Alternative Program Name

Speech-Language Pathology, BS

Program Description

PROFESSION
Speech-language pathologists assess and provide clinical services to people who cannot communicate clearly. These individuals may have problems with articulation, stuttering, voice, understanding and producing language, attention, memory and/or problem solving. Speech-language pathologists help clients develop, or recover functional communication skills so they can fulfill their rolls in society. They counsel individuals and their families concerning communication disorders and help them learn to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that often accompany these disorders. Additionally, they may work with people who have oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties. Audiologists assess and provide clinical services to people who have hearing or balance problems. Assessments include measuring the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds, the person's ability to distinguish between sounds, and nature and extent of hearing loss. Audiologists interpret these results and may coordinate them with medical, educational and psychological information to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.  The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program begins in the autumn quarter and is based on the completion of two years of prerequisite course work at any accredited college or university. The emphasis for the next two years is on professional courses and practical experience. Supervised clinical practicum is an integral part of the student's education. Completion of specific theoretical courses precedes placement for practicum.

REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION
In most states, including California, graduate study is required before entering the profession. After satisfactorily completing the Master of Science degree, the graduate is eligible to take the qualifying examination for licensure in the state of California and for the Certificate of Clinical Competence. After completing a one-year clinical fellowship, the graduate is eligible to apply for California licensure and for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The program is approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to prepare students for the California Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential in Language, Speech, and Hearing.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

2 years

Possible Careers

Preparation for a graduate program in Speech Language or Audiology; Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Autumn of 2023 Oct 2, 2022 Jun 16, 2023

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must have have the following:

  • 96 quarter units or 64 semester units in general education.
  • Provide official transcripts from an accredited institution.
  • Literate personal statement (part of the online application)
  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably academic. (part of the online application)
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.

Prerequisites

Religion (minimum 8 quarter units)
Must complete an average of 4 quarter units of religion for each year of residence at Loma Linda University

Arts & Humanities (16 quarter or 11 semester units)
Select from at least three of the following content areas: Civilization/history, art, literature, modern language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities elective

Natural Sciences (minimum of 12 quarter or 8 semester units). At least one natural science course must include a lab component

  • One biological science required (Human Anatomy and/or Physiology, General Biology, Microbiology, or Life Science, or Life Science
  • One physical science – Physics or Chemistry required
  • Mathematics requirement: one General or Intro to Statistics course

Social Sciences (minimum of 12 quarter or 8 semester units). Must include two (2) of the following content areas: anthropology, economics, geography, political sciences, psychology, and sociology. Includes one course (or components integrated into several courses) in human (cultural) diversity. 

Written & Oral Communication (9-13 quarter/ 6-9 semester units)

  • English composition (complete sequence)
  • Additional course: may include information systems, critical thinking, and public speaking

Health & Wellness (2-6 quarter/1.5 to 4 semester units)

  • Health or Nutrition (personal health, personal nutrition, population health, global health, community nutrition, etc.) One course required
  • Physical Activity: Must be at least two separate physical activity courses totaling a minimum of 1 quarter units or have military discharge papers (DD214)

Electives: To meet minimum total of 96 quarter/64 semester units

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; telephone (510) 748-9001; website: www.wascweb.org.

Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program: Year 1 Year 2
Tuition $30,906 $28,482
Fees $3,040 $3,040
Books & Supplies $1,524 $1,225
Instruments
Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) $79 $79
Total $35,549 $32,826

Notes

The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the department for up-to-date costs.

Estimated Living Expenses

Academic Year 2023-2024, off campus, with a roommate

Year of Program: Year 1 Year 2
Months enrolled 9 9
Food and Housing $17,280 $17,280
Transportation $3,150 $3,150
Miscellaneous Personal Costs $2,700 $2,700

Notes

  • Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
  • International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
  • In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.