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Our streamlined curriculum lets you earn your degree in as few as 20 months
Get hands-on practice during in-person immersion experiences that help prepare you for your clinical experience hours
Gain experience through direct patient clinical work with an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist
Preparation to pursue independent practice as a speech-language pathologist
Guidance and professional development from an experienced faculty mentor
Virtual hands-on skills labs to help you develop critical thinking and application skills
Online flexibility designed with mobile-accessible learning tools
Speech-language pathologists help treat a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. It’s a rewarding healthcare field where you can work hands-on with patients to help them communicate effectively and improve their quality of life.
The online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at WCU is designed for students who want to pursue autonomous practice as speech-language pathologists. Through a combination of online didactic learning and hands-on experience, our MSLP program scaffolds knowledge, skills, and values to help prepare you for this exciting and fulfilling field.
Distance Education/Online
56 Credits
20 Months
5 Trimesters
COMM 580 | Health Communication | 2 |
SLP 520 | Survey of Research with Lab | 2 |
SLP 522 | Speech Sound Disorders with Lab & Clinical Intensive I | 3 |
SLP 524 | Diagnostic Procedures with Lab | 2.5 |
SLP 526 | Language Disorders in Infants & Toddlers with Lab | 2 |
SLP 528 | Language Disorders in Children with Lab | 2 |
SLP 530 | Fluency Disorders with Lab | 2 |
SLP 532 | Dysphagia in Infants & Children with Lab | 2.5 |
SLP 534 | Neurogenic Cognitive & Language Disorders with Lab | 2.5 |
SLP 536 | Dysphagia in Adults with Lab | 2.5 |
SLP 538 | Neurogenic Speech Disorders with Lab | 2.5 |
SLP 540 | Foundations of Literacy Disorders with Lab | 2 |
SLP 542 | Voice Disorders with Lab | 2 |
SLP 544 | Medical Speech Language Pathology with Lab | 2.5 |
SLP 546 | Aural Rehabilitation with Lab | 2 |
SLP 548 | Augmentative & Alternative Communication with Lab | 2 |
SLP 550 | Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare | 1.5 |
SLP 552 | Speech Language Pathology Seminar with Clinical Intensive II | 2.5 |
SLP 584 | Clinical Experience I | 2.5 |
SLP 586 | Clinical Seminar I | 1.5 |
SLP 588 | Clinical Experience II | 2.5 |
SLP 590 | Clinical Seminar II | 1.5 |
SLP 592 | Clinical Experience III | 4.5 |
SLP 602 | Clinical Seminar III | 1.5 |
SLP 608 | Professional Topics & Leadership | 2 |
Total Credit Hours: | 56 |
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSLP tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSLP program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
Total Program Credits | 56 | 56 |
Program Length(Full-time) | 5 trimesters | 5 trimesters |
Tuition Cost(per credit) | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Total Tuition Cost | $56,000 | $56,000 |
STRF Fee1(non-refundable) | $155 | $0 |
Estimate for Uniforms Fees2 | $100 | $100 |
Estimate for Supplies &Licensure Preparation Fees2 | $2,925 | $2,925 |
Technology Fee3($500 per trimester) | $2,500 | $2,500 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Non-CA Residents) | $61,525 | $61,525 |
Estimated Total Program Costs | $61,680 | $61,525 |
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,328 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1.728 | $1,728 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
Total | $9,644 | $15,196 | $10,100 | $15,932 |
NOTE: Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Master of Speech Language Pathology program until a non-refundable $250.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check made payable to West Coast University. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 The Estimate for Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change. Supplies become student purchases once issued to student. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all of the supplies, contact the Bursar Office.
Fees do not include indirect costs, which may include but are not limited to background checks, health screenings/requirements for clinical, out of state fieldwork placements, and/or transportation.
Refer to the Program Fee Schedule for a breakdown of expected indirect costs.
3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
Applicants for the Master Speech Language Pathology program must have:
Applications can be submitted during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or while completing required coursework. However, pending degrees, coursework or other requirements must be completed and verified through CSDCAS by the deadline to apply.
For more information on admission requirements, please visit our catalog.
Our online MSLP program offers two start dates per year with 15-week terms. For the most updated list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.
The mission of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at West Coast University is to develop competent speech-language pathologists who are committed to evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, community outreach, and excellence in patient-centered care. We prepare entry-level humanistic practitioners to serve competently on interprofessional teams, and to work for the advancement of the profession.
We envision a virtual academic environment composed of an innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a variety of clinical practica experiences that prepare students to serve a culturally diverse society. We continuously strive to inspire students to become servant leaders, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and reflective interprofessional practitioners.
The philosophy of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program is to develop lifelong learners who possess the knowledge, skills, and values required for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders using critical thinking in evidence-based academic coursework and clinical education within a student-centric environment. We are committed to preparing servant leaders, respectful of diversity and inclusion, to fulfill a humanitarian need of (re)habilitating children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders.
West Coast University’s MSLP program aims to give you the flexibility and support you need to pursue your education.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
If you want to pursue your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, but you haven’t completed the prerequisite coursework, you still have the option of getting started at WCU. Our pre-MSLP program was designed for students who did not complete their bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.
With this program, you can complete the required coursework in just one trimester (16 weeks)!
Upon successful completion of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, students will be able to:
Graduation Year | Taking the Test | Number of Test-Takers Passed | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | 25 | 24 | 96% |
2025 | |||
2026 | |||
3-Year Average |
Graduation Year | Number of Graduates Employed | Number of Graduates Not Employed | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
2025 | |||
2026 | |||
3-Year Average |
Graduation Year | Number Completing on Time | Number Later Than on Time | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
2025 | |||
2026 | |||
3-Year Average |
The MSLP handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors.
Click Here to view MSLP Strategic Plan
The mission of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at West Coast University is to develop competent speech-language pathologists who are committed to evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, community outreach, and excellence in patient-centered care. We prepare entry-level humanistic practitioners to serve competently on interprofessional teams, and to work for the advancement of the profession.
We envision a virtual academic environment composed of an innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a variety of clinical practica experiences that prepare students to serve a culturally diverse society. We continuously strive to inspire students to become servant leaders, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and reflective interprofessional practitioners.
The philosophy of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program is to develop lifelong learners who possess the knowledge, skills, and values required for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders using critical thinking in evidence-based academic coursework and clinical education within a student-centric environment. We are committed to preparing servant leaders, respectful of diversity and inclusion, to fulfill a humanitarian need of (re)habilitating children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders.
West Coast University’s MSLP program aims to give you the flexibility and support you need to pursue your education.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
If you want to pursue your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, but you haven’t completed the prerequisite coursework, you still have the option of getting started at WCU. Our pre-MSLP program was designed for students who did not complete their bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.
With this program, you can complete the required coursework in just one trimester (16 weeks)!
Upon successful completion of the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, students will be able to:
Graduation Year | Taking the Test | Number of Test-Takers Passed | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | 25 | 24 | 96% |
2025 | |||
2026 | |||
3-Year Average |
Graduation Year | Number of Graduates Employed | Number of Graduates Not Employed | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
2025 | |||
2026 | |||
3-Year Average |
Graduation Year | Number Completing on Time | Number Later Than on Time | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
2025 | |||
2026 | |||
3-Year Average |
The MSLP handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors.
Click Here to view MSLP Strategic Plan
Our students and graduates get access to a wealth of resource through our Career Services department.1 Attend professional development workshops or speak to an advisor for one-on-one career guidance. Additionally, the Career Services team can help you through every step of your job hunt. Get help writing an attention-grabbing resume, locating open jobs that fit your goals, and even preparing for interviews.
Speech-language pathologists can work in a variety of workplaces. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, roughly half (56%) of speech-language pathologists are employed in educational settings, including early intervention, preschool, K-12 schools, and universities. SLPs can work in a variety of settings, including:
When the time comes, we can help you explore your options and find the right role for you.
Getting hands-on experience is an essential part of your education. Our MSLP students begin with virtual skills labs that help you develop competencies through case studies. You also get to practice during two weekend clinical intensives where you participate in a variety of simulations with high-fidelity manikins, mock therapy sessions, interprofessional collaboration activities, and more. All of this serves to prepare you for clinical experiences with an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech-language pathologist.
Clinical hours with a speech-language pathologist take place in your state of residence. WCU builds relationships with different clinical partners to help you find a facility that aligns with your interests and needs. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Regina Lemmon Bush, MSP, PhD, CCC-SLP is the Dean of the Speech-Language Pathology program at West Coast University. Clinically, she has worked as an SLP in a variety of clinical settings, including schools, skilled nursing facilities, private practice, travel therapy, and hospital settings.
Since 2002, Dr. Bush has held the titles of Adjunct Professor, Clinical Supervisor, Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, External Placement Director, and Program Director in two CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs and one undergraduate speech-language pathology program. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in an occupational therapy master’s program to provide students with an interprofessional education. These experiences led to her teaching innovations, which infuse clinical education into academic course instruction.
During her tenure at Columbia College, Dr. Bush revamped the program curriculum to include experiential learning, scenario-based learning, mock therapy sessions, student-mentored research, service-learning projects with a variety of newly established community partners, and a summer camp for toddlers with language and hearing impairments. She has mentored new faculty members to provide these instructional techniques within their courses.
Dr. Bush is a proponent of student-mentored research. Her areas of interest in student-mentored research are health literacy, non-mainstream dialects, language/literacy, and scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Her students (graduate and undergraduate) have presented numerous student-mentored research at state and national conferences (ASHA and NBASLH) for over a decade.
Dr. Bush honed her leadership skills in Council on Academic Programs in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CAPCSD) Leadership Academy Cohort II and community service work in various organizations. She has served as the President of the South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association (SCSHA), an ASHA Advisory Council Member, and the Vice Chairperson of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Advisory Council.
As an accomplished and highly respected professional in her field, Dr. Bush has received the University of South Carolina’s Communication Sciences & Disorders Department’s Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, Columbia College’s Career Achievement Award, as well as South Carolina Independent College & University’s Professor of the Year Award for innovative program development and instruction. She is also a contributing author for the textbook Leadership in Speech-Language Pathology. Dr. Bush enjoys painting, traveling, and spending time with her family.
The Master’s of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) education program in speech-language pathology distance education program at West Coast University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.
You can complete our online MSLP program in as few as 20 months — that’s less than two years! Students who have not completed a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders also have the option of enrolling in our pre-MSLP program, which can be completed in one trimester (16 weeks).
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, they must also earn their license in order to practice in the field.
Yes, students who complete the online MSLP program will be eligible to sit for the Praxis II exam. Additionally, we’ll help you prepare for the licensure exam through reviews and tutorials at the end of the program.
Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some common workplaces, such as educational facilities, offices of occupational and speech therapists, hospitals, and nursing facilities.3
Our on-site intensives allow our MSLP students to prepare for their clinical placements. During these intensives, students visit the campus and get hands-on practice time with their peers and professors. Exercises and activities can include skills labs, simulations, mock therapy sessions, and more.
If you don’t have a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders, you can complete all the pre-requisite coursework through our online pre-MSLP program. This program allows you to take all required courses in one trimester (16 weeks).
Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.
1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
2American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Employment Settings for SLPs,” Accessed Dec. 7, 2022
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Speech-Language Pathologists,” Updated Sept. 28, 2022