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Academic Preparation for Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat and help to prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders; this profession is closely allied with- but separate from - audiology. Some speech-language pathologists become certified audiologists (and vice-versa) but each career is a distinct profession in itself.

Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds, or cannot make them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering, people with voice quality problems, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders. They also work with people who have oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties.

For general information, please check the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association:
http://www.asha.org

REQUIRED PREREQUISITES

UCSC does not offer a Baccalaureate nor Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. For current UCSC students an option would be to transfer to a 4 year college (generally a State College) to obtain the Baccalaureate Degree.

Graduates from UCSC have the option of applying to accelerated Masters Degree programs. These programs specifically target students with non-Speech-Language Pathology Baccalaureate Degrees. An example would be the Masters Degree program at the University of the Pacific. Faculty advisors work with students to develop an appropriate plan of study that meet the needs of individual students.

Students may also apply to Masters Degree programs and obtain a conditional acceptance, complete necessary course work at that particular school and then matriculate into the Masters Program. An example of this type of program is the Masters Degree program at the University of the Redlands. Below is listed the necessary course work needed to be completed at that school prior to matriculating into the Masters program:
Speech Transcription
Speech and Hearing Science
Intro to Audiology
Functional Anatomy & Physiology
Early Language Development & Disorders
School-age through Adult Language Disorders
Disorders of Articulation & Phonology
Assessment & Intervention in CDIS
Aural Rehabilitation

Students also have the option of fulfilling some prerequisite course work prior to applying to Masters Degree programs such as the Masters Degree program at California State University, Chico. The Director informed me they will accept certain work from other institutions, however this can vary from school to school so again faculty advisors work with students to develop an appropriate plan of study that meet the needs of individual students.

Students also have the option of applying to the AuD Joint Doctorate Program in Audiology currently offered at San Diego State College/ University of California, San Diego.This AuD program is a four-year graduate degree program designed for individuals who intend to specialize in clinical practice and to meet professional standards requiring a clinical doctorate. It is expected that students will come into this program from a variety of different science backgrounds, including speech, language and hearing sciences, biological and physical sciences, engineering, psychology, nursing or a pre-med curriculum. Currently the requirements include:

Overall GPA of 3.2 or better in undergraduate courses and any graduate courses completed
Good standing in the last institution attended
GRE with satisfactory performance on both quantitative and verbal portions
Statistics 1 course
Biology 1to 2 courses
Physical science 1to 2 courses
Behavioral/social sciences 2 courses
American Sign Language 1 course

Below are suggested Graduate Programs in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. These schools may offer conditional acceptances, accelerated programs or joint programs. Please be sure to access each school for specific information.

For up to date information please access the following Web site:
http://www.asha.org/students/academic/EdFind/default.htm

SCDU/UCSD
CSU, Chico
CSU, East Bay
CSU, Fresno
CSU, Fullerton
CSU, Long Beach
CSU, Los Angeles
CSU, Northridge
CSU, Sacramento
Loma Linda University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
University of Redlands
University of the Pacific

 

 

 

 

 

DEGREE AWARDED IN THIS FIELD:
Masters

Ph.D.

 

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