POSTBAC COURSEWORK + SLP MA

PREREQUISITES FOR THE POST-BACCALAUREATE COURSEWORK + MA PROGRAM

• Degree - Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education prior to matriculation. Although applicants with any undergraduate major may apply, only students who have completed all of the program prerequisites can be accepted as regular graduate students.
• Prerequisite Coursework - Applicants are required to complete the prerequisite course required for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) described in the next paragraph.
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Prerequisites for certification - The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association mandates certain additional coursework for certification in speech-language pathology. These courses are not requirements or prerequisites for the M.A. program, but they are required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence and thus for entry into the profession. The requirement may be satisfied by a grade of C or higher in one full-semester undergraduate course in each of the four areas. If a course was taken between Spring 2020 and Fall 2021 and had Pass/Fail grading, a Pass is also accepted. These courses must be taken outside a department granting degrees in speech-language-hearing. Advanced placement courses taken in high school also count, as does successful performance on the CLEP examination. The four required areas are 
  • Biological Science (e.g., biology, human anatomy and physiology, and human genetics)
  • Physical Science (physics or chemistry)
  • Behavioral and Social Sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, and anthropology)
  • Statistics (Stand-alone course in statistics. Research methodology courses in communication sciences and disorders cannot be used to satisfy the statistics requirement). 

Most undergraduate university students have this background, but you should consult your advisor to make sure you have taken courses in all 4 areas.

• University of Delaware – MA in Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisites - These are not required for the combined post-baccalaureate coursework and MA program. If you believe you have met the University of Delaware MA in SLP Prerequisites then you should apply to the traditional MA program. If you have only some (but not all) completed before the beginning of the Fall term then you should apply to this combined post-baccalaureate coursework and MA program.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

• GRE – The general test is optional for admission. If you choose to submit your GRE result, the tests must have been taken within 5 years of application. If you choose to include the GRE scores as part of your application, we strongly recommend that you take the test a minimum of 8 weeks before your application deadline. Applicants should request all official test scores to be reported to the University of Delaware when applying in CSDCAS (institution code 7459).
• TOEFL/IELTS – All applicants whose native language is not English and have not completed a baccalaureate degree at a college or university where the primary language of instruction is English, must demonstrate English language proficiency through either the TOEFL  or IELTS testing systems. The test must have been taken within two (2) years of the first semester of enrollment. The minimum TOEFL score required is 110 (TOEFL iBT). The TOEFL code for the University of Delaware is 5811. Score reports can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service. An IELTS score of 8.0 or better may be submitted in place of a TOEFL score.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts from every accredited U.S. college and university attended need to be submitted. DO NOT include transcripts for study abroad classes that are itemized on a U.S. college or university transcript. Please refer to our program page in CSDCAS for additional information. All official transcripts should be sent directly to CSDCAS.

Foreign Transcripts: Applicants who did not receive an undergraduate degree in the United States must have their degree transcript evaluated by World Education Services. This evaluation must document equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate degree. When requesting a transcript evaluation, request a “course-by-course” evaluation with grades. Please allow for additional time for your application to be processed.

ESSAYS

All applicants are asked to compose short essays that address the applicant’s skills and experiences. The exact question to be addressed can be found in the CSDCAS application. The essays should be submitted directly to CSDCAS.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Three letters of recommendation are required for admission. It is preferred that college instructors provide these recommendations, but past supervisors during employment or volunteer positions are also acceptable.  Applicants will enter the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three (3) individuals into the online CSDCAS application. The application system will prompt the references to submit a reference letter and automatically send them to CSDCAS. Please refer to our program page in CSDCAS for additional information.

APPLYING FOR THE MASTERS DEGREE IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

All applicants are required to apply online through CSDCAS.  Application process through CSDCAS will require you to:

• Complete demographic information
• Enter pre-requisite courses taken
• Upload essays
• Identify individuals who will write letters of recommendations (email address required)
• GRE scores (Optional)
• Official Transcripts

Within a few days of starting the CSDCAS application, the University of Delaware Grad Office will send you a link to the supplemental application that you will need to complete.

Upon acceptance (conditional or full) into this post-baccalaureate coursework + MA program, a $500 nonrefundable deposit is required.

Post-baccalaureate coursework + MA Program Academic Curriculum

The combined post-baccalaureate coursework + MA program at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides academic and clinical training commensurate with the Masters in Speech-Language Pathology degree. This entry-level degree program provides students the necessary coursework and practicum experiences to apply for certification in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Graduates are also eligible to apply for licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Delaware. Students who enter this track should complete their degree in 27 months, including 4 academic semesters, three summer and two winter sessions. Part-time matriculation is not permitted.

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive balance of academic and clinical experiences that addresses all KASA 2014 requirements and ASHA standards for professional certification. The curriculum encourages students to explore professional scholarship whether through clinical work, classroom assignments, or independent research. The thesis option provides additional training in a research experience for students interested in pursuing doctoral study. Students who select to do a thesis may lengthen their program of study by one semester.

CSCD 500 Speech and Language Development for Clinical Practice 

Basic concepts in typical and atypical development of speech and language ability in children.

Objectives

• Student will demonstrate knowledge of the development of speech and language and the integration of this knowledge into clinical practice.
• Student will demonstrate knowledge of delivery of services to culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

CSCD 501 Speech Science 

Basic methods and measures of speech science, including the biological and behavioral correlates of typical and atypical speech perception and production and perception.

Objectives

• Student will demonstrate knowledge of the concepts, methods, and measures used in the scientific research of speech.

CSCD 502 Clinical Management & Clinical Observations

CSCD 503 Assessment of Hearing Disorders (Audiology)

Basic concepts of human hearing and hearing disorders, including anatomy, physiology, and assessment.

Objectives

• Student will demonstrate knowledge of hearing, hearing disorders, and the integration of research principles into evidence-based practice.

CSCD 510 Neuroanatomy/Neurophysiology of Speech, Language, and Hearing

Basic concepts in human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology related to typical and atypical speech, language, and hearing function across the lifespan.

Objectives

• Student will demonstrate knowledge of the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of speech, language, and hearing processes and the integration of research principles into evidence-based practice.

CSCD 610 Foundations of Clinical Practice I

Basic concepts of clinical practice, including models of service delivery, clinical decision making, models of diagnosis and assessment, fundamentals of clinical data collection and measurement, treatment planning, and professional writing. Required credentials to practice as a speech-language pathologist are discussed.

CSCD 611 Language Disorders in Children (Birth to 5)

Assessment and intervention strategies for children ages birth to 5 years with semantic, pragmatic, and morphosyntactic receptive and expressive problems deficits

CSCD 612 Neurogenic Disorders: Foundation

This course presents an overview of acquired neurogenic language disorders and the ways in which these disorders have historically been described and explained. Course provides a review of the neural basis for communicative behaviors. Approaches to diagnosis and treatment of adult language disorders from structural to functional models are discussed.

CSCD 613 Speech Sound Disorders

Current theoretical approaches to phonological analysis and typical phonological acquisition applied to assessment and intervention with children who have phonological disorders. Practice with formal and informal phonological analysis procedures.

CSCD 620 Foundations of Clinical Practice II

Advanced concepts of clinical practice, including principles of human behavior change, generalization, transfer and maintenance, ethical practice, insurance and reimbursement of services, ethics, and counseling techniques as they relate to individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders, federal and state legislative acts and practices. Students address practical and current issues necessary for ethical and informed professional services in the field of speech-language pathology

CSCD 621 Fluency Disorders

Theoretical perspectives on the nature of stuttering, including onset and development, and maintenance of disfluent speech; differentiation of normal vs. stuttered disfluencies; approaches to assessment and intervention across age range, settings, and severity levels; familial considerations, counseling, and environmental modifications; treatment principles.

CSCD 622 Language Disorders in Children-School Age

A review of research in oral and written language development of school-age children and contemporary literature relating to the management of language disorders of school age children and adolescents. Emphasis on assessment and service delivery models; classroom management; and teaching, adaption, and implementation of IEPs; legislative and administrative aspects of speech-language pathology school programming.

CSCD 623 Neurogenic Disorders of Language: Management

Overview of communication disorders secondary to acquired brain damage in adults; focus on aphasia, communication disorders arising from dementia, right‑hemisphere stroke, traumatic brain injuries; general principles of diagnosis and intervention across a variety of settings, with consideration given to the present climate of healthcare and functional outcomes.

CSCD 624 Dysphagia

Presents information on the anatomy, physiology, and neural bases of normal swallowing, the various diseases that can affect swallowing function, the nature of swallowing dysfunction and ways to assess it, and treatment options for patients with swallowing disorders.

CSCD 625 Voice and Resonance Disorders

Basic foundations for management of voice disorders. Techniques applicable to children and adults with disorders of voice, both functional and organic in origin.

CSCD 626 Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Approaches to development of alternate modes of communication for individuals with significant motor, cognitive, and/or perceptual disabilities. System design (hardware and software) useful in building augmentative and alternative communication devices for the profoundly impaired.

CSCD 627 Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Basic theories and principles associated with communication assessment and intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders are addressed.

CSCD 628 Aural Rehabilitation

Theory, procedures for assessment, (re)habilitation of speech, hearing, and language deficits of people with hearing impairment.

CSCD 651 Clinical Practicum

Student clinicians provide intervention to communicatively impaired clients, under supervision of a certified speech language pathologists at the university speech-language-hearing clinic. Focus on planning, staffing, implementation, modification, and outcomes assessment of evaluation and intervention procedures with clients and their families

CSCD 665 Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology

This course focuses on interpersonal communication and counseling skills as a means to improve trust, rapport, treatment adherence and clinical outcomes of patients/family members in a wide range of clinical and educational environments. This course is for graduate students whose work requires them to employ counseling skills as part of service delivery. Unlike courses designed for students preparing to be psychologists, social workers, or professional counselors, this course emphasizes the boundaries and skills suitable for clinicians whose primary training is not in counseling.

CSCD 667 Clinical Rounds

Course is taken concurrently with CSCD 651 and is intended to provide a forum for peer discussion of theoretical and clinical issues related to the management of patients seen in the clinic. Emphasis on evidence-based practice, clinical writing, and ethical/professional issues.

CSCD 710 Foundations of Clinical Practice III

This course is a continuation of Foundations I and II and will expand students' knowledge and understanding of research methods in communication sciences' Focus is on scientific principles, ethical use of human participants, animal subjects and responsible conduct of research principles, and evaluation of scientific evidence. Students will begin developing their evidence-brief.

CSCD 711 Neurogenic Disorders of Speech

Review of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of brain motor systems. Characteristics of the dysarthrias and apraxia in children and adults due to congenital or acquired etiologies, including degenerative diseases. Focus on diagnosis and prognosis, and development of treatment goals.

CSCD 712 Management of Linguistically Diverse Populations

Course is intended for students who intend to practice as bilingual speech-language pathologists. Fluency in language other than English is required. Course will review linguistic and cultural variations in language acquisition and child socialization across cultural and linguistically diverse populations. Course focus is on assessment and treatment of communication disorders in individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

CSCD 713 Seminar: Special Topics

Lecture-discussion with or without laboratory component on current topics in normal aspects of communication or identification, treatment and research in speech-language pathology and audiology

CSCD 714 Directed Research

Supervised laboratory experience in conducting research in communication sciences and disorders.

CSCD 715 Proseminar

Presentation of research ideas, results by faculty, students. Variable content.  Speakers from the communication department, other areas of the university and the general professional community present issues of concern to speech-language pathologists.

CSCD 751 Advanced Clinical Practicum

Supervised practicum in health care facility or school setting.

CSCD 780 Comprehensive Academic-Clinical Project

CSCD 869 Thesis

Students are provided various opportunities to work with individuals across the life span and the continuum of care:  early intervention in the homes, daycares and preschools, K-12, outpatient clinics, hospital for children and adults, and sub-acute nursing facilities.  Sites are located in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.

First year students’ practicum experience opportunities include: UD Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, home and day care based early intervention, RTI in schools, research-based summer camp interventions, and diagnostic assessments in schools.

Second year students are placed in a minimum of two externship sites; one serving adults and one children.  Some students return to the UD SLH Clinic for specialty clinics.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The University of Delaware is required to comply with state and federal laws regarding the delivery of distance education (e.g., clinical externship practicum). Please see the University’s State Authorization page for more information.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers financial assistance in the form of tuition remission, based on availability of funds and student merit. In these cases, preference will be given to individuals who have personal characteristics (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability,  languages spoken, first generation college student, etc.) that are underrepresented in the field of Communication Disorders (representation as documented by national demographics provided by ASHA) and/or individuals who meet residency requirements for residency in the state of Delaware. No additional application is required. In addition, graduate research assistantships are sometimes available. Students cannot receive two separate UD financial assistance awards. All matriculated students will be informed when a graduate research assistantship becomes available.

In addition to the tuition scholarships offered by the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, students may apply for the State of Delaware scholarships open to individuals interested in working in either Delaware public schools or Birth to 3 Early Intervention. For further information on these scholarships, please click on link below.

https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/1055

The tuition rate has been reduced to $1,288 per credit. For additional information on financial aid, please access the link below.

Graduate Financial Aid and Tuition

Currently, there is no data for the combined post-baccalaureate coursework + MA Program. The student outcome data listed below are historical data of the traditional MA program.

Program Completion Rates for SLP Graduates

Praxis Examination Pass Rates for SLP Graduates

Employment Rates for SLP Graduates