Master of Science Degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

The speech-language pathology curriculum is designed to train competent, culturally sensitive speech-language pathologists who can appreciate and understand the importance of research in clinical practice. In order to accomplish this goal, a multitude of academic and clinical experiences are provided to the students, under the direction of skilled instructors, clinical researchers and supervisors both on and off campus. The development of clinical skills requires academic knowledge, the ability to understand and engage in research, and a sensitivity to clients' needs, values and cultures.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech Language Pathology {residential} at San Francisco State University is accredited 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, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The SLHS department curriculum includes all academic and clinical experiences necessary for American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certification in speech-language pathology, State of California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC), and the State of California license to practice speech-language pathology. Students are required to complete all academic courses. The practice of speech-language pathology in the state of California requires a license issued by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee Medical Board of California. Exempted settings are public schools and federal facilities. The academic and clinical requirements for the state license are similar to those of ASHA requirements in speech-language pathology.

Academic courses totaling 35 units are required for the Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology. Clinical practica total 6 units. Internships totaling 14 units are based on the number of experiences necessary for the student to obtain the 375 clinical clock hours plus 25 observation hours required for ASHA certification and California state licensure. Students should plan to complete these requirements over a minimum of 5 full-time semesters, which includes a summer session.  The program is delivered in a face-to-face/residential modality, with modifications available to students in internship placements located outside of the San Francisco Bay Area (during the second year of the program).  

Students who wish to pursue a specialization may need to take up to 15 additional units, which will result in an additional one to two semesters of graduate work.  Please see our Specialized Training page for more information:  https://slhs.sfsu.edu/specialized-training.  

Graduate Student Advising Manual

Any questions? Consult the Graduate Student Advising Manual.

Required Academic Courses (35 units)

Detailed course descriptions are available in the university course bulletin, which also specifies course prerequisites, and units.

  • SLHS701 Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Practices in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
  • SLHS702 Social Communication Development
  • SLHS703 Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practices, and Professional Issues
  • SLHS707 Serving School Communities in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
  • SLHS708 Neurogenic Disorders of Language
  • SLHS709 Speech Sound Production
  • SLHS710 Seminar in Dysphagia
  • SLHS714 Interprofessional Education & Family-Centered Practice (1 unit; take twice) 
  • SLHS754 Voice and Resonance
  • SLHS755 Fluency Disorders
  • SLHS756 Right Hemisphere Syndrome, TBI, Dementia in Communicative Disabilities
  • SLHS757 Aural Rehabilitation
  • SPED743 Issues in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (or if an undergraduate course in AAC has been completed, take SPED746: Teaching Individuals with Physical and Other Health Impairments 

Required Clinical Practica (6 units)

Detailed course descriptions are available in the university course bulletin, which also specifies course prerequisites, and units.

  • SLHS713 Seminar in Therapy for Organic Communicative Disorders (Take twice with SLHS 880 clinic = 2 units)
  • SLHS880 Advanced Communication Therapy (repeat a minimum of two times @ 2 units each time = 4 units)

Required Internships (14 units)

Detailed course descriptions are available in the university course bulletin, which also specifies course prerequisites, and units.

  • SLHS712 Internship Workshop Seminar: Communicative Disabilities (1 unit) (Take twice, concurrent with SLHS882) 
  • SLHS882 Advanced Internship (6 units) (Take twice, concurrent with SLHS712) 

Electives, including courses required for specializations, including AAC or Autism (3 units minimum)

Detailed course descriptions are available in the university course bulletin, which also specifies course prerequisites, and units.

  • SPED746  Teaching Individuals with Physical and Other Health Impairments
  • SPED791  Nature of Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • SPED794  Communication, Socialization and Imagination: Autism
  • SPED825  Behavior and Instructional Supports: Autism
  • EED713  Spanish Heritage Language for the Bilingual Teacher
  • EED701  Social, Cultural and Historical Foundations of Education
  • SPED779  Family Systems and Services for Very Young Children with Disabilties

Culminating Experience (3-6 units)

Students may choose one of the following plans:

Plan A (3 units)

  • SLHS706 Counseling 
  • SLHS896EXM Culminating Experience Examination (Written Comprehensive Exam)
    • (see department for limitations on repeat of failed examination or portions thereof.)

Plan B (6 units)

  • SLHS898 Master’s Thesis in Communicative Disorders and Oral Defense of Thesis, and
  • SLHS706 Counseling 

Note: Plan B is recommended to individuals planning to pursue predoctoral education. In addition, completion of Plan B is accepted in lieu of the master’s written comprehensive examination.

Suggested Timelines and Sequences:

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