Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Alexandra Turner, M.A., CCC‑SLPNew Mexico has excellent Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) degree programs which are designed to meet the needs of its culturally and linguistically diverse populations. These populations include but are not limited to those such as the Hispanic and Native American communities.
The career outlook for Speech Pathologist is superb in New Mexico. The growth of the profession in New Mexico is expected to increase by 30% from 2020-2030, which roughly equates to 300+ new SLP positions. The national average of employment growth for speech-language pathologists is 18%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is much less than the projected 30% for New Mexico. In fact, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions includes SLP on its list of “In-Demand Occupations.”
The salaries of the professionals in New Mexico are also higher than the national median and range between $100,000 and $125,000 annually. Because of the state’s population, SLPs who are bilingual are in great demand, especially those who are fluent in Spanish and English. The state’s demographic profile is rather distinct, which opens certain specialized employment opportunities, from the rural schools and clinics on the Navajo Nation to the healthcare facilities in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.
These institutions currently involve multicultural training, which is a distinct advantage in helping graduates to work effectively in diverse communities. The students who decide to study and practice in New Mexico not only get attractive salaries but also the chance to acquire particular knowledge of the bilingual and multicultural environment useful across the United States.
Find your future in SLP by exploring the best degrees in New Mexico available. Our team at speechpathology.org highlights top-ranked SLP programs in New Mexico to help you start or advance your career. Programs are evaluated for academic strength, research, and clinical excellence. Learn more about our process at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Concentration: Bilingual - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Bilingual concentration Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year hybrid program accredited by ASHA. It emphasizes multilingual and multicultural service delivery, offering diverse clinical rotations and research opportunities. The program boasts high Praxis exam pass rates and completion rates, preparing graduates for nationwide employment. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.
Concentration: Bilingual Speech Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
This campus-based Master's concentration in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology at the University of New Mexico focuses on multicultural communication assessment and intervention. Students develop expertise in bilingual language acquisition through specialized coursework and clinical experiences, with scholarship funding available. The program emphasizes culturally sensitive techniques and does not require an entrance exam for admission.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a comprehensive curriculum with a multilingual service focus. Students can complete the program in 2-3 years full-time or part-time, with extensive clinical experience across diverse populations. The ASHA-accredited program features a 95% Praxis exam pass rate and high completion rates, and no entrance exam is required for admission.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of New Mexico prepares graduates for academic faculty positions, emphasizing cultural and linguistic diversity. This mentor-based program combines theory with clinical practice in a multicultural Albuquerque environment, with specializations in speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Competitive admissions do not require an entrance exam, focusing on developing research and teaching skills.
Concentration: Adult Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
This PhD concentration in Adult Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders at the University of New Mexico focuses on treating disorders from stroke, TBI, and progressive diseases. The program blends theory with clinical practice, preparing graduates for academic careers in a culturally diverse setting. Admissions are competitive and do not require an entrance exam, offering value through comprehensive education.
Concentration: Child Speech and Language Disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's PhD concentration in Child Speech and Language Disorders is a mentor-based program emphasizing cultural and linguistic diversity. It prepares graduates for academic positions through clinical research, teaching skill development, and broad methodological study in a multicultural environment. Individualized programs do not require an entrance exam, focusing on in-depth specialization and research opportunities.
Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with in-person clinical training, preparing students for diverse clinical settings. The program emphasizes strong Praxis exam performance with an 83% three-year average pass rate and achieves 100% on-time completion. Located in the Communication Studies Building, it offers intensive clinical experiences and academic rigor without requiring a specific entrance exam, focusing on comprehensive skill development for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Portales, NM - Public 4-Year - enmu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern New Mexico University's Master of Science in Communicative Disorders prepares students for speech-language pathology careers through a hybrid learning model. The program emphasizes clinical training with diverse populations, from infants to seniors, addressing communication and swallowing disorders. Accredited by ASHA, it boasts a 100% graduate employment rate and competitive Praxis examination pass rates. Flexible full-time and part-time tracks accommodate working professionals, with 30-35 students admitted per semester. While entrance exam requirements aren't specified, the program highlights strong Praxis performance. Affordable tuition and multiple scholarship opportunities enhance accessibility for aspiring healthcare professionals.
In New Mexico students often start their journey in Speech Language Pathology by pursuing a SLP Bachelor’s degree as a stepping stone towards advanced studies at the graduate level. This foundational step is commonly offered at schools like Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the University of New Mexico (UNM). These institutions provide undergraduate programs with a focus on communication disorders.
Although just having a bachelors degree by itself doesn’t permit individuals to practice work independently or obtain state licensure it does establish a solid groundwork for further education and can lead to job prospects like the chance to work as an Apprentice Speech Pathologist in New Mexico—a position that offers supervised clinical training in school environments.
To pursue a career as a SLP in New Mexico and work independently requires earning a masters degree in speech-language pathology from accredited programs and obtaining certification from ASHA. With competitive salaries averaging around $100k yearly in the state, it might seem like a lot of work, but the investment is worth it. Once you have secured your New Mexico SLP license you will be able to work in various settings like schools and hospitals.
Opting for one of the two degrees heavily relies on your career objectives—since a bachelors degree sets the groundwork for education and a masters degree is crucial for entering the professional field and taking advantage of the promising job prospects in New Mexico, for licensed speech language pathologists.
If you’re thinking about education options, the University of New Mexico (UNM) provides a specialized PhD program in Communication Sciences and Disorders that focuses on research. A PhD in SLP from UNM is a fit for those who are enthusiastic about research teaching or enhancing clinical practices through academic work. Typically admission requires holding a masters degree having research interests that match the faculty’s areas of expertise submitting letters of recommendation and presenting a statement outlining academic aspirations. Graduates commonly pursue careers in teaching, research oriented clinical roles or managerial positions, in healthcare organizations.
UNM presently does not provide a doctorate (SLPD). However its research oriented PhD program stands out for its focus on bilingual communication and multicultural concerns relevant to the Southwest region. Students keen on leadership or practice centered SLP doctorate degrees could explore online speech pathology degrees or hybrid SLPD programs offered by institutions located beyond New Mexico. Individuals engaged in research or aiming to shape policies and practices at advanced levels will benefit from UNNs doctoral program because of the chance to make a direct impact on culturally diverse communities through research and education—a particularly significant opportunity, in the diverse environment of New Mexico.
In New Mexico to work as a Speech Language Pathologist you must obtain a license from the New Mexico State Board for Speech Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices.
There are two options for licensure in New Mexico. Both require you to have a Master’s degree in SLP from an accredited university. The next step is to provide proof of your supervised clinical experiences and exam, this can be done with proof of your ASHA Certification (CCC-SLP) or by providing your Praxis in Speech-Language Pathology test scores and documentation of a Clinical Fellowship Year (9-12 months of supervised clinical experience under a licensed SLP). The final steps of licensure are passing a background check, paying the application fees, and submitting your application. If you are already licensed and a practicing speech pathology in another state, New Mexico has reciprocity and you can get a New Mexico license by endorsement.
To keep your SLP license valid in New Mexico and stay up to date with industry standards and practices every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education is essential for professionals in the field. The state’s licensing board renews licenses every two years in a process that helps practitioners maintain their credentials effectively. This dedication to education guarantees that professionals are well informed about the latest developments in treatment methods and research advancements. Benefiting the quality of care provided to the diverse communities in New Mexico.
In New Mexico there is a license available for Apprentice Speech Language Pathologists (ASL). This license is for those who have a bachelors degree in communication sciences or related fields and are working towards their masters degree. It enables them to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist in settings, like schools. Although it doesn’t provide practitioner status on its own, the ASL is perfect for individuals transitioning from undergraduate studies to becoming fully licensed speech pathology professionals. It allows aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience, earn money and expand their connections in the industry while fulfilling graduate education criteria.
If you’re keen on quickly wrapping up your speech-language pathology studies in New Mexico there are flexible and fast SLP degree options available. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) shines at the masters degree level thanks to its hybrid program that empowers driven students to graduate in around two years or less. Boasting rolling admissions and various start dates, throughout the year— including summer—ENMUs curriculum provides flexibility allowing ambitious students to earn their degree promptly while maintaining educational excellence.
At the level in all three universities (ENMU,NMSU and UNL) students can opt for the standard four year programs; however with proper planning students can fast track their speech pathology education by enrolling in summer sessions and accelerated courses which can shorten the duration towards pursuing advanced studies. Having research goals and finding suitable mentors can sometimes enable motivated students to complete doctoral degrees like UNLs PhD program in Communication Sciences and Disorders in a shorter span (around 4–5 years, after earning a masters degree).The graduate program at ENMU stands out as the choice in New Mexico for those aiming to become SLP professionals due to its blend of speediness, with affordability and quality standards.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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University of New Mexico
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| New Mexico State University |
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| Eastern New Mexico University |
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In New Mexico’s list of recognized programs for graduate level Speech Language Pathology education Eastern New Mexico University stands out as the cost-effective SLP degree choice on a regular basis ENMU’s hybrid masters program blends affordable in state tuition fees (approximately $317 per credit hour for residents ) with inclusive tuition guidelines that are advantageous to out of state students by only charging 1.5 times the in state rate instead of the much higher fees commonly observed at other institutions. During the summer session at ENMU all students are charged the tuition fee as in state residents, which is quite affordable, for both local and out of state students alike.
New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers pricing for residents at an annual tuition of approximately $6,246 for full time graduate students making it accessible to most New Mexico residents. Although slightly pricier than ENMU it still falls within a range compared to national averages. The University of New Mexico (UNM) despite being the expensive choice in the state due to additional departmental tuition variances is still more economical, than numerous out of state or private universities. In general speech pathology students who are focused on affordability tend to lean towards ENMU while NMS offers another option particularly appealing for those who qualify for in-state tuition or financial assistance.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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University of New Mexico
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| Eastern New Mexico University |
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| New Mexico State University |
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