
Accreditation
The Transitional Master of Science (TMS) degree in speech-language pathology residential program at Loma Linda University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 220 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Overview
The Master of Science Transitional Program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in a field other than Speech Language Pathology or communication disorders. This program requires students to complete foundational coursework during the first year of the three-year program.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the Preliminary Speech Language Pathology Services credential (CA public schools) and the Temporary License in Speech Language Pathology (CA Dept. of Consumer Affairs). They are also prepared to seek employment as a Clinical Fellow, working towards the Certificate of Clinical Competence (through the American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association).
Full-time students who enter the program with an undergraduate degree in a field other than communicative disorders will complete the program in eleven quarters of coursework. Students go through the program as a cohort, entering in fall quarter. The first year consists of a full schedule of courses. In the summer following the first year, students are required to take clinical practicum. In the second and third years, including the summer following the second year, graduate courses are taught in the late afternoon/early evening, and on one Friday morning per month. All students are required to take clinical practicum (usually one morning or afternoon per week) each quarter. In the winter and spring quarters of the third year, students complete their full time public school placement and medical externship placement.
Please note: Students who are admitted to the Master of Science-Transitional Program may be required to go out of state for medical externship and or public-school placement during the last two quarters of their program. This advance notice is given so that students will be prepared financially.
All students are eligible for graduate assistantship, which permits students to work on campus or in local programs. Otherwise, students may be able to hold part time jobs a few mornings per week, provided they do not interfere with clinical assignments, classes, or preparation/assignments. Students are not permitted to work on waivers in the public schools. Violation of this policy may be considered grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
Transitional Masters in Speech-Language Pathology