Deadline for admissions applications for the SLP master's program is February 1.
The graduate program in speech-language pathology offers the academic and clinical preparation for the professional practice of speech-language pathology and/or the necessary preparation for entrance into a PhD program.
The department seeks to increase the student's understanding in the basic sciences of communication; to develop competence in the practice of speech-language pathology; to promote a sense of responsibility toward the speech, language, and hearing handicapped and toward the community.
The Department of Speech-Language Pathology is relatively small. We have five full-time faculty members and one part-time faculty member. Additional contract faculty members bring breadth to the academic program. The department is home to approximately 30 undergraduate students and approximately 30 graduate students. This student-teacher ratio allows for personal contact with faculty members.If you have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than speech pathology, you need to apply through the School of Allied Health Professions for the transitional MS program.
Our master's degree program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for preparation of students in speech-language pathology. It is also approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to prepare students for a California Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential in Language, Speech, and Hearing. Course requirements for the credential vary from those required for the master's degree.
Most students complete the full program, fulfilling the academic and clinical requirements needed to obtain (1) a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, (2) a California State License, required for those working in any setting other than the schools, and (3) a Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential - Language, Speech, and Hearing for those wanting to work in the California public school system. California residents who seek a Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential must take the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) prior to being admitted to the credential program. Typically a student is admitted to the credential program at the beginning of the graduate program. An out-of-state student must take the CBEST within two test administrations after entering the credential program.
A full-time student who enters the program with an undergraduate degree in speech pathology will complete the program in seven quarters of coursework. No courses are scheduled during the summer between the first and second years; however, students enroll for externship or directed teaching in the summer.
Graduate students are placed for clinical practicum at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC). A faculty member in the department supervises students during their first practicum at LLUMC. In subsequent quarters, students may work with clinical supervisors employed at LLUMC, the SAC Norton clinic, other medical facilities, or Loma Linda Elementary School. In addition, students are placed for practicum in the public schools and in selected facilities in the local area.
Graduate assistantships are available (maximum of $880.00/quarter). As a graduate assistant, you may be assigned to a variety of placements. The assignments often involve office work but may include assisting with case management tasks, laboratory instruction and operation, research projects, and community projects.
Be sure to look over the admission requirements and the program of instruction. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for an appointment, please call (800) 422-4558 or dial direct (909) 558-4998. You may also send email to the pre-enrollment advisor.
The following are requirements for the master of science degree:
Scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required with applications for admission. Students may get additional information on this test from www.gre.org. A combined score of 1000 on the GRE (verbal + quantitative) is preferred for regular admission to the program. There is some flexibility in this score. As a student's GPA goes up, the GRE score can go down and still receive regular admission. The School requires a minimum score of 4 on the written section. You may be admitted with a score of 3.5 but may be required to take a writing course or provide other evidence of writing ability.
Please refer to the University Catalog for program course listings. SPPA courses can be found on pages 642-645 in the University program section.
Speech Language Department
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) 558-4291
Email: sppa@llu.edu
Last Revised: Tue, Jun 17, 2008
