The Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Preparatory Certificate provides students with the prerequisite coursework needed to apply to most Master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Sciences & Disorders. The certificate is designed for college graduates who majored in other areas but are now interested in the fast-growing field of speech-language pathology. The courses in the certificate are taught by faculty from several departments with expertise in communication sciences and disorders and related fields.
The certificate program requires 12 courses (36 units), which are designed in a two-year sequence. Students will be able to finish the program within two years if they are available to complete three courses per semester at the limited times they are offered. Therefore, being a student in this program requires you to have an open and flexible schedule during the week to take the courses in person at the CSUSB San Bernardino campus. See "Required Program Coursework" for a complete list of courses and more information.
Admission to the certificate program takes place once a year (Fall admission only), with applications due the preceding Spring semester.
For students who wish to take this coursework while they are still completing their undergraduate degree, please see the Speech-Language Pathology Minor program. Admission to the Minor is limited and contingent on available spaces.
For more information on this program, please contact:
Dr. Alicia Escobedo
Office: UH-301.13
Email: Alicia.Escobedo@csusb.edu
Students wishing to apply to the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Preparatory Certificate Program must complete an online application through CAL STATE APPLY - applications for Fall 2027 will open by Oct. 1, 2026. Make sure that in your Cal State Apply Extended Profile, you have checked the boxes for "Second Bachelor's Degree and Beyond" and "Certificate" in order to search for our Certificate program. Admission to this Certificate program takes place once a year (Fall admission only).
Cal State Apply Fall 2027 Deadline: April 2, 2027
We take a holistic approach to our admissions process for the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Preparatory Certificate. This means that we consider a broad range of candidate qualities, including your personal attributes, past experiences, and future goals, and how those might contribute to a good fit with our program and its values and objectives. Our holistic approach means that you should put a lot of thought into your supporting documents – see “Documents” section below for more information.
We recommend that you review both the Office of Graduate Studies and the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Preparatory Certificate websites thoroughly before you complete your application. For questions about the application process, please contact the certificate coordinator.
How to Apply:
Personal Statement
Describe your academic and career goals and highlight why the Speech Language Pathology Master’s Preparatory Certificate is a good fit for you. What would you bring as a potential contributor to this profession? You may include your experience with academics, volunteerism, research, cultural and linguistic diversity, and work. If there is any context you wish to provide about your GPA or academic performance, you can provide that in your personal statement as well. Please limit your personal statement to 500 words.
Writing Sample
One writing sample (5-10 pages) that reflects your ability to write in edited English a balanced, well-reasoned argument or a clear, coherent presentation of information, such as a paper that you wrote for a course or a work-related report.
Unofficial Transcripts
To expedite your graduate application, you must submit the following unofficial transcripts (if applicable):
- An unofficial transcript from the undergraduate institution where your bachelor’s degree was earned (required)
- Unofficial transcript(s) from any institution(s) where the coursework counted toward your bachelor’s degree
- Unofficial transcript(s) for all post-baccalaureate coursework
- An unofficial transcript from the last college or university you attended
Upload your unofficial transcript(s) to the Documents section of the application (photographs of transcripts are not acceptable). Failure to upload your unofficial transcript(s) may result in missed application and registration deadlines.
If requested, you must submit unofficial transcript(s) from any additional institutions you have attended.
If admitted to the certificate program, you will be required to submit official transcript(s) to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Contact Information for Two References
Please provide the names, position titles, and contact information (email and phone) of two academic and/or professional references.
FAQs about the SLP Certificate Program
1. What is the Speech-Language Pathology Master's Preparatory Certificate program?
Our program offers a set of 12 courses (36 units) over two years (4 semesters) designed to provide foundational knowledge in communication sciences and disorders, preparing students for graduate programs in speech-language pathology or related fields.
2. Does this program meet the requirements to become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)?
No, the program is designed to meet the basic requirements for graduate school in communication sciences and disorders. It does not provide SLPA certification eligibility.
3. Can I substitute courses I’ve already taken from another university?
Yes, up to 1/3 of the courses (4 courses) may be substituted with prior approval. However, students must complete at least 8 of the 12 required courses in our program to receive the certificate.
4. What happens if I only take 1 or 2 courses?
If you take only 1-2 courses, you will not receive the full certificate, but the courses will still appear on your transcript.
5. Can I take courses through Open University without enrolling in the full certificate program?
Yes, you may take individual courses through Open University. However, to earn the certificate, you must complete the full 12-course sequence.
6. What is the typical course load for students in the program?
Courses are spread across two years (four semesters) to avoid overloading students, especially those who are also completing their major. Students typically take 3 courses (9 units) per semester.
7. Will completing this program guarantee admission into a graduate program in speech-language pathology?
No, completing the program does not guarantee admission into a graduate program. However, it is designed to fulfill many of the prerequisites required for graduate school in communication sciences and disorders. Be sure to check the prerequisites of your target graduate programs.