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A Pathway into Speech-Language Pathology
Pursue your passion for speech-language pathology without having to put your life on hold. With ACU’s flexible online format, you’ll receive the knowledge and skills needed to start your career as a speech-language pathology assistant.
Lock In Your Tuition, Unlock Your Future.
Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your leveling coursework.
About the Program
ACU’s Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to pursue a career as an SLPA. You’ll build foundational knowledge and skills to support speech-language pathologists in schools, private practices and outpatient settings, while helping individuals and families navigate communication challenges.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Certificate
Throughout the certificate program, you’ll foster the hands-on skills and expertise needed to support SLPs as they treat individuals with communication needs. After completing the certificate program, you’ll be able to pursue opportunities as an SLPA and start making a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Required Hours
26 credit hours
8-16 months
$395 per credit hour, with a $310 resource fee per part of term
Example Coursework
Phonetics
Language Development and Disorders
Speech Sound Disorders
Neurological Bases of Communication
Upcoming Start Dates
January 12, 2027
March 9, 2027
Common Work Environments
K-12 Schools
Hospitals and Clinics
Colleges and Universities
Private Practice
Curriculum & Format
The 26-credit-hour Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Post-Baccalaureate Certificate combines focused coursework with practical experience to prepare you for SLPA licensure. You’ll study phonetics, language and speech disorders, communication processes and intervention while completing pre-clinical experiences and an externship. The curriculum is based on ASHA standards and Texas licensure requirements.
The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 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)
Meet the Program Director
Alicia Ramirez, Online Speech-Pathology Assistant Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Alicia Ramirez, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the program director for the Speech-Language Pathology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program and is an assistant professor and program director of the online undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders program at ACU. Ramirez 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. Currently, Ramirez 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.
Spotlight
Program Overview
ACU’s Speech-Language Pathology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate helps individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field complete prerequisite coursework to enter graduate-level SLP programs. The online program combines focused coursework, clinical experience and professional development in an accessible format. After completing the certificate and required graduate education, students can prepare to serve diverse populations as speech-language pathologists.
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 online B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 2023, Brittany is beyond grateful to ACU for effectively preparing her for the world of speech pathology.
The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for speech-language pathologists will grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, creating opportunities for professionals who support them. In Texas, SLPAs earn a median annual salary of $55,700 to $66,300, or about $27 to $32 per hour, with earnings varying by experience, location and work setting.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Submit official college transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or the equivalent.
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Pre-requisites: Biological Science, Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry), Social or Behavioral Science, Statistics (non-research methods)
Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a C or above in each course in the certificate program. A minimum of 2.0 is required to earn the certificate.
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.