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Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

We know that applying to graduate school—and preparing for a career in speech-language pathology—comes with a lot of questions. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program at California State University, Monterey Bay is designed to support you every step of the way, from application through graduation and beyond.

Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about admissions requirements, program structure, and clinical experiences. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the field or preparing to submit your application, this FAQ is here to help you make an informed and confident decision.

If you don’t see your question answered here, our team is happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cal State Monterey Bay offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Students are not required to have their undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology. However, students with an undergraduate degree from another discipline are required to complete prerequisite or leveling courses.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for both your undergraduate degree and in Speech-Language Pathology coursework. Applicants must have been awarded a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with the degree and award date noted on the transcript.

Practicum or fieldwork experiences are essential to the SLP program. Most of the practicum experiences will occur with our community partners out in the field. Practicum experiences will take place in a variety of settings to provide students with a diverse experience. There will be some onsite opportunities, but there will not be an onsite clinic.

The MS-SLP program prepares students to work in various settings, including the California public schools.

The job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists is projected to grow by 25% from 2019-2029, which the BLS (2020) indicates is much faster than the average occupation. Furthermore, BLS (2020) reports the median average salary for SLPs is over $79,000 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).

Yes, all applicants must apply through both CSDCAS and the Cal State Apply systems simultaneously when applying to the program. Please consult the MS-SLP website for the specific application timeline.

The program includes in person requirements for coursework and practicum experiences, with many courses offered in a hybrid format. Typically the hybrid course format is one week in person and the next week online.

Applicants without the Certificate of Clearance may be conditionally admitted to the program. The program must receive the Certificate of Clearance before the start of the program.

Currently, CSUMB  does not offer the prerequisite leveling courses for those without an undergraduate degree in the field of Communication Sciences Disorders. The required courses are listed on our website.

No, the GRE is not a requirement for admission.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at California State University, Monterey Bay 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. This is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years.

The award of candidacy allows the MS-SLP propgram at CSUMB to matriculate students into the program as we continue to document compliance with the accreditation standards.