Advanced Speech-Language Pathology — Certificate

Program director
Jennifer St. Clair

The  post-masters certificate in advanced speech-language pathology is for individuals who want to increase their depth of knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology while also acquiring academic credits required for advancement in their careers. The program is one of two such programs in the country and is currently the only program in California.

Current practitioners will gain advanced knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology, with specific focus on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Certificate students will become adept at analyzing and synthesizing the existing research literature as they design and conduct their own projects related to their place of employment.

The completion of their programs will include a capstone presentation for the dissemination of their projects. Four of the courses in this program may be credited toward and used as a ladder into the Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate (S.L.P.D.) Program. However, this is not an automatic expectation, and students would need to formally apply and be accepted into the S.L.P.D. program. 

Program learning outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, a graduate should be able to:

  1. Independently design and implement a project which addresses the needs of a specific problem in the workplace.
  2. Formally disseminate information from project findings.

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

  1. Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology or equivalent.
  2. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
  3. Provide three letters of recommendation that indicate a strong academic and professional background.
  4. Personal interview.
Required courses:
CMSD 601Project Planning4
CMSD 602Project Proposal4
CMSD 603Project Implementation4
CMSD 604Project Dissemination4
RELG 510Christian Service1
SLPD 570Special Topics in Speech-Language Pathology 13
SLPD 580Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology 13
Total Units23
1

Course may be credited toward the S.L.P.D. program, if admitted.

Normal time to complete the program

Four (4) academic quarters — based on less than half-time enrollment.