Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Pursue Your Calling as a Speech-Language Pathologist
The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at Pepperdine University delivers excellence in its academic and clinical preparation, grounded in Pepperdine’s Christian Mission. Our curriculum is designed to develop skilled, compassionate speech-language pathologists who are experts in the field, and are committed to serving and leading in their local communities. Students can choose between a full-time (five trimesters) or a part-time (eight trimesters) program that consists of weekly online learning, three onsite campus experiences, and 400 supervised clinical hours. At Pepperdine, we're not just teaching practical skills needed to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist, we're preparing students to use their knowledge to live the Christian mission and transform the lives of their patients physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Speech-Language Pathology Program Highlights
Flexible Learning Options
Choose the pace that best fits your lifestyle—full-time in 5 trimesters or part-time in 8 trimesters.
400+ Clinical Supervised Hours
Get placed in a clinical placement opportunity near you to expand your SLP skillset.
Quick Facts
Format: Online with three onsite experiences in Calabasas
Start Term: Fall, spring, and summer
Length: Full-time (5 trimesters) or part-time (8 trimesters)
Units: 53
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Three Onsite ExperiencesThe program includes three onsite experiences at Pepperdine’s Calabasas campus, featuring simulation activities that bring classroom learning to life. |
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Faith-Driven EducationGrounded in Christian values, we prepare you to transform healthcare systems, and impact communities locally and worldwide. |
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Immersive Clinical PracticeYou’ll complete 400+ supervised clinical hours through a five-course practicum in varied settings—schools, healthcare, and assisted living—gaining hands-on experience with pediatric and adult populations. |
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Licensure PreparationDuring the final two trimesters of the program, you will complete a Praxis preparation sequence to equip you to sit for the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology. |
Foundations Program
Need a few more classes before applying to your master’s in SLP? Pepperdine's Online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations Program lets you complete the courses you’re missing and get ready to take the next step toward your career in speech-language pathology.
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.
Get In Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about opportunities that await you.
Attend An Info Session
Learn more about our SLP program by signing up for a virtual information session.
Start Your Application
Begin your application to Pepperdine today through the Common Application.
Faculty Highlights
Danielle Rich
Associate Dean and Professor
Teaches SLP 509: Clinical Observations and Foundations, and SLP 691: Clinical Methods/Practicum 1
Caroline Gammill
Assistant Professor
Teaches SLP 610: Introduction to SLP Practice, and SLP 611: Advanced Anatomy and Physiology for SLP
Admissions
January 2026 Cohort Application Deadlines
Early Priority Submit Deadline
Priority Submit Deadline
Final Submit Deadline
Application Requirements
All students who are granted full admission to the SLP program are expected to demonstrate a capacity for professional success, clinical excellence, and a life of purpose, service and leadership. The minimum requirements for admission include:
- $65 non-refundable application fee
- Completed undergraduate degree (BA/BS), with an overall GPA of 3.000 or higher
- Completion of required foundational courses in communicative disorders
- Applicants who have not completed the required foundational courses may be admitted to complete those courses in advance of full admission to the program (Learn more about Pepperdine's Foundations Program)
- Submission of the speech-language pathology graduate application
- Three letters of recommendation, two from previous faculty members
- A statement of your interest and capacity for success in the field of speech-language pathology
ASHA Requirements
The MS SLP is intended to prepare students for licensure and certification eligibility in California and many other states. Admission does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements by state is available on the ASHA website.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Pepperdine University is a distance education program carefully designed to help graduates earn eligibility for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
ASHA Requirements
ASHA standards for certification in Speech-Language Pathology require demonstrated knowledge of the following areas: biological sciences, physics or chemistry, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences (Standard IV-A). All required courses must have a grade of C or better. Official transcript is required.
Also requires three, one-week onsite experiences (OE) at the Pepperdine Calabasas Campus.
- OE 1: First week of trimester 1, includes new student orientation.
- OE 2: Final week of trimester 3 for full-time; or trimester 6 for part-time. OE 2 includes SLP 635 Professional Practice Competencies.
- OE 3: Final week of final trimester, it includes graduation.
Why Pepperdine
A Premier Christian School
Since its founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has always had a singular mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values. As one of the few speech-language pathology programs based at a Christian university, we believe communication is at the heart of human connection and flourishing. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of our curriculum, as we encourage students to approach speech-language pathology with skill, integrity, and compassion—grounding their clinical practice in Truth and a deep commitment to serving the whole person.
Learning Outcomes
- Integrate knowledge and skills of the prevention, identification, evaluation, and treatment of patients with speech, language, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan to become competent practitioners.
- Apply knowledge and skills to become responsible producers and consumers of research to advance the field of SLP and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.
- Practice with the highest level of professionalism, including professional duty, accountability, ethics, service, and Christian values.
- Communicate using interpersonal skills that honor the preferred mode of communication, cultural/linguistic backgrounds, and values of patients, families, and relevant others.
Learn more about the School of Speech-Language Pathology's mission, vision, and values
Student Experience for a Lifetime of Success
We believe student success extends beyond the classroom. The Pepperdine College of Health Science’s student services department are here to help you access essential resources and foster community and wellness.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid at Pepperdine University College of Health Science is dedicated to offering outstanding financial aid packages to our students. Discover more about the scholarships, grants, and financing options available to students across all income levels.
Three Onsite Immersion Experiences
As part of Pepperdine’s primarily online SLP program, students come together in person for three dynamic immersion experiences at our Calabasas campus. Each weeklong (Monday–Friday) residency is designed to build community, sharpen skills, and celebrate milestones. The first onsite immersion experience kicks off your SLP journey in week one, the second takes place at the midpoint of the program, and the final immersion crowns your studies during the last week—leading right into graduation.
Contact Us
Admissions
Pepperdine College of Health Science
School of Speech-Language Pathology
26750 Agoura Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
Grievances/Complaints
The Speech Language Pathology program at Pepperdine University expects students to follow the Grievance Policies and Procedures of the SLP Program and Pepperdine University. If concerns still exist and are related to the program's compliance with accreditation standards, students should contact the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) at the ASHA Action Center [Members: 800-498-2071; Non-Members: 800-638-8255].
Further information may be found on the ASHA website.
Request Information
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's Online Speech-Language Pathology program.