Speech-Language Pathology Essentials
Spring ’25 Registration Opens
December 2, 2024
Earn Speech Language & Hearing Sciences Academic Credit in California’s Top Program
U.S. News and World Report ranked San Diego State University’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) graduate program No. 1 in California and No. 29 in the nation. In another report, U.S. News and World Report ranked the Speech-Language Pathologist profession No. 10 best job for 2022.
To meet the demand for this renowned program and the potential career opportunities, SDSU offers the online Speech-Language Pathology Essentials program.
- Overview
- Courses
- How To Register
- Resources
About the Program
Approximately 10% of U.S. children and adults have speech and/or language impairments. As such, the demand for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is steadily growing. SLP experts are trained to help individuals across the lifespan communicate; from children with neurodevelopmental or speech disorders to aging seniors who have survived strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or dementia. The demand for qualified SLPs is increasing, with the number of SLP jobs projected to grow by 21% over the next 10 years.
Program Details
- Eight-week online courses
- Led by lecturers from SDSU’s SLHS department
- Geared toward working professionals
- SLP students have exclusive access to “How to Apply for an SLP Graduate Program” Webinar
- Access to SLP Essential Homeroom on Canvas, which includes modules that provide students with information on how to apply to graduate programs in speech-language pathology
- Take only the courses you need, based on interest or graduate program prerequisites
- Non-cohort
This credit program prepares students to apply to graduate programs in speech-language pathology. With eight-week online courses taught by experienced lecturers from SDSU’s renowned School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS), our program can help you prepare for your graduate clinical studies as quickly as possible. All courses are 100% online and self-paced, making it easy to fit classes into your busy schedule.
The M.A. program in SLHS at SDSU is accredited through the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Is This Program Right for Me?
If you’re preparing to earn a master’s degree in SLP, our Speech-Language Pathology Essentials program will help you build solid foundational knowledge that you can use throughout your graduate program and your future SLP career.
The program is geared towards working SLP professionals who are preparing for a graduate program and still need a few more undergraduate credentials. These courses are designed to satisfy undergraduate prerequisites for SDSU’s Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program, though the credits should transfer to graduate-level SLP programs at other schools as well.
Please take a look at the prerequisite checklist to see how these courses fit with the prerequisites for SDSU’s graduate program. Please note that taking these courses does not guarantee admission into SDSU’s graduate-level SLP program, or any other clinical graduate program.
SDSU is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may be eligible to receive full or partial tuition assistance on this program. Equal Opportunity is the Law. Equal opportunity employer/program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.
What Can I Learn?
With our Speech-Language Pathology Essentials program, you’ll learn a variety of the fundamental topics you’ll need to succeed in a graduate-level program and throughout your career.
Course topics include:
- Hearing science and audiology
- Phonetics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Language science
- Language acquisition and disorders
- Hearing and speech disorders
You’ll build a solid foundation in speech, language, and hearing sciences through online courses led by expert lecturers from SDSU’s School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Our instructors bring years of professional and academic experience to the virtual classroom, which means that you’re getting a practical education on the in-demand skills that employers are looking for.
Career Outcomes
Labor Analysis
Speech-Language Pathologists — Nationwide
- 171,400Number of Jobs, 2022
- 19%Projected job growth (2022-2032)
- $84,140Median salary range, 2022
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Labor Analysis
Speech-Language Pathologists — California
- 17,100Number of Jobs, 2022
- 29%Projected job growth (2022-2032)
- $108,960Median salary range, 2022
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why Should You Choose Us?
Reputation
U.S. News and World Report ranked San Diego State University’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) SLP (M.A.) graduate program the No. 1 in California and No. 29 in the nation. As a student of our SLP Essentials program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of speech, language, and hearing sciences from expert lecturers at SDSU’s renowned SLHS School.
Flexibility
While some courses must be taken in sequence, the majority of the program is offered in a non-cohort model, which means that you can complete virtually any course you want in order to satisfy the requirements you need to earn your undergraduate credentials. And because the courses are self-paced and 100% online, you can earn those credentials on your schedule, without sacrificing your personal and professional commitments.
Networking Opportunities
We know that graduate school is a big commitment, both in time and in cost. Many SLP graduate programs have rigorous admissions requirements, which can include having a bachelor’s degree and a certain number of undergraduate credits. For SLP professionals who didn’t complete an undergraduate degree in the field of speech, language, and hearing sciences, you may find yourself just a few credits short.
Our Speech-Language Pathology Essentials program is designed to remove those barriers, making a graduate-level education accessible to all learners everywhere. At only $345 per unit, the online courses in our SLP program are accessible to nearly any student; all you need is a passion for communication and a desire to continue your education.
The program is designed to help you satisfy the unique prerequisites of your graduate SLP program. This means that you can take as many courses as you like. Courses cost $345 per unit, and each 8-week course is 3-4 units.
Spring 2025 Term Dates
Block Term Dates: Dates vary, see below.
Registration Opens: Dec. 2, 2024
Block 1: Jan. 6-Mar. 2, 2025 | Deadline Reg. Date: 1/06/25
Block 2: Mar. 3-Apr. 27, 2025 | Deadline Reg. Date: 3/03/25
Click the course names below to read the course description and next term dates.
Course List
Structure, acquisition, processing, and neurological organization of language in typical and disordered communication.
Format: Online
Concepts of hearing science. Hearing science components to include physical acoustics, anatomy and physiology of auditory system, and psychoacoustics.
Format: Online
Principles of speech production and practical skills in discriminating and transcribing sounds of various dialects in English and other languages, as well as clinical populations. Competency in IPA broad and narrow transcription, classification of speech sounds, and patterns of speech.
Format: Online
Next Session: Spring 2025, 3/3-4/27
- Section:
- SLHS 0320
- Location:
- TBD
- Day(s):
- TBD
- Time:
- Instructor
- TBD
Anatomy and physiology of respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems related to speech.
Format: Online
View video here.
Diagnostic audiology procedures: Pure-tone testing, masking, speech recognition testing and immittance. Integration and interpretation of results from the basic audiological test battery.
Prerequisites:Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 305.
Format: Online
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 305.
- Prerequisites:
- Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 305.
Next Session: Spring 2025, 3/3-4/27
- Section:
- SLHS 0340
- Location:
- TBD
- Day(s):
- TBD
- Time:
- Instructor
- TBD
Theoretical, methodological, and technical issues related to facilitating receptive and expressive communication in individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Emphasizes multidisciplinary case management of children.
Prerequisites:SLHS 320, SLHS 340.
Format: Online
- Prerequisites:
- SLHS 320, SLHS 340.
Phonology, phonological development, and phonological disorders as they relate to basic linguistic theory. Concepts considered through critical thinking and problem-solving.
Prerequisites:SLHS 320 with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Proof of completion of prerequisite required: C
Format: Online
- Prerequisites:
- SLHS 320 with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Proof of completion of prerequisite required: C
Speech-language development as related to theories of language acquisition, development, and clinical practice in children from birth to school-age.
Format: Online
- Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 300, 320 and 321.
Next Session: Spring 2025, 3/3-4/27
- Section:
- SLHS 0513
- Location:
- TBD
- Day(s):
- TBD
- Time:
- Instructor
- TBD
Speech and language disorders and issues related to assessment of and intervention with children from culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 513.
Format: Online
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 513.
View video here.
- Prerequisite:
- Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 513.
Structural and functional neuroanatomy and disorders of speech and language resulting from pathology of the nervous system.
Prerequisites: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 300, 305, and 321
Format: Online
Prerequisites: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 300, 305, and 321
- Prerequisites:
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 300, 305, and 321
Next Session: Spring 2025, 3/3-4/27
- Section:
- SLHS 0539
- Location:
- TBD
- Day(s):
- TBD
- Time:
- Instructor
- TBD
All courses 3 units; SLHS 0321 & SLHS 0513 are 4 unit courses.
Dates and fees subject to change.
Prerequisite Courses
| Course | Prerequisite Details |
|---|---|
| SLHS 0340 Principles of Audiology | Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 305 |
| SLHS 0511 Aural Rehabilitation | SLHS 320 and SLHS 340 |
| SLHS 0512 Phonological Acquisition and Disorders | Grade of C (2.0) or better in SLHS 320 |
| SLHS 0513 Foundations of Speech-Language: Development | SLHS 300, 320, and 321 |
| SLHS 0514 Foundations of Speech-Language: Differences and Disorders in Children | SLHS 513 |
| SLHS 0539 Neuroanatomy and Disorders of Speech and Language | SLHS 300, 305, and 321 |
If you’re preparing to apply for SDSU’s Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program, we offer several completion tracks to help you earn the credits you need to apply. Click here to view our current completion tracks
Registration Instructions
Starting in the spring 2023 semester, SDSU Global Campus is using a new registration process for open courses. Please follow the instructions below to successfully enroll in courses.
Once you’ve chosen your courses, click the Enroll button below to begin the registration process. Please indicate on the form that you’d like to register for courses.
Once you’ve filled out the Enrollment form, you’ll receive a confirmation email from SDSU Global Campus within 2-3 business days with the next steps to complete your enrollment.
Once registration opens for your courses, you can register in the my.SDSU portal.
Complete your full payment in my.SDSU after your registration has been submitted. Click here for more information on our payment and drop policy.
SLP Essentials FAQs
There is no application process for the program. Anyone can register for the courses, as long as they are not current degree-seeking students at SDSU. Note that some courses serve as prerequisites for other courses in the program, and therefore must be taken in sequence.
You can begin the registration process for the courses on our website by visiting either the Course tab or the How to Register tab on this page.
Complete your full payment in my.SDSU after your registration has been submitted. You will need to submit your full payment within 48 hours from the date you registered for your course. If you do not submit your payment within the specified time frame, you will be dropped from your classes.
You can access your courses through Canvas, SDSU’s online learning management system. You’ll access Canvas using your SDSUid. Visit its.sdsu.edu/software/canvas to learn more about using Canvas.
No. You can begin the coursework in the fall, spring, or summer. Note that some courses serve as prerequisites for other courses in the program, and therefore must be taken in sequence.
Sign up for our mailing list by filling out the contact form on this page. You can also check our website for the latest schedules.
If you completed a prerequisite course with another institution, please email your unofficial transcripts as an attachment to slp-online@sdsu.edu for a prerequisite evaluation. You will receive an email reply either with a course waiver approval or notification that the course was not approved. If approved, please forward the waiver approval email to the Registration Office at enrollment.global@sdsu.edu once the term registration period is opened. The Registration Office will then send you an email with the next steps and instructions on how to register for your course.
No. The program is intended for those who wish to enter into a graduate program in speech-language pathology but do not already have the undergraduate prerequisites. The program satisfies those undergraduate prerequisites for SDSU’s master’s program in speech-language pathology. Please refer to the prerequisite checklist to see how these courses fit with the prerequisites for SDSU’s graduate program.
The program satisfies undergraduate prerequisites for SDSU’s master’s program in speech-language pathology and many others. Please refer to the prerequisite checklist to see how these courses fit with the prerequisites for SDSU’s graduate program. You will need to contact other graduate programs directly to determine what their prerequisites are.
No undergraduate or prerequisite leveling program, such as the SLP Essentials, in the United States is accredited by ASHA because only graduate (M.A., AuD) programs are eligible for ASHA accreditation. The SLP Essentials courses can be used to satisfy prerequisites for accredited graduate programs in speech-language pathology, but we recommend you reach out to programs you are interested in to confirm which prerequisites are needed for that specific program. The graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology at SDSU are accredited by ASHA.
The SLP Essential courses are not eligible for federal financial aid. If you are interested in seeking a private loan for continuing education, please contact your local bank. Once approved, please work with the SDSU Global Campus Cashier’s Office (cashier.global@sdsu.edu). For more information please refer to the financial aid page.
The fee is $345/unit, and each course is 3 or 4 units.
No. The SLP Essentials program is online only.
No. Courses that have prerequisites build on content and skills from the prerequisite courses. You must complete prerequisites first.
Yes. In this case, just email the Global Campus Registration Office at enrollment.global@sdsu.edu letting them know you would like to register for a Block 2 course and that you just completed the prerequisite course in Block 1 and we will assist you with a manual registration into the Block 2 course.
There are no set meeting times for the courses. They are completely online and you can view the course materials (lectures and other videos) on your own schedule, though you must adhere to weekly deadlines.
SLP Essential students enrolled in an 8-week term should expect to spend 11-17 hours a week per course.
Please contact the graduate adviser for information regarding that program at slp-admissions@sdsu.edu.
Please contact the SLP Essentials coordinator at slp-online@sdsu.edu.
SLP Essentials Completion Tracks
Suggested tracks for SLP Essentials pre-requisite course completion are listed below. Schedule subject to change.
One-Year Completion Track
Start Fall (Option 1)
| Fall: Block 1 | Fall: Block 2 | Spring: Block 1 | Spring: Block 2 | Summer: Block 1 | Summer: Block 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 300, SLHS 305 | SLHS 320, SLHS 340 | SLHS 321, SLHS 512 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 514, SLHS 511 | SLHS 539 |
Start Spring (Option 2)
| Spring: Block 1 | Spring: Block 2 | Summer: Block 1 | Summer: Block 2 | Fall: Block 1 | Fall: Block 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 300, SLHS 305 | SLHS 320, SLHS 340 | SLHS 321, SLHS 511 | SLHS 539 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 512, SLHS 514 |
One-At-A-Time Completion Track Options
Start Fall (Option 1)
| Option One | Fall: Block 1 | Fall: Block 2 | Spring: Block 1 | Spring: Block 2 | Summer: Block 1 | Summer: Block 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | SLHS 300 | SLHS 320 | SLHS 321 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 514 | |
| Year 2 | SLHS 305 | SLHS 340 | SLHS 512 | SLHS 539 | SLHS 511 |
Start Spring (Option 2)
| Option Two | Spring: Block 1 | Spring: Block 2 | Summer: Block 1 | Summer: Block 2 | Fall: Block 1 | Fall: Block 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | SLHS 300 | SLHS 320 | SLHS 305 | SLHS 340 | SLHS 321 | |
| Year 2 | SLHS 511, SLHS 512 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 514 | SLHS 539 |
Start Summer (Option 3)
| Option Three | Summer: Block 1 | Summer: Block 2 | Fall: Block 1 | Fall: Block 2 | Spring: Block 1 | Spring: Block 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | SLHS 305 | SLHS 340 | SLHS 321 | SLHS 320 | SLHS 300 | SLHS 539 |
| Year 2 | SLHS 511 | SLHS 512 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 514 | SLHS 511 |