Online Master of Speech-Language Pathology

Our Master of Speech-Language Pathology program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge you’ll need to pursue autonomous practice as a speech-language pathologist.

Master of Speech-Language Pathology

20 Months

Our streamlined curriculum lets you earn your degree in as few as 20 months

2 On-Site Intensives

Get hands-on practice during in-person immersion experiences that help prepare you for your clinical experience hours

400 Clinical Hours

Gain experience through direct patient clinical work with an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist

MSLP Program Highlights

Preparation to pursue independent practice as a speech-language pathologist

Your Success

Guidance and professional development from an experienced faculty mentor

Virtual hands-on skills labs to help you develop critical thinking and application skills

Flexible Schedule

Online flexibility designed with mobile-accessible learning tools

Why Pursue a Master of Speech-Language Pathology Degree?

Speech-language pathologists help treat a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. It’s a rewarding healthcare field where you can work hands-on with patients to help them communicate effectively and improve their quality of life.

The online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at WCU is designed for students who want to pursue autonomous practice as speech-language pathologists. Through a combination of online didactic learning and hands-on experience, our MSLP program scaffolds knowledge, skills, and values to help prepare you for this exciting and fulfilling field.

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  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Explore the MSLP program at WCU!

Overview: Master of Speech-Language Pathology

Program Details

Program Pace

Distance Education/Online

56 Credits

20 Months

5 Trimesters

Curriculum
COMM 580Health Communication2
SLP 520Survey of Research with Lab2
SLP 522Speech Sound Disorders with Lab & Clinical Intensive I3
SLP 524Diagnostic Procedures with Lab2.5
SLP 526Language Disorders in Infants & Toddlers with Lab2
SLP 528Language Disorders in Children with Lab2
SLP 530Fluency Disorders with Lab2
SLP 532Dysphagia in Infants & Children with Lab2.5
SLP 534Neurogenic Cognitive & Language Disorders with Lab2.5
SLP 536Dysphagia in Adults with Lab2.5
SLP 538Neurogenic Speech Disorders with Lab2.5
SLP 540Foundations of Literacy Disorders with Lab2
SLP 542Voice Disorders with Lab2
SLP 544Medical Speech Language Pathology with Lab2.5
SLP 546Aural Rehabilitation with Lab2
SLP 548Augmentative & Alternative Communication with Lab2
SLP 550Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare1.5
SLP 552Speech Language Pathology Seminar with Clinical Intensive II2.5
SLP 584Clinical Experience I2.5
SLP 586Clinical Seminar I1.5
SLP 588Clinical Experience II2.5
SLP 590Clinical Seminar II1.5
SLP 592Clinical Experience III4.5
SLP 602Clinical Seminar III1.5
SLP 608Professional Topics & Leadership2
Total Credit Hours:56

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Master of Speech-Language Pathology Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSLP tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSLP program costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Master of Speech Language Pathology

Tuition and Fees

Prior to Spring I 2024

 

Degree TypeMasters
Total Program Credits56
Program Length (Full-time)5 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate1
Tuition Cost(per credit)$1,000$850
Total Tuition Cost$56,000$47,600
STRF Fee2 (non-refundable)$155$132.50
Estimate for Uniforms Fees3$100$100
Estimate for Supplies &Licensure Preparation Fees3$2,925$2,925
Technology Fee4 ($500 per trimester)$2,500$2,500
Estimated Total Program Costs (Non-CA Residents)$61,525$53,125
Estimated Total Program Costs$61,680$53,257.50

 

Effective Spring I 2024

 

Degree TypeMasters
Total Program Credits56
Program Length(Full-time)5 trimesters
Tuition Cost(per credit)$1,000
Total Tuition Cost$56,000
STRF Fee2(non-refundable)$155
Estimate for Uniforms Fees3$100
Estimate for Supplies &Licensure Preparation Fees3$2,925
Technology Fee4($500 per trimester)$2,500
Estimated Total Program Costs (Non-CA Residents)$61,525
Estimated Total Program Costs$61,680

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year5
with parentsoff campus
Federal Student Loan Fee $220 $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)$2,384$7,936
Transportation$1,648$1,648
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses$5,392$5,392
Total$9,644$15,196

NOTE: Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Master of Speech Language Pathology program until a non-refundable $250.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check made payable to West Coast University. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.

1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.  The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2023.

2 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 The Estimate for Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change. Supplies become student purchases once issued to student. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all of the supplies, contact the Bursar Office.

Fees do not include indirect costs, which may include but are not limited to background checks, health screenings/requirements for clinical, out of state fieldwork placements, and/or transportation.

Refer to the Program Fee Schedule for a breakdown of expected indirect costs.

4 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.  

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master Speech Language Pathology program must have:

  1. Obtained a baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech Language Pathology from an accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education with a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher; excluding post-baccalaureate coursework. WCU allows MSLP prospective applicants to “challenge” pre-master’s courses with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0. See MSLP Challenge Credit policy, OR
  2. Obtained a baccalaureate degree that is not in Communication Sciences and Disorder, Speech Language Pathology, with completion of the following courses with a “C” or better from an accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education approved by the Program Dean.
    1. Phonological Science (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    2. Language Development (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    3. Guided observations and Clinical Procedures (2.0 semester or 1.5 quarter credits)
    4. Clinical Audiology (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    5. Anatomy and Physiology of the Communication & Swallowing Mechanism (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    6. Applicants with an undergraduate degree not in Communication Sciences and Disorder, Speech Language Pathology, must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
  3. Completed the following prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.  Specific information about courses that will satisfy these prerequisite requirements can be found on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association website.  Students can still be admitted without the ASHA prerequisite courses; however, the courses must be completed with the submission of official transcripts no later than the completion of the individual’s third trimester in the program. The ASHA pre-requisites courses include the following:
    1. Statistics (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    2. Social and Behavioral Science (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    3. Physics or Chemistry (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
    4. Biological Science (3.0 semester or 4.5 quarter credits)
  4. A minimum of 25 direct and guided observation hours with an American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech Language Pathologist.
  5. Three letters (3) of reference:
    1. One (1) from a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
    2. Two (2) from a faculty member, academic advisor, or a supervisor.
  6. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview.
  7. Submitted a completed application with official transcripts through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science and Disorders system (CSDCAS) and pay an application fee through WCU.
  8. Non-native English Speakers: Students whose native language is English and/or those with a baccalaureate degree from a United States college or university are exempted from these requirements.
    1. Applicants submitting non-United States or non-English transcripts will be required to have coursework evaluated by a transcript evaluation service to determine the equivalency to a United States degree/coursework. If the transcript evaluation service is unable to determine the degree equivalency, the Program Dean will review the transcript to determine if the admissions criteria have been met.
    2. Must obtain a TOEFL Score:
      1. An Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 with no less than 20 on each sub-score; or
      2. An IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6 on each band score.

Applications can be submitted during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or while completing required coursework. However, pending degrees, coursework or other requirements must be completed and verified through CSDCAS by the deadline to apply.

  1. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.3-2.9 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
    • The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
    • The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with the Program Director/Dean.
    • The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
  2. A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program.  Students failing to meet this requirement by the end of the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
  3. Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the the requirements for full admission to their program.

For more information on admission requirements, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

Our online MSLP program offers two start dates per year with 15-week terms. For the most updated list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Additional Information About our Speech-Language Pathology Master's Program

Mission

The mission of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at West Coast University is to develop competent speech-language pathologists who are committed to evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, community outreach, and excellence in patient-centered care. We prepare entry-level humanistic practitioners to serve competently on interprofessional teams, and to work for the advancement of the profession.

Vision

We envision a virtual academic environment composed of an innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a variety of clinical practica experiences that prepare students to serve a culturally diverse society. We continuously strive to inspire students to become servant leaders, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and reflective interprofessional practitioners.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program is to develop lifelong learners who possess the knowledge, skills, and values required for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders using critical thinking in evidence-based academic coursework and clinical education within a student-centric environment. We are committed to preparing servant leaders, respectful of diversity and inclusion, to fulfill a humanitarian need of (re)habilitating children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders.

West Coast University’s MSLP program aims to give you the flexibility and support you need to pursue your education.

  • Earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in as little as 20 months
  • Gain hands-on experience through 400 hours of direct patient clinical work
  • Be paired with a MSLP faculty mentor
  • Acquire the knowledge, skills and competency to take the PRAXIS II certification exam prior to program completion
  • Matriculate in a student-centric environment with one-on-one support from admissions, financial aid, and more
  • Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify
  • Obtain support beyond graduation with professional and career development

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Don’t Have Your Prerequisites? We’ll Help

If you want to pursue your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, but you haven’t completed the prerequisite coursework, you still have the option of getting started at WCU. Our pre-MSLP program was designed for students who did not complete their bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.

With this program, you can complete the required coursework in just one trimester (16 weeks)!

Explore the pre-MSLP program.

Upon successful completion of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, students will be able to:

  1. Assess speech-language pathology disorders to provide client-centered care using appropriate communication and swallowing diagnostic outcome measures
  2. Apply professional healthcare documentation strategies for accurate record-keeping to assure reimbursement and secure content management per HIPAA compliance
  3. Deliver professional communication skills to demonstrate client-centered behaviors such as cultural humility and cultural competence
  4. Provide competent intervention services for evidence-based treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
  5. Display ethical behavior in professional practice settings to adhere to ASHA Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics, and the delivery of ethical client-centered care
  6. Exhibit interprofessional collaboration behaviors to establish relationship-building values for effective team dynamics

Student Outcome Data

Praxis® Exam Rates

Graduation YearTaking the TestNumber of Test-Takers PassedRate
2024252496%
2025
2026
3-Year Average

Employment Rates (within one year of graduation)

Graduation YearNumber of Graduates EmployedNumber of Graduates Not EmployedRate
2024
2025
2026
3-Year Average

Program Completion Rates

Graduation YearNumber Completing on TimeNumber Later Than on TimeRate
2024
2025
2026
3-Year Average

The MSLP handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors.

WCU MSLP Student Handbook

Click Here to view MSLP Strategic Plan

Mission, Vision, & Philosophy

Mission

The mission of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at West Coast University is to develop competent speech-language pathologists who are committed to evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, community outreach, and excellence in patient-centered care. We prepare entry-level humanistic practitioners to serve competently on interprofessional teams, and to work for the advancement of the profession.

Vision

We envision a virtual academic environment composed of an innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a variety of clinical practica experiences that prepare students to serve a culturally diverse society. We continuously strive to inspire students to become servant leaders, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and reflective interprofessional practitioners.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program is to develop lifelong learners who possess the knowledge, skills, and values required for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders using critical thinking in evidence-based academic coursework and clinical education within a student-centric environment. We are committed to preparing servant leaders, respectful of diversity and inclusion, to fulfill a humanitarian need of (re)habilitating children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders.

Overview

West Coast University’s MSLP program aims to give you the flexibility and support you need to pursue your education.

  • Earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in as little as 20 months
  • Gain hands-on experience through 400 hours of direct patient clinical work
  • Be paired with a MSLP faculty mentor
  • Acquire the knowledge, skills and competency to take the PRAXIS II certification exam prior to program completion
  • Matriculate in a student-centric environment with one-on-one support from admissions, financial aid, and more
  • Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify
  • Obtain support beyond graduation with professional and career development

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Pre-MSLP

If you want to pursue your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, but you haven’t completed the prerequisite coursework, you still have the option of getting started at WCU. Our pre-MSLP program was designed for students who did not complete their bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.

With this program, you can complete the required coursework in just one trimester (16 weeks)!

Explore the pre-MSLP program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, students will be able to:

  1. Assess speech-language pathology disorders to provide client-centered care using appropriate communication and swallowing diagnostic outcome measures
  2. Apply professional healthcare documentation strategies for accurate record-keeping to assure reimbursement and secure content management per HIPAA compliance
  3. Deliver professional communication skills to demonstrate client-centered behaviors such as cultural humility and cultural competence
  4. Provide competent intervention services for evidence-based treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
  5. Display ethical behavior in professional practice settings to adhere to ASHA Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics, and the delivery of ethical client-centered care
  6. Exhibit interprofessional collaboration behaviors to establish relationship-building values for effective team dynamics
Student Outcome Data

Student Outcome Data

Praxis® Exam Rates

Graduation YearTaking the TestNumber of Test-Takers PassedRate
2024252496%
2025
2026
3-Year Average

Employment Rates (within one year of graduation)

Graduation YearNumber of Graduates EmployedNumber of Graduates Not EmployedRate
2024
2025
2026
3-Year Average

Program Completion Rates

Graduation YearNumber Completing on TimeNumber Later Than on TimeRate
2024
2025
2026
3-Year Average
MSLP Student Handbook

The MSLP handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors.

WCU MSLP Student Handbook

Click Here to view MSLP Strategic Plan

Career Services

Individualized Career Support

Our students and graduates get access to a wealth of resource through our Career Services department.1 Attend professional development workshops or speak to an advisor for one-on-one career guidance. Additionally, the Career Services team can help you through every step of your job hunt. Get help writing an attention-grabbing resume, locating open jobs that fit your goals, and even preparing for interviews.

Placement Opportunities

Speech-language pathologists can work in a variety of workplaces. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, roughly half (56%) of speech-language pathologists are employed in educational settings, including early intervention, preschool, K-12 schools, and universities. SLPs can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Educational institutions
  • Residential healthcare facilities
  • Nonresidential healthcare facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Private practices

When the time comes, we can help you explore your options and find the right role for you.

Clinical Placements

Clinical Placements

Get Support for Your Clinical Experience

Getting hands-on experience is an essential part of your education. Our MSLP students begin with virtual skills labs that help you develop competencies through case studies. You also get to practice during two weekend clinical intensives where you participate in a variety of simulations with high-fidelity manikins, mock therapy sessions, interprofessional collaboration activities, and more. All of this serves to prepare you for clinical experiences with an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech-language pathologist.

Clinical hours with a speech-language pathologist take place in your state of residence. WCU builds relationships with different clinical partners to help you find a facility that aligns with your interests and needs. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Featured Faculty

Regina Bush, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dean, Speech-Language Pathology

Regina Lemmon Bush, MSP, PhD, CCC-SLP is the Dean of the Speech-Language Pathology program at West Coast University. Clinically, she has worked as an SLP in a variety of clinical settings, including schools, skilled nursing facilities, private practice, travel therapy, and hospital settings.

Since 2002, Dr. Bush has held the titles of Adjunct Professor, Clinical Supervisor, Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, External Placement Director, and Program Director in two CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs and one undergraduate speech-language pathology program. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in an occupational therapy master’s program to provide students with an interprofessional education. These experiences led to her teaching innovations, which infuse clinical education into academic course instruction.

During her tenure at Columbia College, Dr. Bush revamped the program curriculum to include experiential learning, scenario-based learning, mock therapy sessions, student-mentored research, service-learning projects with a variety of newly established community partners, and a summer camp for toddlers with language and hearing impairments. She has mentored new faculty members to provide these instructional techniques within their courses.

Dr. Bush is a proponent of student-mentored research. Her areas of interest in student-mentored research are health literacy, non-mainstream dialects, language/literacy, and scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Her students (graduate and undergraduate) have presented numerous student-mentored research at state and national conferences (ASHA and NBASLH) for over a decade.

Dr. Bush honed her leadership skills in Council on Academic Programs in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CAPCSD) Leadership Academy Cohort II and community service work in various organizations. She has served as the President of the South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association (SCSHA), an ASHA Advisory Council Member, and the Vice Chairperson of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Advisory Council.

As an accomplished and highly respected professional in her field, Dr. Bush has received the University of South Carolina’s Communication Sciences & Disorders Department’s Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, Columbia College’s Career Achievement Award, as well as South Carolina Independent College & University’s Professor of the Year Award for innovative program development and instruction. She is also a contributing author for the textbook Leadership in Speech-Language Pathology. Dr. Bush enjoys painting, traveling, and spending time with her family.

View All MSLP Faculty

Accreditation

The Master’s of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) education program in speech-language pathology distance education program at West Coast University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

FAQs

How long does it take to earn your Master of Speech-Language Pathology degree?

You can complete our online MSLP program in as few as 20 months — that’s less than two years! Students who have not completed a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders also have the option of enrolling in our pre-MSLP program, which can be completed in one trimester (16 weeks).

Do I need an MSLP degree to become a speech-language pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Additionally, they must also earn their license in order to practice in the field.

Does the MSLP program prepare me for the licensure exam?

Yes, students who complete the online MSLP program will be eligible to sit for the Praxis II exam. Additionally, we’ll help you prepare for the licensure exam through reviews and tutorials at the end of the program.

Where can I work as a speech-language pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some common workplaces, such as educational facilities, offices of occupational and speech therapists, hospitals, and nursing facilities.3

What are on-site intensives?

Our on-site intensives allow our MSLP students to prepare for their clinical placements. During these intensives, students visit the campus and get hands-on practice time with their peers and professors. Exercises and activities can include skills labs, simulations, mock therapy sessions, and more.

Can I enroll in the MSLP program if I don’t have a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology?

If you don’t have a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders, you can complete all the pre-requisite coursework through our online pre-MSLP program. This program allows you to take all required courses in one trimester (16 weeks).

Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

2American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Employment Settings for SLPs,” Accessed Dec. 7, 2022

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Speech-Language Pathologists,” Updated Sept. 28, 2022