MS, Speech-Language Pathology

Our MS in Speech-Language Pathology offers an in-depth study of communication disorders with an emphasis on articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders (stuttering), augmentative and alternative communication, voice disorders, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), neurogenic communication disorders (aphasia, dementia), hearing disorders, language disorders, social aspects of communication, cognitive aspects of communication.

Courses and clinical opportunities place a high priority on assessment and intervention within an evidence-based, ethical, and multicultural framework. Upon completion of the master's degree, students are eligible to apply for certification with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, California state licensure, and California Speech Language Hearing Services credential.

Program Overview

  • Official Title: MS in Speech Language Pathology, with Speech Language Pathology credential
  • Format: Full-time
  • Units: 63 units
  • Start date: Fall semester
  • Program length: 2 years for in-field students, 3 years for out-of-field students
  • Application deadline: February 1

Student Outcome Data

Students in the MS degree program are expected to demonstrate competence in the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology set forth by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In addition, graduate students in the CD&S Department are also expected to demonstrate competence in our Program Learning Objectives. We are currently not accepting applications for our Distance Education program.

Program Learning Outcomes

 Below are the program learning outcomes:

  • PLO 1 Apply foundational knowledge of speech-language, hearing, and swallowing disorder in a professional setting.
  • PLO 2 Identify types of least-biased assessment, differential diagnoses, and culturally responsive interventions when working with persons and families from diverse backgrounds.
  • PLO 3 Provide collaborative, inter-professional, person-centered, and family-centered services to clients.
  • PLO 4 Integrate evidence-based practice to guide and inform clinical decisions and service delivery.
  • PLO 5 Model professionalism, ethical actions, and advocacy for persons with speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders.
  • PLO 6 Use spoken and written communication skills appropriate for clinical practice in speech-language pathology.

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Test requirements
    • For applicants who come from a country where English is not the primary language and do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction, a higher English-language proficiency (ELP) test score is required as indicated on the Graduate Program Test Requirement webpage.
    • GRE is not required for admission
  • Program Prerequisites
    • Applicants who will have completed all program prerequisites before program start date may apply to the two-year MS-SLP program. The two-year program is appropriate for applicants who completed an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate program in communication disorders that meet all the prerequisites.
    • Applicants who will not have completed all program prerequisites before program start date should consider applying to the three-year extended MS-SLP program. The extended program is appropriate for applicants who majored in field of study other than communication disorders (i.e. out-of-field student; OFS). The prerequisite coursework may be completed in approximately two semesters.

How to Apply

  • The program requires a two-step application process. Both applications must be completed by the deadline to be considered for admission:
    • University Application: Cal State Apply
    • Department Application: Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)

Curriculum and Roadmaps

  • Core courses - 39 units
  • Practicum - 24 units
  • Culminating experience - 0-3 units

For more details about the courses for this program, visit the SJSU Catalog website. Below are samples of roadmaps for students who entered our program in recent years.

A culminating experience is required for graduation and students have two options.

  1. Thesis. Students can conduct a research project under the advisement of a faculty member. Students electing to complete a thesis will enroll in thesis for three credits during Fall semester of the second year; OR
  2. Comprehensive exam. Students can successfully complete the comprehensive examination - also known as “comps” - during their final semester.

Fieldwork and Observation

Clinical practica occur in a variety of settings, including our Kay Armstead Center for Communication Disorders. Students have clinical opportunities with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and elders in a variety of settings, including public, private, and charter schools (preschool, elementary, middle, high schools), rehabilitation agencies, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals.

Candidates for the Master’s degree must accumulate a minimum of 375 clock hours in a supervised clinical practicum in three distinctively different settings and 25 hours of guided observation with an ASHA certified clinician.

Complete the MS and Credential Requirements

CBEST

We generally refer students to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) but you do not have to if you meet one of the other options outlined in the the CTC leaflet cl-667. If you decide to submit a test score from one of the CTC leaflet alternatives, you must contact the SJSU Lurie College of Education Credentials Office to verify the validity.

Basic Skills Link

Given that the CBEST is a state-level requirement for being credentialed as a speech-language pathologist, the CBEST will have to be taken sometime during the program before you graduate with your Masters degree. Applicants who are admitted to the program will be required to submit their CBEST or alternative scores to our department before graduation.

To pass the test, you must obtain a minimum California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) scaled score of 41 in each of the three sections - reading, writing, and mathematics. A section score as low as 37 is acceptable if the total scaled score is at least 123.

MS - Speech-Language Pathology Requirements

All of our department requirements, including minimum GPA, writing requirements, culminating experiences, additional certifications, and more are outlined on the SJSU Catalog website.

University Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, GPA, and culminating experience requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the Graduate Policies and Procedures.

Additional Resources

For information about financial aid opportunities, internship and job opportunities, research opportunities, and more, visit our Student Resources webpage.

Accreditation, Licensure, and Credential

The Master of Science (M.S.) program in speech-language pathology (residential) at San José State University 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.

Our Master of Science program is also an approved program of the California Licensing Board in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Basic Skills Requirement information

How to apply for a credential

Upcoming Information Sessions

To be announced