Learn More
Begin Your Next Calling
Through ACU’s online specialized Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology, driven individuals can grow in their communication and theoretical skills to meet the coursework requirements established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to gain admission to a speech-language pathologist graduate program.
Introducing Locked-In Tuition
Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your leveling coursework.
About the Program
ACU’s online Pre-Master’s Leveling Program for Speech-Language Pathology provides you the opportunity to learn alongside other students looking to enter into a speech pathology graduate program. Considering your previous bachelor’s degree credits and coursework, you can take a few additional courses to acquire the required knowledge needed to start your journey toward serving patients with speech and hearing disorders.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
Throughout this distinct pathway, you will advance your understanding of communication and swallowing disorders, how to evaluate and care for patients and their families, the importance of language and hearing development, and the beauty of how people communicate with each other to facilitate connections. Focused on preparing future speech-language pathologists for schools and healthcare environments, the pathway offers students the opportunity to participate in courses geared toward preparing students for a future graduate degree.
Required Hours
30 Hours
1 Year
Cost: $395/Hour with $600 resource fee per semester
Example Coursework
Intercultural Communication
Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
Language Development and Disorders
Intervention for Speech and Language Disorders in Schools
Upcoming Start Dates
October 15, 2024
January 14, 2025
Common Work Environments
K-12 Schools
Hospitals and Clinics
Colleges and Universities
Private Practice
Curriculum & Format
The Leveling Pathway for Speech Pathology welcomes all applicants, whether they have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or another field, to further their education into a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
The Leveling Pathway consists of 30 credit hours and includes the following courses:
- CSDO 225 – Phonetics
- CSDO 319 – Speech Science
- CSDO 330 – Language Development and Language Disorders
- CSDO 352 – Audiology
- CSDO 353 – Hearing Rehabilitation
- CSDO 356 – Speech Sound Disorders
- CSDO 357 – Organic and Neurogenic disorders
- CSDO 371 – Neural Bases
- CSDO 381 – Anatomic & Physiologic Processes for Communication
- CSDO 493 – Pre-clinical experiences
To be considered for this program, students will be asked to take a set of American Speech–Language–Hearing Association prerequisite courses such as
- Biological Science
- Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry)
- Social or Behavioral Science
- Statistics (non-research methods)
- Aural Rehab/Hearing Rehab
Meet the Program Director
Alicia Ramirez, Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology
Alicia Ramirez, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the program director for the Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology program and is an assistant professor and program director of the undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program at ACU Online. Alicia graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Abilene Christian University in 1997 and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Woman’s University in 1999. Her clinical fellowship was completed in Birdville Independent School District, where she became “Teacher of the Year” at Richland Elementary after only her second year of employment there—becoming the first speech-language pathologist in the district’s history to attain that title.
Following her education career, Alicia entered the world of pediatric home health in 2003, where she spent 17 years in various roles, including as a feeding specialist, supervisor, lead speech pathologist, alternative Director of Therapy, and Director of Business Development. Currently, Alicia is working on her Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Special Education at Regent University. Her dissertation topic and research interests are in language development, assessment, and intervention for English Language Learners with speech and language impairments and ethical considerations for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. She lives in Dallas with her husband Chris, where they enjoy spending time with family and taking their three dogs on nature walks.
Spotlight
Program Overview
The field of communications disorders is dedicated to the complexities of and science behind how we communicate–and to the care and treatment of patients, from birth to elderly, who need our help with communications disorders. Hear more from Professor Alicia Ramirez as she provides an overview of the power of a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the impact you can make on the lives of others.
Student Spotlight: Kayla Perez
Bright, young, and full of life. These words best describe Kayla Perez, a future graduate of the bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders program. Hoping to become a speech-language pathologist serving underserved communities, Kayla is elated to finish her studies and potentially enroll in a master’s program soon after. Looking to be an advocate for other students who have felt like an outcast, Kayla shares her story about what can happen when you finally decide to allow God to take control of your life and follow your dream career.
What Can You Do With a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
One in four people are projected to be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050. And as many as one in 10 people are estimated to have a disabling hearing loss that will require rehabilitation. That’s why we need specialists in communication disorders now more than ever! Read our blog to learn how you can enter this rapidly growing field with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Student Spotlight: Brittany Moore
Army wife, mom of two, and career-driven woman Brittany Moore is the perfect role model for women looking to reach their goals or change their careers, despite life’s constant changes and commitments. Graduating with her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 2023, Brittany is beyond grateful to ACU Online for effectively preparing her for the world of speech pathology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of those in speech and language pathology is predicted to increase by 19% within the next few years. With close to 171,400 open positions projected every year across the country, the need for educated and well-trained speech pathologists and communication specialists is at an all-time high with opportunities existing in various types of settings and disciplines from universities, K-12 schools, hospitals, and private clinics.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Submit official transcripts showing earned bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university or the equivalent.
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Availability of externship site/completion of externship cannot be guaranteed for applicants living outside of the United States.
Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
Completion Requirements: Students must earn a C or higher in each class to meet prerequisite requirements for graduate programs.
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.
Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).
This degree prepares students with the prerequisites required by graduate programs in order to meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification standards.