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M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Program at a Glance

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Overview

Biola’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology graduate program provides rigorous academic growth, research opportunities and experiential clinical education in communication sciences. Through our exceptional faculty, master's program students are equipped to become licensed, certified speech-language pathologists — helping to diagnose and treat communication disorders in children and adults.

  • Strong Theoretical Framework. Graduate students seeking their master's in speech-language pathology will receive challenging instruction in relevant theoretical knowledge of communication sciences and disorders. Students will also be encouraged to develop continual curiosity and promote lifelong pursuit of clinical education for the service and benefit of those experiencing communication disorders.
  • Excellence in Clinical Practice. Clinical experiences designed to further expand communication science learning will prepare students for impactful clinical work with a variety of diverse populations and model the work and witness of clinical faculty and instructors. Biola's master's degree students will accrue the necessary 400 supervised hours for clinical certification. Our Southern California location is ideal for students wishing to access internships at clinical sites such as pediatric hospitals, veteran's hospitals and varied speech, hearing and rehabilitation clinics.
  • Biblical Perspective. Students of Biola's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will be trained by our expert graduate program professors utilizing evidence-based practice from a Christian worldview to promote the fullest understanding of human communication needs and the world.
  • Impactful. Students enrolled in Biola's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program will connect their studies to life-contexts. They’ll be well-equipped and able to use clinical skills and research opportunities in their sphere of influence to demonstrate love to people experiencing communication needs. Whether locally or globally, graduates of our speech-language pathology master's program will be able to confidently and effectively engage issues of communication sciences in clinical settings through investigation, publication and service.

Learn more about our student outcome data, including completion rates, Praxis pass rates and career outcomes.

Note: If you are interested in applying for a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program but need to take prerequisite courses, explore the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders program offered through Biola University.

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CAA Accreditation Status

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Biola University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

 

Professional Licensure

Please visit the Professional Licensure page to see the states for which Biola University meets the educational requirements for the professional licensure program you are interested in.


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Courses

What will I study as a speech-language pathology student?

Biola’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology includes a wide range of coursework and practical experience that will prepare you for identification, evaluation, treatment and patient interaction with individuals of a variety of ages that have speech-sound, fluency, voice, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders.

Some of your courses include:

Learners will gain knowledge and skills regarding theories and characteristics of language and literacy disorders in children. Current literature will be reviewed in order to teach advanced assessment and treatment procedures of high and low incidence language and literacy disorders and with a special emphasis on assessment techniques, intervention methods, educational management, and multi-cultural issues. Grade Mode: A.

In this course students will explore a variety of questions regarding disability and suffering through the lens of Scripture, the writings of theologians, and their own personal experiences working with individuals with disabilities or illnesses and learn to formulate appropriate responses to injury, illness, disability and suffering from a Biblical perspective. Grade Mode: A.

Learners will gain knowledge and skills regarding diagnosis, etiologies, and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan. Advance assessment and treatment methods will be taught. Grade Mode: A.


Admissions & Deadlines

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

  • You must meet one of the following:
    • Have a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
    • Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and complete the prerequisite courses for this program, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu. If you are an international student, contact grad.international@biola.edu.

  • If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. See “English Proficiency” in the application steps section below.

  • Fall Semester
    • Early application: December 1 (early action applications are considered first for interviews and program acceptance)
    • General: January 15
  • Note: This program currently admits new students only in the fall semester each year.

Explore our sunny Southern California campus in person or virtually. Learn more about your program of interest and the admissions process by scheduling an appointment with an admissions counselor.

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Meet Your Admissions Counselor

If you have more questions about the program, admissions process or Biola in general, schedule a phone call or send an email to your admissions counselor.

Graduate Admissions Counselor

Photo of Amy Finn
Amy Finn

Email: amanda.finn@biola.edu
Text or Call: (562) 573-1206
Book a Phone or Virtual Appointment

International Graduate Admissions Counselor

The Office of International Admissions serves students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Email: grad.international@biola.edu
Book a Phone or Virtual Appointment

Application Steps

  1. Complete and submit the online application

  2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

  3. Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

    • Submit all official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
      • Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
      • If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
      • Transcripts will be considered official only when a) mailed directly from the institution to Biola, b) sent electronically through an approved vendor or c) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final approval for admission is contingent on receiving an official transcript.
        • Mail transcripts to:
          Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
          13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
    • Note for International Students: All international transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies noted (i.e. GPA on a 4.0 scale). If your transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, you must have them evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like SpanTran (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS). Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have SpanTran/WES/FIS send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

    • Spiritual reference (spiritual mentor or leader)
    • Academic references
    • Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

    • Christian testimony
    • Vocational intent
    • Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

    • A copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    • Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown through one of the methods described below:
      • Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
        • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
        • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
        • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
      • A degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
        • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
        • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
        • Official catalog verification
        • Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.

  4. Interview with a faculty member

    • After your application and supplemental application requirements are submitted and approved, you will be scheduled to have an interview with a faculty member.

     

    Things to Note

    • Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the online application.
    • Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.
    • International students who will be studying on campus are required to apply for an F-1 student visa. For more information, visit biola.edu/international/admitted-students.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Biola is committed to help make your studies affordable — each school offers different scholarship, grant and loan opportunities to help finance your education.

Cost Per Credit (2025‑26) $1,084
Full-time Tuition Per Term (Estimated) Based on 12-19 credit courseload$16,255
Total Program Tuition (Estimated) Based on total program credits and 2025‑26 cost per credit$68,292

Faculty


Meet All Program Faculty

FAQs

The standard duration of Biola's M.S. program in speech-language pathology is two years. Completion time may vary from student to student depending on transferred coursework and preferred course load.

A masters speech pathology program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to become a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. Biola's speech-language pathology degree program covers topics such as:

  • language disorders
  • speech sound disorders
  • voice disorders
  • fluency disorders
  • swallowing disorders

Students also learn about assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practices in the field. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work with individuals of all ages in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice.

Learning Opportunities

As part of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, students will participate in a variety of clinical experiences.

Explore Clinical Experience

Current graduate students have the opportunity to serve the community through the Social Skills Camp (SSC). The five-day summer camp allows students to assess case histories, identify individual client goals, plan treatment activities and facilitate practical communication opportunities. Through this internship, students gain clinical skills and are able to observe clients in various settings, not just in traditional 1:1 therapy rooms.

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Format

On Campus: You'll study in person at Biola University's campus in Southern California.

Total Credits

Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.

Cost per Credit

This is the cost per credit; total tuition costs for each term will differ for part-time and full-time students.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.