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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.

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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 (M.S.) 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.

70 Units
6 Semesters
$955 +fees Cost Per Unit

*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

VIEW ADDITIONAL COST OF ATTENDANCE AND FEES

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 M.S. 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:

 

Program Details

Upon completion of the program, speech-language pathology students can: 

  1. Apply understanding of communication and swallowing processes, disorders, differences and cultural correlates across the lifespan.
  2. Apply principles and methods of prevention, assessment and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders.
  3. Apply standards of ethical conduct, professionalism and relevant federal and state regulations pertaining to certification.
  4. Apply research principles and evidence-based practice to the practice of speech-language pathology.
  5. Apply professional standards of oral and written forms of communication skills sufficient for entry into clinical practice.
  6. Describe how clinical practice is enhanced when speech-language pathologists pursue cultural and linguistic diversity, equity and access for all people with communication disorders. 
  7. Describe how the Christian worldview informs the profession and practice of speech-language pathology.

View All Learning Outcomes

Designed as a two-year program, the M.S. 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 M.S. 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.

To find out more, review our accreditations.

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. 

See All Courses

Danette Bonillo, Ed.D.

Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Director of Clinical Education for Speech Language Pathology

Office Phone: 951-552-8942
E-mail: dbonillo@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: F78

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
Chair, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Program Director, M.S. Speech-Language Pathology

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.

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.

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Discover CBU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Through the M.S. 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!