Loma Linda University’s Speech Pathology Programs

Loma Linda University creates a complete educational pathway for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Their programs range from undergraduate to doctoral levels and prepare students at different stages of their professional development in this specialized healthcare field.

Students begin with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which builds the foundation for clinical practice. The program teaches students to assess and treat communication disorders, such as articulation, language, stuttering, voice, and swallowing difficulties. Students complete two years of prerequisites followed by two years of professional courses.

Loma Linda offers both standard and transitional Master of Science programs at the graduate level. The standard MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders takes seven quarters (about two years) of full-time study for students with a communication disorders background. Students from other disciplines need three years to complete the transitional MS, with their first year focused on foundational coursework.

Graduates from both master’s programs qualify for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They also receive the preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services credential for California public schools and the temporary license from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.

The Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) serves as a post-entry level professional degree for practitioners who want advanced expertise. This program stands out as one of few in the country and remains the only one in California. It shapes master clinicians, clinical researchers, and university clinical faculty. Students complete the doctorate in 2.5 to 3 years, taking two courses per quarter for eight quarters plus time for their research capstone project.

Clinical education remains the core of these programs. Students work hands-on in hospitals, schools, and private clinics. This experience ensures graduates can handle the full spectrum of communication and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages.

Program Information

Speech pathology programs at Loma Linda University blend challenging academics with extensive clinical training. Students move through the curriculum together in cohorts. This structure helps promote collaboration and builds lasting professional relationships.

Hands-on clinical practicum serves as the core of education at all degree levels. Students get practical experience before they enter professional practice, with clinical placements preceding theoretical coursework completion. This approach will give graduates the preparation they need to handle ground challenges in healthcare settings of all types.

The bachelor’s program focuses on professional courses and practical experience in the final two years after prerequisite coursework. The master’s program distinguishes itself with a complete clinical education component that offers experiences in a variety of settings from hospitals to schools to private clinics.

Small class sizes make a big difference with only 25 students maximum and an impressive 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio for incoming junior classes. Students receive individual-specific instruction and attention throughout their educational trip.

Doctoral students work in two main areas. The research area provides background and support to complete independent research projects. The content area helps students become experts in complex topics through evidence-based seminar courses. Most doctoral students complete the program in 2.5 to 3 years. They take two courses per quarter for eight quarters and spend extra time finishing their research capstone project.

Clinical education remains the program’s greatest strength. Master’s degree completion makes you eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence, California’s Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services credential, and the Temporary License in Speech-Language Pathology. The program also prepares you to begin a Clinical Fellowship while working toward certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Master’s students dedicate their second year’s winter and spring quarters to full-time public school placement and medical fieldwork experiences. Students should prepare financially since fieldwork might require out-of-state completion.

Online and Hybrid Options

Loma Linda University’s speech pathology programs offer flexible learning pathways. Students can choose from several degrees with remote or blended study options that fit their needs.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders comes in both in-person and online formats. Students can access quality education whatever their location. Both options provide the same knowledge and applied skills students just need for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) licensure.

Working professionals will find the Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate (SLPD) mostly online. The program employs a synchronous, cohort-based structure and weekly evening Zoom sessions that aid live interaction during distance learning. These scheduled collaborative sessions keep students highly engaged despite the remote format.

Loma Linda University clearly distinguishes between its various program delivery methods:

• Online: Programs delivered 100% online with no face-to-face meetings
• Online (+): Primarily online instruction with limited on-campus meetings (such as orientation or graduation)
• Hybrid: Combination of face-to-face and online learning components
• Off-campus: Fully face-to-face instruction at locations away from the main LLU campus

State regulations affect online program eligibility. Only residents of certain states can enroll in Loma Linda’s online speech pathology programs due to varying state authorization requirements. Students should check the university’s website for a current list of eligible states before applying.

Many institutions now offer flexible learning options to meet the growing need for speech-language pathologists. Notwithstanding that, Loma Linda stands out through its blend of academic excellence, clinical expertise, and faith-based values across all formats.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a key quality indicator for Loma Linda University’s speech pathology programs. It ensures graduates meet professional standards needed for clinical practice. The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Loma Linda University holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This accreditation extends through 2028, and the next review will take place in August 2027.

Students who graduate from Loma Linda’s master’s program can apply for their Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA. This credential is vital for professional practice. ASHA’s accreditation shows the program’s credibility and confirms it meets or exceeds standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical education, and student outcomes.

The speech pathology programs have multiple quality assurance measures in place. The Bachelor of Science program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This approval allows students to pursue the California Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential in Language, Speech, and Hearing. Loma Linda University also maintains regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

This detailed accreditation framework brings great benefits to students. Accredited programs maintain strong connections with the speech pathology community and create valuable internship and networking opportunities. State licensing boards require degrees from accredited institutions. Yes, it is common for employers—including hospitals, schools, and healthcare organizations—to prefer hiring speech-language pathologists from ASHA-accredited programs.

Prospective students should consider accreditation status carefully when choosing speech pathology programs. Loma Linda’s steady maintenance of accreditation at every program level shows its steadfast dedication to educational excellence in training future speech-language pathologists.

Admission Requirements

Loma Linda University’s speech pathology programs have specific academic and professional standards that differ for each degree level. The university runs competitive admissions processes with clear requirements for all programs.

Students who want to join the Bachelor of Science program need 96 quarter units or 64 semester units in general education. A complete application needs official transcripts from accredited institutions, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation—academic sources are preferred. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Master of Science program demands higher academic standards. Students need an undergraduate major in Speech-Language Pathology (also called Communication Disorders). Successful candidates usually have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.3 GPA for their last 96 quarter credits or 64 semester credits. Students must submit applications by January 1st for fall quarter admission. The selection process includes an interview and a writing assessment.

The Transitional Master’s program requires completed undergraduate courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences.

The Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology has the most rigorous requirements. Candidates need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.3 GPA. The program requires at least six months of professional practice experience, current clinical certification (CCCs), and state licensure. Applicants must submit a resume, three reference letters, and a 2-3 page statement that describes their research interests and professional experience. Selected candidates go through a Skype interview, and final decisions depend on candidate strength and faculty mentor availability. The deadline for applications is June 1st.

Loma Linda University takes an all-encompassing approach to evaluate academic performance and professional potential for all speech pathology programs.

Tuition and Fees

Money plays a vital role in choosing a speech pathology program. Loma Linda University charges the same tuition for all students, whether they live in California or not. This makes it unique compared to many public schools in the state.

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program costs approximately $34,320 per year. Students pay about $27,040 in tuition and $3,600 in fees, which adds up to $30,640 each year. Recent data shows some changes, with graduate tuition at $26,080 plus $3,292 in fees.

Graduate students at Loma Linda should know about the credit hour pricing. The 2018-2019 rate was $815 per credit hour for graduate courses. This is a big deal as it means that graduate rates are higher than undergraduate rates, which were $640 per credit hour during that time.

Looking at costs across schools, Loma Linda’s tuition runs higher than California state universities but matches other private schools with speech pathology programs. To cite an instance, California State University programs usually cost between $7,000-$9,000 yearly for in-state students and $16,000-$20,000 for out-of-state students.

New students should know that costs typically go up each year with inflation in professional education. The university suggests reaching out to the Office of Student Finance to get the latest numbers before making any decisions.

We offer several ways to help with these costs. Students love scholarships, grants, and fellowships because they don’t need to be paid back. Students taking at least 4 units per quarter in graduate programs can qualify for financial aid.

Students from other countries need extra financial planning. They must show they can cover 12 months of living costs based on university estimates. This becomes especially important when students need to complete fieldwork assignments in other states.

Career Outcomes

Speech pathology graduates from Loma Linda University step into a field with strong job prospects and excellent pay. The numbers tell an encouraging story – speech language pathologists in Loma Linda earn $51.74 per hour on average. This rate stands up well against other locations, though California shows varying rates from San Jose at $59.79 per hour to San Bernardino at $44.13 per hour.

Completing Loma Linda’s programs qualifies you for key professional credentials. You can earn the Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services credential for California public schools and the Temporary License in Speech-Language Pathology from California’s Department of Consumer Affairs. These credentials help you work as a Clinical Fellow while you pursue full certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

A Loma Linda University degree opens doors to many workplace settings:

• Public and private schools
• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Short-term and long-term nursing facilities
• Community clinics and private practices
• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies at state and federal levels
• Home health agencies and adult day care centers
• Research laboratories

Your career can grow beyond entry-level roles into specialized or leadership positions. To name just one example, speech pathology supervisors earn between $59,000-$97,000 yearly, while directors can make $61,000-$112,000. Clinical expertise often creates chances in education, policy development, product breakthroughs, or nonprofit leadership.

The job outlook for speech-language pathologists looks bright, with an expected growth of 18% between 2023-2033—growing by a lot faster than average jobs. Loma Linda graduates enter a stable field with plenty of chances to advance throughout their careers.

What’s Unique about the Speech Pathology Programs at Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University’s speech pathology programs stand out with unique qualities that go well beyond standard academic requirements and accreditation. The university has established itself as one of California’s leading destinations for speech-language pathology education.

Loma Linda University takes pride in offering California’s only Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) program. This post-professional degree is rare nationwide and positions the university at the forefront of advanced clinical practice education. The doctoral program combines live online learning with independent research. This structure creates perfect opportunities for professionals who want to advance their careers without moving.

The university’s faith-based foundation brings a comprehensive approach to healthcare education in its speech pathology programs. Students learn to look beyond clinical aspects of communication disorders. The curriculum smoothly combines physical, mental, social, and spiritual elements of patient care. This whole-person philosophy shapes everything in the program from classroom learning to hands-on clinical experience.

There’s another reason these programs excel – their small class sizes. Junior classes have only 25 students with a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:6. Students receive individual-specific mentorship that’s hard to find at bigger schools. These intimate learning communities help build lasting professional bonds between students and faculty.

Students can complete their entire education journey from bachelor’s through doctorate at one institution. This setup provides consistent educational values throughout all degree levels.

Clinical training at Loma Linda is rich with diverse practical experiences. The university has built mutually beneficial alliances with more than 300 hospitals, schools, and specialty centers nationwide. Students gain exposure to a wide range of communication disorders and treatment methods.

The university places strong emphasis on research-based practice. Students at every level contribute to expanding field knowledge. Graduates become professionals who not only use existing treatments but also help push the field forward.