CSU Chico (Chico State) Speech Pathology Programs
Speech pathologists make $95,410 per year on average, and their job prospects are growing 21% faster than most careers. These impressive numbers show why CSU Chico Speech Pathology Programs deserve your attention.
California ranks as the second-highest-paying state for SLPs, with professionals earning $112,030 annually. CSU Chico’s program stands out with remarkable results – every graduate finds employment within three months of finishing their degree. On top of that, more than 95% of students complete their studies right on schedule.
Students looking at speech pathology schools in California should note CSU Chico’s program is among 20 programs with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accreditation. This accreditation is a vital step to qualify for ASHA’s National Examination in Speech Language Pathology and obtain state licensure.
Program Features
CSU Chico’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program gives you several paths to start your career in speech pathology. You can choose between a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, or a Speech-Language Services credential. The master’s program provides detailed training that prepares graduates for national certification, state licensure, and the California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential.
The university’s Clinic for Communication Disorders (CCD) makes CSU Chico unique. It provides diagnostic and rehabilitative services to community members. First-year graduate students get hands-on experience at this clinical setting under licensed and certified SLP supervisors. As students progress, they work at different practicum locations including hospitals, medical facilities, private practices, and public schools.
The master’s program needs 56-59 units of coursework, with most classes at the 600-level. Students also need to complete 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in speech-language pathology practice. This training gives graduates skills they can use in settings of all types—from early intervention programs to rehabilitation centers.
The program’s faculty accessibility is key to student success. The campus’s residential nature means professors are always around for one-on-one meetings. This creates a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that improves learning opportunities.
Student outcomes show the program’s excellence. PRAXIS examination pass rates have stayed at or above the national average in the last 15 years. First-attempt pass rates reach about 90% in recent years. CMSD is one of CSU Chico’s five largest graduate programs and has built a strong reputation throughout California.
Graduates can work in healthcare, education, research, or start their own practice. This detailed preparation explains why employers actively seek CSU Chico graduates, who make real differences in communities throughout California and beyond.
Online and Hybrid Options
CSU Chico offers flexible learning options for specific components of speech pathology education, though their full master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders isn’t completely available online.
Students who want to become Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs) can take advantage of a partially online program with two key courses. CMSD 500, a three-unit synchronous online course, teaches the scope of practice and ethical standards for SLPAs. The summer term runs from June to August, with live online meetings every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-7 pm. Students then complete CMDS 501, a seven-unit field experience in their local community or region.
You’ll need formal acceptance into the program before registering for CMSD 500, “Roles & Responsibilities of the Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant”. The current fee structure is $475.00 per unit, which brings the total to $1,425.00 for this three-unit course.
Chico State has created several online and hybrid learning options that make quality education accessible to more people. Students can take classes from anywhere while getting affordable, high-quality academics. This setup works great especially when you have transfer or returning students who might complete their bachelor’s degree in just two years or at their own pace.
The university blends virtual and in-person learning experiences effectively. This combination gives students both the convenience of online education and essential hands-on clinical experiences crucial for quality speech pathology training.
CSU Chico’s online and hybrid options showcase the university’s steadfast dedication to making education accessible while upholding the high standards needed for speech pathology professionals.
Accreditation
Accreditation plays a vital role in evaluating speech pathology programs in California. CSU Chico’s speech pathology graduate program needs this credential to prove it meets the professional standards required for practice.
The Communication Sciences and Disorders MS education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at California State University, Chico is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You can find this prestigious accreditation body at 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850.
The CSU Chico Speech Pathology Programs hold their accreditation status from 2018 through 2026. The next detailed accreditation review will take place in February 2026. Official documentation states the program is “fully operational and in compliance with the Standards for Accreditation”.
Students should know how accreditation cycles work to understand program stability. The CAA gives accreditation to new programs for up to five years. Programs can get reaccreditation for up to eight years after a successful review. Annual reviews happen throughout this time to check compliance with standards.
Choosing an accredited speech pathology master program matters greatly. ASHA accreditation means your education meets national standards. You need to graduate from an accredited program to get professional certification and state licensure. Most employers prefer—and often require—candidates from accredited institutions.
Checking accreditation status should be your priority while researching speech pathology masters in California. CSU Chico’s ongoing accreditation shows its steadfast dedication to educational excellence and professional preparation. This dedication to quality standards will give you a degree that employers recognize throughout your career.
Admission Requirements
Getting into CSU Chico Speech Pathology Programs means meeting specific criteria that show you’re ready for graduate studies. You must complete two applications – the Cal State Apply application and the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). CSDCAS needs three recommendation letters, your resume, personal essay, and official transcripts.
The program sets high academic standards with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Most admitted students have GPAs between 3.13 and 3.99. A newer study from 2022 shows only 39 students got accepted out of 174 applications, so your application needs to stand out.
The fall admission deadline is January 15, and you can’t miss it. Most applicants have their bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders. Students with degrees in other fields can take a postbaccalaureate prerequisite program to learn the basics. You should talk to the program coordinator to know exactly which courses you need.
Some candidates might need to do a personal interview. This is a chance to show your communication skills and dedication to speech pathology. Meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get into the speech pathology graduate programs at CSU Chico because competition is fierce.
Students looking into speech pathology programs in California should understand these requirements to prepare better. The selection process will give a full picture of your academic strengths and personal qualities needed to excel in this field and make meaningful contributions after graduation.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of speech pathology programs in California plays a vital role in planning your education. CSU Chico sets different tuition rates based on your academic level, where you live, and how many classes you take.
Students starting their undergraduate studies in 2025-26 will pay $8,896 per semester for full-time enrollment (12+ units). The speech pathology master programs cost a bit more, with graduate students paying $7,608 yearly.
Living in California makes a big difference to your costs. Students from other states or countries need to budget $444 extra per unit on top of regular tuition. A typical 12-unit undergraduate semester adds $5,328 to your expenses, which means about $19,552 for the full academic year.
Summer classes work differently with their own fee structure. Summer 2025 classes cost $290 per unit plus a small $8 campus fee. Taking 6 units during summer would cost you $1,748.
Your complete cost of attendance (COA) has both direct university payments and estimated indirect expenses. These costs include:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Personal expenses
- Transportation
The COA helps you plan ahead rather than serving as an actual bill. This tool gives you a better picture of what your education might cost.
Graduate programs sometimes charge extra professional fees. A business master’s degree, to name just one example, costs an additional $303 per unit. The good news? Speech pathology graduate programs at CSU Chico don’t have these extra charges.
Students from western states might pay less through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). This program caps tuition at 150% of resident rates – much better than full non-resident costs.
The Board of Trustees can change these fees. CSU works hard to keep education accessible to more people despite funding challenges. A review of these costs gives you valuable insight as you look at different speech pathology programs California options.
Career Outcomes
A degree from CSU Chico Speech Pathology Programs unlocks exciting career opportunities in a fast-growing field. Speech-language pathologists can look forward to excellent job prospects, with projected job growth of 21% through 2032—much higher than other occupations. California’s outlook appears even brighter, with a 32% increase in job openings expected over the next decade.
Your degree qualifies you to work in a variety of professional settings:
- Private Practice and Clinics: You’ll support clients of all ages, from toddlers who need early intervention to older adults requiring cognitive therapy
- Educational Settings: K-12 schools need professionals who help students communicate better and achieve academic success
- Medical Facilities: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities welcome professionals who work with multidisciplinary care teams
- Research and Academia: The field needs scholars who conduct research or teach future speech-language pathologists
CSU Chico graduates have achieved remarkable career success. The program boasts a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation. This success comes in part because graduates consistently score above the national average on the PRAXIS licensing examination.
The financial outlook remains bright. Speech-language pathologists earn a national median annual salary of $79,060. California stands out as the second-highest paying state, with average earnings of $92,280.
Your speech pathology masters California degree opens doors beyond traditional roles. Graduates can become audiologists, curriculum specialists, or take positions in college administration and community organizations. Leadership opportunities exist in healthcare institutions, where professionals oversee speech-language pathology programs and ensure excellent patient care.
CSU Chico’s training prepares you to help people with communication difficulties. You’ll raise awareness about their needs and shape legislation that improves access to speech-language pathology services. This profession offers the chance to change lives while enjoying job security and personal satisfaction.
What’s Unique about the Speech Pathology Programs at CSU Chico
The CSU Chico Speech Pathology Programs offer unique features that set them apart from other speech pathology programs in California.
Students start hands-on clinical work earlier than many other schools. They gain direct client experience through the on-campus Clinic for Communication Disorders right from their first year. This early practical exposure helps them become confident practitioners well before graduation.
The program size hits the sweet spot. It’s big enough to give you varied clinical experiences but small enough to get individual attention. Faculty keep their doors open and build mentoring relationships you won’t find at bigger schools. This nurturing environment helps you grow both as a person and a professional throughout your time here.
The program outshines other speech pathology graduate programs with its focus on clinical reasoning. Instead of just teaching protocols, the curriculum teaches you how to think critically and make evidence-based decisions in clinical situations of all types. The coursework also includes the latest research and innovation in communication disorders.
Strong ties with Northern California create unique externship opportunities. The program’s long-term alliances with regional healthcare providers and school districts give you access to top clinical sites usually limited to experienced professionals. Many students receive job offers before they even graduate.
The program takes an integrated approach to learning. Students work together with peers from nursing, special education, and psychology programs. This mirrors how healthcare teams operate in the real world.
Graduates say they feel ready to tackle real-life practice. Early clinical work, one-on-one mentoring, and team-based training help students naturally step into their professional roles.
These unique features make a big difference in your education and career preparation. They’re worth thinking over when you look at speech pathology masters California options.