SLP FAQs

To become a speech-language pathologist (SLP), you'll typically earn a master's degree in speech-language pathology, complete supervised clinical hours, and obtain state licensure or certification. Learn more about the steps to become a speech pathologist.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, the median wage for a licensed speech pathologist was $95,410, which is nearly double the median salary for all occupations. The top 10% of speech pathologists earned more than $132,850 annually, with those working in nursing and residential care facilities earning the highest among the different industries at an average median salary of $106,500 annually.

Speech-language pathologists are healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders in people of all ages. They work in settings such as schools, hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies with everything from articulation and stuttering to language delays and cognitive-communication challenges after a stroke or brain injury.

Attending a high-ranking school can be a valuable indicator to future employers. While program reputation is an important consideration, the best programs are ones that prioritize faculty expertise, advanced curriculum, and clinical placements. The best program for you will also depend on factors such as cost, location, and how well it prepares you for your specific career goals.

ASHA's 2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology indicate that you need at least a master's degree in the field to become an SLP in any state, so pursuing this degree is essential. While a master's degree is required to become a speech-language pathologist, most states also require licensure; however, licensure requirements vary by state.

Yes! There are online speech-language pathology programs, including Pepperdine's Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Our program offers flexible full-time or part-time options, ASHA CAA candidacy status, built-in Praxis exam preparation, 400+ hours of supervised clinical experience arranged near you, and three onsite experiences at our Calabasas campus with hands-on simulations—combining the flexibility of online learning with meaningful in-person training in a faith-driven, student-centered environment.

It varies by program and your schedule, but many students do work while enrolled in an online SLP program, especially in flexible, part-time formats. Programs like Pepperdine's offer full-time and part-time options designed to help you balance coursework, clinical hours, and your professional and personal commitments.

There is no difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist. Both terms refer to licensed professionals who evaluate and treat speech, communication, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. "Speech therapist" is often used as a more casual term for "speech-language pathologist."

Yes, you can work internationally as a speech-language pathologist, but you'll need to meet each country's licensing and visa requirements. ASHA certification is widely respected and can help with credential recognition in some countries, especially those with Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) like Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. Other opportunities may be available through international schools, teletherapy, or contract roles.

Most SLP programs require at least 400 supervised clinical hours, and yes—many students can complete them near their home. At Pepperdine, students complete 400+ clinical hours through a multi-course practicum with placement support in varied settings like schools, healthcare, and assisted living, so you can gain hands-on experience close to where you live.

In 2026, the "best" speech-language pathology programs are those that combine rigorous academic training with meaningful clinical experiences, strong support for licensure success, and real-world readiness. Programs that offer flexible learning options, personalized faculty mentorship, robust practicum placements, and outcomes like high pass rates on the Praxis and strong early-career support tend to stand out.