7 Premier Pre-SLP Programs in California

Looking up Pre-SLP Programs in California might seem daunting as you prepare to meet the prerequisites for graduate study in speech-language pathology.

These specialized certificate programs give you the basic coursework you need to apply to Master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Sciences & Disorders. You’ll find plenty of choices if you’re thinking about pre-SLP programs online or a full-time SLP prep program. Options range from 16-week accelerated formats to more detailed programs that need 36-39 semester units. On top of that, many programs offer well-laid-out pathways that take 1½ to 3 years to finish, based on your course load. Students who keep a GPA of 3.0 or higher during their studies receive an official certificate of completion that boosts their graduate school applications.

This guide will get into seven premier Pre-SLP programs in California. We’ll focus on their curriculum, delivery formats, duration, and admission requirements to help you choose the right path for your education.

1. CSULB Pre-SLP Program

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) runs one of California’s oldest Pre-SLP programs, dating back to 1954. Students get complete academic and clinical education that prepares them well for graduate studies in speech-language pathology.

Program Overview

CSULB’s Pre-SLP program creates a strong foundation for students who want to become speech-language pathologists or audiologists. The program sits within the College of Health and Human Services and leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The program’s unique feature is its on-campus Speech and Language clinic that serves as both a clinical and research laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students.

The program holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Re-accreditation was secured for the maximum allowable interval of 8 years from April 2019 through March 2027.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum builds knowledge step by step in a well-laid-out sequence. Students must complete several prerequisite courses before they can declare a major in Speech-Language Pathology:

• Biological sciences (BIOL 200, BIOL 205, or equivalent)
• Physical sciences (CHEM 100 or equivalent)
• Social/behavioral sciences (ANTH 120, PSY 100, SOC 100, or equivalent)
• Statistics (HDEV 190, PSY 110, SOC 170, or equivalent)

Core SLP-specific courses include:

• SLP 261: Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech & Hearing Mechanism
• SLP 271: Phonetics

Students then move on to specialized topics like language acquisition, speech science, audiology, swallowing disorders, voice disorders, and clinical management. Upper-division courses spread across four semesters and build upon previous knowledge.

Delivery Format & Flexibility

Students attend classes in person at CSULB. The program uses a cohort model where students take courses in the same order. This approach builds a supportive learning community and helps students develop skills consistently.

Students can gain ground experience at local hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, language/speech/hearing clinics, and public schools. The on-campus clinic gives students hands-on experience with actual clients under faculty supervision.

Program Duration

The B.A. in Speech-Language Pathology takes four semesters of upper-division coursework after finishing prerequisites. Students need 57-58 units to complete the SLP major.

Students continuing to the Master’s program take five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring) that include one semester each of school-based internship and medical/private practice internship.

Admission Requirements

CSULB’s Speech-Language Pathology major requirements include:

• A grade of “C” or better in all major-specific courses
• A minimum 3.5 overall GPA
• A minimum 3.0 GPA in science prerequisites (biology, chemistry/physics, statistics, social/behavioral sciences)

Transfer students must take SLP 261 and SLP 271 in their first semester at CSULB as there are no course equivalencies.

Tuition & Fees

Current 2023 tuition for California residents is about $3,689 per semester for full-time enrollment (7+ units). Out-of-state students pay an extra $420 per credit unit. A non-resident taking 12 units would pay around $8,729 per semester.

CSULB’s Cost of Attendance covers tuition, fees, and estimated costs for room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Eligible students can access financial aid, and California residents may qualify for state grants that reduce tuition costs.

CSULB helps prospective students plan their expenses with tools like the Net Price Calculator and College Scorecard.

2. Cal State LA Master’s Prep Certificate

The Cal State LA Master’s Prep Certificate program is a great option among Pre-SLP Programs in California. It helps future speech-language pathologists build strong foundations for graduate study. This program creates a clear path toward your career goals if you’re switching from another field or need to complete prerequisites.

Program Overview

The Department of Communication Disorders runs a complete Master’s Preparation Certificate program at Cal State LA. Students with bachelor’s degrees from other fields who want to pursue speech-language pathology will find this program perfect for their needs. You’ll get the simple knowledge and skills needed for graduate studies. The program keeps high academic standards that match the university’s excellent reputation.

You can watch assessment and treatment sessions in the department’s specialized clinical facilities. This gives you real-world exposure to what you learn in class. On top of that, it benefits from strong ties with Los Angeles area healthcare facilities and schools.

Curriculum Highlights

The program’s curriculum covers key topics you’ll need for graduate school success. Here are the core courses you’ll take:

• Speech and Language Development
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanisms
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Introduction to Audiology
• Language Disorders
• Clinical Methods and Procedures

Each course blends theory with hands-on practice. You’ll develop a solid grasp of the basic principles in communication sciences and disorders. The courses line up with ASHA’s requirements for graduate school preparation, making this program an ideal launch pad for future SLP professionals.

Delivery Format & Flexibility

Classes usually meet on campus during weekdays. All the same, some courses offer evening options for working professionals. While it’s not a fully online program, Cal State LA mixes in some hybrid elements when it makes sense, giving you some flexibility in how you learn.

Small classes let you connect better with professors and classmates, which creates a shared learning environment. The program’s setup means you might be able to work part-time while studying. Just plan carefully since the coursework is demanding.

Program Duration

You can finish the Master’s Prep Certificate in 12-18 months of full-time study. Your timeline depends on your previous studies and required courses. Students who’ve taken related courses might finish faster, while those starting from scratch might need the full time.

The program runs on Cal State LA’s semester system with fall, spring, and sometimes summer terms. This gives you a structured way to build knowledge with breaks between intense study periods.

Admission Requirements

To join Cal State LA’s Master’s Prep Certificate program, you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major works)
• At least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate work
• Completed application materials with transcripts and statement of purpose
• Some basic science and math courses might be required

The department looks at everything when reviewing applications – your grades, personal statement, and potential success in both this program and future graduate studies.

Tuition & Fees

Cal State LA’s tuition costs less than private universities with similar Pre-SLP Programs in California. Your costs change based on where you live and how many units you take. California residents pay less than non-residents, and everyone pays some campus fees.

Eligible students can get financial aid through scholarships, grants, and loans. The financial aid office helps you find ways to pay for your education. You can also spread your payments across the semester instead of paying everything at once.

The Master’s Prep Certificate at Cal State LA gives you a strong foundation in speech-language pathology and boosts your chances of getting into graduate school.

3. CSUSB SLP Master’s Preparatory Certificate

CSUSB offers a great path into speech-language pathology for people without any background in communication sciences and disorders. The SLP Master’s Preparatory Certificate at CSUSB shines among California’s Pre SLP Programs because of its well-crafted curriculum and focus on student success.

Program Overview

CSUSB’s SLP Master’s Preparatory Certificate program creates a path for students who want to become speech-language pathologists but have bachelor’s degrees in other fields. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders gives you the knowledge and skills you’ll need for graduate studies in speech-language pathology.

The program’s strength lies in how it welcomes career changers. You’ll complete all the prerequisites needed for master’s programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders while meeting university standards. The faculty brings expertise in everything from child language disorders to adult neurogenic communication disorders.

Curriculum Highlights

The preparatory program’s curriculum matches ASHA’s requirements for graduate study preparation. These are the main courses you’ll take:

• Introduction to Communication Disorders
• Speech and Language Development Across the Lifespan
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
• Audiology and Audiometry
• Neuroanatomy of Communication
• Clinical Methods and Procedures

CSUSB’s curriculum explores each subject area deeply, unlike some online pre-SLP programs that only cover basics. You’ll learn both theory and practical applications that will help you succeed in graduate school.

Delivery Format & Flexibility

Most classes happen on campus, which lets you work directly with faculty and other students. Some courses might include online components to help busy professionals and parents manage their schedules better.

Classes usually meet on weekday evenings or weekends. This works well for students who need to keep their jobs while studying. The program mixes traditional classroom learning with some online elements.

The format works well for adults starting a new career path. The department’s advisors help certificate students pick the right courses and create schedules that work best for them.

Program Duration

You can finish the SLP Master’s Preparatory Certificate in three to four semesters of part-time study. Your timeline depends on how many courses you take and whether you study year-round or just during fall and spring.

Students typically need 30-36 units of prerequisites. Your specific course plan will depend on your academic background. Classes run during fall, spring, and summer terms, so you can move through the program at your own pace.

Admission Requirements

The program looks for these qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any field)
• A minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work
• Official transcripts from all previous schools
• A statement explaining your interest in speech-language pathology
• A completed university graduate application

The program team looks at both grades and personal qualities that suggest you’ll do well in this field. Related coursework can strengthen your application, but it’s not required.

Tuition & Fees

CSUSB’s costs are lower than many private schools because it’s part of the California State University system. Your tuition depends on whether you’re a California resident and how many units you take each semester.

California residents pay graduate-level fees for each unit. You might qualify for federal loans and university scholarships. The university also lets you spread your payments throughout the semester.

The SLP Master’s Preparatory Certificate at CSUSB opens doors to graduate programs in speech-language pathology. You’ll learn what you need to know and get a real feel for the profession.

4. West Coast University Pre-MSLP Program

West Coast University runs a fast-tracked Pre-MSLP program for people who want to switch careers and have bachelor’s degrees in fields other than communication sciences and disorders. WCU’s program stands out as one of the quickest Pre SLP Programs in California with its compact schedule and targeted curriculum.

Program Overview

WCU’s Pre-MSLP program serves as a non-degree leveling program created for students who need prerequisite coursework before they can apply to master’s programs in speech-language pathology. This program gives you the academic foundation and supervised observation hours you need for most MSLP programs. The program meets American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards, which means your credentials will be recognized.

The program’s value lies in helping professionals switch from other fields. You won’t get a formal degree, but these leveling courses will prepare you well for graduate-level speech pathology education.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum features five key courses that add up to 14 credits:

• SLP 500: Phonological Sciences with Lab (3 credits)
• SLP 502: Language Development with Lab (3 credits)
• SLP 504: Guided Observation and Clinical Procedures with Lab (2 credits)
• SLP 506: Clinical Audiology with Lab (3 credits)
• SLP 508: Anatomy & Physiology of the Communication & Swallowing Mechanisms with Lab (3 credits)

Each course comes with lab components that blend hands-on experience with theory. The program’s guided observation hours are crucial for your graduate school applications in speech-language pathology.

Delivery Format & Flexibility

WCU offers one of California’s fully online pre-SLP programs with great flexibility through distance education. Students learn through both live and self-paced methods. You can join virtual sessions with teachers and classmates while also watching lectures and finishing assignments on your own schedule.

This setup works great for people who have jobs or family responsibilities. The program stays rigorous despite its convenient format.

WCU Pre-MSLP Program Duration

WCU’s pre-MSLP program shines with its accelerated timeframe. You can finish the entire program in one trimester – about 16 weeks. This makes it one of the shortest SLP prep programs out there, letting you complete prerequisites and move on to graduate school applications quickly.

Students take 14 credits during the 4-month period. This focused approach helps you keep moving forward while meeting graduate program requirements efficiently.

Admission Requirements

WCU’s Pre-MSLP program asks for these requirements:

• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
• High school diploma transcript or equivalent documentation
• Meeting all programmatic admission criteria
• An interview with a university admissions advisor
• A completed application for admission
• A completed and executed enrollment agreement

Students under 18 need a parent or guardian’s signature on enrollment documents. Non-native English speakers must prove their English proficiency.

Tuition & Fees

The program costs $305 per credit hour. With 14 total credits, your core tuition will be about $4,270. Extra fees include:

• Speech Language Pathology Supplies Fee: $100
• Speech Language Pathology Supplies Fee (Fall I Start): $145

Some courses need On-site Intensive (OSI) weekends. Orange County campus students do OSIs in California, while Texas campus students complete them in Texas. You’ll need to handle your own travel costs and arrangements.

Eligible students might qualify for financial aid to help with these expenses.

5. CSUSM Online SLP Prep Program

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Extended Learning excels among flexible Pre SLP Programs in California. They’ve created a fully online SLP Preparation program that works perfectly for people switching careers. This program creates a clear path to master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology.

Program Overview

The SLP Prep program welcomes students who didn’t major in Speech-Language Pathology or Communicative Sciences and Disorders but need prerequisites for graduate school. New groups start in fall, spring, and summer as part of a full-time cohort-based structure. Students who complete all 33 units with at least a 3.0 GPA or higher and earn a B- or better in each course receive a University Speech-Language Pathology Preparation Certificate of Completion on their transcript. This certificate proves you’ve finished all foundational coursework and makes your graduate school application process smoother.

Curriculum Highlights

The program features 11 three-unit courses that are the foundations of speech-language pathology:

• SLP 150: Introduction to Communicative Sciences and Disorders
• SLP 251: Language Development and Assessment for Practitioners
• SLP 320: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
• PHYS 357: The Science of Speech and Hearing
• SLP 364: Cultural Diversity in Schooling
• SLP 391: Clinical Phonetics and Analysis of Disordered Speech
• SLP 450: Diagnostics for Speech-Language Pathologists
• SLP 482: Audiology and Aural (Re)Habilitation
• SLP 491: Neural Correlates in Speech-Language and Swallowing Functions
• MATH 142: Basic Statistics

These courses meet ASHA’s requirements for basic sciences, including biological, physical, social/behavioral sciences, and statistics.

Delivery Format & Flexibility

CSUSM takes a different approach from typical online pre-SLP programs. Rather than just recorded content, they offer live online sessions. Students attend mandatory weekly chats usually scheduled on weekday evenings. You can’t miss more than one live chat per course if you want to pass. This setup creates an engaging learning environment while letting you study from home.

Program Duration

The program’s quick pace sets it apart from others. You can finish all 33 units in just three semesters. Summer starters can wrap up by next spring, while fall starters finish by summer. This speed helps career-changers get ready for grad school applications quickly.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree in something other than speech-language pathology or communication sciences
• At least a 2.5 GPA in your last degree or last 60 semester units
• Residence in an approved state
• English language proficiency if it’s not your first language

You can join if you’ve taken three or fewer SLP courses. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you the best chance of getting in.

Tuition & Fees

Each unit costs $370, bringing the total program cost to about $12,210 before additional fees. Financial aid can help cover these costs. Submit your FAFSA between January 1 and March 2 for the best shot at financial help. Student Financial Services offers payment plans too. Just note that the CalVet College Tuition Fee Waiver doesn’t work for this program.

6. San Diego State University SLP Prep Program

San Diego State University’s Speech-Language Pathology program ranks #1 in California and #12 nationally according to U.S. News and World Report. This prestigious ranking makes their online Speech-Language Pathology Essentials program stand out among Pre SLP Programs in California.

Program Overview

The online SLP Essentials program at SDSU helps students who plan to apply to graduate programs in speech-language pathology complete their prerequisite coursework. These courses fulfill undergraduate prerequisites for SDSU’s Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program and typically transfer to other graduate-level SLP programs. The program’s quality stems from SDSU’s School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS), which holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Curriculum Highlights

Students gain foundational knowledge that serves them throughout their graduate studies and future SLP careers. Expert lecturers from SDSU’s renowned SLHS department teach all courses. The program helps you complete prerequisite coursework if you didn’t major in speech-language pathology during your undergraduate studies.

Delivery Format & Flexibility

SDSU’s online pre-SLP program features:

• 100% online, self-paced courses
• 8-week format for each class
• Non-cohort structure with flexible entry

You can fit classes into your busy schedule while maintaining high academic standards.

Program Duration

Each course runs for 8 weeks. You might need about a year to complete all courses, depending on your prerequisite requirements. The program runs two or three courses each term (fall, spring, summer), so plan your educational timeline carefully.

Admission Requirements

This SLP prep program is perfect if you:

• Want to enter a graduate program in speech-language pathology
• Need undergraduate prerequisites in the field
• Are not enrolled in an SDSU degree program

Remember that completing these courses doesn’t guarantee your admission into SDSU’s graduate program or any other clinical graduate program.

Tuition & Fees

Each 8-week course costs $367 per unit and consists of 3-4 units. These rates make the program available to students passionate about communication sciences. SDSU’s status as a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) might help unemployed or underemployed students get tuition assistance.

7. San Francisco State University Pre-SLP Program

San Francisco State University offers a structured pathway through its pre-SLP program to students who want to pursue speech-language pathology studies in the Bay Area. The program helps you complete prerequisites needed for graduate studies in communication sciences.

Program Overview

San Francisco State’s Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) department strengthens clinical skills through academic knowledge, research understanding, and cultural awareness. Students receive hands-on experience at the Nicholas Certo Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic where they serve clients of all ages under licensed, ASHA-certified faculty supervision. SFSU is known among Pre SLP Programs in California with its specialty tracks: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism and Neurodiversity, Inclusive Early Childhood, and Spanish-Bilingual Specialization.

Curriculum Highlights

Students without an undergraduate degree in the field must complete nine core courses:

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

SFSU Delivery Format & Flexibility

SFSU values face-to-face education with direct faculty interaction, unlike many online pre-SLP programs. Classes meet in person, though modifications may occur during internship placements outside the San Francisco Bay Area in the second year.

SFSU Program Duration

Students typically complete the program in five full-time semesters, including summer session. Specialization tracks require up to 15 additional units, which might extend the program by one to two semesters.

SFSU Admission Requirements

Competition for admission is fierce – a recent cycle had 113 applications for just 43 spots. Students need grades from at least six prerequisite courses before application review. The department’s holistic evaluation process includes Statement of Purpose essays and virtual group interviews.

SFSU Tuition & Fees

California residents’ yearly tuition is approximately $9,160, while out-of-state students pay around $20,120 plus $444 per unit. Total yearly expenses range from $27,148 for students living with family to $38,002 for off-campus residents.

Choose Your Program Today

Your graduate school success and future career in speech-language pathology depends on picking the right Pre-SLP program. Seven exceptional programs in California give you great ways to get started on your educational trip.

Each program has its own approach. CSULB sticks to traditional in-person classes, while CSUSM runs synchronous online sessions. West Coast University speeds things up with a 16-week structure. You can line up your choice with your schedule, priorities, and career goals.

The time you’ll need varies between programs substantially. West Coast University might be your fastest option at one trimester. CSUSM takes three semesters, and SFSU needs up to five semesters to finish. The cost ranges from $4,270 at WCU to over $12,000 at other schools, so you’ll need to plan your finances carefully.

Most programs share similar academic standards. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5. The curriculum covers essential topics like phonetics, anatomy and physiology, language development, and audiology. These subjects are the foundations of graduate studies in speech-language pathology.

Your personal situation will guide your choice. Working professionals often do better with flexible options like SDSU’s self-paced courses or CSUSM’s evening sessions. Students who want hands-on practice should head over to programs with on-campus clinics at CSULB or SFSU. West Coast University’s condensed format works well if speed is your priority.

Note that finishing these prerequisite programs doesn’t guarantee you’ll get into graduate school, but it will make your application much stronger. Graduate admissions committees value the academic skills and commitment you show by completing these programs.

These premier Pre-SLP programs each have their strengths. Take time to assess which one matches your educational goals, budget, timeline, and learning style best. Your choice will give you the knowledge base you need to pursue speech-language pathology and help others meaningfully.