Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Bridge Program
Important Dates
Start Term: FallPriority Deadline: July 1
Cost
Per Credit Hour: $500Format
In-Person
Cross the Bridge to a Rewarding Career in Speech-Language Pathology
SXU's Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Bridge program gives you the six prerequisite Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) courses you need to apply for the graduate SLP program.
You'll gain the foundational knowledge, mentorship and confidence to take your next step toward becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist.
The SLP Bridge program is a strong fit if you:
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Hold a bachelor's degree in any field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders.
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Are interested in a career change and are looking for a clear, structured pathway.
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Want small, in‑person classes, personal support and direct connection to a graduate SLP program.
Affordable, discounted tuition
SLP Bridge students at SXU benefit from a discounted rate of $500 per credit hour, compared with the regular tuition rate of $780 per credit hour.
That means you can complete the prerequisite coursework you need for the graduate SLP program at a significant savings, without sacrificing quality, support or access to faculty.
In‑person, not online
Our in-person format offers advantages that are hard to find in online-only options:
- Real-time interaction with faculty and classmates.
- Immediate feedback on your understanding of complex content.
- Stronger relationships and networking with professors and a cohort of peers making a similar career transition.
Small classes and personal attention
With small class sizes, your professors will know you by name, not as a number in a large lecture or online forum. You can expect:
- Individualized academic support.
- Faculty who understand that you’re coming from a non‑CSD background.
- Opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussion and build confidence.
- Access to SLP Bridge Advisor, Dr. Míriam Rodríguez-Guerra, for one-on-one%20assistance%20and%20guidance.
SXU's SLP Bridge Program prepares students with bachelor's degrees outside of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) for graduate study through six foundational prerequisite courses commonly required by SLP graduate programs nationwide.
Most students only need these six courses.
However, ASHA certification also requires coursework in biological sciences, chemistry or physics, social or behavioral sciences, and statistics, which many students have already completed through undergraduate general education requirements. Students may choose to complete any outstanding requirements during the Bridge Program to reduce additional coursework during graduate study. For questions identifying which courses, if any, are needed, you may request a transcript%20review from SLP Bridge Advisor, Dr. Míriam Rodríguez-Guerra.
Bridge Course Sequence
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CSDI 206: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing (Offered Fall)
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CSDI 305: Development of Language in the Young Child (Offered Fall)
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CSDI 307: Introduction to Audiology (Offered Fall)
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CSDI 205: Phonetics (Offered Fall or Spring)
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CSDI 207/CSDIL 207: Introduction to Speech Science and Lab (Offered Spring)
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CSDI 308: Aural Rehabilitation (Offered Spring)
Q: What if my bachelor's degree is in an unrelated field, like business, education or psychology? Am I eligible for the SLP Bridge program?
Yes! The SLP Bridge program is specifically designed for non‑CSD majors and many students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Your previous major does not prevent you from pursuing a career in speech-language pathology.
As long as you hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet SXU's admission standards, you can be considered for the Bridge program.
Q: I've taken a course that may fulfill a Bridge Program requirement. How can I confirm?
If you'd like to know prior to applying if any of your previously completed courses are equivalent to any of the Bridge coursework, you may request%20a%20transcript%20review from SLP Bridge Advisor, Dr. Míriam Rodríguez-Guerra.
Otherwise, during the admission and advising process, your previous coursework will be reviewed. If a course is deemed equivalent to one of the Bridge requirements, it may count toward your prerequisite completion. You’ll then receive guidance on which remaining Bridge courses you must take at SXU.
Q: How do I apply to the SLP Bridge program at SXU?
- Apply as a transfer student for our SLP Bridge program by submitting our Transfer/Adult application.
- Indicate your interest in the Communication Sciences & Disorders: SLP Bridge Program.
- Submit all required transcripts for review of course equivalencies and degree status.
Q: Do I need to apply to the graduate SLP program at the same time as the Bridge program?
No, you do not apply to the graduate and SLP Bridge program at the same time. Many students:
- Apply first to the SLP Bridge program and begin or complete their prerequisite coursework.
- Then apply to the graduate SLP program through CSDCAS by the January 15 deadline for the following fall semester.
Q: Is there any financial aid available to me as a Bridge student at SXU?
Financial aid options for students in the SLP Bridge Program may differ from those available to students enrolled in degree programs. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options and confirm your eligibility.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're ready to move toward a meaningful, people-centered career as a speech-language pathologist, SXU’s SLP Bridge Program can help you get there affordably and with a clear path forward.
Questions/Transcript Review
Have questions about the program's prerequisites or want someone to help you review your transcript SLP Bridge Advisor, Dr. Míriam Rodríguez-Guerra, is here to help!
Help me review my transcriptApply Now
Ready to take the leap? Start your application today and indicate your interest in the "Communication Sciences & Disorders: SLP Bridge Program" to join the program's next cohort!
Start Application