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An online bachelor's in speech pathology trains students to diagnose and treat communication disorders, covering anatomy, linguistics, and therapy techniques. These programs include clinical practicums, preparing graduates for roles as speech-language pathology assistants or further study. Careers span schools, healthcare, and private practices.

Online speech-language pathology bachelor's programs are designed to provide a solid educational foundation to pursue graduate studies in the field or apply for entry-level speech-language pathologist positions. In some cases, you can begin working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in a clinic or similar healthcare setting with simply an associate degree. An online SLP certificate — which typically requires 24 credits and may also include clinical training hours — can also prepare you to work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. 

A bachelor's in speech pathology is ideal if your goal is to pursue graduate studies in the field to become a speech-language pathologist. However, degrees in areas such as psychology, linguistics, and language development can also be used as the foundation for becoming an SLP. In general, full-time students can complete an online speech therapy degree in four years, usually at their own pace within the program.

Online speech pathology bachelor's programs have certain prerequisites for admission. Applicants will need a high school diploma or GED and, in many cases, high scores from entrance exams, like the ACT or SAT. When submitting their online applications, prospective college students may be asked for high school transcripts, one or more letters of recommendation, a resume of jobs and extracurricular activities, and a personal statement or essay.

Some programs may require students to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA through their first two years of general education before being admitted to speech therapy study at the baccalaureate level. Additionally, because degrees in speech therapy are pre-professional and prepare students for further study, students may need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate.

An online speech pathology undergraduate program covers topics in liberal arts and sciences, as well as those related to speech, language, and hearing. Programs typically require 120 course hours, about 30 of which typically focus on language development, speech and language disorders, anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic procedures. Most programs also require supervised clinical placements, where students observe professional speech pathologists conducting diagnostic and treatment sessions. For online students, these can usually be arranged at facilities nearby. 

• Introduction to Linguistics: The study of linguistics covers topics including what language is, how humans use language, how children learn languages, and more. Students learn about basic linguistic terminology, principles, and subfields, including phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics. 
• Introduction to Speech Sound Disorders: This course focuses on identifying, understanding, and treating speech sound disorders. Students learn about phonological processes, differential diagnosis, and language development while gaining exposure to the causes and characteristics of speech sound disorders, as well as methods for diagnosing and treating these disorders. 
• Communication and Language Disorders in Children: Faculty teaching this class expose students to topics surrounding language development and communication in children. Students learn about theories and legislation regarding language development and communication. They also begin to develop practical skills, including how to communicate with parents about possible language development delays, assess a child's language skills, and recommend appropriate intervention methods. 
• Language Development: In order to succeed as an SLP, students need to first gain an understanding of how language skills typically develop. This course is designed to help students understand how children learn to speak, major speech and language milestones, and theories of language development. 
• Multicultural Aspects of Communication Disorders: Cultural and language-specific factors can affect how communication disorders present. In this course, students develop a greater understanding of how a multicultural environment affects speech-language pathology. Students will also learn how foreign dialects, language differences, and cultural diversity can affect language learning.

With a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology, you can pursue a range of jobs. A common path is to become a (SLPA). These workers support SLPs and gain potentially valuable exposure to the field while developing a professional network of contacts. The National Council of State Boards of Examiners details the . You will need an advanced degree to become an SLP, speech-language researcher, or professor.

A bachelor's in speech pathology qualifies you for entry-level roles and some non-SLP careers. Graduates with an online bachelor's degree in speech therapy can work as SLPAs, rehabilitation support staff, or caregivers. They can find employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.  

Below are some jobs you can get with only an undergraduate speech pathology degree:

SLPAs are responsible for assisting SLPs in assessing and treating language disorders. SLPAs fall under the category of according to the BLS, where the data points above are collected. It should be noted that a 25% projected job growth is more than three times the U.S. average across all occupations.

work to translate information from one language to another. They may work in various settings, such as schools, courtrooms, and hospitals, translating for individuals and groups. The job growth expected for this occupation is significantly higher than the national average.

help children and adults learn English as a second language. They focus on reading, writing, and verbal communication in English skills. It may be important to consider that this role expects a decline in job growth over the next decade. Still, despite a decline of 13%, approximately are projected each year through 2032.

Speech-language pathology professionals must be certified or licensed, depending on their . These usually involve earning an advanced degree, completing a specified number of clinical hours, and passing an exam. In , for example, applicants need at least a master's degree in SLP from an accredited institution, 300 supervised clinical practicum hours, 36 additional weeks of full-time professional experience, and they need to pass a state board exam. 

While a graduate degree and state licensure are required to work as a speech pathologist, specialized certifications can also benefit professionals with bachelor's degrees. Certification tells potential employers and clients that a practitioner has the professional training and experience to provide quality care. Some certifications also require practitioners to continue their education, ensuring they are up to date on best practices and scientific research in their field.  

Below are two certifications you can get with an online bachelor's in speech pathology:

: You can become a certified SLPA after getting an online bachelor's, associate degree, or certificate in a related speech therapy area from an accredited institution. Individuals may also apply if they have a minimum of a two-year degree with relevant coursework in communication disorders or language development. They must pay a one-time fee, submit their application materials, and pass the Assistants Certification Exam.

: Those who don't meet the C-SLPA criteria can still become certified audiology assistants. Applicants must have either a bachelor's degree, high school diploma, GED, or a military job series certificate in audiology. Practical hour requirements for certification vary based on the applicant's educational qualifications.

In addition to online speech pathology programs at the associate and bachelor's levels, there are master's degrees and doctorates in speech-language pathology. You can also earn a certificate in speech-language pathology. However, those interested in becoming licensed SLPs need at least a master's degree in speech language pathology.

SLP master's programs typically include 36 credits of coursework and take around two years of full-time study to complete. Each program also includes a lengthy clinical placement, during which you assist a working SLP at a speech-language treatment facility. You're required to complete a clinical assignment to graduate, and your documentation of these work hours will help you earn a license to practice. 

Doctoral degree programs are less common, and most doctoral programs require a master's in SLP to apply. 

There's technically no such thing as a speech therapist or speech pathologist because the healthcare industry uses the term "speech-language pathologist." However, non-experts use both terms interchangeably, and they all refer to the same occupation.

You must have a master's degree in speech-language pathology before you can legally practice as an SLP. In addition, your graduate program must hold accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation, and you will probably need a state license or credential.

If you choose to major in speech pathology, you can either get an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) or an online Bachelor of Science (BS). Though both SLP programs teach students about communication sciences disorders and give them experience in clinical practice, there are different electives students can take in each. Despite the overlap in core coursework, a science-oriented BS may offer a over a liberal arts-oriented BA if your goal is to pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology.

It will probably take you at least eight years to become a speech pathologist. Administrators design bachelor's degrees to last four years and SLP master's programs to last three years with a full-time schedule. You then need to complete a supervised clinical fellowship for about nine months before taking the licensure exam and waiting for your results.

Most prospective college students wonder whether a bachelor's in speech pathology is worth investing the time and money into higher education. While you may be interested in speech-language pathology as a field, it's important to carefully evaluate your personal commitments, financial circumstances, and career goals. 

Consider our list of pros and cons before deciding to enroll in an online bachelor's in speech pathology: 

Potential Advantages

• Job prospects for SLPAs are expected to increase . This means there is a good chance you'll find employment in this field after graduating.
• tend to be higher than the national average, with SLPAs earning a median salary of $68,340 annually. (Occupational therapy aides make closer to $37,370, however, which is below the average U.S. salary.) 

Potential Drawbacks

• A bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology is insufficient if you hope to become a practicing speech-language pathologist. If your goal is to diagnose and treat communication disorders, you will need a master's degree, which will require an additional investment of time and money.
• Learning online may limit opportunities to network with faculty and potential employers.
• You may be required to obtain additional licensures and certifications in order to work as an SLPA.

For students looking to pursue meaningful careers helping people to develop language and communication skills, a major in speech pathology could be a good start. While students interested in becoming speech-language pathologists will need an SLP master's degree and additional certifications, they can begin preparing for their career with a bachelor's degree in this field.