Best Speech Pathology Programs in Mississippi for 2026

Mississippi's rural and medically underserved counties face a persistent shortage of speech-language pathologists, making trained SLPs some of the most sought-after allied health professionals in the state. Yet only four CAA-accredited master's programs exist here, all at public universities, with in-state tuition ranging from roughly $8,500 to $10,000 per year. That small pipeline creates real competition for cohort spots, some as tight as 24 seats.

The trade-off is cost. Graduate debt across these programs ranges from $15,000 to over $30,000, and starting salaries in Mississippi tend to trail the national median. For applicants weighing affordability against earning potential, the gap between the lowest-debt and highest-debt program is roughly $15,000, a difference that compounds quickly under standard repayment. Exploring SLP scholarships and graduate assistantships early can help close that gap before you sign a promissory note.

Best Speech Pathology Programs in Mississippi: 2026 Rankings

Mississippi is home to four accredited speech pathology programs, each offering a distinct path toward ASHA certification and state licensure. Whether you prioritize low tuition, small cohort sizes, or clinical depth, the programs below can help you launch a rewarding SLP career. We evaluated each school on affordability, institutional outcomes, program format, and return on investment so you can compare them side by side.

Mississippi SLP Program Costs and ROI Compared

All four Mississippi SLP programs are housed at public universities, but net price and median graduate debt vary widely. Mississippi University for Women stands out with the lowest median graduate debt ($15,000) and the best debt-to-earnings ratio among the group. Program-level earnings shortly after completion are not yet available for these schools, so the institution-wide median earnings at ten years serve as the best available benchmark.

Ole Miss Speech Pathology: What to Know

The University of Mississippi, widely known as Ole Miss, is one of the most searched speech pathology programs in the state. Whether you are exploring undergraduate options or preparing to apply for a graduate degree, here is what you need to know about the Ole Miss pathway in communication sciences and disorders.

The Undergraduate CSD Major at Ole Miss

Ole Miss offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a 120-credit program designed to give students a solid foundation in the science of speech, language, and hearing.¹ Coursework typically covers anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms, phonetics, language development, audiology, and introductory clinical methods. This undergraduate degree is not a terminal credential for clinical practice, but it serves as the primary feeder into the graduate program. Students who complete the BS in CSD at Ole Miss are well positioned for the MS application process because they have already fulfilled the prerequisite coursework that the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) expects. If you are arriving at this page after searching for "ole miss speech pathology undergraduate," this is likely the program you are looking for, and understanding its connection to the graduate track is essential.

The MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The graduate program at Ole Miss awards an MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders and holds accreditation from the CAA, a division of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).² The program's current accreditation cycle runs from 2019 through 2027, which means students entering in the 2026 cohort can be confident the program will maintain its accredited status throughout their enrollment. CAA accreditation is a non-negotiable requirement for anyone who plans to pursue speech language pathologist certification and state licensure in Mississippi.

Key details prospective applicants should verify directly with the program include:

• Cohort size: Graduate SLP programs in Mississippi tend to be selective, with cohorts that typically range from 15 to 30 students. Contact the department for the most current figure.
• Tuition: In-state and out-of-state rates vary, and Ole Miss publishes updated tuition schedules through the university bursar. Graduate assistantships may offset costs for qualifying students.
• Clinical placements: Ole Miss students gain supervised clinical hours through the university's on-campus speech and hearing clinic as well as off-campus externship sites, which may include hospitals, public schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices across Mississippi.
• Application deadlines: For the 2026 to 2027 admissions cycle, prospective students should check the department website early in the fall semester for specific deadline dates. Programs often require GRE scores (though some have shifted policies in recent years), transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Praxis Pass Rates and Program Outcomes

The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology is the national exam required for ASHA certification and Mississippi licensure. Programs accredited by the CAA are expected to report pass rate data, and strong programs often see rates well above the national average. While the most recent published pass rate specific to Ole Miss was not confirmed in the research available for this guide, prospective students can request this information directly from the department or locate it through ASHA's EdFind tool.² High pass rates generally signal effective curriculum design and clinical training.

Does Ole Miss Appear in Our Rankings?

Ole Miss is a recognized, accredited program and is included in the broader discussion of Mississippi's SLP landscape. Whether a program appears prominently in any given ranking cycle depends on a range of outcome and program factors. Regardless of ranking position, Ole Miss remains a viable and respected option for students who want to train in Mississippi, and its accreditation status through 2027 confirms it meets national standards for graduate education in speech-language pathology.

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Questions to Ask Yourself

Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral SLP Pathways in Mississippi

Mississippi offers a clear, structured pipeline for aspiring speech-language pathologists, starting with undergraduate preparation and moving through graduate clinical training. Understanding each level helps you plan your timeline, budget, and application strategy.

Undergraduate CSD Degrees

Several Mississippi universities offer bachelor's in speech pathology or closely related fields that feed directly into graduate SLP programs. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) both have well-established undergraduate CSD departments where you can complete foundational coursework in anatomy and physiology, phonetics, normal language development, audiology, speech science, speech sound disorders, and language disorders. Mississippi University for Women (MUW) also provides undergraduate preparation that aligns with its graduate program's prerequisites.

If you major in something other than CSD, you can still pursue a master's in SLP, but you will likely need to complete slp prerequisites for graduate school before or during your graduate program. Most programs expect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the undergraduate level.

Master's Programs (CAA-Accredited)

A master's degree is the entry-level clinical credential for practicing speech-language pathology, and Mississippi is home to four CAA-accredited residential programs:

• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss): Offers the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders over six semesters. The program requires 61 credit hours, a 3.0 minimum GPA, GRE scores, and completion of specific prerequisite coursework. Graduate assistantships are available, and students complete 400 clinical clock hours.¹
• Mississippi University for Women (MUW): A five-semester, 51-credit MS-SLP program (36 academic hours plus 15 practicum hours). Applicants must have at least 25 clinical observation hours before enrollment, submit GRE scores and three recommendation letters, and apply through CSDCAS by February 15. MUW has reported a 100% graduation rate from 2022 through 2025 and recently announced an automatic admission pathway for qualifying students.²
• University of Southern Mississippi (USM): A five-semester, 60-credit MS-SLP program with cohorts of 24 students. Applicants need GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, with a February 1 application deadline. Clinical training includes three on-campus rotations and two off-campus externships.
• Jackson State University: Offers an MS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology through the College of Health Sciences. This CAA-accredited program includes clinical education at its department-operated clinic and prepares graduates for both ASHA certification and Mississippi state licensure.

All four programs are residential and full-time. Each one prepares you for the Praxis exam and meets the academic requirements for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence.

What About Mississippi College?

Mississippi College offers more than 50 graduate areas of study, but it does not currently have a master's program in speech-language pathology.³ If you are an undergraduate at Mississippi College interested in SLP, plan to apply to one of the four CAA-accredited programs listed above.

Online and Hybrid Options for Mississippi Residents

None of the in-state programs currently offer an online or hybrid MS-SLP track. However, several CAA-accredited universities in other states offer distance-education SLP programs that accept Mississippi residents. These programs typically require you to complete clinical placements locally, so you would arrange supervised externships at approved sites within Mississippi. If schedule flexibility or geographic constraints make a residential program difficult, researching ASHA-accredited distance programs is a practical alternative. Check each program's state authorization status to confirm it can place students in Mississippi for clinical hours.

Doctoral Pathways

Doctoral options in speech-language pathology within Mississippi are limited. If you are interested in pursuing a PhD or clinical doctorate in CSD, you may need to look at programs in neighboring states or nationally. A doctoral degree is not required for clinical practice but can open doors to university teaching, research, and leadership roles. Students considering this path should connect with graduate faculty at Ole Miss or USM early, as those departments may offer research mentorship that positions you well for doctoral applications.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Mississippi

From your first day of college to your first day of licensed practice, becoming a speech-language pathologist in Mississippi follows a clear, structured path. Most aspiring SLPs should plan on roughly six to seven years of education and supervised experience before they can practice independently.

Mississippi SLP Licensing and ASHA Certification Requirements

Earning your master's degree is a major milestone, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Before you can practice independently in Mississippi, you need both a state license and, for most employers, the CCC-SLP certification. Here is how to navigate both pathways.

Mississippi State Licensure Step by Step

The Mississippi State Department of Health oversees SLP licensure.¹ To qualify for a full license, you must hold a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program, complete at least 400 supervised clinical hours during your graduate training, and pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology with a minimum score of 162.¹

After graduation, most candidates apply for a provisional license while they complete their clinical fellowship. The provisional license costs $75, lasts up to two years, and requires you to work under the supervision of a Mississippi-licensed SLP.¹ Once you finish a clinical fellowship of at least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours, you can apply for your full license. Expect a $100 application fee plus a $100 initial license fee, and allow 7 to 14 business days for processing.² You will also need to provide proof of Mississippi residency and pass a background check.¹

Mississippi renews SLP licenses annually and requires 30 continuing education hours per renewal cycle.³ CE hours may be earned through ASHA-approved providers, state association events, and other qualifying activities. Notably, Mississippi participates in the ASLP Licensure Compact, which can simplify the process if you plan to practice across state lines.³ For a broader look at how requirements differ elsewhere, see our SLP license requirements by state guide.

ASHA CCC-SLP Certification

ASHA's CCC-SLP is a national credential, not a state license, but the two share significant overlap. Both require a CAA-accredited master's degree, a passing Praxis score of 162, and completion of a supervised clinical fellowship. The key difference is that ASHA certification opens doors to broader professional recognition, reciprocity benefits in many states, and eligibility for certain employer and school-based positions that mandate the CCC-SLP. Maintaining it requires 30 hours of continuing education every three years, a cycle that differs slightly from the state's annual requirement.

Praxis Pass Rates by Mississippi Program

Your graduate program can make a real difference in how prepared you feel on exam day. Recent institutional data shows strong outcomes across the state's accredited programs:

• University of Southern Mississippi (USM): Consistently reports Praxis pass rates at or near 100%, reflecting the program's rigorous clinical and academic preparation.
• Mississippi University for Women (MUW): Also maintains pass rates at or near 100%, with the MUW Speech and Hearing Center providing hands-on clinical training that translates directly to exam readiness.
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss): Reports similarly high first-attempt pass rates, a testament to its well-structured graduate curriculum.
• Jackson State University: As the only HBCU in Mississippi offering the CSD graduate program, Jackson State has made steady progress in supporting student success on the Praxis, though prospective students should verify the most current rates directly with the program.

These pass rates matter because a score below 162 delays your ability to obtain both state licensure and ASHA certification. When comparing programs, asking about exam preparation resources, practice tests, and faculty mentoring around the Praxis can help you gauge which school best fits your needs.

Planning Your Timeline

From the day you start your master's program to the day you hold a full Mississippi SLP license, expect a timeline of roughly three to four years: two years of graduate coursework and clinical practicum, followed by your clinical fellowship year. Staying organized with application deadlines, CE tracking, and fellowship documentation will help you move through the process smoothly.

Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook in Mississippi

Mississippi employed approximately 1,510 speech-language pathologists as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the state's SLP wages tend to fall below the national median, the cost of living in Mississippi is among the lowest in the country, which helps stretch each paycheck further. It is also worth noting that program-level earnings data for Mississippi's SLP graduate programs are not yet available through federal reporting, so the institutional median earnings figures listed below reflect all graduates of each university (across all fields), not SLP graduates specifically. The statewide BLS occupation wages give you a more targeted picture of what practicing speech-language pathologists actually earn in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi SLP Programs

Choosing a speech pathology program in Mississippi raises plenty of practical questions, from program availability to licensing requirements and costs. Below are answers to the questions prospective SLP students ask most often, drawn from current program details and state licensing guidelines.

What is the number one school for speech pathology in Mississippi?

The University of Southern Mississippi is widely regarded as a top choice for speech pathology in the state. USM holds CAA accreditation, operates robust clinical facilities, and consistently reports strong Praxis pass rates. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) also ranks highly, particularly for students seeking a well-rounded undergraduate foundation before pursuing a graduate degree.

Does Mississippi College have a speech pathology program?

Mississippi College offers an undergraduate communication sciences and disorders program but does not currently offer a CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology. Students who complete their bachelor's at Mississippi College typically apply to graduate programs at institutions such as USM, Ole Miss, or Mississippi University for Women to earn the master's degree required for clinical practice.

Are there online speech pathology programs for Mississippi residents?

No Mississippi university currently offers a fully online, CAA-accredited master's in speech-language pathology. However, several out-of-state institutions provide hybrid or distance programs that Mississippi residents may pursue. Keep in mind that any program must include supervised clinical practicum hours completed in person, so fully online completion is not possible for this degree.

How much does a speech pathology master's program cost in Mississippi?

In-state tuition for a master's in speech-language pathology at Mississippi public universities generally ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 per year, making the state one of the more affordable options in the Southeast. Out-of-state students should expect higher rates. Additional costs include clinical supplies, Praxis exam fees, and background check expenses, which can add a few thousand dollars to total program cost.

What are the requirements for SLP licensure in Mississippi?

Mississippi requires a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program, completion of supervised clinical fellowship hours, and a passing score on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology. Applicants submit their credentials to the Mississippi State Department of Health. Holding the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) satisfies most academic and exam requirements for the state license.

What is the MUW Speech and Hearing Center?

The MUW Speech and Hearing Center is the clinical training facility operated by Mississippi University for Women. It provides diagnostic evaluations and therapy services to the surrounding community while giving graduate students hands-on clinical experience. The center treats a wide range of communication disorders in both children and adults, helping students build the supervised clinical hours needed for ASHA certification.

Can I work as an SLP in Mississippi with an out-of-state license?

Mississippi does not offer automatic reciprocity for out-of-state SLP licenses. You must apply for a new license through the Mississippi State Department of Health, providing proof of your degree, clinical fellowship, and Praxis score. If you hold a current CCC-SLP from ASHA, the process is typically streamlined, but you should allow several weeks for application review before beginning clinical work in the state.