2027 Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degree Programs Under $10,000
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
Reviewed by Rhea Paul, PhD
SLP Education & Research Expert
Choosing an online communication disorders bachelor’s degree is a cost, time, and career-planning decision. The degree can help students build a foundation in speech, language, hearing, and communication science, but it does not automatically qualify graduates for every clinical role. Students who want to become licensed speech-language pathologists, audiologists, or other regulated professionals usually need additional graduate education, supervised experience, certification, or state approval.
For working adults, transfer students, military learners, and career changers, the main question is whether an accredited online program can provide a legitimate path forward without creating unmanageable debt. Programs advertised under $10,000 can be attractive, but students should look closely at what that price includes, how many transfer credits are assumed, whether fees are excluded, and whether the curriculum supports their next step.
This guide explains how affordable accredited online communication disorders bachelor’s programs compare on tuition, accreditation, transfer credit, completion time, admissions, support services, technology, financial aid, and career value. It also highlights the trade-offs students should consider before choosing the lowest-priced option.
Key Things to Know About Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degree Programs Under $10,000
- Online communication disorders bachelor's degree programs under $10,000 significantly reduce student debt-critical for first-generation and career-changing students balancing finances.
- Graduates benefit from a strong return on investment as many programs lead to salaries averaging $55,000 to $65,000, supported by accreditation and industry relevance.
- These programs offer flexible scheduling and credit transfer options, accommodating working adults and military personnel seeking efficient degree completion without sacrificing career or family time.
What Are the Most Affordable Accredited Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degree Programs Under $10,000?
The most affordable accredited online communication disorders bachelor’s degree programs under $10,000 are typically designed for students who already bring transfer credit, qualify for reduced tuition, or can move quickly through a flexible online format. The key is to verify the total price, not just the advertised per-credit rate. Students should ask whether the quoted cost includes tuition only, required fees, books, technology charges, clinical-related expenses, and any extra course materials.
Accreditation matters as much as price. A low-cost degree has limited value if employers, graduate schools, or licensing-related pathways do not recognize it. At minimum, students should look for institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Common examples in the original program set include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Programmatic accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) may be relevant for graduate-level clinical preparation, but many bachelor’s programs rely primarily on institutional accreditation. Students planning to apply to speech-language pathology graduate programs should confirm whether the undergraduate coursework satisfies prerequisite expectations.
| Institution | Program and cost details stated | Accreditation stated | Best-fit student |
| American Public University System | Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at roughly $270 per credit for 120 credits, totaling about $9,000. | HLC | Students seeking a broad communication-focused online bachelor’s option. |
| Fort Hays State University | Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with speech specialization, around $226 per credit and 120 credits, totaling near $8,700. | HLC | Cost-conscious students who want a public university option with flexible online study. |
| Valdosta State University | Online Bachelor in Communication Sciences and Disorders designed for transfer students, approximately $267 per credit over 120 credits for just under $10,000. | SACSCOC | Transfer students who want a communication sciences and disorders-focused curriculum. |
| Western Governors University | Competency-based model charging a flat $3,920 per six-month term, potentially completing within four terms, totaling under $10,000. | NWCCU | Self-directed students who can complete competency-based coursework efficiently. |
| Fort Lewis College | Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with various focuses, at about $250 per credit for 120 credits, totaling near $9,600. | HLC | Students who want communication studies with options to tailor their focus. |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Fully online Bachelor of Science in Communication with speech emphasis, $220 per credit over 120 credits, totaling roughly $8,800. | SACSCOC | Students seeking a low-cost public university pathway with a speech emphasis. |
| Western Kentucky University | Online Communication Disorders major at $270 per credit for 120 credits, totaling close to $9,500. | SACSCOC | Students who want a communication disorders major from a regionally accredited institution. |
Students should treat these figures as a starting point for comparison and confirm current tuition directly with each institution. Ultra-low-cost programs may depend on transfer credits, accelerated pacing, residency rules, or other assumptions. They may also offer fewer specialized electives, less clinical exposure, or more limited faculty interaction than higher-priced programs.
The trade-off can still be worthwhile. For students who need an affordable bachelor’s credential before applying to graduate school or moving into support roles, these programs may provide a practical foundation. Students considering graduate study after the bachelor’s degree can compare accelerated options such as online one-year master’s programs and, for speech-language pathology specifically, review cheapest slp master's programs to understand the full cost of the education pathway.
How Do Tuition Costs for Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Programs Under $10,000 Compare Across Public and Private Universities?
Public universities often have the lowest advertised tuition for online communication disorders or communication studies bachelor’s programs, especially for in-state students. State funding can reduce the amount residents pay per credit. In many public institutions, online communication disorders coursework ranges between $200 and $300 per credit.
Private nonprofit universities usually charge one tuition rate to all online students, regardless of residency. These rates are typically $300 to $500 per credit. That does not automatically make private schools more expensive overall. A private program may remain competitive if it accepts more transfer credits, offers shorter completion pathways, or provides scholarships that lower the net price.
| Cost factor | Public universities | Private nonprofit universities |
| Per-credit pricing | Often lower for in-state students because of state subsidies. | Often the same for all online students, regardless of location. |
| Out-of-state costs | May rise for nonresidents unless the school offers a flat online rate. | Usually more predictable because residency is less likely to affect tuition. |
| Path below $10,000 | Commonly achieved through in-state tuition, transfer credit, or low online rates. | Usually depends on transfer credit, scholarships, accelerated formats, or prior learning assessment. |
| Student experience | May offer large-scale online delivery and wider course availability. | May offer smaller cohorts or more personalized advising, depending on the school. |
| Value check | Confirm whether online students pay extra fees or different rates. | Confirm scholarship renewal rules and transfer-credit limits. |
The lowest sticker price is not always the lowest final cost. A public university may look cheaper per credit but become more expensive for an out-of-state student. A private nonprofit university may advertise a higher per-credit rate but reduce the total through transfer acceptance or institutional aid.
Students comparing affordable programs should calculate net cost in three steps: first, estimate accepted transfer credits; second, multiply only the remaining required credits by the online tuition rate; third, add mandatory fees and subtract confirmed grants or scholarships. Students who are also exploring related helping-profession degrees can review affordability models used by CACREP accredited schools, although counseling accreditation is separate from communication disorders accreditation.
What Is the Typical Duration of an Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degree Under $10,000, and How Can Students Graduate Faster?
Most online communication disorders bachelor’s degrees require 120-credit completion and are commonly planned around a four-year schedule. That traditional timeline assumes two semesters per year and a standard full-time course load. Students who enter with transfer credits, enroll year-round, or choose accelerated terms may finish sooner.
Programs under $10,000 often appeal to students who need to control both tuition and time. Finishing faster can reduce total educational costs, but only if the pace is realistic. Overloading courses while working full time can lead to withdrawals, repeated classes, or delayed graduation, which can erase the savings.
- Use accelerated terms carefully: Eight-week courses can help students complete more credits during the year than 16-week semesters. The workload is compressed, so students should avoid taking too many demanding science or methods courses at once.
- Enroll year-round when possible: Summer and winter course availability can prevent long breaks and help students complete prerequisites sooner.
- Maximize approved transfer credit: Students with prior college coursework should request a formal transfer evaluation before committing to a program.
- Consider competency-based pathways: Some schools allow students to progress by demonstrating mastery instead of waiting for fixed seat-time requirements. This model works best for disciplined students with relevant prior knowledge.
- Plan prerequisite sequencing: Communication disorders coursework may have course order requirements. Missing one prerequisite can delay graduation even in an accelerated program.
Western Governors University and Fort Hays State University are examples of institutions associated with communication disorders bachelor’s tracks under $10,000 in the original program set. Western Governors reports an average completion time near three years, supported by its self-paced, competency-based format.
One professional who moved from military service into a civilian career described the flexible eight-week terms and continuous enrollment as “crucial for staying on track.” He also said that demonstrating prior knowledge “made the path feel personalized and efficient.” His experience reflects a common advantage of flexible online formats: students can move faster when they already know the material, but they still need a clear weekly study plan and reliable advising.
The best earning potential after an online communication disorders bachelor’s degree under $10,000 depends less on tuition and more on the role the graduate can legally and competitively pursue. A bachelor’s degree can support entry into assistant, rehabilitation, educational support, research support, or related human services roles. However, higher-paying clinical roles in speech-language pathology and audiology often require graduate education and licensure.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, career outcomes vary by specialization and setting. Students should compare programs based on whether they include relevant coursework, observation opportunities, practicum exposure, advising for graduate school, and preparation for support roles.
| Career direction | Salary figure stated | What to look for in the bachelor’s program |
| Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | Median annual wages typically reach about $58,000. | Coursework in speech and language development, disorders, intervention support, ethics, and any available hands-on or practicum-related learning. |
| Audiology Support | Median salaries average $43,000. | Courses in hearing science, audiological screening concepts, assistive technology, and communication support for people with hearing loss. |
| Rehabilitation Services | Graduates in this field earn near $50,000 annually. | Preparation in disability services, rehabilitation systems, communication recovery, case support, and interdisciplinary care settings. |
Students who want the strongest return on investment should ask each program for graduate outcomes, employer partnerships, field placement options, and alumni career paths. Transfer-credit flexibility and prior learning assessments can also improve earning potential indirectly by helping students finish sooner and enter the workforce faster.
Some students use a communication disorders bachelor’s degree as a stepping stone, while others later move into a different high-demand field. Those comparing broader online graduate options may also review an online data science master’s, but students should evaluate whether a field change aligns with their skills, prerequisites, and career goals.
Financial aid can bring the net cost of an online communication disorders bachelor’s degree below $10,000, especially for students who combine grants, scholarships, transfer credits, and careful course planning. The most valuable aid is funding that does not need to be repaid. Loans can help fill gaps, but they should be used only after students understand repayment obligations.
The first step is filing the FAFSA as early as possible. Many federal, state, and institutional aid programs use FAFSA data to determine eligibility. Missing priority deadlines can reduce access to limited grant and scholarship funds.
- Federal Pell Grants: These grants target undergraduates with significant financial need, offering between $3,000 and $6,000 annually without repayment obligations.
- Subsidized Federal Loans: These loans are designed for students who demonstrate financial need. The government pays interest during enrollment, which can make them less costly than many other borrowing options.
- Institutional Scholarships: Universities may offer scholarships for online students, transfer students, adult learners, communication disorders majors, or students with strong academic records.
- State-Based Grants: State grant programs often support residents attending in-state institutions. Eligibility and award amounts vary, so students should check their state education agency and the financial aid office.
- Professional Association Scholarships: Organizations connected to speech-language pathology, audiology, disability services, and communication sciences may offer awards for students committed to the field. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation is one example named in the original source material.
Students should build a funding plan before enrolling. A practical plan includes a confirmed transfer-credit evaluation, a term-by-term tuition estimate, a list of required fees, FAFSA submission, scholarship deadlines, and a maximum borrowing limit. The College Board's Trends in Student Aid shows that combining these sources typically drops net tuition under $10,000 for eligible online students.
One graduate who completed an online communication disorders bachelor’s degree for less than $10,000 described the process as “overwhelming” at first because she had to manage several aid applications. She credited early deadlines, institutional scholarships, and targeted grants with making the cost manageable. Her experience shows that affordability is not only about choosing a low-tuition school; it also depends on timing, documentation, and persistence.
Transfer credit is one of the strongest cost reducers in online communication disorders bachelor’s programs. A student who transfers a large number of approved credits pays for fewer remaining courses, which can make a degree advertised above $10,000 functionally cost less than a lower-priced program with stricter transfer limits.
The basic calculation is simple. If a program requires 120 credits but allows 60 transfer credits, the student pays for only half the credits. At $100 per credit, this cuts tuition from $12,000 to $6,000. The same principle applies when schools accept military training, standardized exam credit, or prior learning assessment.
Students should not assume every completed course will transfer. Communication disorders majors may require specific prerequisites, upper-division credits, or minimum grades. General education courses are often easier to transfer than specialized major coursework.
- Fort Hays State University: Offers acceptance of up to 90 transfer credits, including CLEP and military training, supporting returning and career-changing students with flexible credit options.
- Pennsylvania State University World Campus: Grants up to 90 transfer credits from a variety of accredited sources and exams, emphasizing prior learning assessments as a cost-saving measure.
- Thomas Edison State University: Recognized for comprehensive acceptance of transfer credits as well as military and standardized exam credits, facilitating quicker, less costly degree completion.
Students can reduce wasted credits by requesting an unofficial review before applying and a formal degree audit after admission. They should provide transcripts from every previous college, documentation for military learning, CLEP or Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) scores, and syllabi for courses that may need departmental review.
The most important question is not “How many credits can the school accept?” but “How many of my credits will apply to this specific degree?” Credits accepted as electives may not shorten the major sequence. Students trying to stay under $10,000 should confirm exactly how many courses remain before enrolling.
An online communication disorders bachelor’s program under $10,000 should, at minimum, be offered by an institution with recognized accreditation. Accreditation helps protect students by showing that the school meets external standards for academic quality, governance, student services, and financial stability. It also affects transfer credit, graduate admission, financial aid eligibility, and employer recognition.
Regional accreditation is widely respected in the U.S. and is commonly expected by employers, graduate schools, and licensing-related pathways. Primary regional accrediting bodies named in the original source include:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Accredits colleges and universities in the central U.S.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): Covers institutions in southern states.
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE): Oversees schools in the New England region.
Programmatic accreditation can also matter, but students should understand what it covers. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) is a field-specific accreditor connected to audiology and speech-language pathology standards. For bachelor’s students, the immediate priority is usually whether the undergraduate curriculum prepares them for the next step, such as graduate prerequisites or assistant-level roles where available.
Students should be cautious with programs that lack recognized accreditation or hold only accreditation that graduate schools, employers, or licensing boards may not accept. A low tuition price is not a bargain if credits do not transfer or the degree does not support the student’s intended career path.
Recent surveys indicate that nearly 60% of communication disorders professionals prioritize candidates from regionally accredited programs when hiring or recommending further education. Before enrolling, students should verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation database and confirm any profession-specific requirements with the relevant state board or graduate program.
Admission requirements for online communication disorders bachelor’s programs priced under $10,000 are usually accessible, but they vary by institution. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. Many also set a minimum GPA, typically between 2.0 and 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, although the exact threshold depends on the school and whether the student applies as a first-year or transfer applicant.
Many affordable online programs use open-admission or rolling-admission policies and may not require SAT or ACT scores. This can benefit working adults, first-generation students, military learners, and applicants returning to college after time away. More selective programs may require stronger academic records, prerequisite coursework, or additional application materials.
- Minimum academic requirements: Most programs require a high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA, usually around 2.0 to 2.5, but this varies.
- Standardized test policies: Many affordable online programs waive SAT/ACT scores, especially those with open or rolling admissions.
- Prerequisite courses: Foundational classes in English, biology, psychology, and communication skills are often required or recommended.
- Transfer documentation: Transfer applicants typically need official transcripts from every previous college attended.
- Application materials: Some programs may request a personal statement, résumé, recommendation, or explanation of academic history.
Applicants who do not meet GPA or prerequisite requirements can improve their readiness by completing community college courses, earning strong grades in relevant subjects, gaining related work or volunteer experience, and writing a focused personal statement. Students should also ask whether conditional admission, academic probation entry, or transfer pathways are available.
Students comparing related online programs should remember that admission overlap does not mean career overlap. For example, an online child psychology master’s may share interests in development and intervention, but it has different prerequisites, outcomes, and professional requirements.
The strongest online communication disorders bachelor’s programs under $10,000 do more than offer low tuition. They help students choose the right courses, avoid unnecessary credits, stay enrolled, and prepare for the next step after graduation. Support services are especially important for online learners who are balancing school with work, caregiving, or military responsibilities.
- Personalized academic advising: Advisors should help students map degree requirements, sequence prerequisites, apply transfer credits, and avoid courses that do not count toward graduation.
- Transfer-credit guidance: A strong advising team can explain which prior credits apply to the major, which count as electives, and which requirements remain.
- Online tutoring and writing support: Communication disorders coursework often includes scientific terminology, research reading, and writing-intensive assignments. Tutoring can help students stay on pace.
- Faculty access and mentorship: Students should ask whether online learners can attend virtual office hours, receive feedback, and discuss graduate school or career planning with faculty.
- Mental health and wellness resources: Reputable programs provide counseling or wellness referrals to help students manage stress, isolation, and competing responsibilities.
- Career services: Useful services include résumé reviews, interview preparation, job boards, internship guidance, graduate school advising, and employer connections in education, healthcare, rehabilitation, or human services settings.
- Alumni networks: Active alumni communities can help students understand realistic job paths, local employer expectations, and graduate school preparation.
Students should evaluate support services before enrolling, not after problems arise. Ask how often advisors meet with online students, whether career services are available remotely, how quickly faculty respond, and whether the program tracks graduation or employment outcomes. Schools with high student satisfaction rates in surveys like NSSE often have stronger advising cultures and more engaged student-support systems.
Good support can reduce total cost by preventing extra semesters, repeated coursework, and missed transfer-credit opportunities. It can also improve the value of the degree by helping students identify realistic post-graduation roles. Students comparing online admissions models in other fields can review online electrical engineering degree admissions, but communication disorders students should rely on field-specific advising for licensure and graduate-school planning.
Online communication disorders bachelor’s programs under $10,000 may offer concentrations, emphases, or elective clusters that help students align the degree with a career goal. The best choice depends on whether the student wants an entry-level support role, a graduate-school pathway, or a broader communication-related career.
| Concentration or specialization | What it covers | Career and education considerations |
| Speech-Language Pathology | Speech, language, communication development, disorders, and intervention foundations. | Prepares students for supportive roles and graduate study. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median wages exceed $80,000 with job growth expected at 21%. Licensure requires a master's and professional certification, meaning additional education costs beyond the bachelor's program. |
| Audiology Assistance | Hearing-related disorders, screening concepts, assistive technology, and rehabilitation support. | Graduates may support licensed audiologists in medical or educational settings. The BLS reports about 13% job growth and average salaries near $77,000. Advanced certification may require further investment after the bachelor's degree. |
| Early Childhood Language Development | Language acquisition, developmental milestones, early intervention concepts, and communication support for young children. | Useful for students interested in schools, early intervention support, child development, or graduate study. Entry-level positions exist, but advancement often requires graduate credentials. |
| Communication Sciences Research | Research methods, data interpretation, communication science, and experimental approaches. | Appropriate for students considering research, academic support, or graduate study. Universities and government agencies may offer related opportunities, though graduate degrees are commonly needed for career progression. |
Students should not choose a specialization based only on salary projections. They should compare required graduate education, state rules, clinical expectations, and the availability of local jobs. A low-cost bachelor’s degree can be a smart first step, but students pursuing regulated clinical careers should budget for the full pathway beyond the undergraduate program.
Before selecting a concentration, ask whether the program offers advising for graduate prerequisites, observation opportunities, relevant electives, and clear course sequencing. Transfer-credit flexibility, prior learning assessments, and recognized accreditation can improve value without weakening academic preparation.
Affordable online communication disorders bachelor’s programs typically rely on learning management systems, video tools, digital libraries, discussion boards, online assessments, and sometimes simulation or virtual lab tools. The technology should make learning accessible without adding hidden costs that push the total price above the student’s budget.
- Canvas: Canvas is known for a user-friendly layout, mobile compatibility, multimedia course delivery, and discussion tools. It can reduce technical friction for students balancing school with work or family obligations.
- Blackboard: Blackboard supports assessments, grade tracking, course announcements, virtual classrooms, and content organization. It may work well for programs that need structured course management.
- Moodle: Moodle is an open-source platform with customizable features. Its cost-effective structure can support affordable programs while still providing core online-learning tools.
- Simulation software: Communication disorders students may use speech analysis programs, virtual cases, or simulated clinical activities. Students should confirm whether these tools are included in tuition or billed separately.
- Virtual labs and practice tools: Online exercises may help students practice speech, hearing, assessment, or observation concepts. These are useful, but they do not always replace in-person clinical experience when that is required for a later credential.
- Accessibility features: Strong programs provide captions, screen-reader-compatible materials, downloadable resources, and mobile access where possible.
- Technical requirements: Students usually need reliable internet, an updated computer or tablet, a current browser, webcam access for some courses, and enough bandwidth for video-based learning.
Before enrolling, students should ask for a technology fee list and minimum device requirements. They should also confirm whether the program provides technical support during evenings or weekends, especially if they plan to study outside standard business hours.
What Graduates Say About Their Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degree Programs Under $10,000
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: "Choosing the online communication disorders bachelor's degree under $10,000 was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to pursue my interest in the field without taking on a cost I could not manage. The lower tuition helped me focus on coursework instead of constant financial stress, and after graduation I felt more confident pursuing new opportunities.
Axton"
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: "I enrolled because the program fit my schedule and the cost was incredibly reasonable at under $10,000. The online format helped me balance work and family responsibilities while building practical knowledge. Looking back, the biggest value was that the degree gave me access to new professional networks and a clearer path forward.
Jaime"
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: "What stood out to me was that the program was both affordable and fully online, which mattered because I could not relocate. Paying less than $10,000 for a degree that strengthened my communication disorders background was unexpected. It helped me become more competitive for promotions and more specialized responsibilities in my organization.
Roman"
Other Things You Should Know About Communication Disorders Degrees
The cost per credit hour for online communication disorders bachelor's programs under $10,000 is often significantly lower than the national average. While many communication disorders programs at public universities charge between $300 and $600 per credit hour, these affordable programs typically offer rates below $250 per credit hour. This lower cost helps make degree completion more accessible without sacrificing accreditation or quality.
Yes, several accredited institutions offer fully online communication disorders bachelor's programs under $10,000 without charging out-of-state tuition differentials. These schools use flat tuition rates for online learners regardless of residency, which benefits students living outside the institution's home state by making total costs predictable and affordable.
A program should hold regional institutional accreditation, and the college should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA. For communication disorders, students should also verify that the curriculum supports later certification or graduate admission, since many master’s programs require specific undergraduate prerequisites.
Many online programs encourage or accept credit earned through CLEP, DSST exams, and prior learning assessments to reduce credit requirements and overall tuition. Earning such credits allows students to bypass introductory courses, speeding up degree completion and reducing the total cost to under $10,000. This option especially benefits adult learners with relevant work experience or previous coursework.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Speech-Language Pathologists https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm
- ASHA EdFind - Accredited Speech-Language Pathology Programs https://find.asha.org/ed/
- O*NET OnLine - Speech-Language Pathologists https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1127.00
- Idaho State University - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Online/Distance Education) https://www.isu.edu/slp/programs-offered/slp-graduate-program/
- California State University-San Marcos - Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology https://www.csusm.edu/slp/programs/mastersonline/index.html
- Abilene Christian University - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Online) https://acu.edu/academics/graduate/master-of-science-in-speech-language-pathology/
- Nova Southeastern University - SLP Program - Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology https://osteopathic.nova.edu/degrees/masters/speech-language-pathology/index.html
- University of Nebraska at Kearney - Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science in Education (Online Track) https://www.unk.edu/online/degrees-programs/speech-language-pathology-online.php
