7 Top SLP Post Baccalaureate Programs in California: Complete Guide for Career Changers

Want to start your journey in a speech-language pathology post baccalaureate program in California? You’re looking at a career path that ranks #3 in Best Health Care Jobs and #10 in 100 Best Jobs according to industry reports. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% job growth, and speech-language therapy continues to rank among the top 25 best careers in U.S. News and World Report.

California gives you plenty of choices for SLP post baccalaureate programs, both online and traditional. Each program has its own structure and price point. Take Biola University’s 30-credit program at $425 per credit or Pepperdine’s complete program that costs around $28,800. You’ll find programs in different formats too. Pacific University, for example, lets you choose between online and on-campus courses. Most programs need you to keep a 3.0 GPA, but here’s some good news – some don’t require GRE scores.

Your certificate completion opens doors but doesn’t guarantee acceptance into master’s programs. It gives you the foundation you need to apply for graduate studies in this field where you’ll team up with teachers, physicians, audiologists, and other healthcare professionals.

1. Cal State LA Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology

Cal State LA has an SLP post baccalaureate program that helps career changers with non-communication disorders degrees. You’ll get ready for master’s degree programs in Speech-Language Pathology through this certificate program. The program teaches you simple human communication and swallowing processes. You’ll learn about biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic aspects. The program also helps you understand communication and swallowing disorders, their causes, characteristics, and how they relate to each other.

Students need to complete 39 semester units of coursework. You can choose between full-time or part-time study. The certificate meets prerequisites for most master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology. However, getting this certificate doesn’t guarantee you’ll get into Cal State LA’s MA program.

Curriculum and courses

The program has 13 required courses (39 units) that cover everything in speech-language pathology. Here are the courses:

• COMD 4000 – Hearing Science (3 units)
• COMD 4020 – Audiology and Audiometry (3 units)
• COMD 4200 – Rehabilitative Audiology (3 units)
• COMD 4560 – Language Development (3 units)
• COMD 4600 – Introduction to Language Science (3 units)
• COMD 4610 – Descriptive Phonetics (3 units)
• COMD 4620 – Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism (3 units)
• COMD 4630 – Neuroscience of Communication (3 units)
• COMD 4710 – Primary and Secondary Language Disorders in Children and Adolescents (3 units)
• COMD 4720 – Fluency and Speech Sound Disorders (3 units)
• COMD 4730 – Communication Disorders in Voice, Cleft Palate, and Cerebral Palsy (3 units)
• COMD 4750 – Cultural/Linguistic Diversity in Communication Disorders (3 units)
• COMD 4800 – Research Methods in Communication Disorders (3 units)

The certificate program doesn’t include four basic science courses that ASHA requires. You’ll need additional prerequisites in biological sciences, physical sciences (chemistry or physics), social/behavioral sciences, and statistics.

Admission requirements

The program needs you to have:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester units

Students can start only in fall, and applications open on October 1 for the next fall semester. The Fall application deadline is March 15.

You’ll need to apply through Cal State Apply and choose “Certificate” as your degree goal. Make sure to include unofficial transcripts from all your colleges and write a 1-2 page letter explaining why you want to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Tuition and fees

Your total cost depends on how many semesters you take to finish. Graduate students taking 6.1 units or more paid $4,123.11 per semester in 2023-2024. Here’s what you might pay in total:

• Three semesters: $12,369.33
• Four semesters: $16,492.44
• Five semesters: $20,615.55

California residents should expect to pay around $9,144 per academic year in 2025-2026 (fall and spring semesters). Check Student Financial Services for current costs since tuition increases have been approved. Right now, you can’t get financial aid for this certificate program.

Program format

You can finish the program in 1½ to 3 years based on your course load. Take three, four, or five courses each semester to match your schedule with other commitments.

Classes run Monday through Thursday at different times. Most courses happen on campus face-to-face, though some are online. Several courses use a hybrid format, splitting time between face-to-face and online learning. You’ll meet with the program director in your first semester to plan your schedule, keeping in mind some courses follow a specific order.

Cal State LA unique features

The program accepts 40-60 students each year. It includes more units than other certificate programs to match prerequisites for different master’s programs.

Getting this certificate doesn’t guarantee you’ll get into Cal State LA’s MA program in Speech-Language Pathology, but it prepares you well for most graduate programs. You need a “C” or better in each class and must keep a minimum 2.50 GPA to stay in the program. Finishing the certificate requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Many classes start at 4:30 pm or 6:00 pm, which helps working professionals. However, these evening times aren’t guaranteed every semester. Students who can only attend after 4:00 pm might find it hard to complete the program.

2. Biola University Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Biola University has launched a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This program helps career changers with non-CSD bachelor’s degrees get into speech-language pathology. Students can use this certificate to qualify for master’s programs. The job market looks promising too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 19% increase in speech-language pathologist positions from 2022 to 2032.

The program’s goal is simple – prepare students for graduate studies in speech-language pathology while teaching from a Christian viewpoint. Yes, it is worth noting that Biola is one of California’s few Christian universities offering this certificate program. Students who complete the program can apply to various master’s programs, including Biola’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.

Biola curriculum and courses

Students need to complete 10 three-credit courses (30 credits total) that cover everything in speech-language pathology. The program requires 25 hours of observation. Here are the core courses:

• CDSR 481: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
• CDSR 482: Speech and Hearing Science
• CDSR 483: Neuroanatomical Foundations for Communication Disorders
• CDSR 484: Clinical Phonetics and Phonology
• CDSR 485: Speech and Language Development and Disorders (Birth to 5yrs)
• CDSR 486: Speech and Language Development and Disorders (5yrs to Adolescence)
• CDSR 487: Audiology
• CDSR 488: Aural Rehabilitation
• CDSR 491: Diagnostic Methods
• CDSR 492: Therapeutic Methods

This well-laid-out curriculum helps students understand communication disorders, human communication processes, and create diagnostic and intervention plans.

Admission requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA to join this program. Biola looks for candidates who show “scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation”.

Students planning to join Biola’s master’s program need these prerequisites:

• One college-level human or general biology course
• One college-level physical science course (physics or chemistry)
• One college-level statistics course
• One college-level developmental psychology course

You don’t need these courses to start the certificate program, but they’re essential for master’s program applications later.

Tuition and financial aid

The program costs $425 per credit for 2024-2025, with total tuition around $12,750. This is a match for other California SLP post-bacc programs. The price is slightly above Chapman University’s $400 per unit, but comes with its own benefits.

While federal financial aid isn’t available, students can get the Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan. Communication Disorders majors can also apply for the Psalm 139 Scholarship to reduce their undergraduate debt before graduate school.

Program format

Classes take place at Biola’s Southern California campus, with no SLP post baccalaureate program online options right now. The program takes about 10 months to complete. Classes run on weeknights and Saturdays, making it easier for working professionals. This schedule is available to more people who need to balance work and studies.

Unique features

Biola’s program is special because it combines faith with clinical practice. This is a chance to learn speech pathology through a biblical lens, as one of the few Christian universities offering this certificate. Faculty members bring extensive clinical expertise in speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They provide hands-on training while teaching ethical practices.

The program’s track record speaks for itself. Biola’s undergraduate CSD program has helped over 90% of its students get into graduate schools. This is a big deal as it means that they’re doing much better than the national average of 29-42%. Certificate students moving on to master’s programs can expect similar success.

Students who finish the certificate and continue with Biola’s master’s program are in for a treat. The university’s on-campus Speech & Language Clinic offers great hands-on experience while serving the community.

3. Pepperdine University Online SLP Foundations Program

Pepperdine’s fully online format makes it unique among speech pathology post baccalaureate programs. The program caters to career changers without communication sciences backgrounds. You can complete just the prerequisite courses needed for master’s program applications instead of following a fixed schedule.

Program overview

The Online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations Program helps students who need foundational coursework for master’s admission. The program reflects Pepperdine’s Christian mission and gives you the essential knowledge in communication disorders to prepare for graduate-level education. Students who complete the program can apply to Pepperdine’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program or similar programs at other schools.

The program serves as a pathway to get the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Students can join three times a year, with new groups starting in January, May, and August.

Curriculum and courses

The curriculum includes six courses that cover foundational knowledge in communication disorders:

A faculty review committee looks at your academic background and recommends the courses you need after acceptance. The SLP 509 course lets you complete the required 25 clinical observation hours online through Master Clinician Network software. This means you won’t need to find local observation sites.

ASHA also requires courses in biology, physics or chemistry, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences with a grade of C or better for most master’s programs.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these requirements to join this SLP post baccalaureate program in California:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 2.5 overall GPA
• $65 non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all previous college coursework
• One letter of recommendation from someone who knows your potential as a speech-language pathologist

Students whose first language isn’t English must show proficiency through TOEFL scores (minimum 600 on paper test/95 on internet-based test) or IELTS (minimum 7.0). The program won’t accept international students until Fall 2026.

Tuition and financial aid

The program costs about $1,800 per credit for 2025-2026. The total cost for all six courses (16 credits) comes to around $28,800. Students must pay a $100 non-refundable deposit after admission, which goes toward first term’s tuition.

Scholarships are available – you can ask your enrollment specialist about qualifying. Students can access employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, private loans, and various scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid helps you apply and compare financial options.

Program format

This online program lets you study at your own pace without fixed semester course loads. Each course takes about 15 weeks. Students attend live sessions and work through carefully designed coursework that includes reflection opportunities.

The master’s program offers two options after completing the foundations program:

• Full-time: Complete in five trimesters
• Part-time: Complete in eight trimesters

Unique features

The program’s Christian values shape its approach to healthcare education. Distance learners benefit from virtual clinical observation hours. The same experts who teach in the master’s program lead the foundations courses, ensuring high-quality education.

You’ll take only the courses you need thanks to the program’s customized approach. The foundations program supports Pepperdine’s master’s program, which has ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation candidacy status. This ensures graduates can get ASHA certification.

Students who move on to Pepperdine’s master’s program will study a curriculum that lines up with Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification standards.

4. Pacific University Post-Baccalaureate CSD Program

Pacific University stands out from other programs by giving future speech-language pathologists a more relaxed approach to prerequisite education.

Pacific University runs a 29-semester hour post-baccalaureate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) that welcomes students with degrees from other fields. Students in this non-degree program learn about normal speech, language, and hearing processes while getting familiar with communication disorders. The coursework meets the prerequisites needed to apply for Pacific’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and many other graduate programs across the country.

Curriculum and courses

The complete 29-credit curriculum has nine key courses:

Most graduate SLP programs also need one course each in biological sciences, physical sciences (chemistry or physics), social-behavioral sciences, and statistics.

Admission requirements

Getting into this speech pathology post baccalaureate program is simple. You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Faculty members help create a customized study plan for each student by looking at their previous coursework. This personal touch makes sure you take only the courses you need based on your academic history.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and fees will be $15,372 per year during the 2025-2026 academic year. Federal aid lasts only 12 consecutive months for this program, but students have several payment options:

• Federal student loans (fixed interest rates with income-driven repayment plans)
• Private loans based on credit history and enrollment status
• Federal work study for students who qualify and submit FAFSA by March 1

Program format

Students can take classes entirely online or on campus at the Forest Grove location. The program lets you start in fall or spring and study full-time or part-time.

Online students work with recorded materials at their own pace, but courses follow Pacific’s undergraduate academic calendar with fixed deadlines. Some classes offer optional live sessions with instructors.

Unique features

Pacific’s “Early Assurance” pathway to their Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program gives students a great advantage. Eligible post-bacc students can apply early in their final year’s fall semester and get admission decisions by November—three months ahead of regular timelines.

Pacific runs the only fully online SLP post baccalaureate program in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The university appears on prominent program lists for communication sciences and disorders studies, despite being a non-degree program.

5. San Francisco State University SLHS Post-Bacc Program

San Francisco State University offers a practical path to graduate programs in speech-language pathology through its complete post-baccalaureate program.

SFSU provides essential post-baccalaureate courses that help students without communication disorders backgrounds enter graduate programs in speech-language therapy. The Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department runs both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs. The post-bacc option serves as a bridge for those changing careers.

Curriculum and courses

Students must complete these nine foundational courses (or equivalents) to enter SFSU’s graduate program:

• SLHS 651: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
• SLHS 652: Audiology
• SLHS 654: Audiometry
• SLHS 655: Language Development
• SLHS 657: Aural Rehabilitation
• SLHS 658: Developmental Speech-Language Disabilities
• SLHS 659: Voice and Speech Science
• SLHS 661: Neurolinguistics
• SLHS 664: Clinical Phonetics
• (or SLHS 300: Introduction to Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences)

Students need grades for at least six courses during application reviews in January. Applications with only six completed courses must show proof of registration for the remaining three.

Admission requirements

Students planning to pursue graduate degrees need to complete one Chemistry or Physics course and one Statistics course (ISED 160 or MATH 124) before starting the program. Students must maintain a C average (2.0 GPA) to progress in their studies.

Tuition and financial aid

Master’s degree tuition costs $3,279 for part-time (6.0 or fewer units) and $4,971 for full-time (6.1+ units) per semester. Non-resident students pay an extra $440 per unit. Students can access financial support through federal aid via FAFSA, California Dream Act Application for eligible undocumented students, and State University Grants for tuition.

Program format

Full-time students typically complete the master’s program in two years, including a summer semester between the first and second year. Academic courses in speech-language pathology run once yearly. Clinical practica, student teaching, and internships happen every fall and spring. The program follows a structured sequence that builds from basic to advanced knowledge.

Unique features

SFSU’s dedication to cultural competence shines especially when you have the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population. The department values collaborative effort in clinical service and compassionate care for all participants. SFSU helps future professionals develop resilience and necessary skills while promoting evidence-based practice and critical thinking throughout their academic and clinical journey.

6. CSU East Bay Post-Baccalaureate Program in Speech-Language Pathology

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Cal State East Bay runs a prestigious SLP post-baccalaureate program in California. The program blends science, liberal arts, and social sciences uniquely. Students become skilled at screening, assessing, and treating disorders that affect speech, language, hearing, cognition, and swallowing. While the program started as an in-person experience, it now gives students a flexible online option with a two-week summer residency. This format helps students build lasting connections with their classmates and teachers.

Curriculum and courses

Students complete 60-62 units through 8 semesters, typically finishing in 3 years including summers. The core coursework has these essential classes:

• SLHS 600: Foundations of Clinical Practicum (2 units)
• SLHS 601A/B: Early Language Assessment and Child Language Disorders (5 units)
• SLHS 602A/B: Adult Neurogenic Disorders (6 units)
• SLHS 603: Articulation and Phonological Disorders (2 units)
• SLHS 604-613: Specialized courses covering voice disorders, dysphagia, augmentative communication, and more

Students must finish their clinical practicum and pass a detailed exam to graduate.

Admission requirements

The program looks for candidates with:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a 2.5 GPA minimum (3.0 recommended)
• A personal statement and resume
• Three recommendation letters
• A three-minute pre-recorded video response
• Unofficial transcripts

Competition is fierce with 256 applicants competing for 32 spots each year. Students should submit their applications by February 1, and university materials by July 1.

Tuition and financial aid

California residents will pay about $9,607 for annual tuition and fees in 2025-2026. Total costs depend on living arrangements:

• Living with parents: $28,279
• Campus housing: $33,169
• Off-campus housing: $38,685

Online students pay $850 per unit. Students can get financial help through university scholarships, Stephanie Kalman Foundation scholarships, and the Betty Lindeman and Robert N. Rosenthal Memorial Fund.

Program format

Working professionals can take advantage of this part-time, hybrid program with evening classes. Online students spend two weeks on campus during their first summer. The program covers housing, lunch, and parking during this residency.

Unique features

The program’s success speaks through its numbers – 100% of students pass the Praxis exam and find jobs within a year of graduating. Both campus and online formats have full accreditation through 2028 from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Students train at the on-campus Norma S. and Ray R. Rees Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, completing at least 400 clock hours of clinical practice.

7. CSU Northridge Post-Baccalaureate Program in Communication Disorders

CSUN’s Certificate of Preparation for Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology ranks #12 among 134 schools nationwide (top 10%). This makes it one of California’s best speech pathology preparatory programs.

The two-year certificate program welcomes college graduates who want to pursue careers in speech-language pathology but lack a background in communication disorders. You’ll get the prerequisite coursework needed for master’s program admission. Keep in mind that this program doesn’t qualify you for SLPA licensure in California. Instead, you can use it as a stepping stone to CSUN’s online Master’s program in Communication Disorders and Sciences.

Curriculum and courses

The program has 10 core courses (30 units total):

• CD 410: Hearing Science
• CD 415: Speech & Language Development
• CD 442: Speech Science
• CD 405: Phonetics
• CD 451: Phonology & Articulatory Disorders
• CD 446: Auditory Habilitation
• CD 445: Audiometry & Hearing Conservation
• CD 450: Fluency Disorders
• CD 469A: Diagnostic Methods
• CD 462: Language Disorders I

ASHA standards require you to complete courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences with at least a “C” grade.

Admission requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA in your last 60 semester units. Competition is fierce – recent cohorts had an average GPA of 3.79. Good news for Fall 2026 applicants – no GRE scores needed. You’ll submit two applications: one through CSDCAS for the department and another for the university.

Tuition and financial aid

Each unit costs $814, bringing the total to $24,420 for all 30 units. The university charges a non-refundable $70 application fee. You can pay through various methods, including credit cards and checks. Submit your FAFSA early for the best shot at financial aid. Military veterans should reach out to CSUN’s Veterans Affairs Office about their VA Educational Benefits.

Program format

The program runs completely online using a cohort model that builds strong peer connections and boosts faculty interaction. This well-laid-out approach helps you finish on time and complete all practicum hours in your local community – no need to move.

Unique features

Students who earn a 3.85+ GPA and get positive faculty recommendations can automatically enter CSUN’s online Master’s program. The same faculty teach in both the pre-SLP and master’s programs, creating great mentorship opportunities. After finishing the master’s program, you’ll join 435,000 alumni with strong career outcomes. This is a big deal as it means that master’s graduates earn a median salary of $66,689, beating the national average.

Find the Right Program Today

The right SLP post-baccalaureate program can launch your career in speech-language pathology. Let’s take a closer look at seven exceptional California programs that give career changers a path into this rewarding field.

These programs differ in several ways. The cost ranges from Cal State LA’s affordable $4,123 per semester to Pepperdine’s premium rate of $1,800 per credit. Program duration varies too – Biola University offers a 10-month track while CSU East Bay spreads the coursework over multiple years.

Learning formats set these programs apart. Pepperdine and Pacific University run fully online programs. Biola focuses on classroom learning. CSU East Bay blends both approaches with a short summer residency. You can pick a format that fits your life and priorities.

Most programs want applicants with a bachelor’s degree and GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0. CSU Northridge tends to attract students with higher grades. You’ll also need specific science and statistics prerequisites, which you can complete before or during the program.

SLP professionals have bright career prospects. The field ranks among top healthcare careers with 19% job growth expected through 2032. Your post-bacc program prepares you to apply for master’s programs – your next step toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Each program has its strengths. Cal State LA provides detailed preparation with 39 units. Biola weaves Christian views into clinical training. Pepperdine lets you tailor your courses. Pacific offers an “Early Assurance” path to their master’s degree. SFSU builds cultural awareness, while CSU East Bay and CSU Northridge show strong job placement rates.

Your path to speech-language pathology needs careful planning. Think about your budget, schedule, ideal learning style, and career goals. The best program will line up with these factors and give you the knowledge you need for graduate studies.

This field offers stable work and the chance to help others overcome communication challenges. The path requires commitment, but these seven programs are great ways to start your career change in this effective field.