Communication Sciences and Disorders Post-Baccalaureate Requirements

Individuals interested in admission to the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program whose bachelor’s degree is in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) are considered non-majors. In addition to completing the CSDCAS application process, as explained on our graduate programs admission requirements page under the application requirements/procedures in the Speech-Language Pathology section, non-majors must complete six undergraduate CSD prerequisite (“bridge”) courses.

These courses may be completed at Saint Xavier University or through approved equivalent coursework at an accredited four-year institution. Individuals may apply while finishing bridge coursework; however, all requirements must be completed before the start of graduate study.

Bridge Course Sequence at Saint Xavier University:

• CSDI 206: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing (Offered Fall)
• CSDI 305: Development of Language in the Young Child (Offered Fall)
• CSDI 307: Introduction to Audiology (Offered Fall)
• CSDI 205: Phonetics (Offered Fall or Spring)
• CSDI 207/CSDIL 207: Introduction to Speech Science and Lab (Offered Spring)
• CSDI 308: Aural Rehabilitation (Offered Spring)

To be considered for admission into the graduate SLP program, non-majors must:

1. Complete all bridge courses prior to enrollment in the graduate program.
2. Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the bridge coursework.
3. Complete the CSDCAS application process by January 15 deadline for admission to the following fall semester. The application deadline includes submission of all required supporting material.

Consistent with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification standards, students are expected to have completed coursework in the biological sciences, chemistry or physics, social or behavioral sciences, and statistics. These courses are commonly included in the general education requirements of an undergraduate degree; however, bridge students are encouraged to review their prior transcripts to determine whether these requirements have been satisfied. Although these courses are not required for admission to the graduate program, any deficiencies by admitted students must be completed by the end of the graduate program; therefore, it will result in additional coursework beyond the required 51 graduate credit hours in order to meet ASHA certification standards. Bridge students who have not completed these courses are encouraged to take them during their bridge coursework semesters.

To seek approval for enrolling in all six, or any of the six, CSD bridge courses at Saint Xavier University, you must apply as a transfer student for our CSD Post-Baccalaureate program by submitting our Transfer/Adult application. 

For more information about the CSD bridge courses required for non-majors, please connect with a transfer admission counselor by contacting our Office of Admission at admissionFREESXU or 773-298-3050.

For information about the MS-SLP program, please connect with a graduate admission counselor by contacting our Office of Graduate Admission at graduateadmissionFREESXU or 773-298-3053.