CSU San Marcos Speech Pathology Programs

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is pioneering speech pathology education at California State schools. The Department of Speech-Language Pathology builds its innovative curriculum on reflection, empathy, and respect for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Students can choose from complete academic pathways in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology teaches the basics of human communication disorders and evidence-based practices. CSUSM launched this program in fall 2016 to meet the rising need for qualified practitioners. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology helps students become skilled at professional practice through intensive training in prevention, assessment, and intervention practices.

CSUSM’s approach to education emphasizes flexibility. Students can enter the Bachelor’s program through two routes – a fully online option in spring semester or a traditional face-to-face program in fall. The Master’s program works like a cohort-based model with new groups starting each fall semester.

Speech-language pathologists are in high demand across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this demand to grow as baby boomers age and more people recognize speech and language disorders in children. By 2020, almost 50% of school-based speech-language pathologists in the U.S. could retire, creating many job opportunities.

Master’s program graduates meet all academic requirements for a temporary California state SLP license, a preliminary CTC SLP Services credential, and ASHA membership and certification. The CSUSM Speech-Language Clinic serves adults and children with communication impairments throughout the year, giving students real-life experience.

Program Features

CSU San Marcos offers a well-laid-out Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology through a cohort-based model. The detailed program has 75 units split into three parts: 15 preparatory units, 9 upper-division general education units, and 51 major-specific units. Students complete the program in five consecutive semesters, including summer terms.

The program gives you flexibility with two entry points during the academic year. You can start with either a fully online option in spring semester or attend traditional face-to-face classes in fall.

Students learn about speech, language, communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders that affect people of all ages. The foundational courses include:

• Introduction to Communicative Sciences and Disorders
• Hearing Disorders and Measurement
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
• Language Development and Assessment for Practitioners
• Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

The program helps you build significant skills in professional communication, evidence-based practice, and cultural sensitivity. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to work with diverse populations effectively.

After completing your degree, you can apply to any domestic Speech-Language Pathology master’s program. While CSUSM’s master’s program admission isn’t guaranteed, your bachelor’s degree will give you competitive qualifications.

This degree creates opportunities in a variety of fields. You can work in communication, counseling, general education, health, human development, rehabilitation, social services, and special education. These options make the program valuable as healthcare and education continue to evolve.

CSUSM’s speech-language pathology program takes an integrated approach by combining biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural views. This mix of disciplines will give a thorough understanding of communication disorders and their treatment.

Online and Hybrid Options

CSU San Marcos provides specialized delivery formats that work great if you need flexibility as a working professional or student. The university stands out with its innovative approach to speech-language pathology education.

The Hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program blends online learning with strategic in-person elements. This 76-unit program uses an accelerated part-time to full-time structure that students complete in eight consecutive semesters, including summer terms. The hybrid format includes several key components:

• Asynchronous coursework and assignments completed independently
• Synchronous online evening classes two to three nights weekly
• Weekend learning labs (Saturday and Sunday) twice per semester on the San Marcos campus
• Four live clinical placements in the San Diego County region

Clinical placements happen during regular work hours. Students complete five-week rotations in Summer I and Summer II, followed by 14-16 week placements in Fall III and Spring III. The program works well for working adults, but its accelerated nature means you should think over your work commitments carefully.

A fully online SLP Preparation program helps you complete missing prerequisites for the master’s program. This cohort-based prep track follows a specific course sequence. You can start in spring (finish in fall) or summer (finish the following spring).

CSUSM stands as one of just three fully online or hybrid cohort options in California. The other choices include California State University Northridge’s fully online track and Pepperdine University’s online program with three campus intensives.

The hybrid program offers flexibility but maintains high standards. Students work through comprehensive simulation labs and clinics, with strong emphasis on bilingual/bicultural training that reflects San Diego County’s diverse population. Successful candidates need excellent time management skills to balance their academic, clinical, and personal responsibilities effectively.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at CSU San Marcos has earned full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This recognition proves it right that both residential and distance education formats meet high standards of excellence.

The department reached a major milestone when the program earned its accreditation in 2015. CSUSM showed its ability to meet CAA’s complete 30 programmatic standards over a five-year period. These standards cover everything from administrative structure and governance to faculty qualifications, curriculum design, student outcomes, assessment practices, and program resources.

The Master’s program’s current accreditation runs from 2020 through 2028, with the next review set for August 2027. CSUSM submits annual reports to show they continue to meet all standards.

ASHA sets the national standards for graduate education programs and clinical practice in speech-language pathology. Their accreditation confirms that CSUSM meets or exceeds the rigorous performance standards needed to prepare qualified practitioners.

Graduates of the accredited Master’s program receive several professional benefits:

• Eligibility for a temporary California state SLP license
• Qualification for a preliminary CTC SLP Services credential
• Meeting academic requirements toward ASHA membership and certification

The program’s results speak for themselves with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis national examination and a 100% employment rate for graduates seeking positions.

The undergraduate program in speech-language pathology at CSUSM does not need CAA accreditation. This matches industry standards since undergraduate, research doctoral, and post-entry level clinical degree programs are not part of CAA’s accreditation scope.

The program’s community connections stand out as one of its biggest strengths, along with the clinical experiences students get in a variety of settings. The department ran 11 free clinics that provided about 2,300 hours of free speech, language, and swallowing services to 137 community members.

Admission Requirements

Getting into CSU San Marcos speech pathology programs has specific requirements that change based on program level. The Master’s program just needs a bachelor’s degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences/Disorders or completed CSUSM SLP prerequisite courses with ASHA science requirements. Students must keep a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify.

Master’s program applications have three simple steps: complete your Cal State Apply application, submit a supplemental form, and send official transcripts to CSUSM. Applications close on January 2, 2025 for fall 2025 admission. University offices will close from December 19, 2024, to January 2, 2025. Students should submit their applications before December 19.

Bachelor’s program students must complete Lower Division General Education requirements before they can enroll. Students need grades of C- or better in oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics courses as part of Upper Division Requirements. Students can start the program twice a year – traditional in-person classes begin in fall and online format starts in spring.

The SLP Prep program helps students who lack Master’s program prerequisites. Students need a bachelor’s degree and a 2.5 GPA minimum from their last degree or last 60 semester units. Students who haven’t taken any prerequisites receive priority. These prep courses run through spring, summer, and fall terms.

Students who aren’t native English speakers must prove their English skills through standardized tests. They need a TOEFL score of 80 iBT or an IELTS band score of 6.0.

Master’s program students who get accepted must submit an Official Certificate of Clearance, which takes significant time to process. The Bachelor’s program fills spots on a first-come, first-served basis during application review.

Tuition and Fees

Students planning to attend CSU San Marcos should understand their financial commitments. The Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program charges $599 per unit and needs 76 units to graduate. Your total tuition will be around $45,524.

New students need to pay a $70 application fee and a $150 intent to enroll fee. The enrollment fee applies to your first semester costs. Each semester brings $840 in mandatory fees that cover these campus services:

• Student Union: $315
• Recreation Fee: $35
• Academic Records Fee: $12
• Associated Students Fee: $75
• Athletics Fee: $100
• EL Technology Fee: $48
• Academic Excellence and Student Success: $250

The Bachelor’s program starting Fall 2024 costs $370 per unit and requires 75 units. Students who need prerequisites can take the SLP Preparation program at $370 per unit for 33 units.

Your budget should include living expenses, textbooks, parking, and personal costs beyond these program fees. CSUSM makes paying for education easier through several options. Students can use the campus payment plan to spread costs over installments. Financial aid through FAFSA applications can help reduce your expenses, with specific program timelines:

• MS SLP: First FAFSA covers Fall, Spring, and Summer (Semesters 1-3); second FAFSA covers Fall and Summer (Semesters 4-5)
• BS SLP: First FAFSA covers Fall, Spring, and Summer (Semesters 1-3); second FAFSA covers Fall and Spring (Semesters 4-5)

The Epstein Family Veterans Center supports military members and veterans with special benefits, though Extended Learning programs don’t qualify for Cal Vet Fee Waivers. Active-duty military members get discounts on Bachelor’s program tuition.

Career Outcomes

CSU San Marcos speech pathology graduates have excellent career prospects after completing their programs. Published outcome data shows employment rates between 90% to 100% across programs. CSU data confirms this trend with 96% of speech pathology graduates finding jobs.

Your salary will vary based on where you work. School districts pay around $68,000 per year, while medical facilities offer $76,000. Private practices pay $82,000, skilled nursing facilities $79,000, pediatric clinics $73,000, and telepractice positions $78,000. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals pay the highest wages for speech-language pathologists at $107,903.

Speech-language pathologists work in many different settings. Schools employ the largest share at 38%, where SLPs work closely with teachers and families. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers, employ 14% of SLPs. The rest work in private practice, research, academia, and telepractice settings.

The future looks bright for this profession. Experts predict a 25% growth from 2019 to 2029. This is a big deal as it means that the field is growing faster than most other jobs. The California Employment Development Department expects an even higher 40% growth in communication disorders over the next decade.

Bachelor’s degree holders can start their careers as Speech-Language Pathology Assistants with annual earnings of about $43,490. They can also work as early interventionists, educational assistants, or community outreach coordinators. A master’s degree opens doors to higher earnings, with licensed Speech Therapists earning around $92,800 yearly.

The CSUSM Speech-Language Clinic helps students gain real-world experience through year-round individual and group therapy sessions. Students learn to build community through communication in a supportive environment. Graduates qualify for temporary California SLP licensure, preliminary CTC SLP Services credentials, and ASHA membership.

More about the Speech Pathology Programs at CSU San Marcos

CSU San Marcos Speech Pathology Programs stand out from other California programs because they perfectly balance academic excellence with community involvement. These programs show a steadfast dedication to cultural and linguistic diversity that runs through every part of instruction and clinical practice.

Building real connections with the community lies at the heart of the department’s philosophy. The on-campus clinic provides therapy services throughout the year to local residents, whatever their ability to pay. Students get hands-on experience while community members receive essential care.

CSUSM goes beyond standard clinical training with its detailed cultural competency training. Students learn to work with diverse populations—an essential skill in Southern California’s multicultural environment. Graduates are well-prepared to handle the region’s demographic challenges.

The program’s structure adds another unique element. Instead of traditional semester formats, the programs use intensive, consecutive-term models where students stay together throughout their educational trip. This approach creates professional bonds that last long after graduation.

The department emphasizes evidence-based practice at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students develop critical thinking skills and technical abilities that help them assess and apply current research in their careers.

The location provides another benefit. North San Diego County gives students access to diverse clinical opportunities in rural, suburban, and urban settings—all close to campus.

CSUSM emerges as a top choice among California’s speech pathology programs. It thoughtfully combines academic excellence, practical experience, cultural awareness, and community service. These elements create professionals who excel technically and connect deeply with their communities.