Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Pepperdine University is launching the new online Master of Science Program in Speech-Language Pathology in Fall 2025. This program is designed to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of speech-language pathology within the framework of a strong clinical emphasis and guided by Pepperdine's Christian Mission. Courses within the program present various aspects of the art and science of speech-language pathology as it is applied to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communicative disorders.
ASHA Accreditation Status
The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (distance
education) at Pepperdine University is an Applicant for Candidacy 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.
WSCUC Status
The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology at Pepperdine
University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).
Program Details
Trimesters
Full-time
Trimesters
Part-time
Total Credits
Supervised Clinical Clock Hours
Mission, Vision, Goals, Outcomes
Mission Statement
Pepperdine University's Speech-Language Pathology program commits itself to delivering excellence in its academic and clinical preparation programs, both grounded in Christian values, to develop skilled and caring SLPs who possess a devotion to their patients, a heart for service, and a desire to lead within the profession.
Program Vision Statement
Pepperdine University faculty and students will be leaders in the profession of speech language pathology by
- preparing excellent speech-language pathologists,
- developing distinguished faculty members,
- generating research that advances the field, and
- serving the local and global communities.
Program Goals
- Provide students with excellent academic instruction and clinical education grounded in Christian values and professionalism.
- Advance the profession of speech-language pathology through research and professional development.
- Serve the community in meaningful ways to improve the lives of others.
Program 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.
Admission and Tuition
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
- 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
Admission Deadlines
Students may apply for admission to begin the program with the Fall (August), Spring (January), or Summer (May) cohort. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed by the admissions committee on a rolling basis.
Tuition & Fees
Program tuition has not been finalized. For planning purposes, students may expect a tuition rate of approximately $1,800 per credit hour. Total program tuition is currently estimated to be $95,400. Fees are estimated to at $1,045 for 5-term track and $1,625 for the 8-term track.
Financial Aid
We are committed to providing students with financial aid resources to meet the educational costs of attending graduate study. Our staff assists students with all financial aid processes including application procedures, resource comparison, and the utilization of funds.
International Students
International students whose first language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System. Applicants who have completed four or more years at a regionally accredited English taught institution may be exempt from this requirement. Please use the Pepperdine University institution code 4630 and have your score sent directly to the SLP Program. A TOEFL score of at least 600 on the paper and pencil test, or 95 on the internet based test is the minimum required. A band score of 7.0 for the IELTS exam is also acceptable. Applications are not considered complete without the test scores. The MS SLP will be open to international students beginning in Fall '26.
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). Depending upon prior coursework, students may also be required to complete foundational courses, up to 16 units. Most students with a degree in communication and speech disorders will already have completed these required courses.
Course Sequence
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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.
Foundational Courses
- SLP 500 Survey of Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan (3)
- SLP 501 Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing (3)
- SLP 502 Language Development (3)
- SLP 503 Phonetics and Acoustics (3)
- SLP 504 Foundations of Audiology (3)
- SLP 509 Clinical Observations and Foundations (1)
All required foundational courses must have a grade of B or better.
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 transcriptis required.
Program Documents
Student Outcome Data
The following tables will be updated as data becomes available.
The first graduating class is projected for the Spring of 2027.
On-Time Program Completion Rates
| Period | # Completed within Expected Time Frame | % Completed within Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 | ||
| 2027-2028 | ||
| 2028-2029 |
Praxis Pass Rates
| Reporting Period | # Taking the Exam | # Passed Exam | % Passed Exam Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 | |||
| 2027-2028 | |||
| 2028-2029 |
Non-Discrimination Statement
ASHA's Principle of Ethics 1.C. states: "Individuals shall not discriminate in the delivery of professional services or in the conduct of research and scholarly activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, disability, culture, language, or dialect."
Pepperdine's diversity policy states: "Pepperdine is a Christian university fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our faith cherishes the sacred dignity of every human being and celebrates diversity as a true representation of God's love and creative expression. We endeavor to build a diverse community that fully engages the transformative educational process across expressions of human difference. Therefore, we strive toward academic excellence and a shared sense of belonging with the understanding that a broad range of diverse perspectives enriches the quality of our learning, scholarship, and leadership."
Pepperdine University Code of Ethics
Dean, SLP
Leah I Fullman, MBA ScD CCC-SLP
Dean, MS in Speech Language Pathology
School of Speech Language Pathology
Pepperdine University
leah.fullman@pepperdine.edu
Biography
Dr. Fullman is a clinician, researcher, and academician. She has worked for medical centers, private clinics, and school districts, serving a very diverse caseload of children from NICU through age 21. She has specialized training and research experience in the speech/language and feeding/swallowing needs of medically complex children, including premature infants, craniofacial anomalies, trach/vent, feeding tubes, and NMES.
She served as Founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Faulkner University, guiding the development of graduate professional programs in speech language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies, as well as an undergraduate program in health sciences and a PhD in Health Sciences. During the development process, she oversaw the construction of a new 85,000 square foot Health Science Center, including a 15,000 square foot interprofessional pro bono Clinical Center, and was a member of the advancement team acquiring grants to fund the new College of Health Sciences and the Health Science Center. Dr Fullman serves as a Trustee for the Rocky Mountain University Board of Trustees. She also works as an accreditation consultant for universities developing programs in the health sciences and a legal consultant for cases within her scope of practice.
Contact Us
Speech-Language Pathology Program
Pepperdine University
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.
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Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's Online Speech-Language Pathology program.
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