Pre Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program
If you already have a Bachelor’s degree but lack the academic background in Communication Disorders, this opportunity may be for you. Beginning in Spring 2009, Western Kentucky University will offer a series of courses designed to prepare a student to apply for a master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology. Upon completing the Pre–SLP program, students will have gained the foundational base of understanding in basic human communication and swallowing processes including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases. This program does not result in a Bachelor’s Degree.
Convenient Course Scheduling
The Pre-SLP courses will be entirely Web-based (requiring no visits to campus) and will be offered sequentially, leading to completion in four semesters. There are 7 prerequisite courses required for admission to our Master’s degree program, for a total of 21 credits.
A cohort will begin each summer, with the following course sequence:
- Summer (May - August)
- CD 405 Phonetics
- CD 481 Normal Speech & Language Development
- CD 347 Bases of Speech
- Fall (August - December)
- CD 440 Phonology and Language Disorders
- CD 484 Speech Anatomy & Physiology
- Spring (January - May)
- 485 Diagnostic Procedures
- 482 Audiology
Changes to this sequence may be made based on faculty and student needs. There is currently not an option for beginning the course sequence in the fall or spring semesters.
We are now accepting applications for the Summer 2010 cohort. Applications will be accepted until close of business on February 1, 2010.
All materials (Application Form, undergraduate transcripts, and application fee) must be received by February 1, 2010. It is your responsibility to communicate with the Admissions Office, to ensure that your materials are all in on time, and that you are entered as a non–degree–seeking Pre–SLP student.
Tuition Information
Current tuition information is available at www.wku.edu/bursar/. The Pre–SLP courses are considered undergraduate distance learning courses. Distance learning tuition rates are the same for in–state and out–of–state students.
Financial aid is currently NOT available for the Pre-SLP Program, as it is a non-degree-seeking program. WKU offers a tuition payment plan which allows you to break tuition payments up throughout the semester.
About Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University has been a CAA accredited institution since 1993. Western Kentucky University is committed to training students in the knowledge and skills underlying communication sciences and disorders; preparing students for careers in Speech Pathology and Audiology; promoting students’ respect for diversity; enhancing student excellence in education, service, and research; and encouraging life-long professional learning.
General ASHA Certification Requirements
The 2005 ASHA certification guidelines require applicants to have college credit in each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and mathematics. If you need course-work in these areas also, Western Kentucky University will work with you to identify appropriate online general education courses that will fulfill these requirements.
For Admission:
Criteria for Admission
- 3.2 overall undergraduate GPA
- Completed Bachelor’s degree in any field, or nearing completion of a Bachelor’s degree
Steps in Applying for Admission
- Complete and print out the Admissions Application and mail to the address below, to the attention of Jo Shackelford. Do not send a general Admissions Application directly to the Admissions office, as your application may not be appropriately coded, and your admission to the program will be delayed.
- Transcripts are now required for admission. Have all official *undergraduate* transcripts sent to the address below, to the attention of Jo Shackelford.
- After applying, you will receive an email message from the Communication Disorders department, notifying you that your application has been received. When your transcripts arrive, they will be reviewed, and you will be notified by email of the basic science requirements you have and have not met.
- You will receive a letter from the Admissions office notifying you that you have been admitted to the university. You must then be admitted to the Pre-SLP program by the Department of Communication Disorders in order to have a seat reserved in a cohort. No additional forms need to be submitted for this step. Once you have been admitted into a cohort, you will receive information regarding registration, your WKU email account, Blackboard training, and enrollment in classes.
Contact Information
Western Kentucky University
Communication Disorders Department
1906 College Heights Blvd #41030
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Email: communicationdisorders@wku.edu
For More Information About the Pre SLP Program:
Contact: Jo Shackelford
Phone: (270) 745-4306
Email: jo.shackelford@wku.edu
Please Note: Admission to the Pre–SLP Program does not guarantee admission to the Master’s program in Communication Disorders and completion of the prerequisite courses does not make you eligible to work in the public schools.
