2024-2025

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate School Preparation, Undergraduate Certificate

Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders

College of Health and Human Services

The overall purpose of the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate School Preparation undergraduate certificate is to provide students with a foundational knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of human communication. Courses cover anatomical and physiological aspects of speech and hearing, the development of cognitive and linguistic communicative functions, and related disorders. The certificate is designed for students who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a bachelor’s degree in a non-CSD major and are seeking a pathway to fulfill the prerequisite courses required for admission to a graduate degree program and enter the workforce as a speech-language pathologist.

  • To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

    Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 21
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. Individuals seeking to become speech-language pathologists must complete a graduate degree from an accredited program. Admission to these programs requires prerequisite coursework in the field of study. This certificate is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-CSD major and are seeking a pathway to fulfill the prerequisite courses required for admission to a graduate degree program and enter the workforce as a speech-language pathologist in the least amount of time possible. Course content required for admission to graduate school and included in this undergraduate certificate includes phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech and swallowing, typical language development, speech and hearing sciences, and audiology.
 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the fundamental anatomical and physiological principles of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing.
  • Describe the fundamentals of neuroscience relevant to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing.
  • Engage in oral, written, or other forms of communication that are appropriate for professional practice and graduate study.
  • Explain the normal development of motor function, cognition, social emotion, and communication from birth through adolescence.
  • Describe characteristics of communication differences and disorders across the lifespan, and across culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Certificate Requirements
  • Take the following 21 units:

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

  • Students enrolled in this certificate may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.