Speech-Language Pathology Essentials
Summer ’26 Registration Opens March 4th!
The steps for registering for classes in this program are different depending on whether you are a continuing student or a new student registering for the first time. Refer to the instructions on the How to Register tab of this page for more details.
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. 12 in the nation. In another report, U.S. News and World Report ranked the Speech-Language Pathologist profession No. 9 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-bearing program is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and preparation needed 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 units. These courses are designed to satisfy undergraduate prerequisites for SDSU’s Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program, though the credits transfer to most graduate-level SLP programs with other institutions 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.
If you are a future student, just getting started, still looking at your options, and haven’t spoken to anyone at SDSU Global Campus about your academic journey, please speak with one of our dedicated Outreach Representatives to explore our convenient certificate programs by emailing outreach.global@sdsu.edu
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 necessary 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 experts in the field from SDSU’s renowned School of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences.
Flexibility
Our program offers the convenience of a non-cohort model, giving you meaningful choice in how you progress through your undergraduate credentials. While some courses require prerequisites and certain classes are offered in specific terms, you’ll have the ability to plan your path in a way that aligns with your goals.
With 100% online, self-paced coursework, you can move forward on a schedule that works for you—balancing your education with your personal and professional commitments.
Accessibility
We recognize that graduate school is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and financial investment. Many SLP graduate programs have rigorous admissions requirements, which can include having a bachelor’s degree and additional undergraduate prerequisite 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 $367 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 $367 per unit, and each 8-week course is 3-4 units.
Summer 2026 Term Dates
Block Term Dates: Dates vary, see below.
Registration Opens: Mar. 4, 2026
Block 1: April 27-June 21, 2026 | Deadline Reg. Date: 4/27/26
Block 2: June 22-August 16, 2026 | Deadline Reg. Date: 6/22/26
Enrollment Form Available on Website: Feb. 25, 2026
Fall 2026 Term Dates
Block Term Dates: Dates vary, see below.
Registration Opens: June 3, 2026
Block 1: August 22-October 18, 2026 | Deadline Reg. Date: 8/24/26
Block 2: October 19-December 13, 2026 | Deadline Reg. Date: 10/19/26
Enrollment Form Available on Website: May 27, 2026
Click the course names below to read the course description and next term dates.
Course List
| Courses | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| SLHS 0300 Introduction to Language Science | 4/27-6/21/26 | 8/24-10/18/26 |
| SLHS 0305 Hearing Science | 4/27-6/21/26 | Block 1: 8/24-10/18/26 Block 2: 10/19-12/13/26 |
| SLHS 0320 Phonetics | 6/22-8/16/26 | 10/19-12/13/26 |
| SLHS 0321 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech | 4/27-6/21/26 | 8/24-10/18/26 |
| SLHS 0340 Principles of Audiology | 6/22-8/16/26 | 10/19-12/13/26 |
| SLHS 0511 Aural Rehabilitation | 4/27-6/21/26 | 10/19-12/13/26 |
| SLHS 0512 Phonological Acquisition and Disorders | 6/22-8/16/26 | 10/19-12/13/26 |
| SLHS 0513 Foundations of Speech-Language: Development | 4/27-6/21/26 | 8/24-10/18/26 |
| SLHS 0514 Foundations of Speech-Language: Differences and Disorders in Children | 6/22-8/16/26 | 10/19-12/13/26 |
| SLHS 0539 Neuroanatomy and Disorders of Speech and Language | 6/22-8/16/26 | 10/19-12/13/26 |
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 |
SLHS 0539 Neuroanatomy and Disorders of Speech and Language
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
SLHS 0514 Foundations of Speech-Language: Differences and Disorders in Children
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.
SLHS 0513 Foundations of Speech-Language: Development
Speech-language development as related to theories of language acquisition, development, and clinical practice in children from birth to school-age.
Format: Online
SLHS 0512 Phonological Acquisition and Disorders
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
SLHS 0511 Aural Rehabilitation
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
SLHS 0340 Principles of Audiology
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.
SLHS 0321 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech
Anatomy and physiology of respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems related to speech.
Format: Online
View video here.
SLHS 0320 Phonetics
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
SLHS 0305 Hearing Science
Concepts of hearing science. Hearing science components to include physical acoustics, anatomy and physiology of auditory system, and psychoacoustics.
SLHS 0300 Introduction to Language Science
Structure, acquisition, processing, and neurological organization of language in typical and disordered communication.
Format: Online
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
Prerequisite Questions?
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.
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.
Registration Instructions
Whether you are a new or returning student, you must complete the steps below each semester in order to activate or reactivate an SDSU account before registering in my.SDSU.
Please follow the instructions below each semester 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.
For assistance with enrolling in a program or registering for classes, please contact Global Campus Registration and Enrollment Services at enrollment.global@sdsu.edu or (619) 594-5152.
Click here for more details on registration
SLP Essentials Completion Tracks
Suggested tracks for SLP Essentials pre-requisite course completion are listed below. Schedule subject to change.
View past SLP Essentials Completion Tracks
As of Fall 2025
One-Year Completion Track
Start Fall (Option 1)
| Fall: Session 1 | Fall: Session 2 | Spring: Session 1 | Spring: Session 2 | Summer: Session 1 | Summer: Session 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 300, SLHS 305 | SLHS 320, SLHS 340 | SLHS 321, SLHS 512 | SLHS 539 | SLHS 511, SLHS 513 | SLHS 514 |
Start Spring (Option 2)
| Spring: Session 1 | Spring: Session 2 | Summer: Session 1 | Summer: Session 2 | Fall: Session 1 | Fall: Session 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 300, SLHS 305 | SLHS 320, SLHS 340 | SLHS 321, SLHS 511 | SLHS 539 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 512, SLHS 514 |
Start Summer (Option 3)
| Summer: Session 1 | Summer: Session 2 | Fall: Session 1 | Fall: Session 2 | Spring: Session 1 | Spring: Session 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLHS 300, SLHS 305 | SLHS 320, SLHS 340 | SLHS 321, SLHS 511 | SLHS 512 | SLHS 511 | SLHS 514, SLHS 539 |
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 305 | SLHS 321 | SLHS 320 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 340 |
| Year 2 | SLHS 512 | SLHS 511 | SLHS 514 | SLHS 539 |
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 | SLHS 512 |
| Year 2 | SLHS 513 | SLHS 514 | SLHS 511 | 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 |
SLP Essentials FAQs
Registration & Enrollment
Do I need to apply to the SLP Essentials program?
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.
How do I register?
You can begin the registration process for the courses on our website by visiting either the Courses tab or the How to Register tab on this page.
Is it necessary to begin the SLP Essentials program in the fall?
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.
If I take an SDSU Global Campus SLP prerequisite course in Block 1, will I be able to register for a Block 2 course that requires that prerequisite in the same semester, even if Block 1 prerequisite course grades have not yet been posted?
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.
I added myself to a SLHS course waitlist because the class was full. What should I expect?
Thank you for adding yourself to the waitlist! The waitlists help us determine whether an additional section is needed. You will receive communication to your SDSU email by the first week of class regarding your waitlist status and whether an additional section will be offered that semester.If an additional section is not offered, we recommend reaching out to our advising team at successadvising.global@sdsu.edu for assistance with an alternative path to program completion. You may also review the completion tracks below for guidance on planning your coursework.
Prerequisites & Course Sequencing
What if I took a prerequisite course outside of SDSU Global Campus?
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.
I noticed that some courses have prerequisites. May I take a course and its prerequisite concurrently?
No. Courses that have prerequisites build on content knowledge and skills from the prerequisite courses. You must complete prerequisites first.
Tuition, Payment & Financial Aid
How do I pay for courses?
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.
Click here for more information.
How much do the courses cost?
The fee is $367/unit, and each course is 3 or 4 units.
Is financial aid available for the SLP Essentials program?
For information please refer to the financial aid page.
Program Format & Time Commitment
Is it possible for a student to take any or all of the classes in person?
No, the SLP Essentials Program is self-paced and 100% online.
Do the classes have set meeting times when I must log on, or may I work on my own schedule?
There are no set meeting times for the courses. They are completely self-paced and 100% online so you can view the course materials (lectures and other videos) on your own schedule, though you must adhere to weekly assignment submission deadlines.
How much time should I plan on spending on coursework?
SLP Essential students enrolled in an 8-week term should expect to spend 11-17 hours a week per course.
Course Access
How do I access my courses once I’ve registered?
You can access your courses throughCanvas, SDSU’s online learning management system. You’ll access Canvas using your SDSUid. Visitits.sdsu.edu/software/canvas to learn more about using Canvas.
How many classes can I take within a given term?
This depends on your unique circumstances, and availability. While it is possible to enroll in three classes within a given term, we recommend no more than two as coursework can be demanding and require a significant time commitment.
Program Outcomes & Accreditation
Does the SLP Essentials program allow me to work as a speech-language pathologist?
No. The program is intended for those who wish to enter into a graduate program in speech-language pathology but are missing the undergraduate prerequisites. This 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.
How do I know if these courses satisfy the eligibility requirements for graduate programs in speech-language pathology?
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. If you are applying to other graduate programs, we recommend you reach out directly to the programs you are interested in to confirm which prerequisites are needed for that specific program.
Are SLP Essentials courses ASHA accredited?
No, undergraduate or prerequisite leveling programs, such as the SLP Essentials Program, is*not 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.
Graduate Program Information
I have questions about SDSU’s graduate program in speech-language pathology. Who should I contact?Please contact the graduate adviser for information regarding that program at slp-admissions@sdsu.edu.
Stay Informed & Contact Us
How do I stay informed about course offerings?
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.
Who should I contact if I have more questions about the SLP Essentials program?
Please contact the SLP Essentials program by email at slp-online@sdsu.edu.I have questions about SDSU’s graduate program in speech-language pathology. Who should I contact?Please contact the graduate adviser for information regarding that program at slp-admissions@sdsu.edu.