ASHA Conference, Orlando, Florida
Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences
To the beginning student in speech-language pathology, the requirements for a graduate degree and eventual employment may seem quite confusing at first glance. It is easiest to think of these requirements as following four related, but separate tracks. One track consists of the courses and clinical practica that are necessary for a baccalaureate and for a master’s degree. These are the requirements that will seem most familiar as they are based on classes and unit credits.
The other three tracks involve requirements for ASHA certification, state license and school specialist credential. The Department and the University do not confer a license to practice, nor do we provide professional certification. Our degree program provides the academic and clinical education that makes certification and licensure attainable.
The graduating student who has completed the appropriate courses and clinical practica must apply to the state agency having jurisdiction over the intended practice for a license and are strongly encouraged to apply to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for certification. Additionally, for those program graduates seeking a school specialist credential in speech-language pathology, application must be made through the Credential Office at the Michael Eisner College of Education at CSUN.
It is emphasized that practice without a license in California is a violation of state law, unless the employment is directly with a public school. Requirements for a license to practice speech-language pathology differ somewhat from one state to another. Some states require a school specialist credential, issued by their state, while others require only a state license to practice in order to work in the public schools as a speech-language pathologist.
The Department provides advisement on the requirements and the processes for the degrees, licensure, certification, and school specialist credential.
[For information regarding ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) for Audiology, please see: ASHA CCC Audiology]