Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology California State University, Long Beach, USA

The Master of Arts (M.A.) residential education 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. 

Program Objectives

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