Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPMissouri is a great place to consider if you want to become a speech-language pathologist because of the variety of accredited SLP programs, low cost, and job availability. Public universities’ in-state tuition stands between $300 and $450 per graduate credit; this is often cheaper than the tuition in many other surrounding states. However, private institutions and out-of-state schools are more expensive. This affordability is in line with the projected 25% growth of speech pathologist jobs in Missouri in the next decade, which is higher than the national average of 18-19%. Also, Missouri has a relatively low cost of living, and the average annual salary of a speech-language pathologist is about $80,000, which makes it possible to have a comfortable life.
Graduates are provided with plenty of clinical practice in metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as in the rural areas which require speech-language pathology services. If you are looking for a speech-language pathology undergraduate or graduate degree, or clinical training, Missouri has what it takes to meet your needs in terms of affordability, quality, and future employment.
Speechpathology.org brings you the top SLP programs in Missouri based on what students care about most: strong academics, real-world experience, and reputation. Discover leading speech pathology programs in Missouri and learn how we choose them at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - slu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Louis University's undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program builds foundational knowledge in communication disorders through 38 major credits, 25 clinical observation hours, and an optional practicum. This campus-based bachelor's degree prepares students for graduate studies or entry-level roles, emphasizing evidence-based practice in language development and speech science. Graduation requires a 3.0 GPA, with tuition around $54,760 annually. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT exams for admission, though this is not explicitly stated.
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Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is a two-year, six-semester campus program that prepares students for evidence-based practice in communication and swallowing disorders across diverse populations. With exceptional 97% graduation and 99% Praxis pass and employment rates, the 61-credit curriculum includes clinical practicums each term and research opportunities. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or prerequisite completion, with application through CSDCAS. The program does not explicitly require an entrance exam.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Speech-Language Pathology, Saint Louis University's Master of Science program offers intensive clinical training through practicums in various settings, emphasizing service to diverse populations. This two-year, six-semester campus program achieves 97% graduation and 99% Praxis pass and employment rates, requiring 61 credits with a thesis option. Admission necessitates a bachelor's degree in the field or leveling courses for non-majors, with a 3.0 GPA minimum. No entrance exam is explicitly required for this concentration.
Concentration: Audiology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Louis University's Audiology concentration within the Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences provides comprehensive clinical training across medical and educational settings. This rigorous two-year campus program features a 97% graduation rate and 99% Praxis pass and employment success, with multiple off-campus practicums enhancing hands-on experience. Admission requires a bachelor's degree or leveling option with a 3.0 GPA. An entrance exam is not explicitly mandated for this audiology-focused path.
Columbia, MO - Public 4-Year - missouri.edu
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The Bachelor of Health Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia prepares students for graduate study or careers as speech-language pathology assistants. It requires 120 total credit hours, including 42 hours of SLHS coursework, with admission needing 30 college credits and a 3.0 GPA. The program offers a low student-faculty ratio, hands-on experience, and high graduate school acceptance rates. For this bachelor's level program, no ACT or SAT entrance exam is specified as required.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Missouri-Columbia's MHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a Speech-Language Pathology concentration is a comprehensive two-year master's program requiring 48 credit hours and 375 clinical practicum hours. It emphasizes advanced coursework in communication disorders and offers research and thesis options. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a CSDCAS application by January 15, with financial aid possibilities. This campus-based program prepares graduates for roles in healthcare and schools, and no entrance exam is specified as required for this master's level program.
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As Missouri's only PhD in Speech-Language Pathology, this University of Missouri-Columbia program focuses on research and practical experience in areas like language, fluency, and aphasia. It is campus-based, providing hands-on learning in clinics and services, with financial aid available for eligible students. Admission requires a strong academic background and passion for communication disorders. No concentration is specified, and no entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctorate level program.
Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu
Concentration: Speech Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program with a Speech Language Pathology concentration prepares students for graduate studies or roles in clinics and nursing homes. It features affordable tuition and instruction from experienced clinicians, emphasizing bridging communication gaps to help individuals speak confidently. Admission follows standard undergraduate criteria, which may include ACT or SAT exams, though specifics are not detailed in the provided data.
Concentration: Audiology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program with an Audiology concentration provides a strategic pathway to graduate studies and careers in audiology. Students receive comprehensive training in hearing sciences, learning to diagnose and address communication challenges through a rigorous, clinician-taught curriculum. This campus-based program offers reasonable tuition and professional networking opportunities, with admission potentially requiring ACT or SAT exams, as per typical undergraduate standards.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders - Speech Language Pathology Track is a hybrid program accredited by the CAA of ASHA, preparing students for careers in speech-language pathology. It focuses on prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation of speech and language disorders through a curriculum blending academic, clinical, and research components. Completion typically requires four regular semesters plus at least one summer. This program does not require an entrance exam, as it is a graduate-level offering not specifying exam mandates.
Kirksville, MO - Public 4-Year - truman.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Truman State University's Master of Arts in Communication Disorders, an ASHA-accredited program with over 50 years of history, develops specialized speech-language pathologists through a rigorous 46-credit curriculum. Students complete 400 clinical contact hours in diverse settings, including an on-campus speech clinic, gaining hands-on experience with various disorders. The program requires GRE scores for admission and maintains a 3.00 minimum GPA, offering an optional thesis track and multiple internship opportunities to meet credentialing requirements for careers in schools, medical centers, and private practice.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - fontbonne.edu
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Fontbonne University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides foundational knowledge in normal language development and communication disorders. This campus program includes hands-on experience at the Eardley Family Clinic and prepares students for graduate studies or immediate work as speech-language pathology assistants in Missouri. Accredited by ASHA, it focuses on state licensure preparation and requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program features an active student association and experienced faculty guidance.
Concentration: working with children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fontbonne University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a specialized concentration in working with children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This campus-based program features a 100% national exam pass rate and post-graduation placement rate. Students gain extensive practical experience through therapy camps and clinical placements at the Eardley Family Clinic, serving diverse populations. The program requires an entrance exam, preparing graduates for careers in various healthcare settings with a family-centered therapy approach.
Concentration: working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fontbonne University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology focuses on working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders. This campus program boasts a 100% post-graduate placement rate and offers hands-on clinical training through therapy camps and the Eardley Family Clinic. Serving patients aged 2-98, it provides varied career opportunities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. An entrance exam is required for this program, which emphasizes comprehensive training in neurogenic disorders.
Kansas City, MO - Private 4-year - rockhurst.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rockhurst University's campus-based Speech-Language Pathology program in Kansas City, MO, immerses students in diagnosing and treating communication disorders through hands-on clinical experiences. This Roman Catholic-affiliated institution emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that builds strong academic foundations for aspiring speech-language pathologists. As a military-friendly school, it supports diverse student backgrounds in achieving professional success. The program requires a rigorous admissions process focused on academic excellence. For this master's level program, an entrance exam is required, typically the GRE.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - maryville.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, requiring 57 credits over five semesters at a total cost of $54,906. This ASHA-accredited program includes telepractice clinical experiences, state licensure preparation, and clinical coordinator support, with no GRE required. It emphasizes flexible, 24/7 online learning designed to meet ASHA standards, preparing professionals to address communication disorders across diverse populations through evidence-based practice.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Maryville University of Saint Louis provides a campus-based Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, focusing on cultural competence and hands-on clinical practicums in schools and medical settings. The 57-credit curriculum covers speech sound disorders, dysphagia, and multicultural issues, aligning with ASHA standards. Admission requires undergraduate prerequisites and applications by February 1st, with no entrance exam specified. The program prepares graduates for ASHA certification through evidence-based practice and diverse patient experiences.
Warrensburg, MO - Public 4-Year - ucmo.edu
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The University of Central Missouri's Bachelor's in Speech-Language Pathology offers comprehensive training for aspiring professionals, with hands-on clinical sessions at the on-campus Welch-Schmidt Center. This program prepares graduates for roles as speech-language pathology assistants in Missouri or advanced graduate studies, covering audiology, aural rehabilitation, and multicultural issues. Featuring a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and state-of-the-art labs, it includes multiple practicum experiences and is accredited by ASHA. Admission does not require ACT or SAT exams, and financial aid options support students in this rewarding field.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Missouri's Master of Science in Communication Disorders prepares students for careers addressing communication and swallowing disorders, featuring a 99% program completion rate and 100% employment rate. This campus-based program emphasizes rigorous academics combined with extensive clinical experiences in state-of-the-art facilities, including voice and swallowing labs and AAC clinics. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with applications due February 1 for summer and March 1 for fall. The program maintains continuous ASHA accreditation since 1977 and requires the Praxis exam for certification, with a 99% pass rate.
Cape Girardeau, MO - Public 4-Year - semo.edu
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Southeast Missouri State University's Master of Arts in Communication Disorders is a nationally accredited program that prepares students for speech-language pathology careers through comprehensive coursework and extensive clinical therapy hours. The program emphasizes development, research, and practical experience, ensuring graduates are ready for national certifications like ASHA credentials and state licensures in Missouri. It boasts a 100% PRAXIS exam pass rate and a 96.61% program completion rate, highlighting its effectiveness. While highly competitive, it offers graduate leveling options, including online, with 29 credit hours. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Kirksville, MO - Private 4-year - atsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
A.T. Still University's 22-month Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a hybrid program that blends first-year residential learning with second-year online coursework. This 66-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices and interprofessional collaboration, preparing culturally responsive clinicians for diverse speech, language, and swallowing disorders. With a bilingual service focus and nationwide clinical placements, the program requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA but does not mandate GRE scores. Each cohort enrolls 45 students through CSDCAS applications, offering competitive tuition and comprehensive training.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at A.T. Still University is a two-year hybrid program based in Mesa, Arizona, featuring 66 credits focused on multicultural education and bilingual service delivery. Students engage in telepractice methodology and advanced clinical instrumentation training across multiple placement settings, supported by interprofessional education. The evidence-based curriculum covers assessment and treatment from infancy to geriatric populations, preparing graduates for ASHA certification. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework and a 3.0 GPA, with no GRE exam needed for entry into this rigorous program.
A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in Missouri, as a rule, requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and a good GPA and scores in standardized tests for admission. In the first year, students are expected to take about 120 credits which provide them with a general education in speech and hearing science, phonetics and language development.
After graduating with an SLP bachelor’s degree, many graduates become Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), work in other healthcare or education support roles, or prepare for advanced studies and applications to graduate programs. The career outlook for SPLAs is ok in Missouri with an average annual salary of $30,000 to $40,000. For a higher annual salary and more job responsibilities, many speech pathology bachelor’s degree grads continue on to become a licensed Speech-language pathologist.
A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) is the minimum degree requirement to practice as a fully licensed SLP. Most master’s degrees of speech pathology require a bachelor’s degree in CSD or completion of specific prerequisite ‘leveling’ courses. Applicants will likely need to submit letters of recommendation and have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate work. Master’s degrees in SLP average 50-60 credits and take approximately 2 years to complete. The tuition costs can range from $300 – $450 per credit for students at public universities taking advantage of in-state tuition.
Speech-language pathologists in Missouri can expect to earn an annual salary of $80,000 and up depending on whether they achieve ASHA’s CCC-SLP certification. This higher earning potential can usually justify the extra tuition as compared to that of a bachelor’s program. If you can’t find many in-state master’s programs that fit your schedule, some fully accredited online speech pathology programs can be great alternatives to ensure that Missouri students have options and good careers in both clinical and educational practice.
There are 2 main doctorate degrees in speech pathology: a PhD and clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). Missouri currently only has 1 PhD program available. The University of Missouri (Columbia) has a strong PhD option for those looking to continue their education. The research focused program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the graduate level typically requires a master’s degree or its equivalent for admission, along with strong letters of recommendation, a competitive GPA (often 3.5+) and a clear research statement.
To graduate, students will complete a pretty hefty load of coursework, teaching responsibilities, and a dissertation. In-state PhD candidates typically pay between $300 and $450 per credit in tuition, significantly lower than many other states. This degree prepares graduates for careers in academia, scientific research, and leadership roles in the development of clinical guidelines.
In contrast to the research focused PhD program, the SLPD is designed to enhance advanced clinical speech pathology practice. Unfortunately, there is not currently and SLPD program available in Missouri, so prospective students commonly seek fully accredited online or out-of-state programs. Admission requirements for SLPD offerings elsewhere often include a master’s in SLP, a current CCC-SLP, and documented clinical experience. These programs tend to run 30–45 credits over two to three years, preparing graduates for high-level clinical oversight, policy advocacy, and managerial positions. While SLPD salaries mirror experienced SLP pay, PhD holders often command higher earnings in research, teaching, and administrative roles.
Getting your Missouri SLP License requires the following criteria: A master’s degree or above in Speech-Language Pathology from an ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) program. It also required completing at least 400 clinical hours, including 25 observation hours and 375 hours of patient contact. You must also pass the Praxis exam in Speech Pathology before starting a clinical fellowship of about 36 weeks of full time work under supervision. The provisional license is issued by Missouri’s Board of Healing Arts during that fellowship. Licensure application follows fellowship completion. It entails a background check and the submission of forms based on your education, exam scores, and supervised experience.
Speech Pathologists must have their Missouri SLP License renewed every two years, which requires 30 hours of continuing education. Maintaining up to date with new therapy methods, ethics standards and clinical technologies maintains your practice and, in turn, your licensure.
If you want to be an SLPA, you will have to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or its equivalent. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree, but it is not in a related field, there are 21 more CSD specific credits that can be taken in anatomy/physiology of speech, phonetics, speech language development and disorders, and clinical methods that will be considered the equivalent of a CSD bachelor’s degree. You will need 50 clinical hours with at least 25 hours of supervised observation and 25 hours of hands-on clinical training before you can obtain your Missouri SLPA License.
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for licensure through the state. Application will require a background check and fee payment. There aren’t any required tests to become a SLPA in Missouri, but ASHA does offer a Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification (C-SLPA) that you can get. Once you have your license you will be able to practice under a licensed SLP.
The speech-language pathology (SLP) programs in Missouri are traditionally four years for a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and two more years for a master’s degree in SLP. But if you are looking for the fastest SLP programs, there are some pretty good shortcuts available to you. For instance, Saint Louis University has a rather innovative five-year accelerated speech pathology program that enables exceptional undergraduates to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and thereby qualify for state licensure.
Normally, a regular bachelor’s degree is 120 credit hours and a master’s degree is 50-60 graduate credit hours over two years. Thus, through the combination of these requirements, it is possible to eliminate the need for almost a full year, thus allowing students to enter the speech-language pathology profession a year earlier.
Missouri does not have any combined master’s doctoral (PhD or SLP D) programs, but the University of Missouri in Columbia does offer Missouri’s only PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. In research or academia, you can usually move straight from the master’s to the PhD, depending on your interests and the availability of supervisors in the faculty. No matter the path, you may want to finish sooner to take full advantage of Missouri’s solid job market for SLPs — which is growing faster than in many surrounding states — and get a start on a career that can be both rewarding and lucrative.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Saint Louis University |
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| Missouri State University |
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| Southeast Missouri State University |
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If you are looking to keep the costs of your tuition fees to a minimum, there are several cheap SLP programs in Missouri that offer a good standard of education at an affordable price. Some state universities, for example, Truman State University of Southeast Missouri State, provide Communication Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s degree at $250-$370 per credit for in-state students, which is much cheaper than in many other states.
If you want to become a fully licensed speech-language pathologist, master’s programs at public universities like Missouri State or University of Central Missouri are usually $300-450 per graduate credit in-state. This may not seem like a lot, but if you are looking at 50-60 credits, this can save you a significant amount when compared to the private tuition rates that may be more than $700k per credit.
For the students planning to pursue research or academic careers, University of Missouri’s PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences has the same price structure as the master’s level PhD programs – $300 – $450 per credit. Many PhD students are also able to get graduate assistantships or fellowships that include tuition waivers and a stipend that greatly reduces the overall costs. Despite the fact that Missouri does not have an SLPD, all the accredited online or out-of-state SLPD programs are available to you if you want to pursue a clinical doctorate. Either way, the in-state tuition and potential funding sources make Missouri a cost-effective location to begin your SLP education.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Missouri State University |
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| University of Central Missouri |
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| University of Missouri |
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