Speech-Language Pathology, B.S.*

Program of Study

The Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) provides students with a broad education, covering content related to speech, language, communication, and cognitive and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. It will build important foundational skills in professional oral and written communication, evidence-based practice, and cultural sensitivity. As the coursework has both breadth and depth in related fields, the Bachelor’s degree can lead to careers in fields including communication, counseling, general education, health, human development, rehabilitation, social service, and special education.

The program provides foundational coursework necessary for application to graduate programs that lead to a career in speech-language pathology. Students who earn this Bachelor of Science in SLP will be eligible to apply to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.+

+The coursework associated with the major will satisfy most other speech-language pathology/communicative sciences and disorders master’s programs’ admissions requirements, but this may differ from program to program, and applicants are encouraged to contact specific programs for additional information. Application to the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at CSUSM does not guarantee admission.

*The Speech-Language Pathology, B.S. is offered through Extended Learning.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication, hearing, and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, development, and linguistic and cultural bases.
2. Incorporate concepts of communication, hearing, and swallowing functions to communicate information regarding development, differences, and/or disorders, in oral and written form.
3. Apply evidence-based research to support decision-making.

4. Describe the importance of ethical conduct and professional attitudes when communicating and collaborating with professionals across health and human service disciplines.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

The Bachelor of Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology has the same general undergraduate admission and graduation requirements and/or transfer policies/requirements described in the California State University San Marcos catalog. Students must, however, complete the 15 units of lower-division preparatory coursework prior to the start of the major.

Degree Requirements

The courses are sequenced as a cohort model such that accepted students go through the same courses at the same time. Students must complete 15 units of lower-division preparatory coursework prior to beginning the major. The lower-division preparatory coursework can be satisfied at any college/university that offers this content. All courses taken for the major, including Preparation for the Major, must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Lower-Division General Education (48 Units)

General Education Requirements  

Preparation for the Major (15 Units)

Upper-Division General Education (3 Units)

• EDUC 380 - Applied Child and Youth Development Units: 3 *
• PHIL 345 - Bioethics and Medical Ethics Units: 3 +
• PHYS 357 - The Science of Speech and Hearing Units: 3

• Note:

  *If taken after students have completed 60 units, this course will satisfy the Upper-Division General Education requirement in area DD.

  + If taken after students have completed 60 units, this course will satisfy the Upper-Division General Education requirement in area CC.

  ^ If taken after students have completed 60 units, this course will satisfy the Upper-Division General Education requirement in area BB.

Major Requirements (51 Units)

• SLP 320 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism Units: 3
• SLP 364 - The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling Units: 3
• SLP 372 - Foundations of Cognitive and Social Communication Units: 3
• SLP 391 - Clinical Phonetics and Analysis of Disordered Speech for Speech Language Pathologists Units: 3
• SLP 431 - Deconstructing Disability Units: 3
• SLP 450 - Diagnostics in Speech-Language Pathology Units: 3
• SLP 452 - Introduction to Clinical Practice Units: 3
• SLP 461 - Disorders of Speech Sound Production Units: 3
• SLP 463 - Low-Incidence Communication Disorders Units: 3
• SLP 471 - Developmental Language and Literacy Disorders Units: 3
• SLP 473 - Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders Units: 3
• SLP 481 - Seminar in Audiology Units: 3
• SLP 491 - Neural Correlates for Speech, Language and Swallowing Functions Units: 3
• SLP 492 - Voice and Swallowing Units: 3
• SLP 495 - Capstone Course in Speech-Language Pathology Units: 3
• SLP 496 - From Evidence to Application Units: 3
• SLP 499 - Senior Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology Units: 3