Jennifer St. Clair, PhD, CCC-SLP
Program Director
Overview
The CMSD Post-Masters Certificate in 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. Our 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 project 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 can be credited toward and used as a ladder into the Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate (SLPD) program. However, this is not an automatic expectation and students would need to formally apply and be accepted into the SLPD program.
About the Program
It is projected that students will spend 1 year in the program, taking 2 classes a quarter for 4 quarters for a total of 29 quarter units. Students are not required to register or progress as members of a cohort. They will be permitted to progress through the program at their own pace, subject to University requirements for academic progression.
The Loma Linda Difference
Loma Linda University is a world-renowned health sciences institution recognized for the emphasis on educating students in a value-based environment that promotes a lifestyle of wellness. This certificate 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.
Admission dates:
Autumn Quarter 2025 (classes begin September 22, 2025)
- Application open date: 07/15/2025
- Application close date: 9/19/2025
Winter Quarter 2026 (classes begin January 5, 2026)
- Application open date: 9/22/25
- Application close date: 12/30/25
Spring Quarter 2026 (classes begin March 30, 2026)
- Application open date: 1/5/26
- Application close date: 3/27/26
Summer Quarter 2026 (classes begin June 22, 2026)
- Application open date: 3/30/26
- Application close date: 6/19/26
Students who meet the requirements below are encouraged to apply:
- Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology or equivalent
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Complete the LLU application, including values and personal essays
- Nonrefundable application fee
- Written statement: Essay describing your interests, your professional experience, why you want to pursue the certificate, and why you want to attend LLU
- Provide three letters of recommendation that indicate a strong academic and professional background
- Personal interview
The strongest applicants will be contacted for an online interview. Final decisions will be made after the interview based on strength of the candidate.
Cost of Attendance
Get details on the standard cost of attendance at LLU. View Estimates
State Regulations for Online Programs
Note that due to legal restrictions created by some state governments, only students from certain states are eligible for the program. Please refer to LLU’s Information page for online distance education programs for a current list of eligible states.
-Why should I complete this certificate program?
There is a need among working speech language pathologists (SLPs), particularly in the education sector for additional university coursework in order to advance on the pay scale. This certificate would provide SLPs specific coursework to further their knowledge and improve clinical skills while also providing a way to gain additional university credits and achieve upward mobility in the workplace.
-How long does it take to complete the program?
The certificate program is designed to be 2 courses per quarter, for 4 quarters (1 year), however students may progress through the program at their own pace, subject to University requirements for academic progression.
-How many students do you accept each year?
This varies depending on the strength of the applications we receive. In order to ensure the quality of the program, we will be restricting the number of students we admit (at most 5 per year).
-When is the application due?
Autumn Quarter 2025 (classes begin September 22, 2025)
- Application open date: 07/15/2025
- Application close date: 9/19/2025
Winter Quarter 2026 (classes begin January 5, 2026)
- Application open date: 9/22/25
- Application close date: 12/30/25
Spring Quarter 2026 (classes begin March 30, 2026)
- Application open date: 1/5/26
- Application close date: 3/27/26
Summer Quarter 2026 (classes begin June 22, 2026)
- Application open date: 3/30/26
- Application close date: 6/19/26
-What is the format of the program?
The certificate is an online program with online, face-to-face instructor/student interaction and engagement.
-Is this program accredited by ASHA?
No, ASHA does not accredit certificate programs.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, the certificate student should be able to:
1. Independently design and implement a project which addresses the needs of a specific problem in the workplace.
2. Disseminate information from project findings.
Program Curriculum
It is projected that students will spend 1 year in the program, taking 2 classes a quarter for 4 quarters for a total of 29 quarter units. Students are not required to register or progress as members of a cohort. They will be permitted to progress through the program at their own pace, subject to University requirements for academic progression.
The curriculum consists of 9 courses, all are online courses. Four of the courses are content courses providing exposure and advanced knowledge in complex topics in the field. Four courses are project courses where students will design, conduct, write and disseminate a project related to their place of employment. The final course is a religion course.
Coursework
SLPD 570 Special Topics* (taken 3 times-different topics) 9
SLPD 580 Clinical Issues* 3
CMSD 601 Project Planning 4
CMSD 602 Project Proposal 4
CMSD 603 Project Implementation 4
CMSD 604 Project Dissemination 4
RELG 510 Christian Service 1
TOTAL UNITS 29
* Indicates courses which can be credited toward the SLPD program, if admitted.