Program Overview

Certificate of Preparation for Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology

The Certificate of Preparation for Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology (Certificate of Pre-SLP) is designed for college graduates who desire careers in the rapidly growing field of speech-language pathology but did not major in Communication Disorders and Sciences or Speech-Language Pathology as undergraduates, and do not have pre-requisite coursework necessary for admission to a master's program.

About This Program

This program is offered 100% online. The two-year Certificate of Pre-SLP program prepares individuals to meet the admissions curriculum criteria for the CSUN Master's degree in Communicative Disorders.

Fast Facts

• College: Health and Human Development
• Department: Communication Disorders & Sciences
• Program Mode: Online
• Program Format: Cohort
• Program Duration: 2 years
• Financial Aid available
• No GRE Required

Program Highlights

• The Pre-SLP is entirely online.
• The Certificate of Pre-SLP is taught in the cohort format, which ensures on-time completion, facilitates the development of networking relationships with fellow students, and maximizes interaction with faculty.
• Students who satisfactorily complete the Pre-SLP program and meet the automatic entrance criteria are eligible for automatic admission into CSUN's online Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences: Speech-Language Pathology program.
• Because Certificate of Pre-SLP courses are taught by faculty who also teach in CSUN's CDS master's program, students who plan to enter this degree program are able to develop learner-mentor relationships with their future CDS professors.

Job Outlook: Health and Human Services

There are currently 2.21 million unique postings in the health care and social assistance industry that require a bachelor's (1.83M) or master's (694,928) degree. California has the highest demand for occupations within this industry with 230,256 job postings.

What do PSLP graduates do?

As a Pre-SLP student, you'll build a strong academic foundation that prepares you to apply to CSUN's Master's degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences. Completing this program is an important step toward entering a graduate program that puts you on the path to a career as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, or Hearing Aid Specialist.

Meet your Faculty

• Reed Elliott: M.A., CCC-SLP, Lecturer, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Delia Karahalios: Au.D., CCC-A, Lecturer, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Christine Strike-Roussos: Ph.D., Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Dana Tappen: Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Part-Time Faculty, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

Career Opportunities

Unlock a world of career possibilities with our comprehensive support system. From internships to networking events, we empower students to thrive in their professional journeys and achieve their aspirations.

Student Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Canvas
• Student Account (CSUN Email & Student ID)
• myCSUNbox
• Technical Support for Tseng College Students

Related Programs & Portfolios

• Communicative Disorders (M.S.)
• Public Health: Community Health Education (MPH)
• Social Work (MSW)
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Fieldwork Experience
• Health and Human Services Programs

Course Schedules

Schedules for available cohorts:

• PSLP16 Online: Fall 2026
• PSLP15 Online: Fall 2025
• PSLP14 Online: Fall 2024

Important Note

The Pre-SLP Program does not meet the academic requirements for SLPA licensure in California. In order to be eligible for SLPA licensure, you must have completed either an associate's degree from a community college SLPA program or have a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology and then complete a SLPA Fieldwork Experience Program to gain the required 100 hours of fieldwork experience.