The table below indicates earning a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences degree. The master of science and master of arts programs in speech-language pathology at the University of Oregon are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association but each state/territory maintains its own requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist and audiologist. Please note that this table does not include an evaluation of state specific requirements beyond that of educational and curricular requirements. Laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with the state for the most up-to-date information.

State Licensure: All fifty states in the U.S. oversee and regulate the practice of speech-language pathology through licensure. Under a licensure system, states define by statute the scope of practice of a profession and provide that these tasks may be legally performed only by those who are licensed. Some states have a single license and some have a two-tiered system of interim and permanent licensure. The names and types of licenses, as well as requirements, vary from state to state. Importantly, the type of required state licensure often depends on the setting in which an SLP will work. Licensing regulations and licensing bodies differ for non-educational versus educational settings in many states.

Non-Educational Settings:  State licensing authorities, commonly referred to as “State Boards,” determine the specific educational and training requirements for SLP licensure in non-educational settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, skilled nursing facilities, etc.

Educational Settings:  State licensing authorities, commonly referred to as “Educational Agencies,” credential SLPs under special teacher requirements in all states except DE, HI, KS, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NM, OR, SD, TX, and VA. These agencies determine the specific educational and training requirements for SLP licensure in their school settings.

More information by state and territory