Online Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
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 $920
- Credit Hours 72
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 SPAUD Students.
On-time Program Completion Rates*
| Period | # Completed within Expected Time Frame | % Completed within Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 27 | 100% |
| 2021-2022 | 30 | 100% |
| 2020-2021 | 29 | 100% |
Praxis Pass Rates – Residential Mode
| Reporting Period | # Taking the Exam | # Passed Exam | % Passed Exam Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 27 | 27 | 100% |
| 2021-2022 | 30 | 30 | 100% |
| 2020-2021 | 28 | 28 | 100% |
Praxis Pass Rates – Distance Mode
| Reporting Period | # Taking the Exam | # Passed Exam | % Passed Exam Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
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 OutlookLearn 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 CurriculumHow 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 three to 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 must be submitted directly to CSDCAS, not to Calvin University. Application Deadlines: May 15 (Fall term) Applicants will also need to complete our information form. |
| Graduation from a regionally accredited undergraduate college or university. If you have a degree in another major, you need to complete the necessary prerequisites PRIOR to applying to our Master’s program. |
| Successful completion of prerequisite speech-language pathology courses or equivalents with at least a 3.0 GPA and within the last seven years. |
| A minimum overall GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. |
| Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities. Must be uploaded to CSDCAS application. |
A personal essay that answers these two questions (250 words max per question):
|
| Visit the Admissions page today to learn more about applying 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. |
We Can Help You Meet Your Education Goals
$920 per credit hour
Financial aid available
$66,240 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 MoreWhat 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
- Engage in experiential learning
- Work closely with faculty mentors
- Polish your résumé
- Complete mock interviews
Faculty Spotlight
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 DetailsOnline 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 ExperienceFrequently 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.