Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are specialists in communication disorders who work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Speech-language pathologists often work in hospitals, private clinics, community agencies, schools, infant learning programs, nursing homes, or home health agencies. Because of the high demand for speech-language pathology services, part-time, full-time, and “as needed” basis opportunities may be available. In many settings, SLPs work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, which includes family members as well as teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and rehabilitation counselors.
The UAA Speech-Language Pathology program offers the following:
- Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program (a collaborative program with East Carolina University’s distance education)
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology (which enables individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline to obtain the prerequisite courses needed to apply to the M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program above)
- Minor in Speech-Language Pathology. (the minor is also an option for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Pre-Professional Track)
- Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (prepares students to work with speech and language disordered children and adults)
Alaska requires a license to practice and certification by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association for any non-public school setting. School-based Speech Language Pathologists must have special services certification through the Department of Education and Early Development.
Why choose Speech Language Pathology at UAA?
All courses are offered online and it is the only SLP program in the state of Alaska.
Employment of SLPs is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics).
Learn from highly experienced speech-language pathologists who have worked in diverse clinical settings.
Obtain your Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders while staying in Alaska.

Program Information
The UAA Catalog is the official source of all degree and certificate programs at the university. Catalog entries for each program include details such as learning outcomes, application timeline and requirements, course sequencing, and program requirements.
Catalog: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology
Catalog: Minor in Speech-Language Pathology
Catalog: Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Message from the Director
Hello and thank you for your interest in the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at UAA. Our Minor degree and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs are completed through robust online coursework. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experiences and varying perspectives. This diversity enhances the learning environment and strong sense of community. Completion of the Post-Bac Certificate prepares students to pursue the graduate degree necessary for entry into the SLP field. We have a partnership with East Carolina University which allows Alaskan students to complete graduate didactic coursework online and engage in rich in-person clinical training in our summer University Clinic as well as school, clinical, and medical settings across the state. The SLP career field is exciting and projected to continue growing at rates far surpassing job growth in other fields. In 2022, U.S. News ranked SLP careers as the 3rd best job in healthcare and the 10th best career out of 100 ranked careers. As SLPs we work across the lifespan and across school and medical settings to provide speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing therapy. I welcome you to start on your path to this very rewarding career.
-Karen L. Gallagher, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Contact Us
(907) 786-4346
uaa_speechlangpath@alaska.edu
Physical Address
UAA Speech Language Pathology Program
Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Drive, PSB A117
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Mailing Address
UAA Speech Language Pathology Program
3211 Providence Drive, PSB A117
Anchorage, Alaska 99508