MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Our MS in Speech-Language Pathology gives you the chance to dive deeply into the study of communication and swallowing disorders while preparing for a rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist.
You’ll explore topics such as articulation and phonological disorders, stuttering, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), voice and swallowing disorders, neurogenic communication disorders (including aphasia and dementia), hearing and language disorders, as well as the social and cognitive aspects of communication.
Through coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, you’ll learn how to assess and support individuals across the lifespan using an evidence-based, ethical, and culturally responsive approach.
We offer two pathways to the MS degree so you can choose the option that best fits your life and goals:
- On-Campus Program – A traditional, in-person experience where you’ll take classes on our campus, work closely with faculty, and participate in clinical placements in the community.
- Online SPEAKS Program – A flexible, online format designed for students who need to balance graduate study with work, family, or distance. This program includes interactive online coursework and supervised clinical training in your local community.
By the time you graduate from either pathway, you’ll be ready to take the next steps toward professional practice and be eligible to apply for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), pursue California state licensure, and earn the California Speech-Language-Hearing Services credential.
- Program Overview
- Student Outcome Data
- Program Learning Outcomes
- Curriculum and Roadmaps
- Fieldwork and Observation
- MS and Credential Requirements
- Additional Student Resources
- Accreditation, Licensure, and Credential
Program Overview
- Official Title: MS in Speech Language Pathology, with Speech Language Pathology credential
- Format: Full-time
- Units: 66 units
- Start date: Fall semester
- Program length:
- Two years for students with CDS background
- Three years for students without CDS background
- Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Student Outcome Data
Students in the MS degree program are expected to demonstrate competence in the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology set forth by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In addition, graduate students in the CD&S Department are also expected to demonstrate competence in our Program Learning Objectives.
On-Campus Program Totals & Averages
3-Year Program Averages
- Total Completed on Time: 132
- Total Completing Late: 3
- Total Not Completing: 0
- 3-Year Average Completion Rate: 97.78%
| Completion Year | Number Completing on Time | Number Completing Late | Number Not Completing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 43 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 44 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 45 | 2 | 0 |
Online SPEAKS Program Totals & Averages
3-Year Program Averages
- Total Completed on Time: 0
- Total Completing Late: 0
- Total Not Completing: 0
- 3-Year Average Completion Rate: 0%*
| Completion Year | Number Completing on Time* | Number Completing Late | Number Not Completing* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
*The distance education program did not run from 2022-2025. The next distance education cohort to graduate will be in 2026.
On-Campus PRAXIS Exam 3-Year (2023-2025) Totals & Averages
- Total Attempted: 74
- Total Passed: 68
- 3-Year Average Pass Rate: 91.89%
| Year | Attempted | Passed | Percent Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 21 | 19 | 90.48% |
| 2024 | 27 | 26 | 96.30% |
| 2023 | 26 | 23 | 88.46% |
Online SPEAKS Program PRAXIS Exam 3-Year (2023-2025) Totals & Averages
- Total Attempted: 0
- Total Passed: 0
- 3-Year Average Pass Rate: 0%*
| Year | Attempted* | Passed | Percent Completed* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
*The distance education program did not run from 2022-2025. The next distance education cohort taking the exam will be in 2026.
Program Learning Outcomes
Below are the program learning outcomes:
- PLO 1 Apply foundational knowledge of speech-language, hearing, and swallowing disorder in a professional setting.
- PLO 2 Identify types of least-biased assessment, differential diagnoses, and culturally responsive interventions when working with persons and families from diverse backgrounds.
- PLO 3 Provide collaborative, inter-professional, person-centered, and family-centered services to clients.
- PLO 4 Integrate evidence-based practice to guide and inform clinical decisions and service delivery.
- PLO 5 Model professionalism, ethical actions, and advocacy for persons with speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders.
- PLO 6 Use spoken and written communication skills appropriate for clinical practice in speech-language pathology.
Curriculum and Roadmaps
- Core courses - 39 units* (*see roadmap for cohort specific info)
- Practicum - 24 units
- Culminating experience - 0-3 units* (*see roadmap for cohort specific info)
For more details about the courses for this program, visit the SJSU Catalog website. Below are samples of roadmaps for students who entered our program in recent years.
- 2025 On-Campus Masters Degree Roadmap [pdf]
- 2024 On-Campus Masters Degree Roadmap [pdf]
- 2023 On-Campus Masters Degree Roadmap [pdf]
In your final semester, you’ll complete a culminating experience—your chance to bring together all you’ve learned and showcase your growth as a speech-language pathologist. Both the on-campus and online SPEAKS programs follow the same options and policies.
You’ll choose the path that best matches your goals:
- Thesis (Plan A – EDSP 299): Conduct original research under faculty mentorship. Perfect if you’re planning for doctoral study or want to contribute to research in the field.
- Comprehensive Exam (Plan B – EDSP 298: Demonstrate mastery of core knowledge and clinical skills through case-based written and oral responses. A strong option if you want to consolidate your learning without doing independent research.
- Project (Plan B – EDSP 298): Apply your skills to a real-world challenge by creating a professional product like a clinical tool, training module, podcast, or advocacy resource and presenting it to faculty and peers.
Fieldwork and Observation
As a graduate student in our program, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with people across the lifespan, from infants and toddlers to school-age children, adults, and older adults.
Both our on-campus program and online SPEAKS program provide these opportunities for you to complete your clinical training in a variety of settings under the supervision of ASHA-certified clinicians. SPEAKS students will complete their placements in their local communities.
To meet the requirements for the master’s degree, you’ll complete a minimum of:
- 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum across at least three different settings
- 25 hours of guided observation with an ASHA-certified clinician
This rich, diverse clinical experience ensures you graduate ready to serve individuals with communication and swallowing disorders in a wide range of professional environments.
MS - Speech-Language Pathology Requirements
All of our department requirements, including minimum GPA, writing requirements, culminating experiences, additional certifications, and more are outlined on the SJSU Catalog website.
University Graduation Requirements
Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, GPA, and culminating experience requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the Graduate Policies and Procedures.
Accreditation, Licensure, and Credential
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential and distance} at San José State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700).
Our Master of Science program is also an approved program of the California Licensing Board in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
