The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at CSUSB is a developing program designed to meet the critical workforce needs of the Inland Empire, the state of California, and beyond. Rooted in CSUSB’s mission of access, equity, student success, and community engagement, the program will prepare graduates to provide evidence-based, compassionate, and culturally responsive care to children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
As part of a diverse, Hispanic-Serving Institution, the MA-SLP program reflects CSUSB’s vision to be a model for transforming lives and is uniquely positioned to serve the linguistic and cultural richness of our region. The program will distinguish itself through its emphasis on bilingualism, cultural and linguistic diversity, innovation in training, and community partnership. Students will benefit from a curriculum that integrates rigorous academic coursework, impactful research opportunities, and robust clinical experiences aligned with the needs of the Inland Empire and global community.
To guide development, the program has established a Strategic Plan with key priorities: program preparation and accreditation, robust academic and clinical experiences, a distinctive Coyote student experience, community partnerships, leveraging of CSUSB and regional resources, and the successful graduation of the program’s first cohort in 2029.
This plan embodies both the values of the MA-SLP program and CSUSB’s Strategic Plan (2023-2028), specifically advancing the university’s goals of Student Success, Faculty and Staff Success, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Internationalization. Through this alignment, the program will not only advance the profession of speech-language pathology but also expand educational access and improve the quality of life for underserved populations in our community and beyond.
Vision
The MA in Speech-Language Pathology at CSUSB is a model for transforming lives through innovation in academic, clinical, and research training.
Values
- Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness – Honoring and serving the diverse populations of our region.
- Collaboration and Community Partnership – Building strong connections with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Innovation – Embracing creative, evidence-based approaches in teaching, research, and clinical practice.
- Compassion in Care – Placing the dignity, well-being, and goals of clients and families at the center of all practice.
Strategic Priorities
- Program Preparation and Approvals
Goal: Successfully complete all institutional, CSU, and CAA accreditation approvals in order to launch the MA-SLP program in Fall 2027.
Alignment: Ensures the program meets PLO 1 (Content Expertise) and prepares graduates for professional certification and licensure.
- Robust Academic and Clinical Experiences
Goal: Deliver engaging, evidence-based, and innovative academic coursework and clinical education that prepare students to serve diverse populations.
Alignment: Supports PLO 1 (Content Expertise), PLO 2 (Diversity and Bilingualism), and PLO 4 (Clinical Competence) by integrating rigorous education with culturally responsive clinical practice.
- The Coyote Student Experience
Goal: Define the CSUSB MA-SLP experience through rigorous academic, research, and clinical training, as well as holistic student support services that promote belonging, wellness, and success.
Alignment: Advances PLO 2 (Diversity and Bilingualism) and PLO 3 (Research Competence) by fostering an inclusive environment and cultivating research engagement.
- Establishment of the MA-SLP Program in the CSUSB and Regional Community
Goal: Recruit and retain qualified and experienced faculty and staff to deliver innovative instruction, clinical education, and community outreach that serve the Inland Empire and beyond.
Alignment: Ensures achievement of PLO 4 (Clinical Competence) by preparing graduates to meet regional and statewide workforce demands.
- Leverage CSUSB and Community Resources
Goal: Connect the MA-SLP program to university resources, interdisciplinary research, and community-based clinical opportunities that strengthen student training and regional impact.
Alignment: Builds PLO 3 (Research Competence) and PLO 4 (Clinical Competence) by linking classroom learning with research and clinical partnerships.
- Graduate the First Cohort of MA-SLP Students
Goal: Successfully graduate the inaugural class of MA-SLP students in Spring/Summer 2029, demonstrating program quality and readiness to meet workforce needs.
Alignment: Embodies all program learning outcomes (PLOs 1–4), affirming the program’s mission to prepare competent, ethical, and community-oriented clinicians.