Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Alexandra Turner, M.A., CCC‑SLPSpeech-language pathology students in Minnesota are fortunate to have several quality and accredited graduate programs to choose from, including the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minnesota State University Mankato and other institutions within the Minnesota State system. These master’s programs are accredited and have strong clinical practicum experiences; they are typically two years in length, though MSU Moorhead has a more compacted time frame of five consecutive semesters. The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is known for its interdisciplinary Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences program and aspiring SLP professionals who already hold a master’s and want to pursue a research trajectory can go for a PhD here.
Despite the fact that there is currently no in-state Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD), Minnesota SLPs can enroll in accredited online speech pathology programs or hybrid SLPD options available nationally. The employment rate is increasing particularly in Minnesota due to the growing demand for SLPs in schools and healthcare facilities. SLPs in the state earn $85,000-$90,000; more in large healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic, or in metro area districts. Minnesota has a solid education system, attractive wages and a high standard of living, making it a good choice for future speech pathologists who want to work in accredited degree programs and good career outcomes in return.
Choosing the right SLP program in Minnesota just got easier. Our rankings focus on what truly matters—outcomes, clinical training, and academic quality. speechpathology.org helps speech pathology students in Minnesota compare the best schools. Find out how we rank them at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato's hybrid Communication Sciences and Disorders Master of Science program requires 52 credits and prepares graduates for speech-language pathology careers. The curriculum covers speech sound disorders, voice disorders, stuttering, dysphagia, and adult cognitive disorders with an emphasis on culturally responsive and evidence-based practices. Students complete clinical practicum courses and an internship capstone. Admission requires a bachelor's in Communication Disorders or post-baccalaureate leveling courses, with a 3.00 minimum GPA and clinical observation hours. The program is CAA-accredited and meets Minnesota licensure standards. An entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.
Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu
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The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology that prepares graduates for clinical practice with diverse populations. This CAA-accredited residential program emphasizes comprehensive training in communication disorders, including specialized opportunities through the Diversity in Communication Specialty Program. Students develop skills to provide speech and hearing services across various client groups. This master's-level program requires an entrance exam for admission.
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The PhD in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides a research-intensive foundation for aspiring scholars. This flexible doctoral program encourages interdisciplinary exploration in psychology, child development, and cognitive sciences, with applicants advised to connect with mentors before applying. Graduates pursue careers in academia, clinical research, and institutional settings, supported by a prestigious alumni network. This doctorate-level program requires an entrance exam for admission.
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - bethel.edu
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Bethel University's Speech-Language Pathology program provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate pathways for clinical practice. The curriculum emphasizes foundational coursework in communication disorders alongside practical training in assessment, intervention, and research methods across the lifespan. Specialized instruction covers cognitive, oromyofunctional, and voice disorders, with particular attention to older adult populations. The Baptist-affiliated institution offers research opportunities, professional development, and community health integration. As a military-friendly campus, admission requires meeting academic standards and submitting application materials. For graduate-level programs, entrance exam requirements should be verified directly with the university.
Moorhead, MN - Public 4-Year - mnstate.edu
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Minnesota State University Moorhead's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a five-semester entry-level clinical program accredited by CAA. Students gain hands-on experience diagnosing and treating communication disorders at the on-campus Speech Language Hearing Clinic. This competitively priced program prepares graduates for clinical practice and requires meeting specific admission requirements. As a master's level program, it does not require GRE or other entrance exams unless explicitly stated otherwise in admission materials.
Saint Cloud, MN - Public 4-Year - stcloudstate.edu
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Saint Cloud State University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a campus-based program accredited by ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation. It prepares students for speech-language pathology careers through two tracks: Phase I for those with limited CSD coursework and Phase II for those with a background in communication disorders. Admission requires a strong GPA, professional recommendations, and an interview, with applications due January 15 annually. The program does not require an entrance exam like the GRE. It leads to eligibility for state licensure and ASHA certification, with a recent 100% Praxis exam pass rate. Financial aid and graduate assistantships are available to support full-time students.
Saint Paul, MN - Public 4-Year - metrostate.edu
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Metropolitan State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology features a specialized bilingual Spanish-English concentration, focusing on service delivery for linguistically diverse populations. This 69-credit campus program integrates advanced clinical skills with cultural competence training, preparing graduates to assess and treat communication disorders across all ages. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, interprofessional healthcare collaboration, and extensive clinical practica. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and 25 observation hours with a certified SLP. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
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Metropolitan State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a comprehensive 69-credit campus program designed for diverse urban populations. Students develop expertise in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders through rigorous coursework and clinical practica. The program emphasizes cultural responsiveness, interprofessional education, and evidence-based practice, with an optional bilingual Spanish-English concentration available. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and specific prerequisite coursework. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
If you are looking for Speech Pathology programs in Minnesota, there are two primary paths: bachelor degree and master degree. The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and Minnesota State University Moorhead are example schools that offer a bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which provides a good grounding in speech, language and hearing science. This level of admissions generally comprises a reasonable high school GPA, a desire to assist people, and possibly standardized test scores.
With just a bachelor’s degree in Speech-language pathology, you may find that there are limited job opportunities. However, it is not impossible to start your career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) or in similar support positions. You may find these support positions in early childhood education, special education or healthcare administration.
If you are wanting to have more responsibility than a support position, you will need to become a licensed SLP. In Minnesota, this requires a master’s degree in Speech pathology from an accredited program. You can get your master’s degree from Minnesota State University Mankato or University of Minnesota – Duluth, among others. Graduate admissions are based on a SLP bachelor’s degree or related undergraduate major with prerequisite courses, solid grades, letters of recommendation, and possibly the GRE.
At public universities, master’s programs are more intensive and range from $580 to $600 per credit, but the payoff is significant: Licensed SLPs in Minnesota earn $85,000-$90,000 annually. From the bustle of urban centers to the community-focused rural regions, Minnesota’s solid academic offerings combined with a growing job market make it an attractive option for anyone interested in communication and care.
Minnesota offers a Ph.D. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, but does not currently host an in-state SLPD program. For those driven by research, university-level teaching, or high-level policy work, choosing a PhD path is typical. Admissions are typically for students with a master’s in SLP (or its equivalent) and high academic achievement and research experience; however, some candidates may be admitted post-bachelor’s with additional coursework.
Assistantships are frequent sources of funding for PhD students, which cover not only tuition but also other living expenses. They can work as faculty members, principal investigators in clinical research labs, or directors of advanced speech pathology programs and get competitive salaries that can be well over $90,000 depending on the level of academia or major healthcare organizations.
An SLPD, on the other hand, focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and applied research. If your local universities don’t offer this credential, speech-language pathologists can enroll in online SLPD programs from schools across the country. SLPD students often complete part-time study while working, with programs spanning two to three years. This path can lead to higher-level clinical administration roles, private practice expansion, or specialized service delivery. The annual salaries of SLPD-holders are typically higher than those of master’s-level clinicians and may match mid-career PhD earnings.
There are a few certain steps that are needed in order to earn and keep the speech-language pathology licensure in Minnesota. First, you need to have a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited SLP program, which will prepare you to practice with at least 400 clinical hours (25 hours of observation and 375 hours of direct patient contact). You also must pass the Praxis exam in Speech Pathology, which will assess your knowledge in the areas of speech and language disorders, swallowing, ethics and others.
When you graduate, some new clinicians choose to do a Clinical Fellowship (CF), which is supervision for about 36 weeks. There is a temporary license that Minnesota issues for this phase to help you get the necessary real world experience before you are fully licensed.
If you want the gold standard, the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – its requirements are almost identical to the permanent license. Although it is not always required by all employers it can increase your value and worth. Your permanent Michigan speech pathology license can be renewed every two years by showing continuing education credits; many courses, workshops and seminars are acceptable for these. Continuing professional development (CPD) or CEUs are not only important to keep you licensed, but also to keep you current as the profession develops. Complying with these steps whether you are practicing in a school, clinic or hospital ensures you are prepared to add quality SLP services to Minnesota communities.
If you are hoping to speed through your academic journey in speech-language pathology, several flexible paths are offered by Minnesota. The first step is to get your bachelors degree from a university like University of Minnesota or Minnesota State University Mankato. These degrees are four year programs, but you can expedite that process by taking summer classes or transferring in credits.
On the other hand, the usual master’s in SLP, required for licensure, is five to six semesters, or two to two and a half years of full time study; however, some programs, including the University of Minnesota’s M.A. in Speech Language Hearing Sciences can be completed in two years if you have the necessary prerequisites. The journey to a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders is typically three to five additional years after the master’s, depending on research requirements.
Combined bachelor’s-to-master’s tracks aren’t always advertised, but some institutions may permit undergrads to take graduate courses early, reducing the total time by a semester. SLPD programs (Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology) are not currently common in Minnesota, so students interested in that clinical doctorate may look out of state or to online speech pathology programs. Hence, the amount of time it takes you to progress depends on course load, clinical hours and personal scheduling, while keeping Minnesota’s SLP programs flexible yet thorough.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Minnesota State University Moorhead |
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| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
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| Bethel University |
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In terms of affordabile speech pathology degrees, public universities in Minnesota are often the best value for your money if you plan on becoming a speech-language pathologist. If you are just starting in the field and in need of a Communication Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s degree, the costs are $300-$400 per credit in-state at places like Minnesota State University Moorhead or St. Cloud State University. That can result in significantly lower overall tuition than private colleges, if you include scholarships or financial aid.
When you progress to a master’s program – needed for full SLP licensure – Minnesota schools like MSU Moorhead, MSU Mankato, and St. Cloud State typically have tuition rates of $580-$600 per credit for Minnesota residents, which is still fairly priced comparatively to the national level. The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities may have higher tuition (around $9,990 per semester), but it also has a good program with strong research emphasis. For students planning to pursue a PhD in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota, the cost can be covered by assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and a stipend in addition to the scholarship.
The state doesn’t currently have a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) program, but many Minnesota based speech pathologists complete SLPD online through other universities. Based on in-state tuition, financial aid, and future earning potential, Minnesota’s public colleges are still a smart choice for SLP students on a budget.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Saint Cloud State University |
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| Minnesota State University Moorhead |
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| Minnesota State University-Mankato |
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