The primary focus of this certificate program is to provide concentrated knowledge in communication sciences and disorders to and or supplement the course work completed in the student’s academic major.

The CSD Prerequisite Certificate Program will prepare students with majors outside of communication sciences and disorders gain required prerequisite courses for applying to graduate programs in CSD or prepare students within the CSD major to pursue their certification as a speech-language pathology assistant (C-SLPA). The program is open to students in any major.

Students pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist need to complete a master's program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). One means of completing prerequisite coursework necessary for acceptance into a graduate program in CSD is majoring in CSD as an undergraduate student. For those students who are majoring in a program other than CSD, this certificate Currently, this will provide those students with all prerequisite courses in the CSD major necessary for applying to a graduate program without having to switch majors and reduce the likelihood of students having to add semesters to their plan if they switch majors. 

This certificate will also provide an option for students interested in becoming a certified speech-language pathology assistant (C-SLPA). Those who want to become ASHA-certified and hold the C-SLPA credential must meet the requirements set forth in the Standards for SLPA Certification, which include meeting the following degree and education requirements.

College degree (associate's or bachelor's) from an accredited institution

Students choosing to use the certification to pursue a C-SLPA license will take the 3 credit internship. These students need to complete clinical field work (also called "clinical practicum" or "on-the-job" hours).

A minimum of 100 hours, to include

  • 80 hours of direct patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP (completed off-campus and arranged by department externship coordinator)**
  • 20 hours of indirect patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP (completed on-campus at the ESU Speech and Hearing Center)** 
  • Observation, simulation, and graduate practicum hours cannot be used toward this requirement.
  • Best completed in summer between junior and senior year.

Hours may be completed via an academic practicum or on the job with a current CCC-SLP. Any "on-the-job" hours must be completed in accordance with state regulations.

Your supervisor will verify your hours via the online application when submitted; no paperwork is required to be submitted to ASHA.

** Any hours completed January 1, 2020, or after must have been supervised by an ASHA-certified SLP (See Standard III). Certificate advisor coordinates and assigns the internship. It is up to the advisor's discretion and availability of sites as to if the internship will be held in the fall or spring semester.

This certificate is available to any major. However, the internship option is for students majoring in CSD seeking C-SLPA certification. 

With the increased workforce need for SLPs, a certificate of this nature will provide opportunities to increase undergraduate options across disciplines and opportunities to gain employment in a field of high demand.

The CSD Prerequisite Certificate Program will prepare students with majors outside of communication sciences and disorders gain required prerequisite courses for applying to graduate programs in CSD or prepare students within the CSD major to pursue their certification as a speech-language pathology assistant (C-SLPA). The program is open to students in any major.

Students pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist need to complete a master's program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). One means of completing prerequisite coursework necessary for acceptance into a graduate program in CSD is majoring in CSD as an undergraduate student. For those students who are majoring in a program other than CSD, this certificate Currently, this will provide those students with all prerequisite courses in the CSD major necessary for applying to a graduate program without having to switch majors and reduce the likelihood of students having to add semesters to their plan if they switch majors. 

This certificate will also provide an option for students interested in becoming a certified speech-language pathology assistant (C-SLPA). Those who want to become ASHA-certified and hold the C-SLPA credential must meet the requirements set forth in the Standards for SLPA Certification, which include meeting the following degree and education requirements.

College degree (associate's or bachelor's) from an accredited institution

Students choosing to use the certification to pursue a C-SLPA license will take the 3 credit internship. These students need to complete clinical field work (also called "clinical practicum" or "on-the-job" hours).

A minimum of 100 hours, to include

  • 80 hours of direct patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP (completed off-campus and arranged by department externship coordinator)**
  • 20 hours of indirect patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP (completed on-campus at the ESU Speech and Hearing Center)** 
  • Observation, simulation, and graduate practicum hours cannot be used toward this requirement.
  • Best completed in summer between junior and senior year.

Hours may be completed via an academic practicum or on the job with a current CCC-SLP. Any "on-the-job" hours must be completed in accordance with state regulations.

Your supervisor will verify your hours via the online application when submitted; no paperwork is required to be submitted to ASHA.

** Any hours completed January 1, 2020, or after must have been supervised by an ASHA-certified SLP (See Standard III). Certificate advisor coordinates and assigns the internship. It is up to the advisor's discretion and availability of sites as to if the internship will be held in the fall or spring semester.

This certificate is available to any major. However, the internship option is for students majoring in CSD seeking C-SLPA certification. 

With the increased workforce need for SLPs, a certificate of this nature will provide opportunities to increase undergraduate options across disciplines and opportunities to gain employment in a field of high demand.

Must have an overall 3.0 GPA to be accepted into the certificate program; Completion of an evauation of the program; some students may have to take additional coursework to meet prerequisite requirements for acceptance into master's program in speech-language pathology.

Taking these classes does not guarantee acceptance into the ESU Communication Sciences & Disorders master's degree program; Completion of 25 hours of observation.

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.

Note: Some students may have to take additional coursework to meet prerequisite requirements for specific courses. Acceptence into the certificate program is determined by the CSD Chair and number of students accepted will be continguent on availability of intership affiliate opportunities.

Contact Us

For more information about our programs, please contact our office at (570) 422-3247.

Contact Information

Campus Address
Monroe Hall
Phone:
(570) 422-3247
Fax:
(570) 422-3850 (Fax)
Title of Department Leader
Department Chair
Name
Rachel Wolf
Phone:
(570) 422-3929