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
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
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 pathologists. California 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/AAdmission 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)
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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)
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Course prerequisites in CSD
- Bachelor’s degree
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Letter Of Intent
- Bachelor’s degree in CSD
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in CSD
- Three letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- Interview
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in CSD or related area
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Clinical observation hours
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in CSD or related area
- Official transcripts
- Course prerequisites (30 credits)
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
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate Degree
- Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Official GRE Test Scores
- 3.0 GPA
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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
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
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
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