San Francisco State Speech Pathology Programs

The Nicholas Certo Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic at San Francisco State has made the most important effect on speech pathology education for over five decades. This 50-year-old training facility helps people of all ages by providing free screenings, diagnostic evaluations, and speech and language therapy services.

A master’s degree leads to professional licensing for anyone who wants to become a speech-language pathologist. San Francisco State University’s speech pathology graduate programs hold accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through 2033. This credential allows graduates to take the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s National Examination and qualify for state licensure. The university stands as a leader among California’s accredited speech pathology schools.

This guide details admission requirements, program features, tuition costs, and career outcomes for San Francisco State University’s speech pathology programs in the 2025 academic year.

Program Features

San Francisco State’s Speech Pathology Programs shapes competent, culturally aware speech-language pathologists who value research in their clinical practice. Students learn through hands-on academic and clinical experiences with expert instructors, researchers, and supervisors both on and off campus.

The program requires 35 units of coursework plus 6 units of clinical practica. On top of that, students need to finish internships worth 14 units to get the required 375 clinical clock hours and 25 observation hours for certification and licensure. Students typically take at least five full-time semesters, including a summer session, to complete these requirements.

Students work at the Nicholas Certo Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic where they conduct screenings, evaluations, and therapy for clients of all ages. This clinic serves as a vital training ground while providing affordable, quality speech-language services to the San Francisco Bay Area community. Licensed, ASHA-certified faculty members supervise all services to maintain professional standards.

The program stands out among California’s speech pathology graduate programs with its specialty tracks. These include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism and Neurodiversity, Inclusive Early Childhood, and a Spanish-Bilingual Specialization. Students who choose these specializations might need up to 15 additional units, which could add one to two semesters to their program.

Graduates can qualify for American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certification, California state licensure in speech-language pathology, and the State of California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. The program builds clinical skills through academic knowledge, research understanding, and awareness of clients’ needs, values, and cultures.

We deliver most classes face-to-face, though students in internship placements outside the San Francisco Bay Area can get modifications during their second year.

Online and Hybrid Options

San Francisco State University stands apart from many California institutions because it does not offer its speech pathology programs in a fully online format. The university chooses a face-to-face educational approach that emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and direct faculty interaction.

Students experience a traditional in-person delivery model through most of their studies. All the same, the university understands students need flexibility while completing their clinical hours. Students can modify their standard face-to-face format during their second year to complete internship placements outside the San Francisco Bay Area. This change lets students fulfill their clinical requirements anywhere without returning to San Francisco.

San Francisco State’s combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in speech pathology serve students looking to merge their undergraduate and graduate studies. These integrated programs create a direct path that could shorten the time needed to earn both degrees compared to separate programs.

The university maintains its traditional model, while other California institutions have created online speech pathology master’s programs. California State University San Marcos runs a part-time, cohort-based online master’s program over eight consecutive semesters. California State University Northridge provides a fully online Master of Science in Communicative Disorders. Pepperdine University’s online MS in Speech-Language Pathology comes with full-time (five trimesters) and part-time (eight trimesters) options.

San Francisco State’s steadfast dedication to in-person education shows its focus on developing clinical skills through direct supervision and hands-on practice. The program’s approach helps create competent speech-language pathologists ready for ground clinical environments. Face-to-face learning enables quick instructor feedback and builds opportunities for shared learning among peers.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech Language Pathology at San Francisco State University has full accreditation status from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) granted this prestigious accreditation for the 2025-2033 cycle. Your program’s next accreditation review will take place in February 2032, which shows ongoing compliance with professional standards.

The Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) credential program at San Francisco State also holds accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Graduates benefit from recognition by both national and state professional bodies.

The program’s influence goes way beyond the reach of institutional recognition. The SLHS department’s curriculum gives you everything you need for:

• American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certification in speech-language pathology
• State of California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC)
• State of California license to practice speech-language pathology

This complete preparation matters because practicing speech-language pathology in California requires a license from the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee Medical Board of California. Only public schools and federal facilities don’t need this license.

As a prospective student, you’ll graduate from a program that meets the field’s highest standards. The program’s academic and clinical requirements match ASHA’s guidelines closely, which puts you in a great position to get your professional certification and license.

The CAA works independently to create standards, enforce them, and grant accreditation. This thorough evaluation process means San Francisco State’s speech pathology program will prepare you well for professional practice. Your accredited degree creates a clear path to meet state licensing requirements and get the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) you need to advance in your career.

Admission Requirements

The speech pathology graduate programs at San Francisco State need careful planning and attention to deadlines. Applications for fall admission must be submitted by December 15. You’ll need to submit additional unofficial transcripts by January 15.

You need a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences or equivalent coursework to qualify for the master’s program. Students without this specific undergraduate degree must complete nine prerequisite courses before enrolling as graduate students. The process requires you to complete at least three prerequisite courses before you apply. You should have three more courses in progress during your application’s fall semester and enroll in the final three courses for the following spring.

The department sets high academic standards. You’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply for the master’s degree. Your application package should include:

• One official set of sealed transcripts from every college you attended
• Three recommendation letters from people who have seen your work in professional or educational settings
• A statement of purpose that shows your steadfast dedication to anti-discrimination and serving underserved communities
• A resume highlighting relevant experience (optional)

You must meet the Written English Proficiency requirement through your statement of purpose. The department will review it based on their rubric. The Basic Skills Requirement from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing needs to be met through one of several testing options.

Students must complete ASHA Standard IV knowledge requirements in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences.

The selection process is highly competitive. A recent cycle saw 113 applications with all but one of these spots filled with 43 admission offers. The department invites 70-100 candidates for virtual group interviews after reviewing applications. They extend admission offers to the top 40 applicants.

Admitted students must get a Certificate of Clearance through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing since all students complete internships in educational settings.

Tuition and Fees

The cost of speech pathology graduate programs plays a vital role in your educational journey. San Francisco State University’s MS in Communicative Disorders program offers competitive tuition rates among California schools.

California residents in the speech pathology master’s program will pay about $9,160 in yearly tuition for the 2025 academic year. Out-of-state students’ tuition runs higher at $20,120 per year. Non-California residents should note the extra $444 charge per unit above regular tuition.

Your total expenses will go beyond simple tuition fees. Students living on campus can expect to pay about $37,412 yearly. This amount includes:

• Tuition fees (7+ units): $8,256
• Housing: $18,270
• Food: $5,620
• Books and supplies: $1,100
• Transportation: $1,512
• Personal expenses: $2,592
• Loan fees: $62

Off-campus students need to budget $38,002 per year. Living with family can lower your costs to $27,148. These numbers don’t factor in financial aid options.

San Francisco State University stands as California’s second most affordable college. This makes it an appealing choice among the state’s speech language pathology graduate programs. Your actual costs may vary based on your course load, living situation, and lifestyle choices.

Students must clear their Spring 2025 tuition and on-campus housing balances. Otherwise, they cannot register for Summer and Fall 2025 terms.

Speech pathology master’s programs in California state universities have like tuition structures. Resident tuition ranges from $7,000-$10,000 yearly, while non-residents pay $16,000-$21,000. Private schools charge higher rates whatever your residency status.

Career Outcomes

Speech pathology graduates have excellent career prospects. U.S. News & World Report ranks speech-language therapy as one of the top 25 best careers. San Francisco State’s speech pathology graduate program prepares you to work in a variety of professional settings.

Speech-language pathologists play a vital role in healthcare and education by:

• Evaluating and diagnosing speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disabilities
• Treating patients of all ages, from infants to elderly
• Working with teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation counselors

The field offers attractive financial rewards. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants in California earn about $43,490 yearly. Licensed Speech Therapists make an average of $92,800 per year. These numbers show how much the industry values specialized expertise.

Your degree from San Francisco State opens doors beyond clinical practice. You could:

• Teach at colleges and universities
• Run agencies, clinics, or private practices
• Conduct human communication research
• Lead public school or clinical programs
• Create new evaluation and treatment methods

California offers plenty of job opportunities. About 56% of speech-language pathologists work in schools. Others find positions in healthcare facilities, outpatient centers, and residential care settings. Job growth continues steadily due to an aging population and more diagnosed communication disorders.

San Francisco State University’s Career & Leadership Development office helps students find jobs. They provide employment rates and average starting salaries of graduates when asked. This information helps you plan your career path better.

The program helps you develop qualities employers value most. You’ll gain strong communication skills, empathy, and team abilities. These skills, combined with clinical experience, make you stand out in the job market. Many students turn their internships into full-time positions after graduation.

What’s Unique about the Speech Pathology Programs at San Francisco State

San Francisco State Speech Pathology Programs stand out among California’s many options. Their unique blend of affordable education, specialized training, and community involvement makes them special.

The program’s steadfast dedication to diversity and cultural sensitivity is the core of its teaching philosophy. San Francisco State weaves these principles throughout its curriculum. Students learn to work with the Bay Area’s multicultural population effectively. This matches the university’s bigger goal of social justice and inclusive education.

These programs offer specialty tracks you won’t find at other schools. Students can become experts in areas that just need more professionals. The tracks include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism and Neurodiversity, Inclusive Early Childhood, and Spanish-Bilingual Specialization. These focused paths improve your job prospects by a lot in specialized settings.

The Nicholas Certo Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic does more than train students. It serves as a vital community resource that makes services available to underserved populations. Students learn from real cases while helping improve community health.

The program teaches research literacy – a vital skill that many clinical programs overlook. Students work with faculty on ongoing research projects. This helps them develop an evidence-based approach that’s crucial for career growth.

The faculty brings something special too. Many teachers run active clinical practices while teaching. They share ground experiences during class discussions and supervision sessions.

San Francisco’s location as a healthcare innovation hub opens doors to state-of-the-art practices and varied internship options. Students build professional networks and learn innovative approaches in speech-language pathology.

The program offers quality education at an amazing value. As California’s second most affordable college, San Francisco State helps future speech-language pathologists get excellent training without massive debt.

Getting ready to study speech-language pathology needs careful planning that goes beyond just knowing program details. When you think over San Francisco State Speech Pathology Programs, note that your success depends on early preparation and smart planning.

New applicants can learn a lot from information sessions that the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department hosts throughout the year. Faculty members give an explanation of what the program expects and how to apply. Students should sign up for the department’s mailing list to get updates about upcoming events and deadlines.

A campus visit, whether online or in-person, lets you see the training facilities like the Nicholas Certo Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. These visits help you imagine yourself in the program and add depth to your personal statement by showing genuine interest.

You should collect unofficial transcripts from all your schools to check if your GPA meets requirements. The program is competitive, and successful applicants usually have grades that are a big deal as it means that minimum standards. Excellence in prerequisite courses will help your chances.

Ask for recommendation letters early from professors and supervisors who know your clinical potential. Give them clear deadlines and details about your experiences and goals.

Students taking prerequisite courses should stay in touch with advisors to meet all requirements in order. Missing prerequisites can push your application back a year, so track everything carefully.

Your statement of purpose needs work months before the deadline, so get feedback from mentors. This document should show how well you understand the profession, your steadfast dedication to helping diverse populations, and how you arrange with San Francisco State’s mission.

Have backup plans ready by looking into other programs with different admission schedules. The field of speech-language pathology offers many paths, and San Francisco State stands out among California’s respected schools.