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Rank I Program

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The Dept. of Communication Disorders offers a web-based Rank I for school Speech- Language Pathologists who have earned a master's degree. The program is on-line so any Kentucky school- based Speech-Language Pathologist can enroll.

Unique features of our Rank I program include:

  • Increased skill development in your profession
  • Web-based course offerings

The Rank I program is a 60-hour program, consisting of:

Master's Program 48 hours
Rank I coursework 12 hours
  60 hours

If your Master's degree was a 48 credit hour program, then your Rank I will consist of 12 credit hours. Listed below are the courses:

Courses Credit Hours
CD 503 Advanced Diagnostics 3
 
Option 1  
CD 589 Special Topics 3
CD 513 Advanced Neurogenics -or- CD 512 Phonology 3
  6 (Total)
 
Option 2  
Thesis 6
  6 (Total)
 
Restricted Elective 3
Total Hours 12

 

This means that all students must take CD 503, Advanced Diagnostics and decide to opt for Option 1 or Option 2 to accrue 6 credit hours. In Option I, you must enroll in CD589 Special Topics and select either CD 513 Advanced Neurogenics or CD 512 Phonology. In Option 2, you write a thesis, which counts for 6 credit hours. Option 2 is designed for SLP's who want to learn applied research and/or continue their academic studies at the doctoral level. The Restricted Elective is selected from a list of approved courses which may or may not be web-based.

If you did not earn a 48 credit hour Masters' degree, you need to contact the Rank I director, so we can include additional courses to bring your Rank I program to 60 credit hours.

For restricted electives, a student must select one course/discipline.

One transfer course will be allowed with advisor approval.

Web-Based Program

All Communication Disorders courses, 9 credit hours, are web-based courses. This means that you complete assignments, readings, etc, from your home. You will need a computer or access to a computer having a minimum of 56K-band rate, and Internet access with a reliable Internet service provider that can handle Java script.

Application All Rank I applicants must be admitted to WKU's Graduate Program. To apply for the Rank I, you must contact the Graduate Office for a Rank I application form. Use this standard application form and write Communication Disorders Rank I on the form. The Graduate Office will notify me when you are accepted into the Rank I program of studies.

When accepted, you register for class through Western’s Top-Net. At least one class is offered each semester: Summer, Fall, Spring. Once accepted into Western’s Graduate School, applicants may begin their Rank I program in any semester. The length of time it takes a student to complete a Rank I depends on how many credit hours need edto attain 60 credit hours, course offerings, and your personal situation.

For further information, please contact Dr. Frank Kersting at Frank.kersting@wku.edu
(270) 745 - 2187

An application for the Communication Disorders Rank I program and a Summer Class Schedule can be obtained from:
Graduate Studies and Research Office
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11010
Bowling Green, Ky. 42101-1010
Phone #: 270-745-2446
e-mail: graduate studies@wku.edu


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