Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Benjamin Thompson, M.S., CCC‑SLPWhen thinking about starting a career in speech-language pathology, Ohio may not be the first state that comes to mind, but it might just surprise you with its charms and opportunities. Ohio isn’t just a collection of bustling cities like Columbus or Cleveland—it’s a place where SLP programs are thriving while also fostering a strong connection to the community. Ohio boasts some outstanding programs at institutions such as Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and The University of Akron, so no matter what your learning style is preferring the energy of campus classroom, flexibility of online speech pathology degree or both.
The career landscape here is a huge benefit. The SLP job market in Ohio is expected to grow by 29% from 2020-2030 which is significantly higher than many other professions or this same profession in other states. This is a chance to make a difference in schools, hospitals, or clinics, helping kids with their words or helping adults to regain their confidence. You can expect to earn $90,830 annually which is not bad for a state with a reasonable cost of living. Ohio is a sensible route to a satisfying profession that is based on real-life change, unlike some states with sky high tuition or competitive markets.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Ohio? peechpathology.org ranks top SLP 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 Ohio. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Cincinnati's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a CAA-accredited hybrid program combining online coursework with in-person clinical practicums. Designed as a three-year part-time curriculum, it offers flexibility for working professionals to diagnose and treat communication disorders across diverse settings like hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The program includes collaboration with the University of Akron and requires students to live within a four-hour driving distance for practicums. It prepares graduates for state licensure and ASHA certification, with no entrance exam specified for this master's-level program.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This hybrid Master's in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Cincinnati delivers a rigorous blend of online learning and hands-on clinical experience tailored for professionals. Over a part-time three-year schedule, students develop expertise in language, hearing, and swallowing interventions, with clinical placements in varied environments such as hospitals and schools. Accredited by CAA, the program involves a partnership with the University of Akron and mandates residency within a four-hour drive for practicums. It readies graduates for ASHA certification, and no entrance exam is mentioned for admission.
Concentration: Healthcare or Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Cincinnati's Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology, launching in 2026, is a fully online part-time program for practicing SLPs pursuing leadership in healthcare or education tracks. It focuses on advancing clinical problem-solving, research application, and critical thinking through mentorship, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, schools, and private practice. Admission requires meeting specific prerequisites, with no entrance exam noted for this doctorate-level program, emphasizing flexibility for career advancement in specialized clinical settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Designed for practicing clinicians, the Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Cincinnati is an online part-time program starting in 2026, offering healthcare or education tracks to enhance leadership and advanced clinical skills. It stresses critical thinking, research utilization, and clinical problem-solving for diverse career paths in settings like hospitals and private practice. Prerequisites are required for admission, and no entrance exam is specified for this doctorate, catering to professionals aiming to elevate their expertise in speech-language pathology.
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron's undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program provides foundational knowledge in communication sciences through hybrid, in-person, and online formats. Students complete 25 clinical observation hours and can choose B.A. or B.A.T. degrees, with an accelerated pathway for graduate coursework. This bachelor's-level program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam, featuring ASHA-aligned curricula, small classes, and active student organizations to prepare for advanced studies.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology through traditional on-campus and collaborative distance learning programs, accredited by ASHA. Both pathways prepare students for Ohio licensure, with the distance option partnering with the University of Cincinnati for nationwide flexibility. This master's-level program requires an entrance exam, emphasizing comprehensive training to meet professional standards, including hands-on practica and interprofessional collaboration.
Concentration: Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focused on Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC), this Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Akron Main Campus provides specialized training in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Students engage in evidence-based practices, technology use, and interprofessional collaboration through practica and internships, preparing for ASHA certification and licensure. As a master's program, it requires an entrance exam, with competitive annual admissions and potential financial assistance for qualified candidates.
Concentration: Neurogenic Disorders of Communication and Swallowing - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Neurogenic Disorders of Communication and Swallowing, the University of Akron's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology offers rigorous on-campus and distance learning options. The program combines advanced coursework with clinical experiences in diverse settings, fostering skills for ASHA certification and healthcare careers. An entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which features competitive admission and interprofessional training to enhance professional marketability.
Online Learning - Visit Website
This fully online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Akron, in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati, allows nationwide enrollment without campus residency. The eight-semester program includes asynchronous courses and clinical placements near students' homes, ideal for working professionals. As a master's program, it requires an entrance exam, offering flexibility, financial aid, and preparation for licensure through school and medical externships.
Oxford, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Oxford's Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology requires 63 semester hours, covering topics like communication disorders, anatomy, and audiology. With a recommended 3.0 GPA, it includes clinical experience and electives, serving as a foundation for graduate studies, as Ohio mandates a graduate degree for practice. For this bachelor's program, entrance exams such as the ACT or SAT are typically required, but specific requirements are not stated.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Oxford's Master's in Speech-Language Pathology offers rigorous academic and clinical training accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. Students choose between thesis-based MA or research-focused MS tracks, requiring 49-77 credit hours and a minimum 3.2 GPA. The program emphasizes specialties in pediatric and neurogenic disorders, integrates clinical practicum in diverse settings, and prepares for professional certification. As a master's program, it may require an entrance exam like the GRE, though specifics are not stated.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University's Speech-Language Pathology master's program provides comprehensive training with MA and MS options, both CAA-accredited. It requires a minimum 3.4 major GPA and 49-77 credit hours, including 32 clinical practicum hours focused on diverse communication disorders in school and medical settings. The thesis-based MA track emphasizes research, preparing graduates for certification and clinical practice. For this master's program, an entrance exam such as the GRE may be required, but details are not provided.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University's Speech-Language Pathology graduate program offers MA and MS tracks with CAA accreditation, requiring a minimum 3.4 major GPA and 49-77 credit hours. It includes 32 clinical practicum hours and covers diverse communication disorders through advanced clinical experiences. The MS track features thesis and non-thesis options, building expert-level skills for professional certification. As a master's program, it might necessitate an entrance exam like the GRE, though this is not explicitly mentioned.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Oxford's Master's in Speech-Language Pathology includes MA and MS tracks, accredited by the CAA, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and 47-49 credit hours. The program integrates clinical practicum, offering 32 practice hours and courses in pediatric and neurogenic disorders across diverse settings. It prepares students for professional certification through rigorous academic and hands-on training. For this master's level, an entrance exam such as the GRE could be required, but it is not specified.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University's Master's in Speech-Language Pathology provides MA and MS tracks with CAA accreditation, requiring a minimum 3.2 GPA and 49-77 credit hours. It blends academic coursework with clinical practicum, including 32 hours focused on pediatric and adult disorders, neurogenic conditions, and evidence-based practices. Thesis and non-thesis options support professional certification readiness. As a master's program, an entrance exam like the GRE may be needed, though it is not detailed.
Berea, OH - Private 4-year - bw.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baldwin Wallace University's Communication Sciences and Disorders major provides traditional four-year and five-year integrated BS/MS tracks, focusing on speech-language pathology and audiology. Students gain hands-on experience at the BW Speech Clinic, with a 95% graduate school acceptance rate. Small classes and faculty mentoring enhance learning. Admission requires meeting university standards, and for bachelor's level, ACT or SAT exams are typically needed, though specifics should be checked on the school's website.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baldwin Wallace University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year campus program with 100% Praxis exam pass rates and employment outcomes. The program emphasizes extensive clinical experiences through partnerships with medical and educational institutions, using evidence-based and technology-integrated approaches. It requires a GRE entrance exam and has a February 15, 2025, application deadline via CSDCAS for fall admission.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The 5-Year Integrated BS/MS Program in Speech-Language Pathology at Baldwin Wallace University offers an accelerated path, saving time and costs by combining degrees. It includes 150 credit hours, diverse clinical training, and a 100% Praxis pass rate. No GRE is required for admission, and the program starts graduate coursework in the fourth year, accredited by CAA with strong job growth projections.
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio State University's PhD in Speech-Language Science prepares students for careers as researchers or professors through flexible, research-focused coursework in psychology, linguistics, and statistics. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in laboratory and clinical settings with minimal specific requirements, allowing for tailored academic paths. Faculty support personalized research interests, and the curriculum is designed to build expertise for impactful roles in academia. An entrance exam is required for this doctoral program.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Ohio State University is a two-year, full-time program ranked #21 by U.S. News & World Report. It meets ASHA certification and Ohio licensure requirements, offering clinical training from the first semester across all nine practice areas. Students learn from world-class faculty in Columbus, benefiting from high employment rates and diverse clinical placements in a major metropolitan area. Financial aid is available, and an entrance exam is required for this master's program.
Cleveland, OH - Private 4-year - case.edu
Concentration: Communication Sciences - Campus Based - Visit Website
Case Western Reserve University's Communication Sciences PhD program delivers advanced interdisciplinary doctoral training, emphasizing research in speech perception, language disorders, and neurogenic communication. With a small, selective cohort, students benefit from personalized mentorship, preparing them for leadership roles in universities, research hospitals, and clinical settings. This campus-based program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, and focuses on bridging scientific inquiry with practical applications in communication sciences.
Athens, OH - Public 4-Year - ohio.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio University-Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, a two-year residential program accredited by ASHA that prepares students for clinical certification. It features over 250 externship sites, optional teacher licensure, and multicultural learning environments with personalized supervision. No entrance exam is required for this master's program, and it includes state-of-the-art clinic facilities and research tracks for diverse career paths in speech-language pathology.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Speech-Language Science at Ohio University-Main Campus is a research-intensive doctoral program requiring GRE scores for admission. It offers full tuition coverage and living stipends, with 90 graduate hours, mentored research in advanced facilities, and individualized academic plans. This competitive program prepares graduates for leadership in academic and clinical settings, emphasizing rigorous training and faculty collaboration.
Bowling Green, OH - Public 4-Year - bgsu.edu
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bowling Green State University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year, CAA-accredited campus program emphasizing comprehensive clinical training. Students complete rigorous coursework alongside practica each semester, including on-campus clinic experiences and full-time off-campus externships in Northwest Ohio. The program meets ASHA certification standards and Ohio licensure requirements, preparing graduates for diverse clinical settings. Admission requires a minimum 3.00 GPA and a December 15 deadline, with no entrance exam specified.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bowling Green State University's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Speech-Language Pathology concentration focuses on developing independent research skills through a student-centered, campus-based approach. The program emphasizes research methodologies, normal and disordered speech, and information dissemination, with close faculty supervision in teaching and research. Admission requires a strong academic background and a December 15 deadline, with funding opportunities available; no entrance exam is mentioned.
Mount Vernon, OH - Private 4-year - mvnu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Vernon Nazarene University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology integrates Christian values with healthcare education, preparing students for graduate studies in communication sciences and disorders. The program emphasizes extensive clinical training, offering over 620 hours of hands-on experience at the on-campus Hunter Hall Clinic. With a 100% graduate school acceptance rate and strong job growth projections, graduates are well-equipped for diverse career paths in addressing communication challenges. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specific requirements should be verified with the university.
Toledo, OH - Public 4-Year - utoledo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Toledo's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides foundational training for graduate studies and careers in communication disorders. This campus-based program, established in 1969, serves approximately 150 undergraduate majors and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. Students gain early clinical experience through 25 practicum hours and observation opportunities, aligning with ASHA accreditation standards. The curriculum develops assessment and intervention skills, preparing graduates for diverse employment settings with an average starting salary of $50,000. Entrance exam requirements (e.g., ACT/SAT) are not specified in the provided data, but the program emphasizes rigorous coursework and clinical readiness for advanced education.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Toledo's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a five-semester campus program that prepares graduates for national certification and state licensure. Students complete over 550 clinical practicum hours across diverse settings like healthcare facilities and schools, supported by on-campus clinics and ASHA-certified faculty. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate within six months, with graduates earning an average starting salary of $58,000. While entrance exam requirements are not specified in the provided data, the curriculum includes Praxis exam preparation and emphasizes evidence-based training through hands-on patient experiences and research-active faculty.
The bachelor’s degree in speech pathology is available at universities such as Ohio University or Kent State University, and it is the foundation course, the introductory course that does not commit one fully to the field. To be eligible to apply, one must have a high school diploma, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and interest in the speech pathology field. It is four years and after that, you can get a job as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) helping licensed experts in therapy sessions.
But if you are ready to step up, a master’s degree in speech-language pathology is where the real work begins. The Ohio State University and University of Cincinnati provide programs that are accredited by the Council of Academic and Clinical Practice (CACREP) and prepare one to be a SLP and get a license. To be admitted, one must have a bachelor’s degree (communication disorders are preferred but others are acceptable with more courses), a 3.0 GPA, and for some, the GRE scores and then there is the personal statement. You will be ready in about two years to work on your own—as a school speech-language pathologist, helping a child with autism communicate, or in a hospital, assisting a stroke patient.
If your sights are set higher, maybe on shaping the future of speech pathology through research or advanced practice, SLP doctorate degrees come into play. Ohio University offers a PhD in speech-language science, perfect if you’re the type who loves diving into studies and exploring how language develops in kids with hearing loss. Getting in takes a master’s degree, strong GRE scores, and a clear research vision, often through their combined MA-PhD track. Finish it, and you could be a university professor or a research lead, pulling in $100,000 or more annually in academia or specialized roles.
Ohio doesn’t offer a SLPD in-state at this time. This clinical doctorate is for those who want to master hands-on skills, maybe leading a clinic or consulting on tough cases. You’d need similar credentials to a PhD, plus a focus on clinical chops. Without one in Ohio, you’re looking at online programs from places like Nova Southeastern University, where tuition might run $40,000 to $60,000 total, and earnings could hit $90,000 to $100,000 as a clinical director.
The PhD at Ohio University is more affordable for in-state folks—around $34,000 to $50,000 total, based on credit costs—but out-of-state jumps higher. If you’re torn, Ohio’s PhD is your local gem; for SLPD, you’ll need to venture online or out of state.
There is a structured process of aligning to state requirements and national standards to ensure that professionals who are to serve in their communities are properly prepared.
The candidates must have a master’s degree from an accredited program, a degree easily obtainable from Ohio’s universities, and then a nine month clinical fellowship supervised by a clinician. This fellowship consists of 36 weeks of full time work at 30 hours per week or 72 weeks of part time work at 15 hours per week; this is important for the practical application of the knowledge acquired. Successful Praxis examination scores are also required prior to applying for licensure through the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board. Additionally, speech-language pathologists are required to have 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours of ethics, to keep their license active.
In addition to state licensure, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) for SLPs, which requires a master’s degree, clinical fellowship, and passing the Praxis exam, which allows the licensee to practice across state lines.
Ohio does not have a separate licensure category for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs), but in Ohio, individuals with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent can work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist to help with therapy and support services. For SLPAs, ASHA offers the Assistants Certification (C-SLPA), which requires at least 100 hours of clinical experience supervised by a certified SLPA and certain coursework to increase the assistant’s status in the field.
The length of SLP programs in Ohio is planned to be optimal for gaining theoretical and practical knowledge without extending the learning process longer than necessary. The bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, which is offered at Miami University or Bowling Green State University, is a four-year course. This program offers an all-round learning of the field to enable the graduates to join advanced studies or low level support positions.
Graduate level programs, master’s programs offered by The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and The University of Akron are offered for two years on a full-time basis, that is six semesters of learning and clinical practice. These speech pathology programs are designed for the purpose of meeting the licensure requirements in the shortest period of time possible so that students are well prepared to practice on their own.
Ohio University’s PhD program in speech-language science is one that is offered for individuals wishing to carry out research and the length of the program is three to five years because of the depth of the study. The two-year master’s timeline is the fastest SLP degree path to licensure and starting the career, without overriding the need for comprehensive training in the field.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Akron |
|
|
| Ohio State University |
|
|
| Miami University |
|
|
Affordability is one of the important factors that students should consider when choosing a speech-language pathology (SLP) program and Ohio has affordable speech pathology degree options at all degree levels. Kent State University offers a good starting point with an annual in-state tuition fee of $12,000 which means that the total cost of attendance for four years is $48,000. This is a good start to get a good academic foundation, or to move into entry level positions in the field. The University of Akron is especially affordable, especially for the master’s degree which it offers through its online program in partnership with the University of Cincinnati.
The in-state tuition fee is $27,750 for 60 credit hours while the out-of-state students pay an additional $60, making the total tuition fee $27,810. This is a reasonable price for out-of-state students who need flexibility. OSU’s master’s program is $38,670 for in-state students over two years, out-of-state tuition is $125,187, which is considerably higher than other public universities because of its comprehensive campus and urban location.
Ohio University’s master’s program is in between the two previous programs as it has an in-state cost of $34,980 for 60 credit hours, and its PhD program, the only doctoral program offered in-state, is between $35,000 and $50,000 depending on credit hours. There are no SLP-D programs offered in Ohio so students must look for them elsewhere in the country. Among these options, The University of Akron’s master’s program is particularly affordable, especially for non-residents, and provides a quality education at a price that is manageable for someone starting out in this rewarding profession of speech-language pathology.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Akron |
|
|
| Ohio University |
|
|
| Baldwin Wallace University |
|
|
If you are interested in pursuing a career in SLP and have been researching licensing requirements or are simply interested in learning more about SLP
Dyslexia, a common learning difference affecting reading, writing, and language processing, can present unique challenges for students transitioning from high school to college. Fortunately, a
If you have ever been researching speech-language pathology careers and come across the words ‘speech pathologist’ and ‘speech therapist’, you might wonder if they are
If you are pursuing the position of a speech-language pathologist, then you may have heard of the Praxis exam from your professors, classmates, or even