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Online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

teacher working with student in hearing lab

Become a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Get the clinical hours you need to pursue professional certification
  • Our graduates have a 100% pass rate on the national PRAXIS exam
  • Learn to help those with communication difficulties increase their quality of life

Learn More Today

Complete the form to learn more about this program.

  • Duration 2-3 years
  • Cost per Credit $940
  • Credit Hours 72

Program Benefits

  • No GRE/GMAT
  • Transfer up to 6 credits
  • Clinical experience
Speech language pathologist working with student

Our Program Gives You the Tools for Success

In Calvin University’s online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program, you’ll gain clinical hours with our expert clinical faculty, practice providing care for patients, and study the causes and treatment of communication disorders — all with the supporting framework of the Christian faith.

Upon graduation, you will have the educational requirements necessary to begin your clinical fellowship to pursue professional certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and be prepared to begin your career as a speech-language pathologist. You could also continue to a Ph.D. program.

The online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program is offered in the fall semester. The next start is scheduled for Fall 2024, contact an enrollment counselor for more details.

Calvin also offers a 100% online Certificate in Speech and Hearing Foundations comprised of six courses in speech pathology for those who need to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework before pursuing a master’s degree. The six courses may be taken independently or grouped for the certificate, which can be completed in one year.

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program (residential and distance education) at Calvin University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,
2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Council on Academic Accreditation Compliance Questions

Persons may contact the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) with complaints related to our program’s compliance with standards and regulations. The Complaint Procedure against Graduate Education Programs is located at http://caa.asha.org/programs/complaints/.

Complaints against a program must be filed in writing using the CAA’s official Complaint Form. The complaint form must be signed and submitted with any relevant appendices via U.S. mail, overnight courier, or hand delivery—not via e-mail or as a facsimile—to:

Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850

Graduate Student Outcome Data

PRAXIS Examination Pass Rates and Graduation Rates for our MA in Speech-Language Pathology Students.

On-time Completion Rates – Residential Mode

Period# Completed within Expected Time Frame% Completed within Expected Time Frame
2023-202427100%
2022-202327100%
2021-202230100%

On-time Completion Rates – Distance Education Mode

Period# Completed within Expected Time Frame% Completed within Expected Time Frame
2023-202431100%

Praxis Pass Rates – Residential Mode

Reporting Period# Taking the Exam# Passed Exam% Passed Exam Rate
2023-20242525100%
2022-20232727100%
2021-20223030100%

Praxis Pass Rates – Distance Education Mode

Reporting Period# Taking the Exam# Passed Exam% Passed Exam Rate
2023-2024131292%
2022-202399100%

Enter or Advance in a Growing Field

Careers in speech-language pathology will expand 25% through 2029—much faster than the average for other occupations.1 Calvin University’s online program prepares you to enter the field and to work in an array of environments as you make a difference in the lives of those with voice, speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. Professionals in speech-language pathology careers made a median wage of $80,480 in 2020.1

Career Outlook

Learn From Speech-Language Pathology Experts

The coursework for the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology degree program lets you study topics in aphasia, language disorders, language fluency, motor speech disorders, cleft and craniofacial disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, and more. Completing Calvin’s online speech pathology program will prepare you to sit for the national PRAXIS exam and begin your clinical fellowship year, pursue certification and licensure, or continue to a Ph.D. program.

View Complete Curriculum

How to Apply to Calvin’s Online Speech Pathology Program

Transfer up to six credits

No GRE/GMAT requirements

Prospective graduate applicants with an undergraduate degree or equivalent coursework in speech pathology and audiology or with degrees in other disciplines/areas of study may apply to the online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program. Please note that simply meeting the criteria is not a guarantee of admission. As is the case with most graduate programs in speech pathology, admission is highly competitive. Admission to the Master’s program only is dependent on the criteria listed below.

CSDCAS application

The CSDCAS is required for pursuing a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program.

It is recommended to complete the application (e-submitted, payment received, transcripts received) at least four weeks in advance of the deadline to ensure the application is verified on time by CSDCAS. The Master’s program requires that all transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted directly to CSDCAS, not to Calvin University.

Application Deadlines:
– Priority Admission: We will begin reviewing verified applications after January 15, 2025, for priority admission.
– Rolling Admission: Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed through May 15, 2025, as space is available in the program. Expect a response 4-6 weeks after your application is verified on CSDCAS.

CSDCAS charges $133 for the first program you apply to and $53 for each additional program. Calvin does not charge a separate application fee.

Applicants will also need to complete our information form.
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework in speech pathology and audiology, or equivalents with at least a 3.0 GPA and within the last seven years.
Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities. Must be uploaded to CSDCAS application.
Visit the Admissions page today to learn more about applying and prerequisite content or request information to speak with our admissions advisors.

International Students: Due to students being required to be supervised by ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists for all clinical placements, including externships, our program is unable to accept international students for the distance education mode.
View the Application Process

We Can Help You Meet Your Education Goals

$940 per credit hour

Financial aid available

$67,680 total estimated tuition, not including fees

We understand that paying for your degree can be an investment. Our staff is here to help you navigate the process. You can estimate your total cost of tuition by using our tuition calculator tool.

Learn More

What You’ll Learn

In Calvin University’s online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program, you’ll study and practice evidence-based techniques to utilize for treating clients with speech and language disabilities, injuries, or other challenges. You’ll also:

  • Read, synthesize, and integrate external and internal evidence into your practice
  • Reflect on the role of faith in your patient care
  • Consider how diversity, equity, and inclusion impact your work
  • Engage in critical thinking and case-based applications
  • Complete virtual and in-person clinical hours

Build Skills for Your Career

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Elizabeth Oommen

Dr. Elizabeth Oommen, Associate Professor, Speech Pathology and Audiology

Education

  • BASLP (bachelor’s in audiology & speech-language pathology), Manipal University (India), 2007
  • MA (speech-language pathology), Ohio University, 2009
  • Ph.D. (speech-language science), Ohio University, 2013

Academic Interests

  • Quantifying normal swallowing function and dysphagia using objective tools such as sEMG, manometry, and temporal and biomechanical measurements of oropharyngeal swallowing.
  • Examining the contributions of oropharyngeal musculature in swallowing, and the effects of therapy exercises on oropharyngeal musculature and swallowing function.
  • Using qualitative methodology to explore assessment and intervention practices in speech-language pathology, especially in the areas of motor speech disorders and dysphagia.

Teaching Focus

Teaching graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on swallowing and swallowing disorders, motor speech disorders, and voice disorders across the life span.

Research and Scholarship

Swallowing and swallowing disorders, motor speech disorders, natural speech and AAC interventions for children and adults with motor speech disorders.

Your Support Network

All faculty members in Calvin’s online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program share the common goals of making the program the best it can be and supporting your journey. We are a diverse faculty in terms of backgrounds and interests, so you will develop the expertise you need to begin your career.

All of our teaching faculty have had publications in peer-reviewed journals and presented research at state, national, and/or international conferences.

Financial Aid

At Calvin University, we’re committed to making your education affordable. Find out more about your financial aid options, including U.S. military benefits and employer tuition reimbursement. 

Get Financial Aid Details

Online Learning That Fits Into Your Life

The program engages all areas of life. At Calvin, we believe that learning comes from doing, and we maintain our commitment to practical, hands-on application and experience for online students.

Embrace the flexibility of an online program coupled with individualized instruction.

Online Student Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 1-855-474-8346.

You can complete the program in 2 years.

No, the MA in Speech-Language Pathology program is a full-time program. However, the MA can be completed in a 2-year or 3-year track. The 2-year track is accelerated and students generally take 2 didactic courses plus a clinic course in each 8-week block. The 3-year track is still considered full-time, but students only take one didactic course per 8-week block the first year, and one didactic course plus a clinic course per 8-week block in the second year and third years. Regardless of track, the final year of the program contains three clinical externship semesters which are full-time Monday-Friday experiences. 

Your first steps toward applying are to complete the required CSDCAS application. Once you have completed your application, you’ll fill out our information form, gather your remaining application materials, and submit your completed file.

The application deadline is May 15 (Fall term).

No, the program does not include any concentrations, specializations, or tracks. Calvin offers a certificate comprised of six courses in speech pathology to prepare those who wish to pursue a master’s but do not have the prerequisite undergraduate coursework. This undergraduate certificate is also applicable to students interested in considering speech pathology before pursuing the master’s. The six courses may be taken independently or grouped together for the certificate. Start your application.

Our degree program provides the speech pathology coursework and clinical hours needed to become a certified Speech Pathologist through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This certification allows you to seek licensure in your state; however, we suggest you check with your state’s licensing requirements.

Visit our FAQ page