edX Online

About the program

  • Evidence-based academic curriculum:

    Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of speech-language pathology principles.

  • Experienced, expert faculty members:

    Learn from speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with extensive clinical and research experience.

  • Diverse pediatric and adult clinic settings:

    Complete clinical supervised hours that take place across the lifespan and continuum of care.

  • Licensure preparation:

    Develop knowledge and skills to prepare for the Praxis Exam, the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), and state licensure (requirements may vary by state).*

    *Please note, program completion does not guarantee that a student will receive a CCC offered by ASHA or state licensure.

Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology curriculum progresses from fundamental knowledge to advanced practices and competencies, preparing you to care for patients of all ages across the entire care spectrum. Through engaging, online learning courses, three onsite experiences at the Pepperdine Calabasas Campus, and clinical field practicums, you’ll develop the skills to become a compassionate, expert speech-language pathologist ready to serve your community. All courses and clinical requirements are designed to meet American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) requirements.

  • Core master’s courses:

    Complete 22 online courses covering speech-language pathology, from prevention to treatment of communication and swallowing disorders in both pediatric and adult populations.

  • Onsite experiences:

    Connect with your Pepperdine University SLP peers and faculty mentor at orientation, gain hands-on experience through simulations, and participate in the graduation ceremony through three on-campus sessions.

  • Clinical practicums:

    Experience a comprehensive clinical practicum with 400+ supervised hours across five courses, including simulation-based training and placements in diverse settings for both pediatric and adult populations.

  • Foundational courses:

    Depending upon prior course work, students may be required to complete all foundational courses before beginning the program.

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

Students seeking admission to the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program should have a strong academic background and a desire to improve our local communities and the lives of patients at every opportunity. No GRE/GMAT scores are required. 

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.  There are three start dates per year: fall (August), spring (January), and summer (May).

The following materials are needed to apply: 

  • Online application 

  • $65 non-refundable application fee

  • College transcripts 

  • Three letters of recommendation 

  • Statement of interest 

  • Completion of required foundational courses in communicative disorders

  • Proof of English language proficiency

campus image

Clinical practicum

The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Pepperdine University offers a comprehensive, five-course clinical practicum experience. Gain valuable knowledge and skills across the lifespan and continuum of care, preparing you for various careers in speech-language pathology following graduation.  

  • 400+ supervised clinical hours in local placement sites

  • Simulation-based practicum focused on fundamental skills, including documentation and billing 

  • Equal focus on pediatric and adult care settings 

  • Exposure to diverse clinical settings and patient backgrounds