About Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD)

Mission

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders seeks to fulfill the mission of Loma Linda University through the academic and clinical education of speech-language pathologists.  The Department participates in that mission through the education of competent, ethical speech-language pathologists, through the application and expansion of professional knowledge, and through the speech, language and hearing services provided as part of the educational program.

Loma Linda University is a small private university located about 70 miles east of Los Angeles. It is operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is relatively small. It has six full-time faculty members, additional contract faculty, and approximately 50 to 60 students. This student-teacher ratio allows for personal contact with faculty members.

Speech-Language Pathology is a great profession for individuals who want to work in a helping profession. Typically, students choosing this profession have good academic abilities, compassionate personalities, and positive interpersonal skills. 

Clinical education is a strength of this department. Clinical experience is available in areas such as child and adult language, fluency, swallowing, articulation and phonology. Our clinical settings range from hospital to schools to private clinics. Our undergraduate students get their first introduction to clinic in a faculty supervised setting. This is a valuable experience and allows students to know if this career is for them.  Our students in the bachelor's program are also encouraged to complete the fieldwork experience that will allow them to apply for registration in California as a speech-language pathology assistant.

Loma Linda University offers three programs of study

The Bachelor of Science program (BS in CMSD)

• Begins autumn quarter of the junior year.
• Applications are accepted October 1st through June 1st.
• For students who have completed two years of required general education at an accredited college other than Loma Linda University. 
• Minimum GPA for admission is 3.0; however, to be competitive a 3.3 GPA is recommended.

The Transitional Master's program (TMS in CMSD)

• This program is for students who have an undergraduate degree in a program other than speech-language pathology.
• This is a three year program. (11 quarters)
• Begins autumn quarter.
• Applications are accepted October 1st through March 1st.
• Minimum GPA for admission is 3.3.
• Students are accepted into the graduate program, but must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the first year in order to advance to the graduate level.
• Foundational courses comprise the first year of study.

The Master of Science program (MS in CMSD)

• This program is for students who have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.
• This is a two year program (seven quarters)
• Begins autumn quarter.
• Applications are accepted October 1st through December 15th.
• Minimum GPA for admission is 3.3

Strategic Plan

Read our strategic plan (PDF)

Contact information

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
School of Allied Health Professions
Loma Linda University
Nichol Hall Room A506
Loma Linda Ca 92350

Toll free phone: (800) 422-4558-1-4
Department phone: (909) 558-4998
Fax: (909) 558-4305
Email: cmsd@llu.edu