Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services

Prepare for Your Path in Speech-Language Services

Build the knowledge and clinical preparation you need to support students with communication needs in school settings.

The Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services pathway is designed for students pursuing graduate preparation in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Review the program requirements to understand the academic and clinical steps you will need to complete as you prepare for professional practice in educational settings.

Program Requirements

The Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Graduate Program prepares competent, culturally responsive, and equity-focused speech-language therapists who recognize the importance of client and family priorities, community partnerships, culturally relevant research, and advocacy in clinical practice.

Through diverse academic and clinical experiences, students receive guidance from experienced faculty, clinical researchers, and supervisors both on and off campus. The program emphasizes the development of clinical skills through self-reflection, respect for clients' perspectives, application of academic knowledge, critical evaluation of research, and a commitment to challenging inequities in clinical practice.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Graduate Program

Application Requirements – Summary

  1. Proof of Degree: A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution (or foreign equivalent), awarded before program enrollment. Applicants completing their degree must submit updated transcripts once the degree is awarded.
  2. GPA Requirement: A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission to the master's program.
  3. Statement of Purpose: An essay of no more than three double-spaced pages describing your academic and professional goals, relevant experiences, commitment to anti-discrimination, and interest in improving services for underserved communities.
  4. Resume: Include relevant academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters from academic or professional references who can evaluate your qualifications and potential for graduate study. Letters must be signed, on professional letterhead, and submitted through Cal State Apply. Letters from relatives are not accepted.
  6. Nine (9) Pre-Requisite Courses Requirement – Applicant must complete, at least, 6 at the time of application and, if accepted, will complete 9 by the time they start the program.
  7. Written English Proficiency (WEP): Applicants must earn a minimum 2.5 score on the Level I Writing Proficiency Rubric, based on their Statement of Purpose. Evaluation includes organization, focus, ideas, language, and voice. Level I must be satisfied before admission unless conditional admission is approved. Level II must be completed before graduation. International applicants may have additional English proficiency requirements.
  8. ASHA Standard IV Coursework: Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in courses covering:
    • Biological Sciences
    • Physical Sciences (Physics or Chemistry)
    • Statistics (stand-alone course)
    • Social/Behavioral Sciences

Coursework must be documented on transcripts, and syllabi may be requested for verification.

  1. Certificate of Clearance (COC): Students recommended for admission must obtain a valid CTC-issued Certificate of Clearance or provide an acceptable CTC-issued credential or permit. District or employment-related fingerprint clearances are not accepted.

Important: Applicants must submit all required documentation and meet program admission requirements. A CTC-issued Certificate of Clearance or acceptable alternative is required for admission.  

For required forms, please visit this resource.