences at the university's Speech-Language-Hearing Center and diverse off-campus sites including hospitals, schools, and clinics. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses in language development, speech science, hearing sciences, anatomy, phonetics, and neuroanatomy. The program prepares graduates for state licensure and ASHA certification. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
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University of South Florida's Master of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences program offers intensive clinical preparation through campus-based delivery. Students complete six semesters of full-time study with clinical practicum each semester, gaining experience at the university clinic and Tampa Bay area sites including VA hospitals, medical centers, children's hospitals, schools, and private clinics. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA and prerequisite communication sciences courses. The curriculum covers speech, language, and hearing sciences while preparing graduates for state licensure and ASHA certification. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - fiu.edu
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Florida International University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program offers a specialized concentration in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CLD). This full-time, six-semester program requires 61 credits and emphasizes a bilingual curriculum with four semesters of clinical rotations. The program prepares graduates to assess and treat speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Admission requires applying through CSDCAS by January 22 for fall entry, with a supplementary FIU application. The program admits 50 students annually and requires passing the Praxis exam for degree completion, though no entrance exam is mentioned for admission.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida International University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for clinical practice. This full-time, six-semester program includes summer sessions and requires 61 credits, with a strong emphasis on bilingual education and extensive clinical experience through four semesters of rotations. The curriculum focuses on assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups. Admission requires a CSDCAS application with a January 22 deadline for fall entry. The program leads to eligibility for the Praxis exam, which is required for licensure, though no entrance exam is specified for admission.
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu
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The University of Central Florida's Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a full-time, campus-based program spanning two years with summer sessions. This 72-credit hour curriculum prepares graduates for ASHA certification and Florida licensure as speech-language pathologists. Clinical training occurs at the UCF Communication Disorders Clinic and over 200 practicum sites. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, three recommendation letters, a statement of interest, and a resume, with no GRE exam needed. The program offers traditional, out-of-field, and accelerated tracks with fall and spring admissions. It is CAA-accredited and provides academic and faculty advising.
Boca Raton, FL - Public 4-Year - fau.edu
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Florida Atlantic University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology prepares students for ASHA certification and Florida licensure through comprehensive academic coursework and diverse clinical practicum experiences. The program serves both in-field and out-of-field bachelor's degree holders, with prerequisite courses available before admission. Training covers speech-language-hearing disorders across all age groups at the Boca Raton campus, featuring hands-on opportunities at the Communication Disorders Clinic. This master's program requires an entrance exam for admission.
Tampa, FL - Private 4-year - ut.edu
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The University of Tampa's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year campus program offered through a partnership with Gannon University at their Ruskin, FL satellite campus. Designed specifically for UT graduates with a bachelor's in Allied Health, this program provides preferential admission with up to five spots annually. Admission requires a 3.00 overall GPA, prerequisite courses with a C or better, 25 observation hours, and 18 online communication sciences credits. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice, multicultural components, and prepares students for national certification and state licensure. This program requires an entrance exam.
The choice between a bachelor’s in Speech-Language Pathology and master’s degree in Florida depends on your career objectives as well as your preferred start date for professional work. A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a good starting point. The typical requirements for this degree include a high school diploma along with good academic performance and possibly several prerequisite classes. This degree can lead to work as a speech-language pathology assistant, teaching aide or early intervention specialist. Those who choose these roles are perfect for educational or clinical work situations where you can pay less in tuition yet dedicate less time to your studies. Earnings for these positions remain relatively low when compared with those of licensed speech-language pathologists.
A master’s degree in speech pathology is required for anyone who wants to obtain licensure as a speech-language pathologist. Master’s program admissions generally require you to present a good undergraduate GPA while requiring letters of recommendation and occasionally GRE scores or extra courses in phonetics or anatomy. Public universities in Florida provide more reasonably priced in-state tuition rates despite the fact that private institutions tend to charge higher fees. Master’s graduates obtain greater flexibility regarding their clinical and private practice choices and achieve better salary ranges. If you need a quick professional start then a bachelor’s is a good choice but for more duties and better compensation you should aim for a master’s.
The PhD and SLPD are the two primary SLP doctorate degrees that people seek in speech-language pathology. The PhD is really for those planning on teaching at a university or doing research because it is a research oriented degree. Admission to a PhD program usually requires a master’s degree, good GPA, reference letters, and sometimes GRE scores. This particular track can take anywhere from three to five years to finish and leads to the careers of research scientists, university professors, clinical researchers and the like.
The SLPD is a clinical doctorate for experienced clinicians who want to build on their expertise and leadership skills, while the PhD is for those who want to be academics or university teachers. The SLPD admissions usually require a master’s degree in speech pathology, as well as several years of professional experience and strong recommendations. Some universities such as Nova Southeastern University offer the SLPD in a hybrid model, which means that students can pursue the degree while working and it can be completed within two to three years.
Even though both programs are quite expensive, the SLPD may provide more choices for the payment and the possibility to study part-time. Career earnings also vary; PhD graduates will have higher salaries in academic and research institutions while SLPD holders will have a higher salary in clinical leadership and management. Both degrees are a way of obtaining a higher level of expertise but in different areas.
All practicing Speech pathologists in Florida must become licensed through the Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. First, you must hold a master’s degree or higher in SLP from a program accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation. Your graduate program must provide a minimum of 300 hours of supervised clinical practice and no less than 200 of those hours must be dedicated to speech pathology clinical experience. After graduation, you will be required to undertake a professional experience program called clinical fellowship. The clinical fellowship is delivered full time over nine months or part time over 18 months and provides an essential development opportunity for independent clinical skills.
After you have completed your clinical fellowship you need to pass the Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology. This last examination is a competency based one and is required both for state licensure and national certification purposes. After all the requirements are met with the submission of application and fee and pass the background check you will be issued your license. These requirements ensure that you are best equipped to offer quality care. The accredited education followed by supervised clinical experience and rigorous testing in Florida ensures that licensed professionals are ready to work with a diverse population as a structured path.
Through various options in Florida, you can quickly work toward becoming a speech-language pathologist. Most institutions organize their courses to suit your needs which enable you to graduate early. Accelerated SLP master’s programs let you obtain your degree in approximately 20 months as opposed to standard 24 months. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences delivers intensive learning through online classroom materials along with on-campus clinical practice. Those seeking a rapid entry into their profession but maintaining high standards might find this option particularly appealing.
Several Florida universities offer quick pathways to a Communication Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s degree on the undergraduate level. Students who use 2+2 transfer agreements with community colleges to finish their degree more quickly and at a lower cost. Certain institutions provide the opportunity to pursue combined speech pathology bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Graduates of undergraduate studies can transition directly into advanced courses at increased efficiency and with reduced professional disruption.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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University of Florida
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| University of Central Florida |
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| Florida International University |
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There are several options for covering the cost in Florida for those wishing to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology. The best value is usually provided by public universities, particularly for residents. The University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, and Florida International University are some of the Florida schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at a relatively low tuition of $8,000 to $12,000 per year. Students also save money in other ways, such as by starting at a community college and then transferring to a 4 year school.
Among the public institutions, FIU, FSU, UCF, and USF are some of the cheapest for seeking a master’s in SLP. For example, the master’s program at FIU comes in at a relatively low cost for in-state students at about $43,700, much cheaper than the private schools that can cost $60,000 or more.
The PhD or the SLPD, which have a higher overall tuition due to the longer study time, often provide research or assistantship opportunities to help offset the costs at speech pathology doctoral programs. So long as you are trying to keep your expenses down, you will find that in-state public programs are a great way to get a quality education at a relatively affordable price at both the undergraduate and master’s levels.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Nova Southeastern University |
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| Florida Atlantic University |
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| University of Central Florida |
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