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2027 Most Valuable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in Virginia

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Rhea Paul, PhD

Reviewed by Rhea Paul, PhD

SLP Education & Research Expert

Table of Contents

What can I expect from a speech pathology degree in Virginia?

A speech pathology degree usually means a graduate degree in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a closely related title. It prepares students to assess and treat communication, speech, language, voice, swallowing, cognitive-communication, and feeding disorders across the lifespan. In Virginia, the professional entry route is generally a master's degree followed by the state's supervised-experience and examination requirements.

The most common path begins with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, then a two-year graduate program. Applicants from psychology, education, linguistics, health sciences, or other majors can also qualify, but often need prerequisite coursework before or during admission. Students seeking format flexibility can compare online slp masters programs, but should confirm whether clinical placements can be completed where they live and whether the program meets Virginia licensure requirements.

The comparison below clarifies which academic route fits different starting points.

Education routeBest fitWhat it usually enablesImportant limitation
Bachelor's in communication sciences and disordersStudents beginning their education pathwayGraduate-school preparation and support roles, depending on employer requirementsDoes not itself qualify a person for independent SLP practice
Master's in speech-language pathologyApplicants seeking clinical SLP practicePreparation for clinical fellowship, Praxis, certification, and state licensure stepsRequires significant clinical education and postdegree supervision
Post-baccalaureate prerequisitesCareer changers without CSD courseworkFills foundational science and communication-disorders requirementsAdds time and cost before graduate enrollment
Doctoral studyStudents targeting research, faculty, leadership, or specialized academic careersAdvanced research and scholarly preparationUsually is not necessary for entry-level clinical practice

A master's is worth considering if you want direct patient care and are prepared for a regulated profession with clinical requirements. It is less suitable if you want only a quick credential, cannot complete in-person practicum obligations, or prefer a role that does not require graduate-level clinical preparation. In those cases, related paths such as special education, behavior analysis, audiology support, rehabilitation services, or health administration may fit better.

Where can I work with a speech pathology degree in Virginia?

Speech-language pathologists work wherever communication or swallowing needs intersect with education, health care, rehabilitation, and aging. Virginia's mix of large health systems, public school divisions, military-connected communities, pediatric providers, and rural health areas creates varied placement and employment options. The setting matters because it changes caseloads, schedules, payer rules, and the population you serve.

The following settings are the most relevant places to target during clinical placements and an early job search:

  • Public schools, where SLPs support students' communication access, individualized education programs, and educational participation.
  • Hospitals and outpatient medical centers, where work can include stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, voice, swallowing, and medically complex care.
  • Skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation providers, where adult neurogenic communication and dysphagia services are common.
  • Early-intervention and pediatric clinics, where clinicians often work with developmental language, autism-related communication needs, speech sound disorders, and feeding concerns.
  • University clinics, private practices, and telepractice providers, where roles may combine direct care, supervision, specialty services, or flexible scheduling.

Students should ask each program where recent clinical placements occur, whether placement travel is likely, and whether the program can support interests such as medical SLP, bilingual service delivery, or school practice. Clinical affiliation access can be more consequential than a small tuition difference because placements shape supervised experience, professional references, and familiarity with employers. For a broader look at role options, review these highest paying speech pathology jobs and careers.

2027 Most Valuable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in Virginia

# 1 position

Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (Residential)

James Madison University logo

74.86

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Two years / 5 semesters
Required credits
45
Acceptance rate
33% (101 of 303 applications)
GPA range
3.27 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~12% (12 of 101 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: January 15
Class size
59
Degrees granted
29
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes
Additional requirements
Portfolio

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 0f6dff1e-213f-410f-8b0c-a55e2917e151Valid 2026-2034 Last known review scheduled for August 2033 Verify accreditation

James Madison University earned a Research.com Value Score of 74.86/100, supported by $26,550 total tuition + mandatory fees and 99% Praxis pass rate. Its Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (Residential) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2034, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2033.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 10/23/2025)

# 2 position

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Longwood University logo

70.98

/ 100

Final score

Program length
5-6 semesters (two years) for students with completed undergraduate CSD coursework; 8-9 semesters without undergraduate CSD major. Year 1: on-campus; Year 2: hybrid format focused on externship.
Required credits
53
Acceptance rate
50% (68 of 136 applications)
GPA range
3.09 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~28% (19 of 68 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
25
Degrees granted
23
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 9d493921-fc2c-4d0b-9140-a7835744df99Valid 2023-2031 Last known review scheduled for August 2030 Verify accreditation

Longwood University earned a Research.com Value Score of 70.98/100, supported by $25,707 total tuition + mandatory fees and 98% Praxis pass rate. Its Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2031, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2030.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 08/11/2025)

# 3 position

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Old Dominion University logo

62.41

/ 100

Final score

Program length
6 semesters (2 years full-time)
Required credits
53 semester hours minimum (38 credits academic + 15 credits clinical practica)
Acceptance rate
56% (68 of 121 applications)
GPA range
3.10 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~24% (16 of 68 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
23
Degrees granted
21
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID dd19e0c6-3adc-495e-8686-aa33f3f79629Valid 2026-2033 Last known review scheduled for February 2032 Verify accreditation

Old Dominion University earned a Research.com Value Score of 62.41/100, supported by $35,736 total tuition + mandatory fees and 97% Praxis pass rate. Its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2033, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2032.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 09/03/2026)

# 4 position

Communication Sciences and Disorders: M. Ed. - Master of Education

University of Virginia-Main Campus logo

61.91

/ 100

Final score

Program length
5 semesters / (Blue Path, for applicants with a communication disorders background); 7 semesters / (Orange Path, for applicants without a CSD background). Full-time
Acceptance rate
39% (61 of 157 applications)
Offers with funding
~11% (7 of 61 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: December 1
Class size
34
Degrees granted
23
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID bfdfd1fd-29b8-4542-9c68-bb5cc29cd0f5Valid 2022-2030 Last known review scheduled for 2029 Verify accreditation

University of Virginia earned a Research.com Value Score of 61.91/100, supported by $32,400 total tuition + mandatory fees and 100% Praxis pass rate. Its Communication Sciences and Disorders: M.Ed. - Master of Education is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2030, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2029.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 10/13/2025)

Frequently asked questions about speech pathology degree in Virginia

Do I need a master's degree to become a speech-language pathologist in Virginia?

Generally, yes. Independent professional practice requires graduate education and additional state requirements, including supervised experience and examination steps. Confirm current requirements with the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology before enrolling.

Should I choose a CAA-accredited speech pathology program?

CAA accreditation is an important safeguard because it is closely connected to professional preparation and certification pathways. Verify the program's current accreditation status directly and ask how its curriculum aligns with Virginia licensure requirements.

Can I complete a Virginia speech pathology degree online?

Potentially, but clinical education remains in person. Confirm that the program is authorized for Virginia students, can support local placements, and meets Virginia licensure requirements before applying.

How long does it take to become an SLP after a bachelor's degree?

A full-time master's commonly takes about two years when prerequisites are complete. Add time for supervised postdegree clinical experience and licensing steps; career changers may need additional prerequisite coursework.

What is the national median salary for speech-language pathologists?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national median annual wage of $97,870 in May 2025. Actual Virginia pay varies by setting, location, experience, workload, and benefits.

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when selecting a program?

Do not assume that low tuition, online delivery, or a strong ranking alone makes a program right for you. Check accreditation, total cost, clinical-placement support, scheduling, and Virginia licensure alignment before making a commitment.

See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Speech Pathology

Read our interview with Speech Pathology experts

Rhea Paul

Rhea Paul

Speech Pathology Expert

Professor, Communication Disorders

Sacred Heart University

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