Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Earn your master’s in speech-language pathology in two years from California Baptist University and be a part of the healing process. Acquire essential clinical skills and undergo intensive professional development to prepare you for the workforce.
Serve Your Community as an Allied Health Professional
Speech-language pathologists play an integral role in diagnosing and treating speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders and helping their clients develop or regain communication and swallowing skills.
CBU’s Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) prepares you with the interdisciplinary knowledge, clinical experience and passion needed to become a licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Degree at CBU?
CBU’s speech-language pathology graduate program provides intensive training in language and communication disorders, assessment and treatment strategies and research design and methodologies. Immersion in numerous practicums in different clinical settings ensures you are well prepared to work with individuals with a variety of diagnoses and disabilities.
Learn With a Cohort
At CBU, we prioritize learning in a community. That’s why our SLP master’s degree utilizes a cohort model, in which you enter the program with a group of peers and take all classes in sequence together. You can complete your master’s degree in two years, including two summers and must attend full time. Due to the program’s rigorous schedule, we highly discourage working while pursuing the degree.
Gain Real-World Experience
To allow you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice, you must earn a minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours working in school, community and medical settings. The program embeds formative and summative assessments of your academic and clinical progress in all aspects of your academic and clinical education. Read about CBU’s Clinical Education Center.
Prepare for Essential Licensure and Certification
Once you complete your MS in SLP, you are eligible to apply for the Required Professional Experience for California state licensure, as well as the Clinical Fellowship Year, which is required to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. With these credentials, you are on your way to serving your community as a licensed speech-language pathologist.
What You'll Learn
In preparation for your career as a speech-language pathologist, learn about:
- Speech-language pathology research design and methods and analysis within evidence-based practice.
- Conducting diagnostic assessments, interpreting assessment findings and relaying test results to clients and their families.
- Practicing in a clinical setting, including terminology, handling professional issues, reviewing files, building working relationships with clients, teaching and treatment techniques and more.
- A wide range of language and communication disorders, such as acquired neurogenic cognitive communication disorders, motor speech disorders, autism spectrum disorders, voice and resonance disorders, pediatric language disorders and others.
- Augmentative and alternative communication and the implementation of assistive technology.
- The role of speech-language pathologists in public schools, including writing IEPs, the referral and assessment process, the Response to Intervention process and more.
Program Details
Upon completion of the program, speech-language pathology students can:
- Apply understanding of communication and swallowing processes, disorders, differences and cultural correlates across the lifespan.
- Apply principles and methods of prevention, assessment and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders.
- Apply standards of ethical conduct, professionalism and relevant federal and state regulations pertaining to certification.
- Apply research principles and evidence-based practice to the practice of speech-language pathology.
- Apply professional standards of oral and written forms of communication skills sufficient for entry into clinical practice.
- Describe how clinical practice is enhanced when speech-language pathologists pursue cultural and linguistic diversity, equity and access for all people with communication disorders.
- Describe how the Christian worldview informs the profession and practice of speech-language pathology.
Designed as a two-year program, the MS in Speech-Language Pathology is 70 units consisting of:
- 21 core requirements
- Six clinical practicums
- One comprehensive examination requirement
To ensure you receive a high-quality education and are well prepared to become a practicing speech pathologist, CBU’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program is accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the State of California and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA.
CDS 520: Diagnostic Assessment Processes
The course details the specialized skills necessary for conducting diagnostic assessments.
CDS 560: Multicultural and Multilingual Issues
The course reviews current theories on language acquisition and practical application pertaining to culturally and linguistically diverse persons with communication disabilities.
CDS 580: Counseling in Communication Disorders
This course introduces students to the counseling skills speech-language pathologists need in their daily interactions with clients/patients and their families.
Namhee Kim, Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
NSSLHA CBU Chapter Advisor
Office Phone: 951-552-8725
E-mail: nkim@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus F75
Bryan Ness, Ph.D.
Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Department Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Director, M.S. Speech-Language Pathology Program
Office Phone: 951-552-8343
E-mail: bness@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus F76
Individuals interested in CBU’s speech pathology graduate program must hold a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from an accredited college or university.
To be considered eligible for the degree program, applicants must submit the following materials:
- Application (must be submitted and verified through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science & Disorders Programs.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Résumé including any relevant volunteer or work experience.
- An essay outlining why you want to study at CBU, how the program will empower you to fulfill your purpose and how your characteristics and goals align with CBU’s mission.
| Application Deadlines | Fall |
|---|---|
| Standard | January 15 |
Review CBU-specific and ASHA-specific application requirements.
CBU was able to guide me in the direction that I wanted to go (the medical route). They helped me find the resources to apply for medical internships and further my education.
Lupita Perez '24
Career Outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment opportunities for speech-language pathologists to experience rapid growth over the next decade, creating a high demand for speech therapists. It estimates SLP employment to increase by approximately 21 percent, equating to 14,000 job openings each year. A large aging population with changing health conditions who need SLPs’ services may contribute to the increased demand.
On average, speech-language pathologists earn a median annual wage of $79,060. However, depending on the state of employment, level of experience and type of facility they work in, salaries can range from $51,310 to $125,560.
Related Programs
Discover CBU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Through the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program, you explore all facets of the communication sciences and disorders, undergo rigorous professional training and acquire extensive hands-on experience to support your future career. Embrace your God-given talents and take the next step to pursue your calling. Request more information or apply today!