Speech-Language Pathology — S.L.P.D.

Program Director
Julia Hollister

The Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology is a post-entry level professional degree for individuals who want to increase depth of knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology while also acquiring clinical research experience. Graduates of the program will be trained to take positions as master clinicians, clinical researchers, and university clinical faculty.

The post-entry level professional program at Loma Linda University is one of a handful of such programs in the country and is currently the only such program in California. Current practitioners will gain advanced knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology, with specialized training in evidence-based practice, critical thinking, legal and ethical issues, problem-solving, and clinical research. Doctoral students will become adept at analyzing and synthesizing the existing research literature as they design and conduct their own clinical study in their area of interest. Doctoral students will be required to complete an applied dissertation research capstone project designed by the student and their faculty mentor. This project will be a clinical research study that will be in the form of a written manuscript for potential publication.

Student learning outcomes

In addition to the institutional learning outcomes, by the end of the program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Identify and develop personal leadership skills.
2. Construct and design clinical-based research questions.
3. Interpret and disseminate research findings.
4. Apply current clinical practices to personal practice case studies.

Note: If you live in a state that has regulatory requirements for online education, please check if Loma Linda University is able to accept residents of your state for online education. You may check LLU State Authorization online or contact the Admissions office for School of Allied Health Professions, 909-558-4599.

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

• Be a speech-language pathologist with a Master’s degree (M.A./M.S.) in speech-language pathology or equivalent and six months of professional practice beyond completion of their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY).
• Have a current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), and current licensure in one of the 50 United States.
• Document a minimum graduate G.P.A. of 3.3.
• Provide three letters of reference.
• Submit a two- to three-page written statement describing research interests (and experience, if any), professional experience/accomplishments, reason for pursuing a Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology, and reason for attending Loma Linda University.  If the applicant has a particular faculty mentor in mind, they should be mentioned here.

In the admissions screening process, the applicant’s recommendations, interview, personal statement, and work experience are all considered. The most qualified applicants will be selected to be interviewed. The strength of the interview will be evaluated along with the applicant's stated research goals/plans. Admission will be decided based on the perceived potential of the applicant to succeed in this clinical research program as well as availability of a faculty mentor suited to the applicant’s research area.

Courses in the program fall into two broad domains: research and theory. Students will be required to take all courses in each domain

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Course will be taken three times with a different topic each time.

Service learning requirement

This requirement may be met by taking a religion course designated as a service learning course. For more information about this requirement and a list of religion courses that fulfill it, see section on academic service learning in this CATALOG.

Normal time to complete the program

2.5 - 3 years (nine (9) - eleven [11] academic quarters)