USC Speech Pathology Programs

Want a career with amazing growth potential? Speech pathology jobs are expected to grow by 18% through 2033. USC Speech Pathology Programs create a clear path to becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in California. The state ranks second in SLP salaries nationwide, with professionals earning an average of $92,280 annually.

USC’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) ranks among the top 30 speech-language pathology programs in the United States. Students complete 69 units spread across six semesters in this two-year program. The curriculum combines advanced academic training with hands-on clinical experience. This premier program helps students accumulate 400 hours of clinical practice with patients of different ages and backgrounds.

USC graduates can apply for state licensure right after completion and start their clinical fellowships to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. The program’s ongoing accreditation lets students learn from leading researchers who shape evidence-based practices in the field. This guide covers everything about USC’s speech pathology graduate program, from school comparisons to ASHA certification requirements.

Program Features

The USC Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program offers a well-laid-out educational experience for future speech-language pathologists. The program follows a cohort model and accepts 25 students who learn together. This setup encourages a shared learning environment.

The detailed program runs for six consecutive semesters over two years and needs 69 total units. Your placement in the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery gives you unmatched access to specialized medical resources and expert knowledge.

Clinical education is the core of USC’s speech pathology masters program in California. You’ll experience diverse community-based clinical work throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Students get 400 clinical hours required by ASHA in settings of all types and with different age groups. This experience means graduates can work in both healthcare and educational settings.

USC’s program stands out because it connects with one of America’s best medical schools in the nation’s second-largest city. Students get remarkable opportunities for cross-professional experiences. You can participate with faculty and researchers in unique programs like the monthly “Coffee and Conversation” meetings where everyone learns together.

After finishing the program, you’ll be ready to:

• Take and pass the Praxis Examination
• Apply for the Speech-Language Pathology Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Get Required Professional Experience (RPE) for California state licensure
• Complete your Clinical Fellowship (CF) through ASHA
• Earn your Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)

USC’s speech pathology graduate program prepares you for immediate entry into this growing profession. You’ll have all needed credentials and rich clinical experience to start your career.

Online and Hybrid Options

USC Speech Pathology Programs stand out from other educational offerings by providing exclusively in-person experiences. The MS-SLP program at USC runs as a fully residential program with approval from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Students must attend all classes and clinical experiences on campus throughout their studies.

Students who want to learn about speech pathology masters programs in California should know that USC doesn’t offer any distance education options. The program strictly follows its approved curriculum without modifications for alternative delivery methods. The program clearly states it “does not offer online courses or part-time status“.

Many speech pathology programs provide flexible scheduling through online platforms. USC takes a different path by focusing on in-person education’s benefits. This approach helps students develop interpersonal communication skills through direct interaction with faculty, peers, and patients – vital skills for speech-language pathologists.

USC’s program’s in-person nature lines up with what experts call the gold standard for clinical training among California’s best speech pathology graduate programs. Online programs give students flexibility to balance work and studies. USC chooses to promote immersive experiences that offer live feedback and hands-on clinical skills development.

Students thinking over USC’s speech pathology graduate program should note its policy against accepting transfer students. The full-time structure will give a unified experience as all students progress through the rigorous curriculum together.

USC’s program might limit flexibility for some students. Yet this structure shows USC’s steadfast dedication to maintaining high clinical education standards in one of California’s best SLP programs.

Accreditation

Accreditation plays a vital role in ranking the best speech pathology graduate programs in California. The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech Language Pathology at USC now has Candidate for Accreditation status with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Candidacy status represents a “preaccreditation” standing that developing programs can hold for up to five years. USC’s Candidacy Accreditation Cycle runs from May 2, 2021, through April 30, 2026 – a crucial detail for future students.

You might wonder what Candidacy means. The U.S. Secretary of Education recognizes that all credits and degrees earned from a program holding candidacy status with the CAA are considered to be from an accredited program. This recognition exists because the CAA serves as an approved accrediting agency.

Students who enroll in USC’s program will have the same rights and privileges as those in fully accredited programs. After graduation, you will:

• Get your master’s degree in speech-language pathology from USC
• Become eligible to take the Praxis examination
• Meet qualifications to apply for a Clinical Fellowship

The program’s curriculum matches the knowledge and skills requirements set by both the CAA and the 2020 Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) Standards of ASHA. This match will give graduates solid preparation for professional practice.

The program opens multiple professional paths. You can apply for the Speech-Language Pathology Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, pursue Required Professional Experience for state licensure in California, and complete a Clinical Fellowship through ASHA to earn your Certificate of Clinical Competence.

ASHA uses CAA accreditation as its endorsement for SLP graduate programs that meet specific curriculum requirements. These programs prepare graduates for CCC-SLP certification nationwide. The accreditation process looks at six core program areas: administrative structure, faculty qualifications, curriculum design, student resources, assessment procedures, and program resources.

Admission Requirements

USC’s speech pathology graduate program has a highly competitive admission process with strict academic standards. Students must achieve a minimum 3.00 overall GPA to be considered.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) from an accredited U.S. institution. A baccalaureate in another field plus a post-baccalaureate (leveling) program completion will also work. Students should complete all preparatory or leveling courses at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. The program doesn’t accept undergraduate degrees or leveling courses from international institutions.

The ASHA prerequisite coursework must be completed before starting the program. These courses are:

• Biological Sciences (human or animal science content)
• Physical Sciences (specifically physics or chemistry)
• Social/Behavioral Sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.)
• Statistics (must be a stand-alone course)

Each prerequisite course requires at least 3 credits. These foundation courses are essential to succeed in speech-language pathology.

Your application package should have:

• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Three letters of recommendation from professors, therapists, or professionals who know your skills and abilities
• A detailed personal statement showcasing your field interest, relevant experiences, and program value alignment
• Responses to two required short-answer essays
• A detailed resume/CV listing relevant work, volunteer experiences, research, and extracurricular activities
• Completed ASHA Prerequisite Form
• Post-Baccalaureate Courses Form (if applicable)

The program accepts applications for Fall 2025 admissions. Meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance. A well-prepared application with strong components will boost your chances of joining one of California’s best SLP programs.

Tuition and Fees

Planning your finances carefully makes sense when you want to study at one of the best SLP programs in California. The USC Speech Pathology Programs cost quite a bit. The total direct cost estimate for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program reaches $173,065. This amount includes tuition and fees but doesn’t cover indirect costs like books, supplies, housing, and personal expenses.

First-year students in the 2024-2025 academic year will pay fall tuition of $34,952 for 15 semester units, spring tuition of $34,952 for 16 semester units, and summer tuition of $26,928 for 12 semester units. USC’s flat rate tuition structure lets students take 15-18 units per semester without extra charges.

Students must also budget for required fees each semester. These fees are the Health Center Fee ($650) and Programming Fee ($27.50). The estimated total comes to $167,842 for tuition plus $5,223 for fees.

The MS-SLP program is a newer addition to USC’s speech pathology graduate offerings. The department doesn’t provide departmental scholarships, aid, assistantships, or other financial support right now. Students should look for external funding sources.

Financial help is still available through federal, state, university, and private channels. Students can access gift aid (grants that don’t need repayment), employment opportunities, and student or parent loans. Need-based financial aid can help cover the gap between costs and what you can afford.

The costs might look overwhelming at first, but good financial planning makes this investment possible. Call the USC Financial Aid Office at (213) 740-4444 to learn more about your funding options. Many students find the financial commitment worth it, given the program’s quality among speech pathology masters programs in California.

Career Outcomes

USC’s Speech-Language Pathology graduates step into a booming job market with excellent career prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21% growth in jobs for speech-language pathologists over the next decade. This growth rate is way ahead of most other professions and will create plenty of opportunities in all types of settings.

The financial outlook makes the educational investment worthwhile. Speech-language pathologists nationwide earned a median annual wage of $89,290 in 2023. California’s earning potential is even better, with many SLPs making six-figure salaries. The pay varies by workplace. School-based positions typically pay between $71,000 and $83,000. Healthcare settings average $82,000, while administrators and supervisors earn around $113,000.

USC’s program prepares you to work effectively in educational and healthcare settings. The field’s flexibility lets you work in a variety of environments. About 39% of SLPs work in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Others build rewarding careers in schools or private practice.

USC’s program location in Los Angeles creates excellent opportunities for clinical placements and jobs. Students get hands-on experience through internships with major organizations like Los Angeles Unified School District, USC Keck Medicine, and specialized facilities like the John Tracy Clinic. These connections often lead to jobs after graduation.

The program’s innovative approach prepares you for new specialties in the field. These include gender-affirming voice care, alternative/augmented communication, and services for neurodiverse populations. This preparation helps graduates stay competitive as the profession evolves.

The USC MS-SLP program gives you the tools to get proper licensure, credentialing, and certification in all settings. This sets you up for immediate success in this growing field.

What’s Unique about the Speech Pathology Programs at USC

USC Speech Pathology Programs stand out from other California masters programs through several unique features. The program combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience in a medical setting – something you won’t find at many other schools.

The program’s placement in USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery makes it exceptional. Students work directly with practicing physicians, researchers, and diverse patient populations. This gives them a huge advantage when developing advanced clinical skills.

USC’s dedication to personalized education shows in its small class sizes. Each cohort accepts only 25 students, which allows for individual attention that larger programs can’t provide. Students and faculty build strong relationships in this close-knit environment, creating a supportive community throughout their learning experience.

Los Angeles serves as the perfect backdrop for the program. The city’s incredible diversity exposes students to patients from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Students gain practical experience at prestigious medical centers, specialized clinics, and educational institutions across Southern California.

The program’s commitment to in-person learning sets it apart from others. While this requires full-time dedication, students receive hands-on training and immediate feedback to develop their clinical skills effectively. USC believes that face-to-face interaction and personal connection are fundamental to speech-language pathology.

The program’s “Coffee and Conversation” initiative brings everyone together monthly. Students, faculty, and staff share knowledge and build relationships informally. These gatherings encourage mentorship and create professional networks that last well beyond graduation.

Though relatively new, USC’s speech pathology graduate program is quickly becoming one of California’s best. The university’s medical expertise, prestigious reputation, and prime location create a learning experience that other programs find hard to match.

Understanding USC’s Speech Pathology Programs from admission to professional certification will help you begin your path to becoming a certified speech-language pathologist. The process follows a logical progression that guides you toward your career goals.

The competitive program starts with a comprehensive curriculum that meets all ASHA standards. Faculty members become your mentors and help you complete both academic and clinical requirements. First-year students focus on core coursework and then take on more clinical responsibilities as they advance.

After you complete your degree, several significant steps remain to achieve full professional status. The path has these requirements:

1. Taking the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
2. Securing a Clinical Fellowship position for the required 36 weeks
3. Submitting documentation to ASHA for your Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
4. Applying for state licensure in California or other states where you plan to practice

The application cycle opens about one year before your intended start date. Early preparation is vital because of the program’s selective nature. You should start gathering recommendation letters, writing your personal statement, and completing prerequisite coursework months before deadlines.

Note that USC offers many support systems to help students succeed despite the program’s intensity. Academic advisors and clinical supervisors are a great way to get professional development and personal growth throughout your educational experience.

Choosing one of California’s best speech pathology graduate programs shows your steadfast dedication. USC’s Speech Pathology Programs provide an exceptional foundation to achieve a rewarding career helping others overcome communication challenges, especially if you are passionate about communication disorders and evidence-based practice.