CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs

CSUN’s Speech Pathology Programs rank among the nation’s best, landing at #12 out of 134 schools for speech-language pathology. This puts them in the top 10% nationally.

The CSUN speech pathology master’s program could be your gateway to a rewarding career in this field. A master’s degree serves as the professional entry-level requirement to work as a speech-language pathologist. The CSUN communication disorders department’s SLP program gives you a complete education that lets you practice in medical, rehabilitative, or private practice settings across all states. California offers more than 20 different speech pathology degrees, yet the CSUN speech pathology program shines as part of the California State University system. The CSU system awards about half of all master’s degrees in speech pathology statewide.

The Fall 2025 Graduate Application period ended January 15, 2025. Students looking ahead can apply when the Department M.S. SLP Graduate Program Application opens for Fall 2026 on October 1, 2025. Good news for prospective students – the Program and CSUN won’t require GRE scores for Fall 2026 Admission.

Program Features

The CSUN communication disorders program features a structured curriculum that combines theory with hands-on practice. Students build a strong foundation in human communication science through lessons from psychology, cognitive science, biology, and language science. More importantly, the intensive coursework and clinical experiences help them develop critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills.

CSUN’s master’s program in communicative disorders stands out nationally. It ranks #29 out of 297 schools for communication sciences. This impressive ranking puts it in the top 10% nationwide and makes it #3 in California. The program’s success shows in its outcomes – master’s graduates earn a median salary of $66,689, which is substantially higher than the national median of $59,094 for communication sciences graduates.

Students get detailed clinical training through the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center. The program offers specialty clinics such as:

• Voice, Stuttering, and Neuro clinics
• AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• Social Skills and Early Intervention programs
• Audiology services

Students in advanced graduate studies get more clinical experience through placements in affiliated medical centers, professional practices, and public schools. These real-life experiences prepare them to work in different settings after graduation.

CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs value diversity in their student body. The bachelor’s program has about 64% Hispanic or Latino students. The bachelor’s program has 94% women and 6% men, while the master’s program has 88% women and 12% men.

The program blends challenging academic study with extensive clinical practice. Students learn in classrooms and provide diagnostic and therapeutic services under licensed and certified professionals’ supervision. This integrated approach will give graduates the tools they need to succeed as speech-language pathologists.

Online and Hybrid Options

CSUN pioneers flexible speech pathology education. Both the Pre-Speech Language Pathology (Pre-SLP) Certificate and the Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences are delivered 100% online. This format works best especially when you have work or family commitments that need flexible learning options.

Students complete the online MS program in three years, unlike the campus-based format. The program’s cohort model will give a:

• Timely completion of the program
• Strong networking relationships with peers
• Better interaction with faculty members

A student shared this experience: “The fact that this was a cohort program that was online allowed me the flexibility to live an entire full life while at the same time pursuing this degree”. Another graduate pointed out how the program “allowed me to study and not only study but succeed. It allowed me to get my clinical experience on my own schedule”.

The CSUN communication disorders online program uses advanced distance learning technologies with traditional teaching methods. Students connect through web platforms, email, and phone—all backed by the Blackboard course management system. Faculty and students can pick between real-time chat forums via Blackboard’s Virtual Classroom or discussion boards through the Virtual Discussion Board.

The CSUN SLP program offers thorough clinical preparation, even remotely. Students can complete all required practicum hours in their own community. No relocation needed for clinical experience.

Pre-SLP program students who meet entrance requirements qualify for automatic admission into the online MS program. This creates a smooth educational journey.

The program offers online flexibility but has location restrictions. Students must live within the United States during their studies. On top of that, it doesn’t accept international students currently.

CSUN gives complete support to distance learners through dedicated academic advisers, available faculty, and tech support staff. Online students also access university resources like the library, bookstore, financial aid office, and career center.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the most important quality marker for academic programs. The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at CSU Northridge has earned accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This recognition runs from April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2029.

CSU Northridge has also earned institutional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WSCUC (formerly WASC) granted CSUN a full 10-year reaccreditation on March 8, 2022.

The CAA accreditation impacts your educational trip in several ways. The CSUN SLP program meets strict standards in these six areas:

• Administrative structure and governance
• Faculty qualifications and expertise
• Curriculum design and implementation
• Student admission and support services
• Assessment processes
• Program resources

Students who enroll in the CSUN speech pathology masters program receive education that matches industry standards. The program staff conducts regular internal evaluations to meet goals and maintain quality. On top of that, it employs qualified faculty with advanced degrees in speech-language pathology who stay current through continuing education.

This accreditation offers real benefits to students. Graduates from the CSUN communication disorders program qualify for ASHA certification—a credential respected across the country. This qualification opens doors to career growth, better jobs, mobility, and professional credibility.

Students working toward the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential must complete the master’s degree in communicative disorders with the right emphasis. CSUN’s department of Communication Disorders and Sciences maintains its position as an accredited training program that the Council on Academic Accreditation recognizes.

Without doubt, this accreditation helps achieve the program’s impressive 93% graduate employment rate, showing how much employers value graduates from accredited institutions.

Admission Requirements

CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs have strict academic requirements for admission. The program remains highly competitive, and recent cohort admissions show an average GPA of 3.79.

Qualified applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology or complete all prerequisites before deadlines. The program’s prerequisite curriculum includes ten courses:

• Phonetics (CD405)
• Hearing Science (CD410)
• Speech and Language Development (CD415)
• Speech Science (CD442)
• Basic Audiometry courses (CD445, CD446)
• Fluency Disorders (CD450)
• Phonology and Articulation Disorders (CD451)
• Language Disorders (CD462)
• Diagnostic Methods (CD469A)

ASHA Standard IV-A requirements add coursework in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences. Students must earn grades of ‘C’ or better in all courses.

CSUN’s speech pathology program requires a minimum university GPA of 2.5, but the program’s competitive nature means a GPA of 3.5 or higher in communication disorders courses substantially improves your chances. Students applying for Fall 2026 admission will not need GRE scores.

Students without a speech pathology background can take the Certificate of Pre-SLP program pathway. This option needs a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester units. Pre-SLP students who achieve a 3.85 GPA or higher and receive positive faculty recommendations automatically qualify for the Master’s program.

Applicants must submit two applications: the Department Graduate Application through CSDCAS and the CSUN University Application. The process requires three recommendations (preferably from academic faculty), official transcripts from all institutions, and a personal statement. A $70 application fee applies and is non-refundable.

Applications for Fall admission must reach the university by January 15.

Tuition and Fees

Making the choice to invest in your education can hit your wallet hard, especially when you’re looking at specialized programs like speech pathology. CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs come with clear pricing that changes based on your chosen path.

The Master’s program in Communicative Disorders will cost you $862 per unit and takes 63 units to finish. This adds up to $54,306 in total tuition. The Pre-Speech Language Pathology Certificate program runs $814 per unit for 30 units, coming to $24,420.

Your expenses won’t stop at tuition. Here’s what else you need to budget for:

• University application fee: $70 (non-refundable)
• Books and supplies: Costs vary by program
• Graduation application fee: $47
• Proctored examination fees: Required for about half of all courses
• Clinical practicum expenses: Extra costs may apply

The CSUN communication disorders program runs independently from State of California funding. Each group of students needs full budget coverage throughout their program time. This ensures everyone graduates on time with updated coursework.

Students can pay tuition through VISA or MasterCard credit cards, e-checks, or regular checks. Keep in mind that bounced checks come with a $10 fee plus another $10 for administration.

Qualified students can access financial aid options in the CSUN speech pathology program. Students should submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to get priority processing. US Military Veterans and their dependents with VA Educational Benefits should reach out to CSUN’s Veterans Affairs Office.

The program follows strict rules about refunds. Students can get full tuition waived only if the Tseng College receives written withdrawal notice by 11:59 p.m. before the Self-Support Session Start Date. Medical issues or emergencies might qualify for special consideration.

The CSUN speech pathology master’s program needs serious financial commitment, but its 93% job placement rate shows it pays off professionally.

Career Outcomes

CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs graduates enjoy excellent career prospects. A master’s degree from the CSUN speech pathology program leads to a median salary of $112,030. This is a big deal as it means that the national median of $95,410 for communication sciences graduates with similar qualifications.

A master’s degree from the CSUN speech pathology program opens doors since it meets the professional entry-level requirement for employment as a speech-language pathologist. The program prepares you to meet licensing requirements in all states. You can work in:

• Medical facilities and rehabilitation centers
• Public schools (with education credentials)
• Private practice settings
• Teletherapy and home health services

California-based speech-language pathologists earn an average annual wage of $107,110, well above the national average of $92,630. The state currently employs 19,810 SLPs out of 172,100 nationwide.

The future looks bright for speech pathologists. California projects a 22% growth rate from 2024-2034, higher than the national projection of 19%. This growth comes from an aging population and better medical advances that help more people survive conditions requiring speech assessment and treatment.

The CSUN communication disorders program graduates now work at many prominent organizations:

• Los Angeles Unified School District
• Kaiser Permanente
• San Diego Unified School District
• Easterseals
• Long Beach Unified School District

Career services at California State University-Northridge are a great way to get guidance on your career path. Students get access to job banks, on-campus job fairs, career counseling (both group and individual), on-campus employer recruitment, interview workshops, resume preparation, and individual job placement assistance. Graduates join a network of over 435,000 CSUN alumni—a powerful resource for career growth.

What’s Unique about the Speech Pathology Programs at CSU Northridge

CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs stand out through their unique blend of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and student-focused approach.

Students gain ground experience at the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center. They provide clinical services to community members under expert guidance. The center goes beyond basic care by offering specialized treatment through dedicated clinics. These clinics focus on voice disorders, stuttering, neurological conditions, and augmentative communication.

Student diversity is the core of CSUN’s communication disorders program. Many graduate programs don’t deal very well with representation. However, the department maintains impressive diversity rates—64% of bachelor’s graduates identify as Hispanic or Latino.

The cohort model used in both campus and online formats builds a supportive learning community. This approach helps create strong professional bonds between peers and ensures smooth progression through coursework. A graduate highlighted how this structure allowed them to “live an entire full life while pursuing this degree.”

Faculty members bring expertise in many specialty areas, which exposes students to different clinical approaches and research methods. This knowledge helps graduates tackle communication disorders in various populations and settings.

CSUN SLP program prepares students for their careers through its vast 435,000+ alumni network. These connections are a great way to get clinical placements, mentorship, and job opportunities.

The CSUN speech pathology masters program supports working professionals through flexible options. The Pre-SLP Certificate, which can lead to automatic master’s program admission, shows their steadfast dedication to accessibility and career growth.

The program’s results prove its worth. A 93% employment rate and median salaries that exceed national averages demonstrate CSUN speech pathology program’s success in delivering quality education.

Want to advance your career in speech pathology? CSU Northridge Speech Pathology Programs has a clear timeline for applications. Students interested in the Fall 2026 cohort should note key dates – the Department M.S. SLP Graduate Program Application opens October 1, 2025, and closes January 15, 2026.

Your application materials need thoughtful preparation to yield better results. A strong personal statement should showcase your academic interests and professional goals. Your personal experiences linked to professional aspirations can make your application stand out.

Students pursuing speech-language pathology through CSUN’s speech pathology masters program can complete their studies in two years with full-time traditional format, or three years through the online program. This time allows you to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for clinical practice.

After receiving your acceptance letter, you must confirm enrollment by the deadline specified. CSUN’s SLP program’s selective admission standards make it vital to secure your spot quickly. You’ll then get details about orientation sessions where you’ll meet department resources, faculty, and your cohort members.

Blackboard learning management system serves as the main platform for course materials and communications – familiarize yourself with it before classes start. Online students should test their technology setup early to avoid disruptions during coursework.

Current students and recent graduates of the CSUN communication disorders program can offer valuable insights about their experiences. Their first-hand views often provide context that goes beyond official program descriptions.

A methodical approach to your application and program preparation will boost your chances of joining successful CSUN speech pathology program graduates who make meaningful differences in their clients’ communication abilities daily.