Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Alexandra Turner, M.A., CCC‑SLPOklahoma is a prime location for students planning to pursue a Speech-Language Pathology career, offering both affordable SLP programs and a good employment outlook all while providing quality education. The state has several excellent programs that suit the future SLPs and are designed to address the particular challenges and potential of Oklahoma.
For example, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond offers both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees and has a combined program, which can help you finish your education faster than many other places. Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater offers a research-focused master’s degree and has nice labs, such as the Motor Speech Lab, that provide practical experience that is not easy to get elsewhere. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) is located in Oklahoma City and is surrounded by a growing medical community, which provides numerous clinical practices due to its location near hospitals.
What makes Oklahoma interesting is not only the programs, but also the speech pathologist job prospects and the wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 18% growth in the demand for SLPs in the United States between 2023 and 2033, and Oklahoma matches that same trend or even exceeds it with increasing demand owing to the rising population of elderly people and more people being diagnosed with communication disorders.
The average salary of speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma is $75,000 to $85,000. It varies with the job, for instance, rural areas earn slightly lower salary than urban areas like Oklahoma City or Tulsa. When comparing Oklahoma to costly states such as California or New York, one can see that Oklahoma is a wise decision from the financial point of view, especially where the cost of living is relatively low. In this regard, anyone who wants to make a real positive change in the speech pathology field without having to pay a lot of money in tuition or for living expenses will find Oklahoma to be a sensible choice.
Looking for the best speech pathology programs in Oklahoma? 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 Oklahoma. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Norman, OK - Public 4-Year - ou.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology delivers comprehensive training for healthcare careers, featuring a 100% national exam passage rate and full ASHA certification compliance. Students develop specialized diagnostic and treatment skills for communication and swallowing disorders through a robust curriculum and clinical experience in schools, clinics, and hospitals. The program requires an entrance exam and offers interdisciplinary units, a speech-language clinic, and diverse employment opportunities, with a PhD option available.
Campus Based - Visit Website
As Oklahoma's sole Speech-Language Pathology program, this University of Oklahoma offering begins at the Norman campus and transitions to the Oklahoma City Health Sciences Center for specialized training. Students achieve a 100% national exam passage rate and gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, preparing for careers in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. The curriculum meets ASHA requirements for clinical competence and requires an entrance exam, with MA, MS, or PhD degree options available.
Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - utulsa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tulsa's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is an ASHA-accredited, two-year campus program requiring 41 credit hours and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Students complete 25 hours of guided observation, two offsite clinical practica, and a clinical externship with hospital and pediatric placements. The curriculum includes a comprehensive exam and national exam preparation. This program requires an entrance exam. Graduates are prepared for careers in diverse settings through evidence-based assessment and intervention training.
Chickasha, OK - Public 4-Year - usao.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma's undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology program provides comprehensive preparation for graduate studies and professional careers in healthcare settings. Students can complete this three-year program through a curriculum featuring 47 specialized course hours and hands-on clinical training at the John A. Morris Speech and Language Clinic. With small class sizes and personalized advising, the program emphasizes original research opportunities within a broad interdisciplinary framework. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. Graduates are well-equipped for advanced study and diverse practice environments including hospitals, schools, and private clinics.
Edmond, OK - Public 4-Year - uco.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Central Oklahoma's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology serves as a pre-professional program preparing students for graduate studies. This campus-based program builds a comprehensive foundation in speech and language disorders, neuroscience, and therapy techniques through interdisciplinary learning and practicum experiences. Students develop assessment and treatment skills for various conditions, with admission requiring permission forms and transcripts during junior year. The program emphasizes hands-on learning for licensure and certification preparation. As a bachelor's level program, it does not specify ACT or SAT requirements in the provided information.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at University of Central Oklahoma provides comprehensive training for careers addressing communication disorders. This rigorous campus-based program covers language development, disorders, and clinical techniques through in-depth coursework and hands-on practicum experiences. Students learn from expert faculty with a focus on academic excellence, requiring a 2.75 GPA. The program offers specialized training in audiology, voice disorders, and cultural communication strategies. As a master's level program, it does not specify entrance exam requirements in the provided information.
Shawnee, OK - Private 4-year - okbu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma Baptist University's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology is a hybrid graduate program designed to equip students with skills to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups in diverse settings like hospitals and clinics. It offers an accelerated, flexible learning path and is pending accreditation, with a proposed Fall 2026 launch. As a master's level program, it may require an entrance exam such as the GRE, though specifics should be verified with the university. The program emphasizes evidence-based techniques and is led by Program Director Dr. AnnMarie Knight, catering to aspiring speech-language pathologists seeking a rewarding healthcare career.
Tahlequah, OK - Public 4-Year - nsuok.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern State University's Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology serves as a comprehensive pre-professional undergraduate program, preparing students for advanced master's studies. This campus-based program in Oklahoma emphasizes foundational knowledge in communication and swallowing disorders through academic, clinical, and research components. Courses are taught by licensed professionals, ensuring practical insights into speech-language pathology. An accelerated degree plan allows completion of both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. The cohort model fosters a supportive environment with interprofessional education and professionalism. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. Military-friendly, it builds essential skills for diverse communication needs.
Oklahoma City, OK - Public 4-Year - ouhsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center's PhD in Speech-Language Pathology is a research-intensive doctoral program requiring 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours. It prepares scholars for academic and research leadership through individualized training in communication sciences, emphasizing statistics, teaching experience, and research presentations. GRE scores are required for admission, with full-time enrollment recommended and potential stipends or assistantships available. This program focuses on developing grant-writing skills and interdisciplinary learning without a specific concentration.
Concentration: voice science - Campus Based - Visit Website
This PhD program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center specializes in voice science, requiring 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours and GRE scores for admission. It emphasizes advanced research and teaching in voice disorders, with coursework in statistics and research methods. A 3.0 GPA minimum and interview are required, and financial aid or assistantships may support students. The curriculum fosters independent scholarship and professional leadership through interdisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates for specialized roles in voice science research and academia.
Concentration: neural processing - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focused on neural processing, this PhD in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center requires 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours and GRE scores. It offers a rigorous, individualized curriculum blending research mentorship and teaching experiences to develop expertise in neural aspects of communication. With a 3.0 GPA minimum, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary scholarship, research presentations, and potential stipends, preparing students for leadership in academia and clinical innovation related to neural processing in speech-language pathology.
Tulsa, OK - Public 4-Year - medicine.okstate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology that requires the GRE for admission, with recommended scores of 296 and 3.5 analytical writing. This two-year campus program includes 36 credit hours of coursework and 15 credit hours of practicum across diverse clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice. Accredited by ASHA, it provides research opportunities, a thesis or exam option, and pathways to clinical competence certification and Oklahoma licensure. Financial aid, including graduate assistantships, is available to support students in this intensive, career-focused program.
In Oklahoma, choosing between a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology and master’s degree in speech pathology depends on your career goals. A bachelor’s degree is four years and is an entry level option. It is appropriate for those who have not yet decided whether to proceed to graduate study or who wish to begin in speech pathology assistant roles. The foundational topics like communication processes and basic disorder studies are covered by these programs offered at UCO and OUHSC.
Admission is also rather simple and requires you to submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and sometimes even recommendation letters. They can become SLP assistants, teaching assistants, or research assistants. The annual salary is approx. $30,000-$40,000. The wage can also be used to purchase a degree that would enable one to pursue further education.
A master’s degree, which is two years after the bachelor’s degree, is needed to fulfill the requirements for a full license as an SLP in Oklahoma. These ASHA-accredited programs at UCO, OSU and OUHSC comprise of academic coursework and clinical practice to meet the state and national standards. The admission process involves a bachelor’s degree—communication sciences or equivalent, 3.0 or higher minimum GPA, phonetics or anatomy as prerequisite courses, and, in some cases, GRE scores.
They can work in schools, hospitals or private practices meeting needs of childhood speech delays or adult rehabilitation, and the average salary is $80,000 annually. Specialized roles, like working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist or geriatric populations, are available to the master’s which is necessary to move forward in one’s professional practice in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma does not have in-state PhD or SLPD doctorate programs for SLP, so students have to look for options out of state. A doctorate in Communication Sciences is research based and may take 4 to 6 years to complete and is for people who are interested in academic or industry research. Admission is to some extent similar to that of master’s programs – a master’s degree, good academic record, GRE scores, and a clear interest in research. Some of the out of state programs can be as expensive as $20,000 to $50,000 every year and returns are also very high, above $90,000 in positions like university teaching or research leadership.
The SLPD is a professional doctorate that concentrates on advanced clinical practice and leadership over the three to four years. It has almost the same admission requirements as the PhD – a master’s degree, good grades, and clinical experience, but focuses on the practical experiences rather than research. Tuition is approximately equal to that of the PhD program, and graduates can earn over $100,000 per year in positions including clinic directors or educators. Since there are no local options, students can try online speech pathology degrees or the neighboring states, for example, Texas or Kansas. This option is good for practicing SLPs who want to achieve a higher education.
To work as a Speech Pathologist in Oklahoma, a state license is required, and the process involves specific educational and professional steps. Candidates need a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). After completing the degree, a clinical fellowship follows, requiring 1,260 hours of supervised practice—typically over 36 weeks—to gain hands-on experience. Passing the PRAXIS exam, a national test administered by the Educational Testing Service, is also necessary to demonstrate competency. The Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (OBESPA) then issues the state license based on these achievements.
Many SLPs pursue ASHA’s national Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), which mirrors Oklahoma’s requirements and provides a widely recognized credential. Maintaining both the state license and CCC-SLP involves 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours in ethics, completed through ASHA-approved workshops, seminars, or online courses.
For Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), Oklahoma has its own licensure requirements, complemented by the option of national certification from ASHA. State licensure requires an associate’s degree or higher with an SLP focus—available online through Oklahoma City Community College—and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience. This supervision must come from a licensed SLP who has completed additional training, with a limit of two assistants per speech-language pathologist.
Additionally, ASHA offers the C-SLPA certification, which enhances professional standing and is recognized beyond Oklahoma. To earn the C-SLPA, candidates must complete one of three educational pathways (such as a 2-year SLPA program or a bachelor’s in communication sciences), 100 hours of clinical fieldwork under an ASHA-certified SLP, and three 1-hour courses in ethics, universal safety precautions, and patient confidentiality within two years of applying. After submitting transcripts and an application with a $249 fee, candidates take the ASHA Assistants Certification Exam, needing a score of 162 or higher to pass.
Both the state SLP license and C-SLPA require 20 hours of continuing education biennially, including 3 hours in ethics, aligning with ASHA’s national standards. SLPAs typically earn around $35,000 annually in Oklahoma, supporting licensed speech pathologists under clear supervision guidelines. This dual framework ensures that both SLPs and SLPAs meet rigorous state and national expectations for quality care.
In Oklahoma, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs vary in length, but options exist to expedite licensure. A bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) or the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center takes four years, followed by a two-year master’s, like Oklahoma State University’s five-semester program.
UCO’s combined bachelor’s and master’s program stands out as the fastest SLP program, allowing completion in five years instead of six by integrating graduate courses into the senior year. This accelerates entry into the required 1,260-hour clinical fellowship, typically 36 weeks, and subsequent PRAXIS exam, enabling swift application for an Oklahoma license via the Oklahoma Board of Examiners. To further hasten licensure, students can prepare for the PRAXIS during their master’s, schedule it post-fellowship, and take prerequisites early.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma |
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| Northeastern State University |
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| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus |
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The cost is an important factor for Speech-Language Pathology students in Oklahoma because the programs offer competitive pricing. The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has in-state students pay around $8,616 every year while out-of-state students pay $18,624, which is cheaper than many of the out of state schools. The same is true with Oklahoma State University (OSU) because it has the same range of prices for residents of Oklahoma at $8,000-$9,000 and non-residents up to $19,000 with some exceptions for waivers. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has similar prices, which are based on residency. Since SLP Bachelor’s programs are charged based on undergraduate rates, which range between $7,000 and $8,000 per year for in-state students.
Another way to save is through the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association scholarships. Hence, compared to the higher cost of tuition in other states, the tuition fees especially at UCO and OSU are reasonable to attain an affordable speech pathology degree with a promising salary, which is suitable for students who are conscious of the costs.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern State University |
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| University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center |
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| Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences |
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