Make Your Passion Your Practice
The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at St. Bonaventure University (SBU) aims to address barriers in education and the growing need for SLP professionals nationwide.
With a framework that emphasizes care for the whole person and engaged learning, the online M.S. SLP prepares students to take an active role in making client-centered SLP care accessible, especially in underserved communities. Students will empower their education and careers as they prepare for rewarding roles as SLPs.
Through flexible education, engaged learning experiences, and an educational framework rooted in Franciscan values, graduates are equipped to become culturally responsive clinicians who make a positive difference.
Program Features
- Eight trimesters (or about 3 years of full-time study) required to complete the program
- Tailored for adult learners managing responsibilities
- 100% online academic coursework (synchronous & asynchronous modalities)
- Clinical practicum near your home location
- 56 credit hours
- Personalized guidance from a dedicated Student Success Coach
- Focus on your studies—no travel required to campus
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission
- Two annual intakes: Fall and Spring
The online speech-pathology program is designed to meet the academic and clinical education requirements for national certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-SLP) and New York state licensure in speech-language pathology. Please see licensure information here for details related to individual state requirements.
Please be aware that some states require a separate credential to practice in the school system which may have additional requirements. If a state Department of Education requires a separate credential to practice in the school system, you must obtain that credential to practice in schools. It is the student's responsibility to determine what is required to obtain the credential to work in the school system. It is the student’s responsibility to remain up to date on all state licensure requirements.
Clinical Placement Support
Experiential learning opportunities near your community guided by St. Bonaventure University
Achieve Your SLP Career Goals
Academic & clinical training aligned with certification & licensure requirements
100% Online Coursework
Graduate in 8 trimesters, or about 3 years of full-time study
About The Program
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Prepare for certification and licensure with an online M.S. SLP program built for your success. Graduates are ready to:
- Provide competent, entry-level clinical services across the scope of practice that reflect knowledge of the basic principles of human communication and swallowing processes.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for prevention, assessment, and intervention.
- Advance the profession through scholarly inquiry and lifelong learning. Integrate knowledge of culturally responsive practices into all aspects of clinical decision-making across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate oral and written language skills appropriate for clinical practice across varied professional settings.
- Uphold the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics in all aspects of service delivery
- Collaborate with interprofessional colleagues to improve quality of service delivery for those with communication and swallowing disorders.
- Advocate for policies and practices of speech-language pathology to continually improve the profession.
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Prepare for certification and licensure with an online M.S. SLP program built for your success. Graduates are ready to:
- Provide competent, entry-level clinical services across the scope of practice that reflect knowledge of the basic principles of human communication and swallowing processes.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for prevention, assessment, and intervention.
- Advance the profession through scholarly inquiry and lifelong learning. Integrate knowledge of culturally responsive practices into all aspects of clinical decision-making across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate oral and written language skills appropriate for clinical practice across varied professional settings.
- Uphold the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics in all aspects of service delivery
- Collaborate with interprofessional colleagues to improve quality of service delivery for those with communication and swallowing disorders.
- Advocate for policies and practices of speech-language pathology to continually improve the profession.
Curriculum Highlights
For a full Doctorate of Educational Leadership curriculum, please fill out the form and download a program guide.
This course provides an introduction to the many methodologies commonly used in the education professions of teaching,counseling,and leadership. Participants will recognize the characteristics of well-designed quantitative and qualitative research and what methodologies may be used to best address given research questions. Design of an original research project and critical analysis of both qualitative and quantitative research are components of the course.
To acquaint the student with the field of Counseling Psychology. This is the introductory graduate course in counseling which provides a general overview and survey of the profession. Roles and responsibilities of counselors across a variety of settings will be examined.
The course addresses development and cognitive processes governing learning from conception to death. Normative, non-normative and historical effects within childhood, adolescence, adulthood and later life are presented. Formal developmental and learning theory is emphasized in conjunction with practical interpretation and application. The course provides an orientation and background for sound educational practices.
To acquaint the beginning graduate student with the practice of diagnosing psychopathology. The definitions and distinctions between the various mental disorders are presented, as well as an introduction to the current research in the field, a discussion of the numerous continual controversial issues, and a review of the databased treatment approaches. In addition, this course will assist the graduate student to understand the nature, needs, and problems of individuals at all developmental levels over the life span and within a multicultural and diverse society.
To provide the student with the opportunity to work within the field as a counseling intern. Primary supervision of the intern will be conducted by the counselor on site. Students will work in an agency setting. A total of 300 clock hours are required of all students.
To provide the student with the opportunity to work within the field as a counseling intern. Primary supervision of the intern will be conducted by the counselor on site. Students will work in an agency setting. A total of 300 clock hours are required of all students.
Ready to Learn More?
Next Term: Fall 2026
Start Date: August 31, 2026
Limited seats are available. Secure your spot today!
Field Placement Support for Clinical Hours
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What Placement Support is Available for Practicum?
The clinical practicum experience is guided and directed by St. Bonaventure University, pairing you alongside an on-site practicum supervisor at the site where you will complete your hours. The M.S. SLP faculty and staff at St. Bonaventure University determine practicum site eligibility based on requirements for certification and licensure.
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How do Placement Services Help me?
Placement services help to facilitate and secure agreements with clinical practicum sites near your home location. The M.S. SLP faculty and staff at St. Bonaventure University determine practicum site eligibility based on requirements for certification and licensure.
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How Far Will I Need to Travel for Clinical Placements?
Our placement team works closely with students to navigate the clinical placement process and collaborates with students to identify placement opportunities in their preferred locations. In geographic regions with limited placement options, students may need to travel 125 miles each way to meet clinical training requirements across the breadth and depth of clinical practice.
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What is Involved with Clinical Experiences?
The clinical experiences are designed to provide you with real-world, hands-on experience across the breadth and depth of speech-language pathology clinical practice. These experiences are arranged in a variety of practice settings near your home.
Career Outlook
- New Job Demand: - 13,200 estimated SLP job openings each year.
- Median Annual Salary: - $89,200, with SLPs in residential facilities and hospitals earning over $100,000.
Learn From Our Dedicated Faculty
Shatonda S. Jones
Director
Dr. Jones Practice centers on providing evidence-based evaluation and treatment for individuals affected by a wide range of medical diagnoses.
Learn More
Pamela Hart
Professor & Program Director
Dr. Hart has worked in a variety of clinical and academic settings including universities, infant development centers, assistive technology centers, public schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.
Learn More
Rebecca Ballou
Clinical Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology, DePerro School of Health Profession
Rebecca Ballou teaches her students to excel as SLPs but also ensure that they are taking the time to advocate for themselves as professionals in the workplace.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
- Bachelor's degree in a communication sciences and disorders related field, OR a bachelor's degree in a different field and successful completion (C or higher) of prerequisite coursework from an accredited university
- Major GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 3 letters of reference (2 academic, 1 professional)
- Personal statement
- Transcript(s)
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology, {distance education} at St. Bonaventure University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.
CAA Complaint Information and Contact Information Link: Complaints
The Candidacy process is the regular way that new graduate programs become accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
Students who graduate from CAA candidacy programs hold all the same rights and privileges as those who graduate from CAA fully accredited programs.
“The U.S. Secretary of Education considers all credits and degrees earned and issued by a program holding candidacy status with the CAA to being from an accredited program since the CAA is a recognized accrediting agency” [Criterion for Recognition §602.23 [34 CFR 602.23(f)(2)] [CAA Accreditation Handbook p. 82].
Courses are instructed using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous distance education learning activities. Synchronous meetings occur weekly for each course and include a variety of application-based learning activities including:
- Case Study Discussions
- Collaborative Diagnostic and Treatment Projects
- Review and Discussion of Current Research
- Guest Speakers
- Q&A Sessions
The program costs $875 per credit hour for a total degree cost of $49,000, excluding fees. With technology fees, the total tuition is $53,200 (course fees and textbooks not included in this total). Tuition is subject to change.
KASA Competencies: To be eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), students must demonstrate proficiency across a set of knowledge and skill competencies set forth by the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC). These competencies are integrated throughout the academic and clinical experiences of the SBU M.S. SLP program. Achievement is tracked individually for each student through an electronic tracking system that students can access at any time.
- Provide competent, entry-level clinical services across the scope of practice that reflect knowledge of the basic principles of human communication and swallowing processes.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving in prevention, assessment, and intervention decision-making as supported by principles of evidence-based practice.
- Apply principles of scholarly inquiry to support life-long learning and advancement of the profession.
- Integrate knowledge of culturally responsive practices into all aspects of clinical decision-making across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate oral and written language skills appropriate for clinical practice across varied professional settings.
- Align clinical service provision with the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics.
- Collaborate with interprofessional colleagues to improve quality of service delivery for those with communication and swallowing disorders.
- Engage in advocacy to critically evaluate policies and practices of speech-language pathology to support continual improvement of the profession.
The program is designed to meet the academic and clinical education requirements for national certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-SLP) and New York state licensure (among others) in speech-language pathology.