7 Two-Year SLP Programs in California
Looking to start your speech pathology career with a 2-year SLP program in California? You’ll need a master’s degree to enter this specialized field, and it must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
The best speech pathology graduate programs in California offer different advantages. Loma Linda features a seven-quarter curriculum, while Cal State Long Beach structures its program in five semesters with a cohort model. These programs blend rigorous coursework with thorough clinical training. California licensure requirements include at least 300 supervised clinical hours in three different settings. Most programs go beyond this requirement and provide up to 400 hours of hands-on experience. Programs vary in size, from California Baptist University’s 71-unit program to pre-SLP certificate options that help students get additional preparation.
This guide examines seven ASHA-approved programs that take about two years to complete. It will help you make a smart choice about your speech-language pathology education and career path.
1. Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University ranks among California’s top destinations for students who want a complete speech-language pathology education. This Seventh-day Adventist institution sits in Southern California and has led health science education since 1905.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda shapes future speech-language pathologists through advanced coursework and extensive clinical experiences. Students learn to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in both children and adults in a variety of settings. The program’s unique feature lies in its integration of health science research within an academic medical center. This gives students valuable research and clinical opportunities. Graduates can receive their temporary license in speech-language pathology from the California Department of Consumer Affairs and start working toward ASHA certification.
Program length and format
Students can choose between two program formats based on their educational background. The traditional Master’s program runs for seven quarters (2 years), with summer sessions between the first and second years. Students move through the curriculum together as a cohort starting in fall quarter. First-year classes run in late afternoon or evening hours, and one Friday each month focuses on instruction.
Loma Linda helps career changers through its Transitional Master’s program. This option serves students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than communication disorders. The program spans 11 quarters (3 years) and starts with foundational coursework before students join the traditional master’s cohort. Career professionals benefit from the flexibility of completing their first year online.
Admission requirements
The SLP program maintains high academic standards with competitive admission. Traditional master’s program applicants need a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communicative disorders. They must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.3 GPA for their last two years of undergraduate work. Required materials include:
- A well-written personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation (preferably academic)
- Official transcripts
- CBEST scores (prior to admission or within the first quarter)
Traditional master’s applications close on January 1, while transitional program applications end March 1. The evaluation process includes an on-site writing sample and personal interview.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical training serves as the foundation of Loma Linda’s SLP program. First-year students work in at least one clinic each quarter. Their schedules range from half a day to three and a half days weekly. Students rotate through specialty clinics that focus on autism, phonology, voice, early intervention, stuttering, and school-age speech sound disorders.
Second-year students complete full-time fieldwork placements in educational and medical settings during winter and spring quarters. These placements help meet ASHA’s certification requirements and expose students to diverse patient populations and clinical environments.
Accreditation and licensure
The program’s Master of Science degree holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The accreditation runs from 2020-2028, with the next review set for August 2027. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has accredited the program. The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispenser’s Board has also approved it.
Graduates qualify for California public schools’ Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services credential. They can work as clinical fellows while pursuing their Certificate of Clinical Competence through ASHA.
Tuition and fees
Loma Linda University adjusts its tuition yearly with professional education sector inflation. The university’s estimated attendance costs cover tuition and living expenses. Students can choose from several living arrangements:
- On-campus dormitory: $12,015-$16,020 per academic year
- LLU-owned rental property: $19,800-$26,400 per academic year
- Off-campus housing: $19,800-$26,400 per academic year
Students must enroll at least half-time (4 units per quarter for graduate programs) and take degree requirements to qualify for financial aid. The university’s Office of Student Finance provides current cost information for planning purposes.
2. California Baptist University
California Baptist University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program will give students specialized skills to diagnose and treat communication disorders. The program is notable as one of California’s best speech pathology graduate programs. Students get both strong academic training and hands-on clinical experience.
Program overview
CBU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program helps students become nationally certified, licensed speech-language pathologists who serve their communities. The program belongs to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Health Science, where students learn to communicate and solve problems across disciplines. Students develop professional skills and blend spiritual values that match CBU’s vision, staying true to the university’s Christian mission.
The program teaches students what they need to work well in schools and healthcare settings. Teachers bring both deep academic knowledge and real clinical experience with developmental and acquired communication disorders. Their practical know-how helps students become skilled at evaluating and treating communication disorders of all types, from speech problems to brain-related conditions.
Program length and format
Students join CBU’s SLP master’s program as a group and finish all 71 units together. The program runs for two years (24 months) with two summer sessions. Classes run from September through June yearly, and clinical practice might go through July and August.
The program needs full-time commitment and follows a tough schedule. Students should avoid working while studying. This intense program prepares students well for their future careers. Summer classes and practicums take up the first eight weeks of both summers, making it one of California’s most well-laid-out 2-year SLP programs.
Admission requirements
CBU’s SLP program has competitive admission standards that need:
- Bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from an accredited college/university or an evaluated equivalent
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Three recommendation letters (two from faculty/instructors and one professional)
- Resume showing relevant volunteer or field experience
- Complete essay (minimum 500 words) explaining program interest and fit with CBU’s mission
- Personal interview (not all candidates get selected)
Students with degrees in other fields must finish a post-baccalaureate certificate program before applying. They also need specific prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. These courses include Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech/Hearing Mechanism, Speech/Hearing Science, Normal Child Language Development, Phonetics, and Aural Rehabilitation.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical training is the substance of CBU’s program. Students must complete at least 400 supervised clinical hours in schools, community centers, and medical facilities. The university partners with over 300 school districts, medical sites, and private clinics to find the right placements.
CBU’s program excels with its on-campus Clinical Education Center. Here, students work with real clients under expert guidance. Students learn to deliver speech-language therapy to individuals and groups. Teachers track and assess students’ clinical growth throughout their training.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits CBU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The California Teaching Commission has also accredited it.
After graduating, students can apply for California state licensure’s Required Professional Experience and the Clinical Fellowship Year. This leads to ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. They can also get the Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential to help children in public schools.
Tuition and fees
The 2025-2026 academic year charges $993 per unit for CBU’s Speech-Language Pathology program. The total cost reaches about $70,503 for all 71 units.
Students should plan for other expenses too. Graduate students taking 5 or more units pay $365 per semester as a general fee. Health insurance costs $1,149 per semester but remains optional for most students. Shared rooms on campus cost between $4,040 and $4,280 per semester, based on the housing level.
CBU keeps its tuition affordable compared to other private schools. Students can get financial aid, making this quality education possible for many future speech-language pathologists.
3. California State University Long Beach
The 69-year-old California State University Long Beach (CSULB) runs one of Southern California’s oldest and most respected speech-language pathology programs. Students get outstanding academic training and clinical experience to prepare them as speech-language pathologists.
Program overview
CSULB’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare students for successful careers. Students gain hands-on experience at the campus-based Speech and Language clinic, which serves as both a clinical and research laboratory. The program sits within the College of Health and Human Services and focuses on evidence-based practice and thorough clinical training. CSULB’s speech pathology program ranks #20 among all speech-language pathology programs nationwide, putting it in the top 15% of U.S. colleges and universities.
Program length and format
Students complete their Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology as a cohort over five consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring). This on-campus program takes two full years (24 months). Students spend dedicated semesters in school-based internships and medical/private practice settings. The program needs 58 semester units minimum, which covers coursework, clinical practice, and a final project. Academic seminars run once a year, and students follow the same course sequence.
Admission requirements
Competition runs high for spots in CSULB’s SLP program. A recent cycle saw only 47 admission offers from 455 applications. Students need either:
- A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology, or
- A bachelor’s degree in another field plus 30 semester units in speech-language pathology/communication disorders
Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA minimum, though most accepted students score between 3.64 and 4.00. The application package needs a personal statement, resume, three recommendation letters, and qualified candidates must interview. Applications close January 15 for fall admission.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical training is essential to CSULB’s program. Students must complete 400 direct clinical contact hours with patients who have various communication disorders. The clinical experience has:
- Two on-campus clinical practicum courses (SLP 669A and SLP 669J)
- Two off-campus internship experiences (SLP 686A and SLP 670)
The public school practicum (SLP 686A) runs at least 15 weeks. Students must get 120 direct contact hours minimum of supervised clinical work. The medical/private practice internship gives students experience in different healthcare settings. Certified professionals supervise more than 25% of all student-client interactions.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has fully accredited CSULB’s Master of Arts program from 2019-2027. The next review comes up in February 2026. Graduates qualify for three key credentials:
- Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from California Commission for Teacher Credentialing
- State of California Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology
Tuition and fees
California residents pay about $8,064 yearly in graduate tuition, totaling around $16,128 for the two-year program. Out-of-state students pay $444 more per unit. International students pay about $17,922 annually.
Costs change based on enrollment status and required campus fees. Each semester’s fees include: facility fee ($5), Associated Students Inc. fee ($78), Instructionally Related Activities fee ($91), University Student Union fee ($504), Student ID Card fee ($5), Student Excellence fee ($173), and Student Health Center fee ($88). Students can get help through institution-sponsored loans, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study programs.
4. San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) has the #1 ranked speech language program in California. The program accepts only 40-45 students from over 600 applications each cycle, making it one of the most selective programs.
Program overview
SDSU’s Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology offers complete academic and clinical preparation. Students will meet all requirements for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, the Speech-Language Pathology Credential from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and state licensure. The curriculum covers articulation, fluency, voice, language, hearing, swallowing, cognitive aspects of communication, and alternative communication modalities.
Program length and format
Students complete the program in five semesters, including two academic years and one summer term. The program runs exclusively on campus as an in-person experience. The full-time curriculum needs complete focus—most students can’t work while studying and rely on financial aid. SDSU doesn’t allow part-time or remote options due to accreditation requirements and structured course sequencing. Students must finish 45 academic units and 19 clinical practicum units.
Admission requirements
Students must complete two steps to apply:
- Submit a CalState Apply application by December 1, with official transcripts due December 15
- Submit the Communication Sciences and Disorders Central Application Service (CSDCAS) application by January 12
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences or finish prerequisite courses through SDSU’s SLP Essentials program. A minimum 3.20 GPA in the last 60 semester units is required, but admitted students typically have around 3.8. The program also asks for three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a resume.
Clinical practicum details
The program’s clinical training includes 19 units of practicum courses:
- SLHS 525 (Clinical Processes)
- SLHS 618/619 (Diagnostic Practica)
- SLHS 626A/B/C (Clinical Intervention)
- SLHS 627 (Advanced Field Clinical Practice)
- SLHS 629/630 (Professional Skills)
- SLHS 933 (Clinical Practice in Public Schools)
Students must complete 25 supervised observation hours and 350 clinical contact hours. This includes 50 clock hours in three different clinical settings. They also need 100 clock hours in school settings.
San Diego State University accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has fully accredited the program. Graduates can earn three key credentials:
- Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- California State Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology
SDSU notes that program admission doesn’t guarantee a license or credential, as external agencies set these requirements.
Tuition and fees
California residents will pay simple tuition and fees of $10,794 yearly for 2025-2026. Non-resident students pay $444 more per unit. Total costs vary by living situation:
- Living with parents: $26,198 per academic year
- University housing: $38,938 per academic year
- Off-campus: $35,616 per academic year
These figures include books, supplies, food, housing, transportation, and personal expenses. For 2026-2027, costs will likely rise to $11,372 for basic tuition and fees.
5. Chapman University
Chapman University’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program stands at the Rinker Health Sciences Campus in Irvine. The program ranks as one of California’s top SLP programs and earned the #92 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools 2021.
Program overview
Students in the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program prepare for clinical roles in healthcare and education. The department aims to develop “highly ethical, research-conscious, and culturally respectful speech-language pathologists”. The program teaches students to assess and treat communication disorders throughout life – from stuttering and articulation issues to neurological conditions like aphasia and traumatic brain injury. The program’s strength lies in its interdisciplinary nature, as it operates among other health science programs such as physical therapy and physician assistant studies.
Program length and format
Students complete this full-time, cohort-based program in two years (six trimesters). The rigorous 63-unit curriculum runs through fall, spring, and summer terms. Students build strong bonds through the cohort model, creating lasting professional relationships that extend beyond graduation. Each trimester combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice.
Admission requirements
Chapman’s program requirements include:
- A Communication Sciences and Disorders degree or completed post-baccalaureate coursework
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Three recommendation letters (one from academic source)
- A personal statement showing career commitment and professional goals
- Documented volunteer/work experience in CSDCAS application
Students must complete four post-baccalaureate CSD courses before the January 15 application deadline. ASHA prerequisite courses in biological science, physical science/chemistry, statistics, and social/behavioral science must be finished before enrollment.
Clinical practicum details
Clinical training requires 400 supervised clock hours in a variety of settings. The practicum sequence consists of:
- CSD 620: Introduction to SLP services (45 hours)
- CSD 630: Augmentative communication focus (30-35 hours)
- CSD 640/650/660: Public school and adult experiences (105 hours each)
Students gain experience at public schools, medical centers, outpatient facilities, and Chapman’s Adult Learning Lab. Faculty members provide direct supervision and conduct evaluations mid-term and at semester’s end.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA has fully accredited the program through 2026. Graduates qualify for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence, California state licensure, and the Preliminary California State Credential in Speech-Language Pathology.
Tuition and fees
The Rinker Campus charges health science graduate students tuition per trimester instead of semester. Panther Village offers on-campus housing at $4,911 per trimester for shared rooms and $6,020 for private rooms. Students should budget for health insurance ($2,277 yearly) and an optional health center fee ($122).
6. University of the Pacific (Accelerated Program)
University of the Pacific is known among 2-year SLP programs in California. It is one of the few institutions that offers fast-track options to clinical practice through its accelerated pathways to professional certification.
Program overview
Pacific’s speech-language pathology program operates from the Stockton campus using a community-based clinical education model. Students work at seven different sites to gain hands-on experience and build professional connections while helping clients who need SLP services. The program combines quality clinical training with research foundations to prepare graduates for various professional settings.
Program length and format
Pacific offers two accelerated options:
- A 15-month (4 semester) track for students with SLP bachelor’s degrees
- A 24-month (6 semester) program for students from other fields
Students must complete internships and externships with certified speech-language pathologists. The accelerated format helps students enter the profession 9-12 months earlier than traditional programs, which creates significant cost-benefit advantages.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units and all prerequisites
- 25 guided observation hours with an ASHA-certified SLP
- Completed CSDCAS application
January 15 marks the priority deadline, with final applications accepted until February 1. The program receives about 105 applications yearly for 36 positions.
Clinical practicum details
Students rotate through clinical training at:
- On-campus Pacific Speech, Hearing and Language Center
- RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Stockton
- Public school districts throughout Northern California
- Medical settings during full-time externships
Students must complete at least 400 clinical clock hours in a variety of populations and settings to earn certification.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has fully accredited the program through February 2027. Graduates qualify for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence, California state licensure, and the California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. Pacific students have managed to keep a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam for over two decades—this is a big deal as it means that they exceed the national average of 80-90%.
Tuition and fees
Tuition runs at $1,483 per unit. First-year students can access:
- Two scholarships through the School of CSD
- Eight to nine graduate assistantships offering $3,000 tuition waivers and $5,000 monthly stipends during year one
- $300-$600 yearly travel funds for professional conferences
7. Biola University
Biola University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program offers a unique Christian point of view on communication sciences education. This faith-based approach combines evidence-based practice with spiritual values to create an all-encompassing approach to human communication needs.
Program overview
Since 2016, Biola’s MS-SLP program has trained students to become licensed, certified speech-language pathologists through intensive academic and clinical education. The curriculum builds on four key elements: strong theoretical framework, excellence in clinical practice, biblical perspective, and influential education. Students who graduate gain expertise in preventing, identifying, evaluating, and treating communication disorders.
Program length and format
Students complete this two-year (six-trimester) program with 63 credit hours. They must earn a grade of B- or above in each course. The well-laid-out curriculum follows this semester sequence:
- Term 1 (Fall): 19 credits including Diagnostic Methods and Childhood Language Disorders
- Term 2 (Spring): 12 credits covering Motor Speech Disorders and Advanced Dysphagia
- Term 3 (Summer): 14 credits featuring courses on Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Terms 4-5: Focus on externships and capstone experiences
Admission requirements
The program expects applicants to meet these criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- GRE scores (minimum 290 overall, 145+ verbal, 145+ quantitative, 3.0+ writing)
- Three recommendation letters (one pastoral, two employer/academic)
- Personal interview with program faculty
Students who lack a Communication Sciences background can complete prerequisites through Biola’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program.
Clinical practicum details
Students gain hands-on experience in different settings:
- On-campus Speech-Language Clinic serving clients aged 2-82
- Four local private schools helping students with various communication disorders
- Medical facilities for adult externships
Licensed supervisors monitor all sessions through live audio/visual feeds. Students need 375 supervised clinical hours to graduate.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has fully accredited the program from 2021-2026. The next review comes up in February 2025.
Tuition and fees
The 2025-26 tuition costs $1,084 per credit, with full-time tuition per term (12-19 credits) at $16,255. Students pay about $68,292 for the entire program. Yearly costs include housing ($15,210), food ($7,530), personal expenses ($5,040), transportation ($1,230), and books ($720).
Start Your Career Today
Your professional career in speech-language pathology starts with picking the right program. This piece explores seven ASHA-accredited programs in California that are a great way to get certification and licensure. Each school brings something special to the table. Loma Linda offers a seven-quarter curriculum. California Baptist runs a 71-unit detailed program. University of the Pacific features a fast-track 15-month option.
These seven programs share everything that leads to success, despite their differences. They all hold full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation, which means your degree meets national standards. On top of that, they give you extensive clinical practicum experiences. You’ll gain 300-400 supervised hours in a variety of settings. The programs prepare you well for California state licensure, ASHA certification, and the California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential.
Program costs vary substantially between schools. California residents pay around $16,000 at CSU Long Beach, while private universities like California Baptist charge over $70,000. Money might shape your decision, but many schools offer scholarships and assistantships to help with expenses.
Getting into these programs is tough. Schools accept only a small number of applicants. Your application becomes stronger with a high GPA, completed prerequisites, solid recommendation letters, and clinical observation hours.
This detailed information about program length, format, clinical opportunities, and costs helps you make a smart choice. You can pick an SLP program that lines up with your career goals, budget, and learning style. Your path to becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in California starts with this important decision.