MS, Speech-Language Pathology

Our MS in Speech-Language Pathology offers an in-depth study of communication disorders with an emphasis on articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders (stuttering), augmentative and alternative communication, voice disorders, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), neurogenic communication disorders (aphasia, dementia), hearing disorders, language disorders, social aspects of communication, cognitive aspects of communication.

Courses and clinical opportunities place a high priority on assessment and intervention within an evidence-based, ethical, and multicultural framework. Upon completion of the master's degree, students are eligible to apply for certification with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, California state licensure, and California Speech Language Hearing Services 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. 

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.

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree with an overall 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Test requirements
    • For applicants who come from a country where English is not the primary language and do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction, a higher English-language proficiency (ELP) test score is required as indicated on the Graduate Program Test Requirement webpage.
    • GRE is not required for admission
  • Program Prerequisites
    • Applicants who will have completed all program prerequisites before program start date may apply to the two-year MS-SLP program. The two-year program is appropriate for applicants who completed an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate program in communication disorders that meet all the prerequisites.
    • Applicants who will not have completed all program prerequisites before program start date should consider applying to the three-year extended MS-SLP program. The extended program is appropriate for applicants who majored in field of study other than communication disorders (i.e. out-of-field student; OFS). The prerequisite coursework may be completed in approximately two semesters.

How to Apply

  • The program requires a two-step application process. Both applications must be completed by the deadline to be considered for admission:
    • University Application: Cal State Apply
    • Department Application: Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)
  • Fall 2025 admitted students must accept their admission if they plan to enroll by (1) saying ‘yes’ through Intent to Enroll and (2) paying a $200 non refundable (and non transferable) enrollment deposit by April 15, 2025 in order to register for Fall 2025 classes. The $200 enrollment deposit will be applied towards your tuition and fees once you enroll in Fall 2025 classes. For more information visit Mandatory Intent to Enroll webpage on the Graduate Admissions website.

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.

 

A culminating experience is required for graduation and students have two options.

  1. Thesis. Students can conduct a research project under the advisement of a faculty member. Students electing to complete a thesis will enroll in thesis for three credits during Fall semester of the second year; OR
  2. Comprehensive exam. Students can successfully complete the comprehensive examination/project - also known as “comps” - during their final semester.

Fieldwork and Observation

Clinical practica occur in a variety of settings, including our Kay Armstead Center for Communication Disorders. Students have clinical opportunities with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and elders in a variety of settings, including public, private, and charter schools (preschool, elementary, middle, high schools), rehabilitation agencies, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals.

Candidates for the Master’s degree must accumulate a minimum of 375 clock hours in a supervised clinical practicum in three distinctively different settings and 25 hours of guided observation with an ASHA certified clinician.

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.

Additional Resources

For information about financial aid opportunities, internship and job opportunities, research opportunities, and more, visit our Student Resources webpage.

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.

How to apply for a credential

CDS Online Program Information 

Our spring 2025 application cycle has closed. The online program is only available to those students living in California with a degree in CDS. The deadline to apply for fall 2025 is January 15th, 2025.

CDS is recruiting for fall 2025 CDS Online Graduate Program.
Learn more about our online program and admission process.