Chapman University Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Want to jumpstart your speech pathology career? Chapman Speech Pathology Programs are a great way to get professional success in this growing field. The university’s post-baccalaureate program takes just 10 months to complete with a total tuition of $12,000. Their Master of Science program consists of 63 units that students can finish in two years (six trimesters).

Chapman University’s SLP Masters meets high professional standards. Chapman’s speech language pathology graduate programs join nearly 20 different programs in California that have earned accreditation from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students with this prestigious CAA accreditation can take ASHA’s National Examination in Speech Language Pathology and qualify for state licensure.

This piece covers everything about Chapman’s offerings – from program features and admission requirements to tuition costs and career outcomes. The application deadline is January 15, 2025. You’ll find out what makes Chapman University’s speech pathology programs unique in a competitive educational setting.

Program Features

Chapman University’s speech pathology programs give students an outstanding education that prepares them for ground clinical practice. Students can complete their Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in two years through a full-time, cohort model spanning six trimesters with approximately 63 units. The program has maintained its accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology since 2009.

Your two-year program includes a graduate capstone project, complete exams, and 400 hours of supervised practicum in a variety of settings. Students learn both theory and hands-on skills through classroom courses and guided clinical fieldwork each trimester.

The program features specialized courses in key areas:

• Multicultural and Second Language Acquisition
• Autism Spectrum Disorders and Early Childhood Assessment
• Language and Cognitive Disorders in Adults and Children
• Voice, Resonance, Cranial Facial, and Motor Speech Disorders
• Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan

Chapman’s speech language pathology graduate programs offer tailored clinical placements at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private practices, early intervention programs, and K-12 public schools. Students work with both on-site and university supervisors during their clinical training.

The program features two emphasis areas: school-based settings and medically related conditions. Students focusing on school-based settings learn to work with children from preschool through high school and help with communication disabilities that affect academic success. The medical emphasis covers conditions like voice disorders, neurophysiological syndromes, dysphagia, and stroke rehabilitation.

Chapman also offers a faster option through its Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program. This 30-unit curriculum takes just 10 months to complete with evening and weekend classes that work well for professionals. The certificate helps students qualify for MS programs in communication sciences and disorders.

So graduates gain complete competencies in assessment, treatment, counseling, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration—skills they need to succeed in any speech pathology setting.

Online and Hybrid Options

Chapman University stands out by keeping its speech pathology programs traditional and in-person while other institutions have moved toward virtual learning. The entire degree is not offered online. Students develop their speech-language pathology skills through hands-on clinical experience and direct instruction.

Chapman’s dedication shows in its complete clinical training opportunities. Students who research speech pathology master’s programs in California should understand this key difference. Direct observation and practice of assessment and intervention techniques help students develop professional skills effectively.

Notwithstanding that, Chapman blends digital elements into its educational system. The university provides virtual options for professional development. The International Cognitive Communication Disorders Conference lets professionals and general audience members register virtually for fees of $30. Non-Chapman students can attend free of charge. These virtual learning additions show Chapman values available continuing education while its core in-person programs remain strong.

Students who analyzed speech language pathology graduate programs need flexibility should note Chapman’s traditional educational methods. This setup works best for students who excel in interactive environments and need quick feedback from teachers and classmates.

Chapman University’s SLP Masters differs from other speech pathology programs in California through its exclusively in-person format. Students immerse themselves fully in campus life and clinical settings. This environment builds stronger professional networks and provides immediate mentorship throughout their studies.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) approval serves as a vital measure for speech pathology master’s programs nationwide. Chapman University’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program maintains full accreditation status. The program earned reaccreditation in 2018 for eight years. This prestigious recognition shows the program’s complete compliance with professional standards.

The CAA accreditation holds substantial value under the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association’s (ASHA) governance. ASHA stands as the field’s leading professional organization. Chapman’s accreditation experience started with candidacy in 2009 and achieved full accreditation in 2013. The ASHA database shows the program’s next detailed accreditation review will take place in August 2025.

Your career path benefits from this accreditation status. Chapman’s speech language pathology graduate program completion makes you eligible for:

• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA
• California Services credential in speech/language pathology
• California state license in speech language pathology

Chapman University also holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC granted the original accreditation in 1956 and reaffirmed it in 2023. This institutional recognition confirms that all Chapman University SLP Masters programs meet high academic standards.

External sources have confirmed the quality of Chapman’s speech pathology programs in California. U.S. News & World Report ranked it as the #105 Best Speech-Language Pathology Program for 2025. Professional accreditation paired with national recognition showcases Chapman’s dedication to educational excellence.

The program’s continuous accreditation since 2013 gives Chapman speech pathology masters students confidence. Your education will meet industry standards and prepare you for licensure examinations and professional practice after graduation.

Admission Requirements

The Chapman Speech Pathology Program has specific requirements and a well-laid-out application process. Students who want to join the Fall class must submit their applications by January 15, at 8:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. The Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS) handles all applications.

The Chapman University SLP Masters program needs applicants to have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or equivalent post-baccalaureate training. You can apply with these undergraduate majors:

• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Speech Language Pathology

Students with degrees in other fields need to complete post-baccalaureate leveling courses. You should have at least four post-bac CSD courses on your official transcript when you apply.

Your application package must include several key components:

• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal essay that shows your writing abilities and commitment to the field
• Official transcripts from every institution where you earned a degree
• GRE scores from the past five years

The faculty conducts in-person interviews with candidates who pass the original screening. These interviews help them understand if you’re a good match for the program.

Speech pathology programs in California are quite competitive. Chapman’s numbers tell the story clearly. They received 471 applications in a recent cycle. Out of these, 122 candidates got admission offers, and 47 received funding. Most successful candidates had GPAs between 3.40 and 4.00.

ASHA’s 2020 SLP Certification prerequisites aren’t mandatory for admission. However, it’s best to complete them before finishing the program. These courses cover biological science, physical science/chemistry, statistics, and social/behavioral science.

The verification process takes up to four weeks during peak times (December-February). Submit your materials early to avoid any delays in your application review.

Tuition and Fees

Financial planning is a vital part of evaluating speech pathology programs in California. Chapman University’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders tuition costs $12,504 per trimester. The complete program investment is substantially higher than some alternatives discussed in online forums. Students estimate Chapman’s total tuition around $75,000.

The Post-Baccalaureate CSD Certificate Program provides an efficient option at $400 per credit for students looking for a more affordable entry point. The total certificate cost runs $12,000. This covers only coursework – you’ll need extra budget for books, transportation, and personal expenses. Chapman lists these supplementary costs:

• Books: $2,100
• Transportation: $2,500
• Personal expenses: $1,900

Students must pay a $500 non-refundable deposit before starting the Post-Bacc program. This amount applies to your tuition after classes begin. Chapman’s refund policy works on a strict schedule – you get 100% back before classes start, 80% through the 10th calendar day of the term, and nothing after that.

Students in Chapman speech pathology masters programs should know that federal financial aid through FAFSA isn’t available for certificate programs. Post-Bacc students usually get funding through Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans up to $18,500.

You should definitely think about extra fees beyond tuition. Chapman requires health insurance from all students. You can use your personal plan or choose the university’s option at $2,321 annually ($1,160.50 per term). Some students can opt out of the Health Center fee ($122).

Standard fees include:

• Graduate application fee: $60
• ID card replacement: $10
• Transcript fee: $10

Tuition rates for speech language pathology graduate programs change yearly. The most current information is available on Chapman’s Student Business Services website.

Career Outcomes

Students graduating from Chapman Speech Pathology Programs have excellent career opportunities, backed by impressive numbers. The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program has achieved a 100% PRAXIS exam pass rate for three straight years (2021-2024). The program also maintained perfect 100% on-time program completion rates during this period. These results show how well the program prepares students for their careers.

Graduates qualify for a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). They also receive a California Services credential in speech/language pathology and a California state license in speech-language pathology. These credentials create opportunities to work in many different settings.

Chapman graduates can build careers in:

• Healthcare facilities (hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices)
• Educational institutions (preschool through high school)
• Community clinics
• Private practice establishments

Licensed speech therapists in California earn an average of $92,800 per year. Chapman alumni love their career choices. One graduate shared, “Choosing this profession is one of the greatest decisions I’ve made in my life”.

Our alumni stories verify the program’s strength. Jessie Ginsburg ’13 started Pediatric Therapy Playhouse in Los Angeles, which offers various therapy services. Deena Fam ’15 leads the Neuro team as head SLP in Mission Hospital’s acute rehabilitation unit and holds multiple specialty certifications. Melissa Francis ’21 found a great position at Los Alamitos High School right after graduating.

Students learn specialized skills to assess and treat communication disorders. These include stuttering, hearing loss, articulation disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and traumatic brain injuries. Chapman’s speech language pathology graduate programs give you the skills to change patients’ lives while growing professionally in this rewarding field.

What’s Special about the SLP Programs at Chapman

Chapman University stands out among speech pathology programs in California with several unique elements. The core of Chapman’s excellence comes from blending rigorous academics with hands-on experience. This creates a learning environment where theory and practice work together seamlessly.

The Chapman speech pathology masters program shines through its cohort model approach. Students progress through the program together, which encourages a supportive community. Natural study groups and professional networks form here that often last throughout careers. These collaborative skills mirror the teamwork graduates need in clinical settings.

The program offers two distinct emphasis tracks, a feature rarely found in other speech language pathology graduate programs. Students can specialize in school-based settings or medical conditions. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all curriculum here. Instead, you can shape your education to match your career goals.

Chapman’s faculty brings something special to the classroom. These professionals come from various clinical backgrounds and share real-life cases during discussions. Small class sizes create an excellent student-to-faculty ratio. You’ll get customized mentorship throughout your educational trip.

The Orange County location gives students access to top clinical placement sites across Southern California. Students work with diverse patient populations and communication disorders at renowned hospitals and innovative private practices.

Chapman stays committed to traditional in-person education while others move online. They believe face-to-face instruction and immediate feedback are essential to develop clinical skills properly.

The Chapman University SLP Masters program combines academic excellence with practical skills development. Students get specialized training options and detailed preparation for certification exams. Perfect PRAXIS pass rates over several years prove this approach works. These unique features help transform students into exceptional speech-language pathologists who make an impact right after graduation.