Top Universities for Speech-Language Pathology in 2022-2023

Best global colleges and universities offering Speech-Language Pathology programs

About Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathology treats adults and children with language, communication, and swallowing disorders. It is also known as speech-language therapy.  It is relevant to other health sciences, like audiology, occupational therapy, and optometry. 

Professionals in this field are known as speech-language pathologists or speech-language therapists. They work towards the prevention, assessment, and treatment of speech disorders. They also help with diagnosing and treating Autism.

Speech-language pathology requires rigorous theoretical and clinical training. Students can receive such high-quality education from the best global universities for SLP.

Areas of Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists often specialize in one domain. The work nature of pathologists is dependent on their skills and interest areas. Most careers in speech-language pathology center around the following areas

Fluency and Speech

Pathologists focus on patients’ cluttering and stuttering concerns. They help with speech articulation and phonology. Pathologists also assist in skills that allow better speech, such as planning how to express ideas. 

Voice and Resonance

Speech pathologists address vocal issues, such as pitch and loudness. They modulate clients’ hypernasality/hyponasality and other resonance concerns. They also help overcome alaryngeal disorders

Language

Pathologists work on patients’ semantics, literacy, syntax, and phonology. They aim to improve their clients’ spoken and written communication skills.

Swallowing

Pathologists correct swallowing disorders, such as negative physical responses like food refusal. They cover all three phases of swallowing: oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal.

Auditory Rehabilitation

Individuals who have recovered from conditions affecting speech need rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists help them with training in language, speech, and communication.

Popular Speech-Language Pathology programs in the world

Undergraduate level

• Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy
• BSc Speech and Language Therapy
• Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language and Hearing Science
• Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Graduate level

• MSc Language Sciences (Speech Sciences)
• MSc Speech and Language Processing
• Master of Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum

A typical speech-language pathology course includes the following subjects. Please note that the list is not a complete one. The syllabus is different for each university and country.

• Clinical Phonetics and Phonology
• Anatomy for Speech and Language Pathology
• Speech and Hearing Science
• Audiology and ENT
• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Fluency, Voice and Oncology
• Research Investigation

Duration of Speech-Language Pathology programs

Top-ranking universities for Speech-Language Pathology in the world

Speech-Language Pathology programs in the US

Speech-language pathology is an advanced health science discipline in the US. Several courses, offline and online, are available for students. Moreover, the US mandates certifications for SLP professionals.

Several universities offer programs in speech-language pathology. Some popular bachelor’s programs for SLP are

• BA in Speech/ Language Pathology and Audiology
• Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing
• Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Some bachelor’s programs also offer a speech-language therapy minor. The duration of undergraduate programs in the US is four years.

Two-year master’s programs are available as the following degrees

• Masters in Speech-Language Pathology
• M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Arts Degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Entry-level speech therapists can expect an average annual salary of USD 40,000-60,000.

Average tuition fees for an undergraduate degree in speech pathology can range from 

Top universities for Speech-Language Pathology programs in the US

Speech-Language Pathology programs in the UK

In the UK, approximately 17,000 professionals work in speech-language pathology. The demand for SLP professionals has been on the rise. There is more awareness about children’s developmental concerns.

There are many prestigious universities in the UK offering SLP programs. Bachelor’s programs in the UK are usually available as a Bachelor of Science degree. The duration of undergraduate courses ranges from three to four years.

Most master’s programs are available as a Master of Science degree. Sometimes a speech-language program may include audiology. An MSc in speech-language pathology is two years long, unlike the typical one-year master’s degree. 

Fresh graduates of SLP can expect an average salary of GBP 23,000-40,000. 

Top universities for Speech-Language Pathology programs in the UK

Speech-Language Pathology programs in Canada

It is mandatory for speech therapists to have a master’s degree if they wish to work in Canada. Top universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University offer excellent SLP training.

Bachelor’s programs in speech-language therapy are available as

Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Speech and Language Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, and Communication Disorders

Popular master’s programs include

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Clinical Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Speech-language pathologists receive an average annual entry-level salary of CAD 50,000-60,000.

Top ranking universities for Speech-Language Pathology programs in Canada

Speech-Language Pathology programs in Australia

Australia has been witnessing a shortage of speech-language therapists. Especially in rural areas, parents of children with communication needs are unable to get access to SLP. There is a clear need to train more professionals in speech and communication therapy. 

Many universities across Australia offer a range of part-time and full-time speech-language courses.

Popular undergraduate level speech-language pathology courses are

• Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology
• Bachelor of Health Science Speech and Language Therapy
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) Speech Pathology

Most bachelor’s programs in this subject area are four years in length. 

Popular Master’s programs include

• Master of Speech and Language Pathology
• Master of Speech Pathology Studies
• Master of Philosophy (Speech Pathology)

Speech-language pathology undergraduates may draw an average annual salary of AUD 60,000-80,000.

Top universities for Speech-Language Pathology programs in Australia

Academic requirements for Speech-Language Pathology programs at top universities

Students should meet the below-mentioned entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs. But, most successful applicants far exceed the basic admission criteria.

Undergraduate level

• Certificate of standards 10 and 12 with at least 70-75% in each standard
• Proof of English language proficiency with a score equivalent to IELTS 7.0 and no component below 6.5
• Subject prerequisites may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English
• ACT/SAT scores (optional requirement)
• Application Essay

Graduate level

• Four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with at least 75%
• English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.5
• Statement of Intent
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Clinical experience under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist
• Admission Interview (conducted by some universities)
• Results of Graduate Record Examination (required by some universities)

Licenses to become a Speech-language Pathologist

Like any medical and health sciences profession, speech therapy requires licensure. Students who wish to pursue speech-language therapy professions should check each location’s requirements.

An accredited bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is the first step. Some countries, such as Canada, have basic criteria for a master’s degree in speech pathology.

Students should consider an apprenticeship under a licensed speech pathologist. An apprenticeship helps understand the work better and is also needed for a license.

Each state in the US has a board for speech pathology and audiology. Some states accept the ‘Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)’ from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

In the UK, professionals can only practice as a therapist after registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Working without a license can result in a fine of up to GBP 5000. Applicants must have a bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral degree in speech therapy. The learning should be practice-based, and students must meet HCPC’s professional standards.

Speech-language pathology professionals in Canada must be a member of the Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Regulators (CAASPR). CAASPR is the national body governing speech pathology and audiology regulations. Applicants must have a master’s degree in speech pathology to be eligible.

In Australia, Speech Pathology Australia is the national organization that recognizes and licenses speech pathologists. The organization accredits university programs. Students have to meet the criteria mentioned in ‘Competency-Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists’ for professional practice.

Obtaining a license is conditional upon clearing the qualifying examination. International students may have to prove their English language skills to work in the above countries.

Average Salaries of Speech-language Therapists