Undergrad

[HopefulGrad2017]

I would like to know if grad schools prefer students to have an undergrad degree in Speech pathology or communication disorders over other degrees? Or does it only matter that you do the require pre-reqs? I really need to keep working and can't do that if I have to do a bachelors in SLP. I'd prefer to do it in something I can mostly do online, then take the prereqs (I can also take those online). Perhaps earn my SLPA before applying to grad school. 

 

Anyone else earn their undergrad degree in another field? What was it? I am also worried if I major in SLP, what if I don't get into grad school? It's such a narrow field of study, there isn't much you can do with it. But if I earn a different degree, and don't get in, I can still get a job or earn a Master's in another field. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[Chandru1]

The way I see it you have two options:

 

1. Major in CDS and apply to grad school in field.

 

2. Major in something else, take prereqs, and apply to grad school in field. Alternatively, you could apply out of field. This option seems to take at least another year than option 1. 

 

The other option I can think of is double majoring/minoring, but I do not know if that is feasible in CDS. 

[sayjo]

I did a lot of research on this because I was out of field when I decided to apply and didn't know if I needed a second Bachelor's or just needed to complete pre-reqs.  What I found is that some schools do want you to have a degree in communication disorders but MOST schools will accept you if you have a degree in a different major and have completed all the communication disorders pre-reqs.  Most schools have somewhere between 5-10 pre-reqs that they require.  Pre-reqs seem to differ from school to school, although most schools require phonetics, anatomy & physiology, intro to audiology, and a language development course.

 

In the end, I don't think it matters if you want to major in a different field for undergrad, but it will take you a longer amount of time (and more money in coursework) before you apply to grad school.  If you do choose to go for a different major, you might want to do something closely related to SLP, such as English, linguistics, or education.  I was a teacher prior to applying to grad school, and I feel like my experience in that field gave my application a boost - especially because I had the chance to work with a number of children that had receptive and/or expressive language disorders in my classroom.

 

Finally, I want to point out that you CAN work and do your COMD bachelors at the same time.  I'm assuming this will be your first bachelor's degree based on your post.  USU offers an online first bachelors. I'm not sure where you're located, but if it's near Chicago, Governor's State offers an in-person part-time first bachelors for working adults.  If you KNOW that grad school is your ultimate goal, I would urge you to commit to an undergrad degree in communication disorders unless you have other interests you would like to pursue.  Getting into grad school is competitive, but not impossible.  Best of luck.

Edited August 4, 2014 by sayjo

[HopefulGrad2017]

Thank you, I appreciate your responses! This will be my first bachelors. I have an associate degree in veterinary technology, and another 3 years of college before that. But that was over a decade ago and many of my science and math classes are expired. I am actually in Colorado, so not near Chicago. It's just difficult for me to work and go to classes full-time because I am practically a single mom (husband is a truck driver, so never home), and I have two little kids. I can either work OR go to school while they are in school. I can't afford childcare to either work nights or go to school at night.

 

But you gave me some things to think about, thank you.

[lookwhoslp]

There's been a big influx of out-of-field applicants (and in field too) so you're not alone! I'd suggest looking at grad schools you're interested in and see if they require prereqs or if you can enter/take prereqs with them. You can also contact them, explain your situation and ask what they think might be best. I wouldn't worry about trying to get a CSD bachelors though... some schools even take like 50% out of field applicants for each year, which is pretty good!  Just check to see if you can do pre reqs with them or need to take them beforehand (and then apply). It might be best to just take pre reqs on your own time, there are even a few online programs that do pre reqs so you can take as many classes as you want... might take a bit longer but that could work for you.     *Few programs have the system where you apply to do pre reqs with them and automatically get into the Masters... most you'd have to reapply (and maybe not get in) which essentially leaves you to apply to other programs*

[HopefulGrad2017]

I'm definitely checking into the schools I am interested in now. Thanks!

[queenleblanc]

Hi Hopefulgrad, 

I am currently in a master's program for SLP and I used to have a different career, took pre-reqs online while I worked, and started full-time on campus last Fall.  It can be done!  I did pre-reqs with Longwood University (in Virginia) online and 1 additional class with Utah State (also online).  Just check into what pre-req courses the schools you want to apply to will require.  I had to take a Bio class since I didn't have one in my previous degree, so double check that you have all of the ASHA general ed requirements too (chemistry or physics, biology or normal anatomy and physiology, statistics, and social sciences or psychology).  

 

Best of luck to you! 

[HopefulGrad2017]

That's great advice, thank you! I didn't think about ASHA having general ed requirements as well.