5 California Universities Offering Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist Training
Want to become a bilingual speech language pathologist? You’ll enter a field where specialized training makes the most important difference in how patients progress. Research shows that children make faster progress when their speech therapists have complete linguistic training, compared to those with basic linguistic knowledge.
California offers more than 20 different speech pathology degrees, giving you great options to specialize in this field. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has accredited almost 20 programs. These programs help you prepare for bilingual speech language pathologist roles through targeted training. You’ll need to complete 100 service hours with Spanish-speaking children and show your Spanish skills through standardized tests or coursework.
This piece takes a closer look at five California universities that excel in bilingual speech language pathologist training. We’ll focus on how they structure their programs, what they need for clinical practice, and what they expect for language skills. These programs give you the specialized training you need to serve patients from a variety of backgrounds, whether you’re starting your education or adding bilingual certification to your credentials.
University of Redlands
The University of Redlands has established itself as a leading institution for aspiring bilingual speech language pathologists. Their 50+ years of experience in communication sciences education sets them apart. This California-based institution helps students master bilingual speech therapy through its specialized certificate program.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at University of Redlands equips you to diagnose, treat, and prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages. Students who graduate from this program meet every academic and clinical practicum standard needed for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The program also satisfies requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology license from the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board.
Small classes create an intimate learning environment that promotes strong relationships with expert faculty. The in-house clinic features state-of-the-art audio and video equipment for hands-on training. Graduates qualify for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Bilingual training focus
The Specialty Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology with Spanish Language Focus represents the university’s dedication to serving diverse populations. Graduate students receive specialized academic and clinical coursework to serve Spanish-speaking clients effectively. While ASHA and the State of California don’t accredit bilingual specialty training programs, students meet ASHA’s requirements for bilingual service providers.
The certificate program combines smoothly with the existing 60-credit MS-CDIS program (or 80-credit ‘grad-plus’ program) without extra credits, tuition, or fees. Students must complete:
- One academic course on Spanish language development and disorders in monolingual and bilingual speakers (CDIS 619)
- A bilingual clinical placement with Spanish-speaking children (CDIS 649 and/or CDIS 685)
- An additional academic or clinical course on cultural/linguistic diversity
Clinical experience
Clinical practice builds the foundation for becoming a skilled bilingual speech therapist. Certificate students at Redlands complete all simple requirements for the Master’s degree and accumulate 375 direct contact hours with clients who have communication or swallowing disorders. Students must spend at least 50 direct contact hours working with Spanish-speaking children who have speech and/or language disorders.
Students need 100 service hours with Spanish-speaking children during their regular clinical placements. An approved bilingual SLP supervises these hours, which include:
- 50+ direct service hours providing assessment and/or intervention
- Additional indirect service hours for assessment planning, data analysis, parent meetings, and IEP meetings
The Truesdail Center for Communicative Disorders serves as an excellent training ground. This in-house clinic lets students practice clinical skills while serving clients from the local community.
Language proficiency requirements
Language proficiency plays a vital role for future bilingual speech language pathologists. Department faculty test students’ Spanish proficiency just before graduation. Students can finish other bilingual training requirements before this test. Those who haven’t reached ASHA’s required “native” or “near-native” proficiency levels might need extra language practice after graduating.
Students shouldn’t present themselves as bilingual speech-language pathologists until they meet ASHA’s language requirements. The university offers a bilingual training program to help students develop their language skills.
Admission requirements
Applications open from October 1 through February 1 for fall admission. The university uses CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service), which lets you apply to multiple clinical education programs with one application.
Admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- A minimum 3.0 GPA (lower GPAs need additional materials)
- Three recommendation letters (two preferably from professors)
- A personal statement addressing specific prompts
International students must submit transcript evaluations through IERF or WES. They also need TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores if their undergraduate education wasn’t in English.
Tuition and duration
The Master’s program offers two paths based on your background. The standard program takes 24 months, while the Grad Plus Pathway runs for 36 months. Students in the Grad Plus Pathway complete post-baccalaureate prerequisites in year one, followed by graduate courses in years two and three.
Graduate tuition at University of Redlands for 2024-2025 costs $25,172 per year. Students must complete 60 semester credit hours. At $1,250 per credit, the total tuition reaches about $75,000.
Additional expenses include:
- Books and supplies: $1,700
- Room and board: $18,208 (on-campus or off-campus)
- Personal expenses: $4,022
- Fees: new student fee ($300), associated student fee ($86 per semester), wellness fee ($100 annually)
Students worried about costs can explore financial aid options and should fill out the FAFSA application.
The University of Redlands program takes an all-encompassing approach to bilingual speech pathology training. Their strong focus on Spanish language skills and cultural competence ensures graduates can serve diverse populations effectively. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to become a bilingual speech language pathologist.
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
CSULB has been key for bilingual speech language pathologist training since 1954. The Speech-Language Pathology Department sits within the College of Health and Human Services and prepares students to work in clinical settings of all types.
Program overview
CSULB’s Master of Arts (MA) in Speech-Language Pathology runs as a cohort-based program that needs 58 units of coursework. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA through five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring). The program follows a set sequence where academic seminars happen once a year.
This program stands out because it takes a complete approach to speech-language disorders. Students learn about developmental and neurogenic speech/language disorders, which gives them expertise in clinical specialties of all types. Graduates can qualify for:
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from the California Commission for Teacher Credentiering
- State of California Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology
The program showed its exceptional quality by receiving reaccreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) for eight years (2019-2027) – the longest possible time.
Bilingual training focus
The Accreditation Council recognizes CSULB’s unique “Multicultural/Bilingual Emphasis”. Students can earn a Professional Competencies for Heritage Spanish Speakers Certificate, making it perfect for future bilingual speech therapists.
Students need these qualifications for the certificate:
- CSULB SLP Graduate Program enrollment
- Spanish proficiency shown through:
- AP score of 4 or 5 in Spanish Language and Culture
- Equivalent of SPAN 201B, 200, or 250 at another institution
- Placement test score of Intermediate High or better
Students who don’t meet these original requirements must take SPAN 201B or 250. The certificate needs SPAN 300, SPAN 315, plus electives (6 units from SPAN 225, 227, 335A, 335B, 461, 494, or 465). Students work with Spanish-speaking patients and families during graduate practicum courses, gaining ground experience.
Clinical experience
Clinical education is the foundation of CSULB’s program. Students start with on-campus experience before moving to internship placements.
The clinical education follows this order:
- Two on-campus multicultural clinical practice courses (SLP 669A and SLP 669J)
- Public school practicum in speech-language pathology (SLP 686A – 5 units)
- Clinical internship in speech-language pathology (SLP 670 – 5 units)
Supervisors with CCC-SLP credentials and at least 9 months of full-time post-certification clinical experience watch over your progress. They stay on-site and available immediately when you work with clients.
Off-campus internships require 125 direct contact hours with students in public schools (SLP 686A) and 150 direct contact hours with clients/patients in hospitals or private practices (SLP 670). This prepares you to work as a bilingual speech language pathologist in a variety of settings.
Language proficiency requirements
As a program with multicultural emphasis, CSULB maintains clear language proficiency requirements. For international students, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through TOEFL or PTE scores, although this requirement may be waived under certain conditions.
English language demonstration waivers are available for applicants who:
- Obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution
- Completed undergraduate transfer with over 60 transferable semester units from a domestic U.S. institution
- Completed at least three years at a U.S. high school
- Studied at a U.S. regionally accredited institution abroad (all three years at that institution)
- Were educated in one of 28 English-speaking countries that qualify for a waiver
For the bilingual emphasis, students must demonstrate Spanish proficiency through the methods previously mentioned, ensuring graduates can effectively serve Spanish-speaking populations.
Admission requirements
CSULB admits students to the MA program once per year for fall start dates, with application deadlines typically around January 15. The department uses Cal State Apply for applications rather than the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science & Disorders Programs (CSDCAS).
Admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, or Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in another discipline with at least 30 semester units (45 quarter units) of coursework in speech-language pathology/communication sciences and disorders before enrollment
The application package must include:
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (prompt available on Cal State Apply)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
The selection process evaluates GPA in speech-language pathology coursework, overall GPA, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and resume. With 455 applications received and only 47 admission offers extended for a target class size of 30, competition is substantial.
Tuition and duration
The MA in Speech-Language Pathology at CSULB typically takes 18-24 months to complete. The program follows a structured 5-semester sequence for full-time students.
Regarding costs, the total tuition for international students is approximately $19,806[143]. For California residents, different state grants might lower tuition costs. The university provides a comprehensive Cost of Attendance budget that helps students determine financial needs.
Cost components include:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Living expenses (housing and food)
- Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
- Transportation
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office can help determine eligibility for various financial aid programs. Graduate Aid Programs are available to assist with funding your education.
For prospective bilingual speech language pathologists, CSULB offers a comprehensive program that combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical experience and specialized bilingual training. The program’s long-standing accreditation and structured approach to clinical education make it an excellent choice for students seeking to serve diverse populations with speech and language disorders.
San Diego State University (SDSU)
San Diego State University (SDSU) has one of California’s most respected programs to train bilingual speech language pathologists through its School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. The school’s specialized laboratories focus on bilingual development and research. Students interested in serving diverse populations get unique training opportunities here.
Program overview
SDSU’s Master of Arts Program in Speech-Language Pathology prepares entry-level speech-language pathologists with complete qualifications. Graduates can get national certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They also qualify for licensure from the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board and teaching credentials from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The program trains speech-language pathologists to work in settings of all types:
- Public schools
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Military facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
Students can complete the curriculum over 5 semesters, including one summer semester between the first and second year. Each semester combines academic coursework with clinical rotations to give balanced theoretical and practical training.
Bilingual training focus
Students interested in bilingual practice can choose between two paths. The Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology helps students work with bilingual speakers who have communicative disorders. This certificate needs 13 units – nine units of coursework and four units of graduate clinical practicum with bilingual speakers.
The certificate’s core courses include:
- SLHS 672 – Seminar in Communicative Disorders in Bilingual Adults (3 units)
- SLHS 673 – Seminar in Communicative Disorders in Bilingual Children (3 units)
- SLHS 794 – Seminar in Language Disorders in Multilingual Populations (3 units)
Students can also choose the concentration in bilingualism within the speech-language pathology program. This path requires 6 extra units of bilingualism/multilingualism coursework beyond standard MA requirements.
SDSU’s research foundation makes its bilingual training valuable. The university has specialized labs that study bilingual communication:
- The Bilingual Development in Context (BDC) laboratory
- The Bilingualism and Cognition Laboratory
- The Language Impairment, Bilingual Reading, and Observational Research (LIBRO) Lab
These labs study how two languages develop and interact with cognitive and social processes. Students learn evidence-based approaches to bilingual speech therapy.
Clinical experience
Clinical training at SDSU follows a clear path. Students start with three semesters at the SDSU Speech-Language Clinic. They then complete two external placements – one in a public school and another working with adolescents and/or adults.
Students must complete these requirements for certification:
- 25 hours of guided observation in speech and language
- 375 clock hours working with children and adults with speech-language and hearing disorders
The bilingual certificate needs 100 hours of graduate clinical practicum with bilingual speakers who have communicative disorders. This hands-on experience helps graduates work as bilingual speech language pathologists in settings of all types.
Language proficiency requirements
The bilingual programs have strict language standards. Students in the bilingualism concentration must pass a non-English language proficiency test. The bilingual certificate program requires passing a Spanish proficiency test.
The certificate program currently focuses on Spanish-English communicative disorders based on faculty expertise and available clinical populations. Students who speak other languages can apply to the bilingualism specialization within the speech-language pathology concentration.
Admission requirements
SDSU uses a two-step application process with firm deadlines:
- Apply to the University through CalState Apply by December 1, then submit official transcripts by December 15
- Complete the Communication Sciences and Disorders Central Application Service (CSDCAS) application by January 12
Application fees cost $70 for CalState Apply and $128 for the first CSDCAS program.
Key requirements include:
- Minimum 3.20 GPA in last 60 semester credits of upper division/graduate courses (admitted students average around 3.8)
- Three recommendation letters (preferably from former professors)
- Personal essay addressing specific prompts
- Prerequisite coursework completed before program start
Competition is tough. Applications get reviewed by late February or early March, with decisions coming by March end.
Tuition and duration
The MA program takes five semesters (about 2.5 years), including one summer semester between first and second year. Students need at least 51 academic units and 19 clinical practicum units.
Tuition varies by residency:
- In-state: $7,176 plus $1,978 yearly fees
- Out-of-state/international: $16,680 plus $1,978 yearly fees
- Non-resident students pay $444 per unit for Fall 2025
Total program costs range from $34,539 to $36,482. About 58% of students get some financial aid. The program accepts 38% of applicants and has strong job placement rates, making it worthwhile for future bilingual speech therapists.
Cal State LA
Cal State LA’s Department of Communication Disorders has earned its reputation by changing the lives of people with communication disorders through its detailed bilingual speech language pathologist training programs. The university’s prime location in Los Angeles helps it make use of information from its community connections, which provides exceptional clinical experiences to future speech therapists.
Program overview
The Master of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology at Cal State LA needs minimum of 59 semester units of graduate coursework and clinical practicum. This detailed program prepares graduates to work in many settings like clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, and public and private schools.
The program meets requirements for multiple certification paths:
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential issued by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology from California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA
The program follows a well-laid-out two-year timeline with two summer sessions, adding up to six terms. Students move through a carefully planned curriculum that combines academic coursework with supervised clinical rotations.
Bilingual training focus
Dr. Simon-Cereijido leads the Bilingual Child Language Laboratory, which stands at the center of Cal State LA’s bilingual training. The lab studies crucial areas for bilingual speech therapists:
- Characteristics of language disorders in bilingual Spanish-English children
- Validity of clinical identification measures for bilingual populations
- Efficacy studies evaluating language intervention in young bilingual children
The research appears in peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Simon-Cereijido brings practical knowledge to the program’s bilingual focus through extensive clinical experience supervising graduate students, teachers, and clinical fellows.
The department works together with various institutions to document strategies and programs that boost graduation rates of bilingual speech-language pathologists. This approach helps students prepare for bilingual speech language pathologist jobs in California’s diverse communities.
Clinical experience
The Robert L. Douglass Speech-Language Clinic serves as the main training facility, offering diagnostic and therapeutic services to children and adults with various communication disorders. The clinic maintains high standards in detailed assessment and intervention services as part of its accredited graduate program.
The Luchadores de Esperanza (Hope Fighters) group stands out by providing tailored care through weekly meetings for Spanish-English speaking adults with communication disorders. Bilingual graduate students lead these 90-minute sessions under certified supervision, supporting natural conversations and activities.
The clinic has grown to offer specialized programs:
- SPEAK OUT!® Therapy program in both English and Spanish through a Parkinson Voice Project grant
- Voice feminization and voice masculinization services
Language proficiency requirements
Students must meet Cal State LA’s English language proficiency standards. Students whose native language isn’t English need to prove their proficiency through these qualifying graduate scores:
- TOEFL: 80 iBT or higher
- IELTS: Band 6.0 or higher
- Pearson Test of English: 53 or higher
- Duolingo English Test: 105 or higher
Test scores stay valid for two years. Students might not need this requirement if they finished 3 years of high school taught in English, completed specific transferable college courses, or earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college where English is the native or only language of instruction.
Admission requirements
The Department of Communication Disorders takes only full-time students into the Master’s program. You need:
- A bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders or equivalent
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate/prerequisite speech-language pathology coursework
Getting in is very competitive, with less than 10% of applicants accepted. Each year’s class has 24 students, and their GPAs range from 3.63 to 4.0.
You’ll need to submit:
- Departmental application form
- Letter of professional goals and intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- Recent GRE scores (waived for Fall 2026 admission cycle)
Tuition and duration
The Master’s program takes two years including two summer sessions (6 terms total). Graduate students taking 6.1 units or more paid $4,341.09 per semester in tuition and fees for 2024-2025. California residents pay about $26,000 total for the program, including all semesters and fees.
Out-of-state students pay much more at $18,798 per year compared to $8,038 for in-state students. Financial aid is available, and 92% of students receive help.
The program costs more and it’s harder to get in, but Cal State LA’s accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) through 2032 shows it’s a top choice for bilingual speech language pathologist training.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University (SFSU) leads the way in training bilingual speech language pathologists through its Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The university’s location in one of America’s most linguistically diverse cities helps prepare students who want to treat multilingual communication disorders.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Communicative Disorders with concentration in Speech-Language Pathology equips students to work with people of all ages and backgrounds. Students complete this two-year program that focuses on evidence-based practice and cultural responsiveness. Graduates qualify for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), California state licensure, and public school credentials.
Bilingual training focus
SFSU’s Bilingual Emphasis Program sets it apart by preparing students to help Spanish-English bilingual clients with communication disorders. Students learn through specialized courses in bilingual language development, assessment techniques for multilingual populations, and culturally responsive intervention strategies. The program teaches students to distinguish between language differences and disorders—a vital skill for bilingual speech therapists who work in diverse communities.
Clinical experience
Students progress from supervised on-campus training to external placements. The clinical training includes:
- On-campus practicum at SFSU’s Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic
- School-based externships with multilingual populations
- Medical externships in hospitals or rehabilitation centers
Language proficiency requirements
Students pursuing the bilingual emphasis must pass an oral and written assessment in Spanish. Those interested in other language specializations must demonstrate equivalent proficiency in their target language through the department’s evaluation.
Admission requirements
Students must apply through both the university application system and CSDCAS. Strong candidates typically have a minimum 3.0 GPA, relevant coursework in communication disorders, and show commitment to serving diverse populations.
Tuition and duration
The program runs for four semesters plus one summer session, adding up to about 60 units. Tuition varies based on residency status, and qualified students can access financial aid and scholarships. Graduates often find the investment valuable since bilingual speech language pathologist jobs offer competitive salaries in California’s education and healthcare sectors.
Choose a Program Today
Your choice of bilingual speech language pathologist program substantially affects your future career prospects and helps you serve people of all backgrounds better. You’ve found five exceptional California universities that offer specialized training for bilingual speech therapists. Each university brings its own strengths and unique approaches to the table.
These programs have several common elements that set them apart. All but one of these programs need 375-400 direct contact hours of rigorous clinical experience, with specific work involving bilingual populations. On top of that, they maintain strict language proficiency standards, especially for Spanish-English bilingual certification tracks. The five universities run accredited programs that meet ASHA standards, which ensures graduates can get their certifications and licenses.
Competition for these programs runs high. Acceptance rates vary from under 10% at Cal State LA to about 38% at SDSU, which shows just how many people want quality bilingual SLP education. Students should build strong applications that showcase their academic achievements, language skills, and dedication to serving diverse communities.
The time and effort you put into these programs definitely pays off in career opportunities. California’s multilingual population keeps growing, and qualified bilingual speech therapists are needed in schools, hospitals, and private practices. So graduates from these programs find themselves ready to make real differences in their clients’ lives.
Each university offers something unique. You might prefer University of Redlands’ intimate learning environment, CSULB’s complete bilingual emphasis, SDSU’s research foundations, Cal State LA’s specialized clinical opportunities, or SFSU’s focus on cultural responsiveness. Your training will give you specialized skills to excel as a bilingual speech language pathologist. Best of all, you’ll learn to meet the unique communication needs of California’s diverse communities and help countless people throughout your career.