More About the Program

Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at California Baptist University, in keeping with its Christian ideals, seeks to educate and prepare students with the knowledge, skills, passion, and compassion to become licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologists who reflect a vision of service to the community consistent with mission of the University.

Program Description

The MS SLP program resides within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Health Science, which supports interdisciplinary communication, promotes a broad intellectual framework for problem solving and fosters the development of professional and spiritual values. 

The two year cohort model master’s program prepares graduates to become nationally certified, licensed speech-language pathologists. Students learn from faculty who bring a wealth of academic knowledge and clinical experience in the areas of both developmental and acquired organic and neurogenic communication disorders. The program focuses on students’ acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed to work in both educational and healthcare and community settings. In keeping with the College of Health Science's mission to transform lives through the healthcare professions, students will gain clinical hours as they partner with local schools and community organizations, perform research and engage in clinical collaboration internationally.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for the Required Professional Experience for California state licensure, and the Clinical Fellowship Year that leads to the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech Language Pathology for ASHA. CBU's program is accredited by the  California Teaching Commission. Upon graduation graduates are eligible to apply for the Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential in order to serve children in public school.  

Program Details

The program has been designed as a cohort model, with students completing the master’s degree in two years including two summers. As part of the traditional graduate program on campus, classes in the MS SLP program will typically run from September to the end of June each year; clinical practicum may extend through July and August. Students enter the program as a cohort, take all classes in sequence together, and must attend full time.  Due to the rigorous schedule of the program, students are highly discouraged from working while pursuing the degree. A minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours will be earned in school, community and medical settings. Students will also attend classes and/or practicums the first eight weeks of both summers. Formative and summative assessments of students' academic and clinical progress, are embedded in all academic and clinical education aspects of the program. 

Statement of Equitable Treatment, Faculty and Staff

California Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected category. With the exception of religion, CBU’s policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, pregnancy, child birth, national origin, ancestry, age (over the age of 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, veteran status in its educational programs and activities. This policy extends to employment with and admission to the University, as well as access to facilities, financial aid and courses.  It is the policy of California Baptist University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment.  Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at California Baptist University.

Statement of Equitable Treatment, Students

In compliance with both state and federal law California Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any protected category except to the extent it is necessary to fulfill its religious purposes, so as to be in compliance with the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.

Statement of Equitable Treatment, Clients Receiving Speech Language Services

California Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected category in providing services to persons with communication disorders and their families. CBU’s policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, pregnancy, religion, child birth, national origin, ancestry, age (over the age of 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, veteran status in its educational programs and activities.

Program Vision

Graduates of the CBU SLP Master’s Program will:

1) Live their purpose by combining excellent academic knowledge and clinical skills with kindness and respect to offer quality assessment and intervention to clients and families
2) Become creative contributors to the field of speech-language pathology in order to advance the care of those we serve
The SLP Master’s Program will:
3) Contribute to the community providing onsite and outreach clinical speech and language services to persons and families with communication disorders.
4) Establish interdisciplinary program relationships at CBU to foster research and program development.