Prospective Students

What is a speech-language pathologist, or SLP?

Speech-language pathologists (SLP's) assess and treat persons with communication disorders, involving disorders of speech, language, and/or hearing. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, community clinics, and private practice. Students choose this growing field because they are strong communicators who seek a rewarding, well-paying profession in which they can help others. SLP's have the opportunity to work with a variety of age-groups in a wide range of work settings.

Why choose to become an SLP?

Students choose this growing field because they are strong communicators who seek a rewarding, well-paying profession in which they can help others. SLP’s have the opportunity to work with a variety of age-groups in a wide range of work settings. The job market is excellent. Graduates easily find work in schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. They are also professional researchers in the areas of normal communication development as well as disorders.

How do I become an SLP?

A Master's Degree is required to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. The Cal State East Bay Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) offers both the Bachelors and Master's Degree in speech pathology. Graduate students in our Cal State East Bay program, accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, complete extensive clinical training including two off-campus internships. Graduates of the M.S. program are eligible to apply for California state licensure, the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and the California Teacher’s Commission Speech-Language Pathology Services credential.