Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) in California
MORE THAN A DEGREE. A portfolio of experience.
Are you looking for speech pathology programs in California that fit your life and career goals? If you are comparing SLP programs in California, our Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) offers a flexible hybrid format. It’s the freedom to learn from almost anywhere in the U.S. Live anywhere in U.S. approved states. Click here to read more about U.S. approved states. while building skills with online coursework and immersive, three-day lab residencies in four trimesters in San Marcos, California.
Online SLP Programs in California
If you are comparing the best speech pathology graduate programs in California, our hybrid model combines the flexibility of online learning with essential hands-on training through immersive on-campus residencies. These in-person experiences help students build clinical skills and confidence before beginning their externships, preparing them for success with their placements and their future careers.
- Mostly online coursework focused on core theory and evidence-based practice
- Three-day, on-campus residencies each trimester (Terms 1-4) for hands-on practice
- One-on-one faculty coaching for academic and career preparationEach student is assigned a faculty advisor when they start the program. On-demand appointments with faculty advisor and/or course instructors are available.
- Practice with purpose through teletherapy Pro Bono Clinics within the community.
Program Facts & Accreditation
- Three start dates per year: September, January and May
- Full-time curriculum completed in five trimesters (1 year, 8 months)Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
- Clinical placement support: Our goal is to help you secure a clinical placement close to your community. The program works to secure externship placements within 75 miles of a student’s home address. If a placement is not available within this distance, students should plan for the possibility of travel or temporary relocation to meet clinical education requirements.
- CAA accredited; fulfills California educational licensure requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; satellite San Marcos, CA; satellite St. Augustine, FL; all distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Preparing for California SLP License Requirements
If you’re wondering how to become a speech pathologist in California, earning a master’s degree is an important first step. Among SLP programs in California, our hybrid format combines online coursework with on-campus residencies during the first four trimesters of the program. You’ll build clinical skills, collaborate with your cohort and train with state-of-the-art equipment in real and simulated settings. Emerge as a confident, practice-ready clinician. Every student completes 400 or more supervised clinical hours across child and adult populations—meeting ASHA and California SLP license requirements.
Graduates seeking California licensure generally must:
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited speech-language pathology program
- Complete the required supervised clinical education hours and a clinical fellowship
- Meet California’s postgraduate clinical experience requirements 25 observation hours required to be completed by the prospective student on or before orientation date to proceed in the program; 375 direct clinical contact hours earned in the program.
- Meet examination and other requirements established by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
SLP is Growing Fast
Graduates go on to serve K-12 schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, telepractice and more. If you are exploring SLP jobs in California, demand for qualified clinicians continues across healthcare and educational settings.
Career Outlook & Salary in California
Where You're Going
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17%1
Projected Job Growth
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$118,6002
California State Annual Wage
1 Speech-Language Pathologists
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Gets You There
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1-on-1 Faculty Support Each student is assigned a faculty advisor when they start the program. On-demand appointments with faculty advisor and/or course instructors are available.
Every student is assigned a faculty advisor who bridges coursework and clinical experience.
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4 On-campus Residencies Travel to your selected campus for faculty-guided, hands-on learning with your classmates.
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3 Start Dates per Year
Start in fall, spring, or summer, whatever fits your life.
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Projected employment change for speech-language pathologists, 2025–2035, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. National figure; not specific to USAHS graduates.
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State median annual wage for speech-language pathologists, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025. Visited July 27, 2026. This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific data and represents state median annual wages, not starting pay for recent graduates. Conditions in your area may vary. USAHS does not guarantee salary levels.
SLP in California FAQs
Is there an online MS-SLP option for California students?
Yes. USAHS’ MS-SLP program is hybrid, primarily online coursework, offered at the San Marcos, CA, campus. You attend the San Marcos campus for a 3-day residency, four times across the program length, for hands-on clinical skills training.
How long does it take to become an SLP in California?
The USAHS MS-SLP program takes 1 year, 8 months (5 trimesters). After graduating, you’ll complete your Required Professional Experience (minimum 36 full-time weeks) before qualifying for full licensure.
Can I apply to more than one USAHS campus?
No, you can only apply to one campus. Find more information on our application process. Applicants can indicate both a first and second choice campus.
How many students are in each cohort?
Cohorts range from 30–60 students, progressing through the program together.
What are the admission requirements for the San Marcos MS-SLP program?
Full requirements are at USAHS’ MS-SLP Admission Requirements.
What's it like to live and study in San Marcos as an SLP student?
You don’t actually need to live in San Marcos, the program is mostly online, and you’ll travel to campus for four 3-day residencies for hands-on clinical skills training across the program. But when you come for residencies or want to live nearby, San Marcos is one of the fastest-growing cities in San Diego County, with easy access to beaches, mountains, and nearby San Diego and Los Angeles.
Can I visit the San Marcos campus before applying?
Yes, you can schedule a campus tour or sign up for an admissions webinar.
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