Best graduate courses to take as a non-matriculate?

[SundayMatinee]

Hey! So, unfortunately this year was not my year to get into graduate school. But, I'm okay, I have faith & I believe I will one day. With that being said, I am trying to make my application as competive as I can. I researched a lot, and on one forum someone suggested to take courses as a non matriculated graduate student. That sounds like a wonderful idea & I was wondering if anyone had suggestions about what courses I should take that would be speech related? I was wondering if anyone could think of courses related to BaABA therapy, teacher of Hearing Impaired & Deaf, Special Education, etc as well at the graduate level. I figured that since I'll be applying for certifications & jobs in those fields, it wouldn't hurt to have related coursework either.

 

I was hoping too if anyone could name any schools online that would offer this coursework. I'm willing to travel to a few colleges near me, but nothing too far. I currently live in New York & I simply don't have the financial means to relocate to take a few classes at a school I'm not even enrolled in.

 

Thank you!

[DeWi]

I'm taking some pre-req classes my undergrad didn't offer  through Utah State University online. They seemed to have a wide array to offer, and are only $290 per credit. I've heard good things about their classes, and the staff I spoke with were super nice and helpful. Check them out!

 

http://www.comd.usu.edu/htm/online-programs/non-degree-seeking/course-registration-non-degree 

[JFFA]

I'd recommend simple reaching out to prospective grad schools you wish to apply to in the future and asking them how they would view such coursework and, if they would so in a positive light, what types of courses to take? I'm honestly not sure that all graduate schools will weigh it heavily, but it's an idea, and it cannot hurt to look into it further! I have heard through the grapevine that sped classes might not be the best choice, but I'm sure the graduate schools themselves can give you a far more accurate and reliable answer. Also if you have get to fulfill you ASHA science and stats requirements, I know that doing very well in those courses does look good at least to the programs I talked to and those are also offered at USU at the undergrad level.  

Edited April 30, 2015 by JFFA

[Crimson Wife]

For ABA, I would look for courses that would count towards board certification. http://www.bacb.com/index.php?page=100358

 

For teaching the D/HoH, look for programs with CED accreditation: http://councilondeafed.org/accreditation/

 

SPED you would need to check with your state's teacher certification department as each state has its own requirements.

 

Ed therapy is another field to consider. The Academic Language Therapy Association has a well-respected certification program: https://www.altaread.org/membership.asp

[mr479]

This could or could not be your downfall. If you are certain you can get an A, I'd say go for it. If not, it's too risky. Rather focus on increasing your GRE score. Read read read. Non-fiction and classics. Don't waste your time with Divergent and Hunger Games. Get GRE apps and study vocab every day. You can do it!

[SLPsara]

Which Magoosh GRE Vocab app is it that people suggest? They have two.

[mr479]

Use Khan Academy, especially for math. It is a free resource, and ETS (the people who make the GRE) recommends it.