Prerequisite Courses

The prerequisite courses are designed for students holding a bachelor's degree in another major who need prerequisite courses to apply to a master's program in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.

Communication Sciences & Disorders Prerequisite Student Information Sheet

Taking these classes does not guarantee acceptance into the ESU Communication Sciences & Disorders Master's Degree program.

• Prerequisite classes can be completed in one academic year
• Non ESU students may register as non ESU students
• Students currently enrolled at ESU may register through the ESU portal
• Any questions should be directed to Dr. Rachel Wolf, rewolf@esu.edu
• To apply as a non-degree student, send email request to Office of Admissions, admission@esu.edu

Undergraduate preparation to include the following prerequisites:

1. Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders courses:
   1. Introduction to Communication Disorders
   2. Speech and Language Development
   3. Phonetics
   4. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
   5. Introduction to Audiology
   6. Speech Science
2. Other undergraduate courses:
   1. Child development or developmental psychology
   2. Statistics
   3. College level math course (other than statistics)
   4. English composition/writing
   5. Natural sciences (6 credits), one must be biology, the other may be chemistry or physics
   6. Behavioral sciences (6 credits)
3. Observation hours: Students need 25 observation hours that can be obtained at a variety of facilities, such as: schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and private practice. The prospective student must observe ASHA certified SLPs. Students should consult the department chair about the details of this requirement. These hours must be completed prior to beginning any graduate program in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.

Prospective students who do not have the above undergraduate courses or their equivalents may choose to complete them at any accredited university. It should be noted that not all applicants who meet the above admission requirements will be accepted into the program due to limitations in the number of student seats available at the time of acceptance.