California Speech Language Pathology Master’s Programs

Obtaining a master’s degree in speech pathology can help prepare you for a career helping people overcome speech, language and swallowing disorders. Becoming a certified speech pathologist requires completion of a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)1, which is part of the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You may want to choose a master’s program that meets the requirements for ASHA accreditation2. Explore California speech therapy programs and learn about the requirements for becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in this state.

Sponsored online speech pathology programs

Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

  • Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
  • In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
  • As few as 20 months to complete

info SPONSORED

Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

  • Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
  • Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
  • As few as six terms to complete 
  • Full-time and part-time plans of study

info SPONSORED

Find the Best California Speech Pathology Program for You

There are a plethora of California speech therapy programs to choose from, in online, on-campus and hybrid formats. Speech pathology programs in California are primarily offered on-campus. Just one California-based university offers an online master’s in speech-language pathology. Online programs can make it easier for students to attend faraway schools while still working, in order to attain new credentials and begin new careers. 

Each state has its own requirements for registering or licensing speech-language pathologistsCalifornia SLP license requirements include the following:

  • Fingerprinting.
  • Obtain at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited speech pathology school.
  • Completion of 300 hours of supervised clinical hours in three different clinical settings.
  • Completion of required professional experience (RPE) with a temporary license—36 full-time or 72 part-time weeks.
  • A minimum score of 162 on the Educational Testing Service Praxis exam for Speech-Language Pathology

On-Campus and Online Speech Pathology Programs in California

Below is a list of some of the speech therapy programs in California. On-campus SLP programs in California are most common, but there is one online option available.

Most of these programs are accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation; a few programs have pre-accreditation status [PDF, 437 KB] as emerging and developing SLP programs. Graduates of these programs are qualified to apply for their Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA, as well as licensure in speech-language pathology with the California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Explore our compiled list of on-campus and online speech therapy programs in California below. After doing your research, only you can decide whether a speech pathology program is worth it for you.

Biola University

School of Science, Technology, and Health

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

La Mirada, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 63

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelors degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Chrisitian testimony essay
  • Vocational intent essay
  • CV/resume
  • California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
  • Affirmation of Biola’s Articles of Faith
  • Letters of recommendation (pastoral and academic)
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Biola University

California Baptist University

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Riverside, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 70

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or speech-language pathology
  • Official transcripts
  • Three recommendations
  • Resume
  • Essay
  • Basic Skills Requirement for the Preliminary Speech-Language Services Credential
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from California Baptist University

California State University at Chico

College of Communication and Education

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Chico, Californa

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 56-59

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelors degree
  • Course prerequisites in CMSB 488 Research Methods or equivalent, as well as completion of ASHA required courses (human-focused biological science, chemistry/physics, and statistics)
Learn more about the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University at Chico

California State University at East Bay

Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

East Bay, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 62-64

Concentrations: N/A

California State University at Fullerton

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders

Fullerton, California

Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 61

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Letter Of Intent
  • Bachelor’s degree in CSD
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University at Fullerton

California State University at Long Beach

College of Health and Human Services

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Long Beach, California

Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 50

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in CSD
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Interview
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University at Long Beach

California State University in Los Angeles

Department of Communication Disorders

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Los Angeles, California

Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 59

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in CSD or related area
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Clinical observation hours
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University in Los Angeles

California State University at Northridge

College of Graduate, International and Midcareer Education

Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

Northridge, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3 years

Credits: 36-63

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in CSD or related area
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites (30 credits)
Learn more about the Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from California State University at Northridge

Chapman University

College of Health and Behavioral Sciences

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Orange, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 63

Concentrations:

School Based Setting, Medically Related Conditions

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University

Loma Linda University

School of Allied Health Professions

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Loma Linda, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 74

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in SLP, communicative disorders, or equivalent coursework 
  • Course prerequisites 
  • Personal statement 
  • Interview 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • Completion of the CBEST 
  • Official transcripts 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Loma Linda University

San Francisco State University

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

San Francisco, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 61-64

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Degree 
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended 
  • Official GRE Test Scores 
  • 3.0 GPA 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from San Francisco State University

San Diego State University

School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

San Diego, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 44

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Degree 
  • One set of Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended 
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • TOEFL scores if necessary 
  • Two or more Letters of Recommendation 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from San Diego State University

San Jose State University

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

San Jose, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 63-66

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Degree 
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • Statement of Purpose 
  • Resume 
  • Official GRE Test Scores 
  • 3.0 GPA 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from San Jose State University

University of Redlands

College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Redlands, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 60+

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • Completion of  college level statistics course, 5 core prerequisite classes 
  • 25 observation hours, signed off by an ASHA Member SLP.
  • GRE scores
Learn more about the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Redlands

University of the Pacific

School of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Stockton, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 89

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3.0 minimum GPA for the last 60 units of study
  • Official Transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific

School of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Stockton, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Enrollment Type: Accelerated

Length of Program: 1.25 years

Credits: 56-58

Concentrations:
  • Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communicative disorders
  • 3.0 minimum GPA for the last 60 units of study
  • Official Transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework
  • Submission of clinical observation hours

Sponsored online speech pathology programs

Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

  • Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
  • In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
  • As few as 20 months to complete

info SPONSORED

Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

  • Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
  • Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
  • As few as six terms to complete 
  • Full-time and part-time plans of study

info SPONSORED

Last updated February 2021

1Council on Academic Accreditation. Retrieved February 26, 2021, from https://caa.asha.org/arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). ASHA certification. Retrieved February 26, 2021.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference