The Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) at Loma Linda University is a post–entry-level professional degree designed for certified speech-language pathologists seeking to deepen their clinical expertise while developing advanced skills in clinical research. Graduates of the program are prepared to serve as advanced clinical practitioners, leaders in healthcare and rehabilitation settings, and clinical educators who contribute to the training and development of future clinicians.
The SLPD program is delivered primarily online, with a single required on-campus visit for orientation. Coursework addresses current and relevant topics in speech-language pathology practice, leadership and ethics, and applied research. The program follows a mentorship model in which each student is paired with a dedicated faculty mentor aligned with their area of clinical interest and expertise. Under this guidance, students design and implement an applied dissertation capstone project. This research project culminates in a scholarly manuscript intended for potential publication, enabling doctoral students to contribute to the profession’s evidence base while advancing their own clinical practice.
By the end of the program, graduates should be able to:
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:
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 professional doctoral 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
| Major | ||
| SLPD 555 | Translating Scientific Research | 3 |
| SLPD 570 | Special Topics in Speech-Language Pathology (3) 1 | 9 |
| SLPD 580 | Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| SLPD 600 | Components of Clinical Inquiry | 3 |
| SLPD 611 | Capstone Proposal Presentation & IRB | 3 |
| SLPD 621 | Capstone Planning | 3 |
| SLPD 623 | Capstone II | 3 |
| SLPD 624 | Capstone III | 3 |
| SLPD 625 | Capstone IV | 3 |
| SLPD 626 | Dissemination of Research | 3 |
| Cognates | 6 | |
| Wholeness and Health | ||
| Bioethics and Society | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Managing Stress | ||
| Therapeutic Humor in Health Care | ||
| Writing for Health-Care Professionals | ||
| Theoretical Foundations of Leadership | ||
| Personal Leadership | ||
| Leadership for Health Professionals | ||
| Total Units | 48 | |
Course will be taken three times with a different topic each time.
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.
2.3 - 2.9 years (eight [8] - ten [10] academic quarters)
SLPD 555. Translating Scientific Research. 3 Units.
Focuses on a wide variety of competencies that enable students to communicate the science and rationale behind their practices. Examines communication principles relevant to the field. Emphasizes analysis and interpretation of scholarly research articles and translating the content for diverse populations.
SLPD 570. Special Topics in Speech-Language Pathology. 3 Units.
Provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary topics in the field of speech-language pathology, which may include neurodiversity, functional neuroscience, clinical mentorship, and partnership/assessment methods. Students will engage in discussion and critical analysis of current practices and research to identify and inform evidence-based best practices within the field.
SLPD 580. Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology. 3 Units.
Topics covered include clinical supervision, administration, and starting/managing an independent clinic; as well as ethics and counseling. Focuses on interprofessional collaboration both within the allied health professions (e.g., occupational or physical therapy) and beyond (for either education or medical contexts). Students comment in online discussions on case studies.
SLPD 600. Components of Clinical Inquiry. 3 Units.
Focuses on skills fundamental to critical evaluation of the strength of scientific research. Covers elements of research design important to the validity of a study and identification of flaws in design and conclusions.
SLPD 610. Capstone IRB Proposal. 4 Units.
Provides instruction in developing an individual research proposal, completing Institutional Review Board (IRB) training, and successfully submitting a proposal to the IRB. Emphasizes reflective discussions of research interests and experiences, planning, conceptual framework, proposed methodology, and data analysis. Includes interprofessional peer reviews throughout the course.
SLPD 611. Capstone Proposal Presentation & IRB. 3 Units.
A course that guides students in the creation of an oral presentation of their proposed research study, followed by their delivery of that proposal and the creation of an IRB application. Students will receive feedback from faculty to strengthen and support their research plan and complete Institutional Review Board (IRB) training. By the end of the course students will successfully submit their proposal to the IRB.
Prerequisite: SLPD 621.
SLPD 621. Capstone Planning. 3 Units.
This course is designed to support SLPD students in developing and completing their capstone proposal manuscript. Students are guided through the proposal writing process with support from the course instructor, research mentor, and capstone committee.
SLPD 623. Capstone II. 3 Units.
This course supports the implementation of the capstone project approved in SLPD 611. Students create a detailed study plan and engage in data collection and management activities related to their capstone. Projects and associated tasks are individualized according to each student’s area of focus.
Prerequisite: SLPD 611.
SLPD 624. Capstone III. 3 Units.
This course supports the ongoing implementation of each student’s capstone project. Students develop a study plan and continue progressing through key stages of their project, including data collection, data management, and, where appropriate, data analysis. All projects and related tasks are individualized according to each student’s specific area of focus.
Prerequisite: SLPD 623.
SLPD 625. Capstone IV. 3 Units.
This course further supports the implementation of each student’s capstone project. Students develop a study plan to address the remaining areas of their project, which may include data management and data analysis. All projects and related tasks are individualized according to each student’s specific area of focus.
Prerequisite: SLPD 624.
SLPD 626. Dissemination of Research. 1-3 Units.
A culmination course in which students complete their manuscript and perform an oral presentation for their completed research project. Prerequisites: SLPD 600, 610, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625.
SLPD 627. Dissemination of Research. 0 Units.
A culmination course in which students complete their manuscript and perform an oral presentation of their completed research project. If approved by the program director, Dissemination of Research (SLPD627) may be enrolled in and repeated for 0 units. Grade received does not indicate completed Capstone research project nor completed final oral presentation.
Prerequisite: SLPD 600, 610, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626.
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