Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Emerson Online Master of Science (MS) in Communication Disorders
Prepare to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
When you pursue Emerson’s online Master of Science (MS) in Communication Disorders, you become part of a vibrant community dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders while supporting their families and caregivers.
Emerson Online MS in Communication Disorders Accreditation
The online Master of Science (MS) in Communication Disorders prepares students to pursue certification and licensure as speech-language pathologists through a curriculum that meets rigorous academic and clinical standards.
Emerson College is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
State licensure requirements vary. Before applying, review your state’s licensure requirements to confirm that the online Master of Science in Communication Disorders program meets the educational requirements for licensure where you intend to practice.
Accreditation information retrieved June 2026.
Prepare to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Learn more about our online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) program or get started on your application today.
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Online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) Admissions
Admission to Emerson’s online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) program is competitive, and we seek diverse candidates from a range of academic backgrounds. With multiple start dates throughout the year, you can begin classes when it’s convenient for you: January, May, or September.
We review applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive an admissions decision. Learn more about the application process.
No GRE required to apply
Scholarships available
The final deadline for the January 2027 cohort is October 9, 2026.
Contact an enrollment specialist for more information: 855-997-0407 or admissions@speech.emerson.edu
Interested in Emerson’s residential Communication Disorders program? Learn more about the on-campus MS program.
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Online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) Curriculum
The online Master of Science (MS) in Communication Disorders is a 54-credit program designed to prepare you to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Through evidence-based coursework, clinical practica, and an on-campus immersion, you will develop the clinical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue certification and licensure as a speech-language pathologist.
Whether you prefer a more streamlined pathway or need greater flexibility in your schedule, Speech@Emerson offers two program pathways designed to accommodate different student needs while leading to the Master of Science in Communication Disorders degree. Students who need to complete foundational coursework before beginning applied graduate coursework may require additional time to complete the program.
| Accelerated Track | Standard Track |
|---|---|
5 terms (20 months) | 9 terms (36 months) |
Full-time, accelerated pace | Flexible pace |
Complete the 54-credit program in as few as 20 months | Complete the 54-credit program over nine terms |
Ideal for students who can commit to a more intensive course load | Ideal for students balancing work, family, or other commitments |
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the program, you will build the advanced clinical knowledge and operational skillsets required to lead in the communication disorders space:
- Diagnostic Precision: Master evidence-based diagnostic protocols for complex communication and swallowing challenges across diverse age groups.
- Targeted Interventions: Design and execute individualized, culturally responsive treatment plans tailored to the unique clinical profiles of children and adults.
- Foundational Sciences: Integrate advanced principles of audiology, language acquisition, and neural speech structures into daily clinical practice.
- Clinical Decision-Making: Hone your real-world clinical capabilities through 400 hours of supervised, hands-on community field placements.
View the full curriculum.
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How Do Clinical Placements Work in the Online MS Program?
Clinical education is an integral part of the online Master of Science (MS) in Communication Disorders program. Throughout the program, you will complete virtual and in-person clinical experiences that prepare you to work with clients across a variety of settings while meeting both Emerson College and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requirements.
Clinical Practica
As a Speech@Emerson student, you will complete one virtual clinical placement and four community-based clinical placements with support from a dedicated clinical placement team. Community placements span at least four semesters, giving you experience with diverse client populations and practice settings.
To complete the program, you must:
- Enroll in at least five semesters of Clinical Practica (CD 605), as required by Emerson College.
- Complete at least 400 supervised clinical clock hours, as required by ASHA.
The required 400 clinical clock hours include:
- 25 hours of guided clinical observation.
- 375 hours of direct client contact.
- At least 325 direct client contact hours completed during the graduate program.
On-Campus Immersion
You will also participate in one weekend-long on-campus immersion at Emerson’s Boston campus. During the immersion, you will collaborate with faculty and classmates while applying classroom concepts through hands-on clinical learning experiences under licensed supervision.
Health and Clearance Requirements
Before beginning clinical placements, students must complete all required health and compliance clearances in accordance with Massachusetts state law, Emerson College requirements, and, where applicable, individual placement site policies.
Required Clearance Steps
- Background check(s)*
- Physical examination
- Proof of health insurance
Mandatory Vaccinations
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Meningococcal (students under age 21 only)
*Depending on the requirements of individual placement sites, you may need to complete additional background checks or state-specific clearances during the program.
Important: Students who do not complete or maintain all required clearances will be unable to participate in clinical placements or continue in the program until all requirements are met. Details about completing these requirements are provided during orientation, and your Student Success Advisor will guide you through the process.
Learn more about our online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) clinical placements.
State Authorization:
Speech@Emerson students must reside in one of our 46 approved states and must participate in educational activities from within those 46 states. Find out more about which states the program operates in here.
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What Are the Core Career Pathways and Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists?
Career and Salary Outlook for SLPs
Graduates of Speech@Emerson are prepared to pursue licensure, ASHA certification, and careers in educational, clinical, and health care settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 17 percent through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work across educational, medical, and community settings, supporting individuals of all ages with communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.
Where SLPs Practice
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Hospitals (state, local, and private)
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
- Educational services (state, local, and private)
What SLPs Treat
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Aphasia
- Language and literacy disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Articulation and phonological disorders
- Cognitive-communication disorders
- Voice disorders
- Swallowing disorders
- Motor speech disorders
- Hearing loss and deafness
- Complex communication needs
Schools remain one of the largest employers of speech-language pathologists, while many professionals also build careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and residential care facilities. Emerson graduates are prepared to pursue opportunities across this broad spectrum of clinical and educational settings.
“I firmly believe Speech@Emerson chose me. The [enrollment] team saw something in me that confirmed that I was meant to be a speech-language pathologist. Being seen as an individual is what made me choose this program.”
— Isela B.
Why Earn a Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (MS)?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have the ability to make a meaningful impact on those struggling to communicate — a basic human need we often take for granted. As an SLP, you have the opportunity to deliver essential care in a one-on-one setting and provide life-changing support to people from different walks of life.
Emerson’s online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) program offers the generalist clinical training you need to pursue a career as a family-centered speech-language pathologist, treat clients, and empower their caregivers.
The Need for SLPs
There are a range of societal factors contributing to the increased need for SLPs. Life expectancy is increasing as baby boomers age, and early intervention for children with speech, language, and cognitive disorders is becoming more prevalent.
Help Your Clients Find Their Voices
Earn your Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) online from Emerson and make an impact on clients in need.
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The Emerson Community Online
With speech and communication as two of our founding principles, our high-level expertise in the communication disorders space represents our steadfast dedication to providing aspiring SLPs with the tools and techniques needed to support today’s clients, families, and caregivers. And we are honored to offer this same level of excellence in SLP education online to driven, compassionate professionals across the country.
Online Learning Experience — Made for You
Emerson’s online learning platform combines live instruction, flexible coursework, and personalized support to help you succeed academically while staying connected to faculty and classmates.
| Platform Feature | How It Supports Your Learning |
|---|---|
Live Virtual Classes | Attend small, interactive weekly classes that encourage discussion, faculty mentorship, case-based learning, and peer collaboration. |
Flexible Coursework | Complete faculty-designed asynchronous coursework at your own pace, with 24/7 access from any device. |
Clinical Collaboration | Work with classmates in live breakout rooms to practice evaluations, develop intervention plans, and build clinical decision-making skills. |
Personalized Learning Tools | Tailor your learning experience with features such as focus mode, dark theme, and closed captions. |
Dedicated Student Support | Meet one-on-one with faculty, connect with classmates, and access academic and technical support throughout your program. |
“There is so much we can do as speech pathologists, including helping people learn/regain the ability to communicate and helping them eat and swallow safely. We can be part of real improvement to their safety and quality of life.”
— Lauren G.
Student Support
As a student in our online Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS) program, you will have access to a comprehensive support network, including:
Admissions and Funding
- Dedicated Enrollment Specialist
- Financial Aid Counselor
Academic and Tech
- Faculty Advisor
- Student Success Advisor
- Tech Support and Library Services
Field and Clinical
- Field Placement Specialist
- Licensed SLP Clinical Supervisor
- Career Support Services
Meet the Speech@Emerson Faculty
The online Master of Science (MS) in Communication Disorders program is taught by experienced educators, researchers, and practicing speech-language pathologists who bring real-world clinical expertise into the virtual classroom. Through evidence-based instruction, mentorship, and hands-on clinical education, faculty prepare students to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders across diverse populations.
Featured Faculty
Associate Professor, Communication Science and Disorders
Specializes in fluency disorders and speech science, with research focused on stuttering and decades of clinical, teaching, and research experience.
Director of Clinical Programs
Leads clinical education and partnerships to help students develop the supervised, hands-on experience needed for clinical practice as speech-language pathologists.
Faculty Expertise
In addition to dedicated clinical educators, Speech@Emerson faculty include researchers and practicing clinicians with expertise across a wide range of communication sciences and disorders, including speech and language development, autism, fluency disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, aphasia, hearing disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and swallowing disorders. Throughout the program, you’ll learn from faculty who integrate current research, clinical best practices, and real-world experience into every course.
Pursue Your Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MS)
Take the next steps to become a speech-language pathologist and learn to treat clients with a variety of needs, as well as develop skills to support families and caregivers.
Request information to connect with an enrollment specialist and receive more information about Speech@Emerson. Alternatively, you can call the enrollment team Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm ET.
FAQs About Emerson’s Online MS in Communication Disorders
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While artificial intelligence is becoming a helpful tool to increase efficiency in the field, it cannot replace the essential human element of a speech-language pathologist. The current interest in AI stems from a nationwide shortage of licensed therapists and the rise of new digital therapy applications.
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Yes. Demand for qualified speech-language pathologists is strong, with employment projected to grow much faster than average, at 17% from 2025 to 2035, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rapid growth makes the Emerson College online Master of Science in Communication Disorders a potentially valuable investment for your career.
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Employers generally recognise degrees earned through accredited online programs. Your physical diploma and official transcripts will state that you earned a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Emerson College, with no mention of the online delivery format. The program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is designed to provide the academic and clinical preparation needed to pursue a career in speech-language pathology.
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Completing the Emerson online MS in Communication Disorders typically takes between 20 and 36 months, depending on whether you choose the accelerated 5-term track or the 9-term track. After graduating, you must also complete a clinical fellowship (CF) lasting nine months to one year to become fully certified.
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It is not recommended to maintain full-time employment while enrolled in this program, particularly once your clinical placements begin. Both the 5-term and 9-term tracks involve an intense commitment, requiring you to be at in-person clinical sites three to five days per week.
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In this model, you will progress through the 54-credit curriculum as part of a dedicated group, allowing you to build strong relationships with your peers and faculty from start to finish. You will participate in live weekly classes and asynchronous coursework while completing local clinical placements. You can learn more about how this fits into the admissions requirements for our upcoming cohorts.
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The program requires one mandatory, weekend-long immersion held on the Emerson campus in Boston. This intensive session is credit-bearing and provides hands-on clinical skill-building and networking opportunities that bridge the gap between online learning and in-person practice.
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Yes, the program provides extensive support through dedicated specialists who work with you one-on-one to secure approved clinical sites. This includes finding local, in-person sites within a national partner network and one virtual placement opportunity.
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If a local site is not immediately available, placement specialists may expand the search radius up to 75 miles from your home, which could result in a longer commute. In some cases, a “Placement Hold” may be issued, which can delay your progress or impact your scheduled graduation date.
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The online master’s program in speech-language pathology is designed to meet licensure requirements in many U.S. states and offers support to help you prepare for state-specific licensing. However, the program is not authorized in all states, and you must reside in an approved state to participate.
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This degree prepares you to become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) qualified to work in hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. You will be trained to diagnose and treat various speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders in specialized fields like early intervention or telepractice.
Emerson College partners with 2U to support the delivery of this online program. Emerson College has full control over the program, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.
- Speech-Language Pathologists. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎
- 100 Best Jobs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎