Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
Discover
The online Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program is being designed to prepare you with the skills to treat patients of all ages experiencing communication and swallowing issues.
The Master of Science (MS-SLP) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {distance education} at South College is an Applicant for Candidacy 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. An accreditation candidacy decision will occur by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in May 2026.
Our courses will feature a flexible online learning environment and are taught by qualified speech-language pathologists. The curriculum will include online coursework, clinical simulation, and three clinical practicums in a variety of settings. These in-person clinical practicums are designed to equip you with practical clinical experience and exposure to working across the scope of practice, lifespan, and with diverse populations. In addition to building clinical competency, our program prepares you to collaborate with other healthcare, education, and social service professionals in your work.
Full-time students can complete this master’s degree in as little as 21 months.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Communication disorder identification, prevention, evaluation, and intervention
- Comprehensive and holistic patient care
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient advocacy
- Ethical decision-making and professionalism
See All Health Science Programs
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tuition and Fees
Available Locations
Concentrations in this Program
Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
-
Have a passion for helping people with speech and language disorders -
Get along with most people and are good at communicating and listening -
Are known for being compassionate and empathetic -
Like thinking creatively and working with others to solve problems -
Can be professional and ethical with diverse patients and teammates
Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program is to prepare compassionate, culturally responsive, and skilled clinicians equipped to address the diverse communication needs of individuals across the lifespan and scope of practice.
Through a flexible, evidence-based, and accessible online learning environment, the program is designed to empower future speech-language pathologists to lead with ethical, research-informed practice and make a positive impact on their communities, including those in underserved or rural areas.
We are committed to excellence in clinical training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering lifelong professional growth.
Program Goals
- Graduate speech-language pathology professionals who have disciplinary knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide entry-level services to diverse caseloads and to meet the needs of their community.
- Graduate speech-language pathology professionals who have clinical preparation and dispositions to provide entry-level services to diverse caseloads and to meet the needs of their community.
- Graduate speech-language pathology professionals who meet the requirements for certification, licensure, and education credentials.
- Graduate speech-language pathology professionals who value lifelong learning and advocacy.
Student Learning Outcomes
Following the program completion, students will be able to:
- Implement foundational knowledge and practical skills in speech, language, and swallowing disorders to ensure high-quality clinical care across settings.
- Exemplify ethical decision-making and professionalism in all areas of practice, ensuring students are prepared to meet the ethical standards of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Create comprehensive, holistic care for clients by collaborating with other healthcare, education, and social service professionals.
- Develop a commitment to lifelong learning by preparing students for ongoing professional growth, certification, and career advancement within the Speech Language Pathology field.
- Formulate strategies to advocate for individuals with communication disorders, raising awareness and improving access to services within their communities.
- Develop strategies to engage in public health initiatives and preventive programs that support the identification and early intervention of speech and language issues across populations.
Admission Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
In order to be considered for admission to the MS Speech Language Pathology program at South College, the following criteria must be met:
- Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to classes beginning. Conditional admission may be granted pending completion of the degree prior to the start of the term.
- Complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade of C or above.
- Students may have no more than 2 Cs in prerequisite courses to be considered for program admission.
- Evidence of a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 may still qualify for admission if they demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate program or in a completed graduate degree program in a comparable subject area.
- An application for admission may be submitted, and a conditional acceptance may be awarded, during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or completion of prerequisite course work as long as courses are successfully completed by the start of the first quarter.
- Evidence of at least 25 hours of SLP observation.
- For all applicants for whom English is not their first language or those who have completed a degree and prerequisite courses in a foreign country, demonstration of English language proficiency is required through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL: 550 TOEFL PBT, 213 TOEFL CBT, or 80 TOEFL iBT.
- Successful completion of an admission interview. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting documents.
- Evidence of ability to fulfill the Technical Standards for admission outlined in the MS-SLP program information in the South College Catalog.
- Completion and receipt of an acceptable Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to matriculation.
Pre-requisite courses:
3 semester credit hours or 4.5 quarter hours in each of the following:
- Phonetics
- Normal language development
- Speech and hearing science
- Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism
- Audiology
- Aural rehabilitation
- Human biology
- Chemistry or Physics
- Statistics
- Social Sciences
Accreditation
The Master of Science (MS-SLP) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {distance education} at South College is an Applicant for Candidacy 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.
An accreditation candidacy decision will occur by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in May 2026.
CAA Public Notice
South College announces a public meeting in conjunction with the accreditation site visit conducted by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) for the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology Program.
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 5:00–5:30 PM (EST)
Location: South College–Parkside Campus
Goody’s Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922
Room: Executive Boardroom
The public meeting provides an opportunity for interested parties to offer comments regarding the proposed program. Attendance is voluntary and open to the public.
Individuals may also submit written comments directly to the CAA:
Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)
c/o American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850
Email: caa@asha.org
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
Does South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
Is South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
How do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Do you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
Looking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
Does South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
What Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
Online vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
Does South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
