San Jose State Speech Pathology Programs
Speech Language Pathologists are seeing amazing career growth at 19%, and San Jose State Speech Pathology Programs lead this expanding field. The next decade looks promising with 13,200 job openings expected each year. This career path offers great opportunities right now. San Jose State University’s 50-year legacy of preparing students for speech-language pathology careers has created outstanding graduate employment outcomes.
Students looking at California’s speech pathology programs will find San Jose State’s options really appealing. The university’s online MS in Speech-Language Pathology program ranks #74 nationwide and is now available to more students. Licensed Speech Therapists in California earn $112,030 on average, making it a lucrative career choice. The program combines solid coursework with clinical practicum that helps students become skilled at serving culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This skill is vital as our aging population creates more need for SLPs.
Program Attributes
San Jose State University’s Master of Science program in Speech Language Pathology provides a strong curriculum that covers many communication disorders. Students learn about articulation disorders, fluency disorders, augmentative communication, voice disorders, dysphagia, neurogenic disorders, hearing disorders, language disorders, and cognitive-communication disorders.
Students receive clinical training based on evidence-based assessment and intervention within ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive frameworks. The Kay Armstead Center for Communicative Disorders serves as the program’s cornerstone and provides extensive hands-on experience through specialized clinics. The center has an AAC clinic, voice clinic, a clinic for adults with intellectual disability, a clinic for children with language disorders, the Spartan Aphasia Research Clinic, and a summer camp for children who stutter.
Students get valuable clinical experience with toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults in different settings. They can work in public, private, and charter schools, rehabilitation agencies, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals.
Students can choose from several flexible study paths:
- Regular 2-year track (on-campus)
- Extended 3-year track (on-campus)
- Regular 2-year track (online program)
Students without prerequisites can take the three-year plan, which starts with one year of leveling coursework before the regular two-year plan. The online program, SJSU SPEAKS (Speech-Language Pathology Education and Applied Knowledge and Skills), combines asynchronous learning with synchronous sessions scheduled on weekday evenings.
Students complete their program with either a thesis or comprehensive exam/project. Each program variation requires 66 semester credit hours.
San Jose State ranks among California’s first Communicative Disorders and Sciences programs and has prepared speech-language pathologists over the last several years. This legacy helps create specialty training opportunities in neurodiversity and maintains a strong multicultural focus.
Online and Hybrid Options
San Jose State University’s online MS in Speech-Language Pathology program lets you advance your education without moving or disrupting your current commitments. The university has expanded its Speech Pathology Programs with a fully online option that matches the academic rigor of on-campus learning. Students nationwide can now access San Jose State’s speech language pathology graduate experience.
The program follows a standard 2-year track. You’ll get detailed education through virtual learning and hands-on clinical experience. Your academic coursework happens entirely online while you connect with a small group of fellow students. This creates a supportive learning community even though students are physically apart.
San Jose State University’s speech pathology graduate program stands out from other online options through its steadfast dedication to local clinical training. Your academic work happens online, but fieldwork and observation take place at sites near you in various settings. You’ll get essential practical skills without traveling far. This gives you the best of both worlds – flexible online learning and great hands-on experience needed for speech-language pathology practice.
The program prepares you specifically to serve culturally and linguistically diverse communities through its well-laid-out curriculum and clinical practicum. This lines up perfectly with California’s diverse population needs. Graduates from San Jose State speech pathology programs have excellent job prospects.
California offers several online or hybrid speech-language pathology programs. But San Jose State excels by offering a complete online degree with local clinical placements—perfect for working professionals entering this growing field. Your location in the country doesn’t matter – you can access this respected California program and benefit from its 20-year-old reputation and excellent employment outcomes.
Accreditation
San Jose State’s Speech Pathology Programs stand out with their official recognition as leaders in speech-language pathology education. The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at San José State University has earned full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This recognition applies to both residential and distance education formats, which guarantees the same quality across all program delivery methods.
The program’s credentials go beyond national accreditation in California. The Master’s program has earned accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. Graduates can work in educational settings throughout the state thanks to this dual accreditation. The program received approval from California’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, proving it right as a complete preparation for professional practice.
The program’s accreditation runs through 2026, with the next review scheduled for August 2025. This extended period shows how well the program meets strict academic standards. San Jose State has managed to keep full operational status throughout its accreditation history.
These accreditations give students real advantages. Graduating from an accredited program means you’ll meet all educational requirements for national certification and state licensure. Many employers prefer candidates from accredited programs because they know these graduates meet professional standards.
The accreditation process looks at everything – curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and resources. San Jose State speech pathology masters graduates get the knowledge and clinical skills they need to work effectively. This careful quality control leads to excellent job placement rates and prepares graduates to help people of all backgrounds with proven treatment methods.
Admission Requirements
Getting into California’s top speech pathology graduate programs requires specific entrance criteria. Students who want to join San Jose State University speech pathology programs must complete a thorough application process that reviews their academic background and success potential.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications with GPAs below this threshold might not receive consideration. The program doesn’t require GRE scores, which makes it easier for qualified candidates to apply.
Students must complete these three key components by February 1:
- Cal State Apply submission – Creates your official university record
- Official transcript submission – Must be sent to both SJSU’s Graduate Applications office and CSDCAS
- CSDCAS Application – Has personal essay, resume, and recommendation letters
The personal statement should be 500-600 words about your experience with diverse cultures, languages, and identities, showing the program’s dedication to enhancing diversity in the profession. Students need to submit three recommendation letters through the CSDCAS portal alongside their academic credentials.
International students face additional requirements. Students with degrees from non-English speaking institutions must provide language proficiency scores: TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 8.0), or PTE (minimum 80). Their international coursework needs evaluation from an approved transcript evaluation service.
SJSU’s speech language pathology graduate program accepts students only for Fall admission. Accepted students must confirm their enrollment by selecting “yes” in the Intent to Enroll system and pay a $200 non-refundable deposit.
The program boasts a 98% graduate employment rate, making admission quite competitive. Students should make sure their application materials showcase their qualifications and passion for speech-language pathology effectively.
Tuition and Fees
Students should understand the financial commitment before they pursue San Jose State’s speech pathology programs. The Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program charges $19,650 for the first year. This fee applies to all students, whatever their choice of on-campus or online program.
San Jose State University belongs to the California State University system and makes quality education accessible to more people. Students get excellent value compared to other Silicon Valley universities while receiving nationally recognized training.
Students should know that SJSU’s fees might change. The university might increase or modify listed fees if public funding falls short. The Board of Trustees, Chancellor, or Presidents can approve changes to CSU listed fees, so these amounts serve as estimates. Changes to mandatory systemwide fees align with the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act.
The total cost includes more than just tuition. Students need to budget for housing, food, utilities, and personal expenses that depend on individual lifestyle choices. Some courses might need extra fees or materials based on department requirements.
Speech pathology students at SJSU have several financial aid options. The university’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office helps students secure federal, state, and university funding. Lurie College of Education awards scholarships each spring based on academic performance, community involvement, and dedication to education.
The Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences employs students as instructional support assistants, teaching assistants, and research assistants as jobs open up. Professional organizations provide additional scholarship opportunities. These include the Santa Clara County Speech-Language Hearing Association, California Speech Language Hearing Association, Council on Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and American Speech Language Hearing Foundation.
Career Outcomes
San Jose State Speech Pathology graduates are doing great in their careers. MS in Education, Speech Pathology graduates earn salaries between $75,000 and $77,500. These impressive earnings show how much employers value skilled speech-language pathologists in different work settings. The program awards you a Master of Science degree and qualifies you to work as a speech-language pathologist. The job market just needs more qualified professionals.
You’ll find jobs in schools, hospitals, private practices, and nursing facilities throughout California and beyond. California leads all states in job postings, which makes speech pathology programs in the state a smart career choice.
Speech-language pathologists earn well across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $89,290 for these professionals. California offers even better earning potential, with speech-language pathologists making an average of $112,030 yearly. This makes California the best-paying state in this field.
Elementary and secondary schools employ most speech-language pathologists (67,640), with health practitioner offices coming in second (42,750). While schools offer decent pay at $83,720 yearly, home health care services pay much more at $121,410 per year.
San Jose State University keeps track of how well its graduates do. Success means either getting into a postgraduate program or finding a degree-required job within six months after graduation. MS in Education, Speech Pathology graduates in Guam earn between $46,000 and $57,000, showing how salaries vary by location.
The job involves evaluating speech-language issues, providing therapy, attending educational meetings, creating stimulation programs, and keeping detailed records.
What’s Unique about the Speech Pathology Programs at San Jose State
San Jose State Speech Pathology Programs stand out well beyond their simple curriculum and accreditation. The programs boast a 98% graduate employment rate, an exceptional outcome that ranks SJSU among California’s best speech pathology graduate programs. Several unique program features combine to create an exceptional educational journey.
SJSU’s speech language pathology education excels with its multicultural emphasis that mirrors California’s population diversity. Students develop cultural competence to serve clients from varied backgrounds. This focus has grown more valuable as the field embraces diversity in speech-language pathology.
There’s another reason the program stands out – its neurodiversity specialty training. SJSU’s speech pathology graduate program prepares students to work with neurodiverse populations, which many similar programs don’t address.
The Kay Armstead Center for Communicative Disorders doubles as a training facility and community resource. Students gain hands-on experience through specialized clinics. The center connects academic learning with ground applications while students complete their program.
SJSU’s 50-year legacy in communicative disorders education has built an extensive alumni network throughout California and beyond. This professional community provides mentorship opportunities and job connections that newer programs can’t match.
The program’s balance of academic rigor and practical preparation makes it unique. Faculty members who maintain active clinical practices keep the curriculum aligned with current field needs.
The program’s high employment rate stems from its reputation for producing practice-ready graduates. Employers know SJSU graduates have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to contribute in clinical settings of all types. This difference continues to draw students who seek quality speech pathology programs in California.