Speech-Language Pathology

Leveling Program

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What is Speech-Language Pathology?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are certified, licensed professionals who work in healthcare and educational settings to assist patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. SLPs must have master’s degrees in order to obtain certification by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as state licensure to practice. They work with individuals across the lifespan, from neonatal intensive care units to memory care/Alzheimer’s care facilities – and every place in between where people need help to communicate. 

The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program welcomes all applicants, whether they have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or another field.

Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in CSD may apply through the Office of Graduate Programs at ACU for admission to complete leveling coursework. The graduate program audits the transcripts of applicants to determine if leveling coursework is required.

Students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in CSD or who do not meet leveling requirements will be required to complete 30 hours of leveling coursework and clinical observations before they will be eligible to apply for admission to a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology.

For additional questions regarding leveling work, please contact the department.

Required Leveling Coursework

Fall

  • CSD 225  Phonetics (3 credits)
  • CSD 352  Audiology (3 credits)
  • CSD 357  Organic and Neurogenic Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 381  Anatomical and Physiological Processes of Communication (3 credits)

(12 credits)

Spring

  • CSD 330  Language Development and Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 356  Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)
  • CSD 319  Speech Science (3 credits)
  • CSD 371  Neurological Bases of Communication (3 credits)
  • CSD 493 Pre-clinical Experience (3 credits)
  • CSD 353 Aural Rehabilitation (3 credits)

(18 credits)

All individuals, whether or not levelers, must have completed the following 3 hours each of coursework prior to ASHA certification. These courses will be required at the time of graduation from a graduate program in order to receive licensure and certification for a speech-language pathologist. We encourage you to complete these courses throughout undergraduate studies or leveling in order to decrease the amount of coursework during the graduate program. It is possible to complete these courses via an online program simultaneously in graduate school. These courses can be taken at any accredited university with supporting transcripts.

  • Biological Science
  • Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry)
  • Social or Behavioral Science
  • Statistics