Online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations Program
The online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations program, intertwined with our Christian mission, gives students the opportunity to complete the required foundational course work that may not have been covered during their undergraduate degree, helping them to prepare for a master's in speech-language pathology.
On acceptance to the program, an admissions counselor will guide students on which of the six courses they need to take, with courses exploring the fundamentals of speech, language, and hearing, as well the opportunity to complete compulsory clinical observation hours virtually, under the supervision of a Pepperdine course instructor.
Program Benefits
One to six courses
Complete recommended
course work only
15 weeks per course
Finish the courses individually
or simultaneously
No GRE score required
Apply without needing to submit
additional test scores
Program Learning Outcomes
- Learn knowledge and skills for the prevention, identification, evaluation, and treatment of patients with speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders.
- Acquire an understanding of anatomical structures and physiological functions of the biological systems that underlie speech, hearing, and swallowing.
- Gain foundational knowledge in the basic human language learning process.
- Learn fundamental concepts in articulation, resonance, and acoustic phonetics.
- Establish a practical understanding of clinical methods and procedures.
- Develop 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 admission to the online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations program are expected to demonstrate a capacity for professional success, clinical excellence, and a life of purpose, service, and leadership that is reflective of our Christian mission.
The minimum requirements for admission into the online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations include:
- US$65 non-refundable application fee.
- Completed undergraduate degree (BA/BS), with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Official transcripts for all previous college course work.
- Submission of the Pepperdine University online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations program application.
- One letter of recommendation by someone familiar with your background and potential for success as a speech-language pathologist.
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
For planning purposes, students may expect a tuition rate of approximately $1,800 per credit. Depending on the student's requirements and the courses they need to take, the total tuition price will vary. For all six courses, the total program tuition is currently estimated to be $28,800. All tuition rates are subject to an annual increase of 4–6%.
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 program will be open to international students beginning in Fall 2026.
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Curriculum
Overview
The online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations program curriculum prepares you for further study, equipping you with the foundational knowledge and skills that are needed prior to beginning a master's program in the discipline.
Offering academic excellence, guidance, and flexibility, the foundational program allows you to apply for only the courses you need to complete to meet entry requirements to a master's in speech-language pathology. Upon acceptance into the program, the faculty review committee will recommend which courses you must take for entry into a master's speech-language pathology program.
Live sessions and carefully developed course work across the six available courses provide invaluable learning experiences. Frequent opportunities for reflection allow students to consider their own growth and learning during their educational journey.
Additional Requirements
In addition to completing the foundational courses to be eligible to apply for the online master's program, ASHA requires the following courses to be completed to apply for the CCC-SLP: biology, physics or chemistry; statistics; and social sciences or behavioral sciences. ASHA courses require a grade of C or better. Official transcripts are required.
Foundational Courses
| Course | Name | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SLP 500 | Survey of Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan | 3 units |
| SLP 501 | Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing | 3 units |
| SLP 502 | Language Development | 3 units |
| SLP 503 | Phonetics and Acoustics | 3 units |
| SLP 504 | Foundations of Audiology | 3 units |
| SLP 509 | Clinical Observations and Foundations | 1 unit |
To be eligible to apply for the online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University, you must complete the required foundational courses with a grade of B or better. If you have already completed the foundational courses, you may be eligible for our MS in Speech-Language Pathology program.
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
Contact Us
School of Speech-Language Pathology
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.
Take the Next Step
Get in touch to learn more about the online Post Baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Foundations program.
Request Information