Best Communication Disorders Degrees in Jonesboro, Arkansas
If you are searching for the best Communication Disorders degrees in Jonesboro, Arkansas, your options center around one highly respected institution: Arkansas State University. But choosing the right program requires more than simply identifying a school. You need to evaluate accreditation, clinical hours, career outcomes, licensure preparation, tuition, and long-term earning potential.
This comprehensive guide brings everything together in one place: degree options, program comparisons, admissions insight, licensure pathways in Arkansas, and career outlook data.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas State University (A-State) is the leading provider of Communication Disorders degrees in Jonesboro.
- Programs include a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Communication Disorders (MCD).
- The graduate program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA-ASHA).
- Completion of the MCD meets requirements for Arkansas licensure and national SLP certification.
- Speech-Language Pathologists in Arkansas earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000 depending on setting and experience.
Top Communication Disorders Program in Jonesboro
Arkansas State University (A-State)
Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas State University is the region’s most established provider of Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Disorders education. The university’s College of Nursing and Health Professions houses the Communication Disorders program.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Disorders
- Master of Communication Disorders (MCD)
The BS degree prepares students for graduate study, while the MCD is required to practice as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Program Comparison Overview
ProgramDegree LevelAccreditationDurationClinical HoursPrepares for AR LicensureArkansas State UniversityBSRegionally Accredited4 YearsObservation hours includedNo (Graduate Required)Arkansas State UniversityMCD (Graduate)CAA-ASHA Accredited2 Years400+ supervised hoursYes
Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders
Who It Is For
The BS program is designed for students pursuing a future Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or related fields such as audiology or special education.
Curriculum Highlights
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
- Phonetics
- Speech and Language Development
- Audiology
- Introduction to Clinical Procedures
Students complete guided observation hours, which are required for graduate school application under ASHA standards.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores
- Minimum GPA requirements set by the university
Many students apply to the MCD program at A-State after completing the undergraduate degree.
Master of Communication Disorders (MCD)
The MCD program is the critical step toward becoming a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas.
Accreditation and Certification
The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Graduation qualifies students to pursue:
- Arkansas state licensure
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
- Arkansas Department of Education SLP credential for school settings
Clinical Training
Students complete over 400 supervised clinical hours in diverse settings, including:
- Public schools
- Hospitals
- Outpatient rehabilitation centers
- Private speech therapy practices
This hands-on experience is essential for employment and certification eligibility.
Graduate Admissions Checklist
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or prerequisite completion
- Minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Interview process
Admission is competitive, making undergraduate academic performance critical.
Licensure Pathway in Arkansas
To practice as an SLP in Arkansas, candidates must:
- Earn a CAA-accredited Master’s degree.
- Complete required supervised clinical hours.
- Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Apply through the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
- Complete a Clinical Fellowship Year if pursuing ASHA certification.
The A-State MCD program is structured to align directly with these requirements.
Career Outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists in Jonesboro
Local and Statewide Demand
Speech-Language Pathology remains one of the fastest-growing health professions nationwide. Schools, medical centers, and rehabilitation facilities across Northeast Arkansas report ongoing demand.
Salary Expectations
According to national labor data, SLPs typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually. Earnings vary by setting:
- Public schools: Stable salary with strong benefits
- Hospitals: Higher earning potential
- Private practice: Variable but often above average
Jonesboro serves as a healthcare and education hub for the region, expanding employment opportunities.
Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations
Estimated Tuition
Tuition varies by residency status and credit load. In-state students benefit from significantly lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students.
Financial Aid Options
- Federal student loans
- Arkansas state grants
- Graduate assistantships
- Departmental scholarships
Prospective students should contact A-State’s financial aid office for updated cost breakdowns and funding options.
Why Arkansas State University Stands Out
1. CAA-ASHA Accreditation
Accreditation ensures educational quality and licensure eligibility.
2. Strong Clinical Network
Partnerships with local schools and healthcare providers enhance real-world experience.
3. Regional Reputation
A-State is consistently recognized as a leading public university in Arkansas and the Southeast.
4. Clear Licensure Alignment
The curriculum is structured to meet Arkansas professional standards without requiring additional coursework.
Online and Hybrid Options
While the undergraduate program is primarily campus-based, Arkansas State University has expanded select online offerings in related health sciences. Prospective students interested in hybrid pathways should verify current availability, as clinical programs typically require in-person components.
If flexibility is a priority, some Arkansas residents consider online CAA-accredited graduate programs in nearby states while completing clinical placements locally.
How to Choose the Right Communication Disorders Degree
Before enrolling, evaluate the following:
- CAA-ASHA accreditation status
- Graduate school placement rates
- Clinical hour opportunities
- Praxis pass rates
- Total cost of attendance
For students committed to staying in Jonesboro, Arkansas State University offers the most direct, accredited, and employment-aligned pathway into the Speech-Language Pathology profession.
Frequently Asked Questions about Communication Disorders Degrees in Jonesboro, Arkansas
What Communication Disorders degrees can you earn at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro?
At Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, you can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Disorders and a Master of Communication Disorders (MCD). The BS prepares you for graduate study, and the MCD prepares you for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas.
Is the Arkansas State University MCD program accredited for licensure and certification?
Yes. The MCD program at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This accreditation lets you pursue Arkansas SLP licensure, the ASHA CCC-SLP credential, and school-based SLP certification in the state.
How many clinical hours do you complete in the Arkansas State MCD program?
You complete more than 400 supervised clinical hours in the Arkansas State MCD program. These hours take place in settings such as public schools, hospitals, outpatient rehab centers, and private practices, and they count toward licensure and ASHA certification requirements.
What are the basic steps to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas?
To become a licensed SLP in Arkansas, you earn a CAA-accredited master’s degree, complete required supervised clinical hours, pass the Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology, apply to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and complete a Clinical Fellowship if you also want ASHA certification.
What salary can you expect as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas?
Speech-Language Pathologists in Arkansas typically earn a median salary between about $70,000 and $85,000 per year, depending on your experience and work setting. School positions often offer steady pay and benefits, while hospital and private practice roles may provide higher earning potential, in line with national trends reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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