A tradition of excellence.

Located on the Stockton campus, Pacific's Department of Speech-Language Pathology offers two accelerated master of science degree programs — a 15-month and a 24-month program. The focus of both programs is to provide a quality clinical instruction based in the research foundations of the profession.

Projected employment growth higher than in other fields

15 and 24-month accelerated pathways

On-campus clinical experiences 

Two accelerated pathways

15-month (4 semester) program pathway for students who have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology.

24-month (6 semester) program pathway for students with non-speech-language pathology baccalaureate degrees.

The graduate program director works with students to develop an appropriate plan of study that meets the needs of individual students. The master of science degree program satisfies the academic and clinical requirements for:

  • The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • State licensure in Speech-Language Pathology granted by the State of California’s Department of Consumer Affairs.
  • The California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
     
SLP Admissions

Read our Admissions information for everything you need to know about prerequisites, how to apply, and more.

SLP student and professors
SLP graduates at ceremony
Why choose SLP at Pacific?

Pacific graduates of the master’s degree program consistently perform well on the national certification and state licensure examination in speech-language pathology. For over two decades, prior to graduation with their master’s degree, 100% of the students have passed the examination. The rate is considerably higher than the national average passing rate of approximately 80-90%.

The mission of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology is to prepare reflective speech-language pathologists and audiologists for lifelong success by providing an excellent student-centered experiential learning environment. Our students are mentored in developing leadership, critical thinking skills, and a strong commitment to their profession and society. These efforts are assisted by the department's commitment to professional growth through clinical practice, scholarly activity, and service to the profession and the community. The programs are developed in accordance with state and national accreditation standards and guidelines to ensure that graduates provide exemplary professional practice throughout their careers.

Major Field Competence

Demonstrate knowledge in the discipline

Critical and Creative Thinking

Demonstrate critical and creative thinking

Communication

Demonstrate effective oral and written skills

Ethical Reasoning

Understand the importance of integrating ethical behavior in their personal and professional lives

Collaboration & Leadership

Demonstrate the importance of collaborating with others within and across disciplines

Intercultural and Global Perspectives

Understand the importance of embracing and serving a diverse world
 

Program Specific Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders, and methods of prevention, evaluation, and intervention. 
  • Demonstrate skill in selecting appropriate tools and conducting evaluations with diverse populations and across the lifespan. 
  • Demonstrate skill in conducting intervention with diverse populations and across the lifespan. 
  • Demonstrate interaction and personal qualities consistent with the standards of the profession. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of school-based and medical-based speech-language pathology services.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in discipline-related research. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of counseling principles and practices applied to the practice of speech-language pathology with diverse populations and across the lifespan. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of standards of ethical conduct. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary professional issues. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice. 
  • Demonstrates kills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice. 
  • Complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology with at least 325 of the 400 clock hours completed at the graduate level. 
  • Pass the national examination adopted by ASHA for purposes of certification and licensure in speech-language pathology.
     
Outstanding Student
Coral Connor ’18

Through interactions with speech-language pathologists, she discovered a profession which combines her passion for helping others with her interest in language and cognition.

Coral Conner
student working with child
Graduate clinical experience

At the graduate level, students are assigned both child and adult clients in our Stockton centers. Graduate students also complete a fieldwork experience with children in northern California public school districts.  During their final semester, graduate students participate in a full-time externship experience in an off-campus setting (relocation may be required.)

Pacific students obtain required clinical hours in a variety of placements. Students begin their clinical experience in the on-campus clinics which include the Pacific Speech, Hearing and Language Center, Language-Literacy Center and the nearby RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Stockton, a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation.  Each of these centers is housed in state-of-the art, professional health care facilities.

  • A minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology. At least twenty-five hours must have been spent in clinical observation and at least 375 clock hours must have been spent in direct client/patient contact.
  • At least 325 of the 400 clock hours must be completed while the applicant is engaged in graduate study in a program accredited in speech-language pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Supervised practicum must include experience with client/patient populations across the life span and from culturally/linguistically diverse backgrounds. Practicum must include experience with client/patient populations with various types and severities of communication and/or related disorders, differences, and disabilities.
     

State Requirements for Licensure and Certification

Opportunities for graduates

Pacific’s SLP faculty are at the top of their field and are here to serve you.

Accreditation Information

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at University of the Pacific 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.  

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We take a hands on approach with our students. This means we want to get to know you throughout your discovery and application process. Help us connect with you by taking the next step. 

Non-Discrimination Disclosure

The Program is an equal opportunity institution of higher learning and is firmly committed to nondiscrimination in its delivery of services and employment practices. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, such decisions will be made irrespective of the individual's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any other status protected by law. For further information, please see the University’s policy

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Speech-Language Pathology

3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211

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