Graduate Program

The Master of Arts (M.A.) residential training program in Speech-Language Pathology at California State University Long Beach is a cohort-based program to be completed in five (5) semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring), which includes a semester of school-based internship and a semester of medical/private practice internship.

Students who successfully complete the required coursework may earn a M.A. degree in Speech‑Language Pathology. Students who earn a M.A. degree qualify for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing, and the State of California Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology. 

The primary purpose of the CSULB SLP M.A. Program is to prepare students as professional speech-language pathologists. The program’s objectives are to provide our students with: 

  • Advanced knowledge in congenital, developmental, acquired, and neurogenic speech, language and communication disorders across the lifespan 
  • Knowledge of procedures and methods for differential diagnosis in speech-language pathology 
  • Competence in implementing evidence-based practice in making ethical clinical decisions    
  • 400 direct clinical contact hours working with individuals with various communication and swallowing disorders
  • On-campus clinical practicum and off-campus internships in both school and medical/private practice settings to develop and refine clinical skills consistent with the defined scope of practice
  • Competence in working with individuals with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds
  • Development of cultural competence through graduate coursework, clinical courses, internships, and student exchange programs 
  • Coursework and clinical practicum experience for certification as a speech-language pathologist by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) 
  • Opportunities to participate in faculty-led or student-led research projects

The Master of Arts (M.A.) residential education program in speech-language pathology at California State University Long Beach is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

ASHA National Office Contact Information

2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850-3289 USA

Phone: 301-296-5700 or 800-498-2071

 

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Take all of the following courses (51 units)

SLP 661 - Seminar in Cognitive-Communication Disorders after Acquired Brain Injury (3 units)

SLP 662 - Seminar in Language and Literacy Disorders in School-Age Children and Adolescents (3 units)

SLP 663 - Seminar in Preschool Language Disorders and Speech Sound Disorders (3 units)

SLP 665 - Seminar in Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Language Disorders (3 units)

SLP 666 - Seminar in Motor Speech Disorders (3 units)

SLP 667 - Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 units)

SLP 668 - Seminar in Dysphagia (3 units)

SLP 669H - Multicultural Clinical Practice: Entry-Level Clinic (3 units)

SLP 669A - Multicultural Clinical Practice: Child-Adolescent Speech and Language Clinic (4 units)

SLP 669J - Multicultural Clinical Practice: Adult Acquired Neurogenic Speech and Language Clinic (4 units)

SLP 696 - Research Methods: Applied and Basic (3 units)

SLP 670 - Clinical Internship in Speech-Language Pathology (5 units)

SLP 686A - Public School Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology (5 units)

SLP 672 - Seminar in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 units)

SLP 676 - Seminar in Voice, Resonance and Fluency Disorders (3 Units)

Complete two (2 units) of the following course

SLP 678 - Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology (1 Unit)

Complete one of the following culminating requirements in the final semester of the program

Option 1: SLP 695 - Directed Readings (1‑3 units) and a 3-unit elective (SLP 575 recommended).

Option 2: SLP 698 - Thesis (1‑4 units)

 

Please see additional information in University Catalog

The CSULB SLP M.A. program requires a minimum of 58 units of coursework. The program requires five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring) for full-time students to complete, which includes one full semester of school-based internship and one full semester of clinical internship (hospital or private practice). Successful completion of the program requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA. The CSULB SLP M.A. program is cohort-based. All students take the courses in the same sequence. All academic seminars are offered once a year. 

For full-time students, the expected number of terms for program completion is five (5) semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring). Our curriculum is designed for full-time students.

 

All of our graduate courses are in person for students who are enrolled in our SLP M.A. program. Our graduate seminars and on-campus clinic sessions are scheduled during the weekdays (Monday to Friday). 

For scholarships and financial aid, please visit Graduate Aid Programs Overview for more information. SLP Department may have some graduate assistant openings, but the opportunities vary every academic year and are limited. 

Please visit CSULB Tuition and Fees for more information regarding tuition. CA residents may be qualified for different CA state grants which might further lower your tuition. The tuition for the summer semester is higher than the regular fall/spring semester. 

Students may be eligible for different financial aid packages. For more information, please contact the CSULB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.