Pre-requisites and bridging programs

[ashny]

I have an undergraduate in a different field from Speech Pathology (Psychology). I noticed that most universities require some kind of pre-requisites before they will consider you for speech pathology grad school. I would like to take a post baccaluerate program or some kind of bridging course to expand my options, but it's tricky because every university has different pre-requisites. So even though I may choose a levelling/bridging program to get the prerequisites, the subjects covered may be not enough to satisfy most schools. Is there any way around this? Thanks.

[babykoala]

I know many people go for a second bachelors from Utah State University. The degree is entirely online and can be completed in 3 semesters (if you go full-time), and it's not terribly expensive. All classes are offered each semester, too.

That said, I know some people still need to take another prerequisite or two before/during grad school (e.g., neuroanatomy), but otherwise this is a good way to deal with the prereq issue.

[ashny]

Thank you. i checked out Utah state online program and I they have a GPA requirement for acceptance into their second bachelors:

3.75 - 3.8

Unfortunately my highest GPA is around 3.4

I can try calling them to ask anyway, I noticed that a lot of universities ask for a CSD degree. I wonder if Utah State University second bachelors meets this requirement? Thanks

[babykoala]

Actually, you only need a 3.0 to be accepted into the second bachelors program: https://comd.usu.edu/online-programs/comd-second/admissions

The program is accredited, and many students have gone on to be admitted to grad programs (both online and in person). The only negative thing I've heard is that some California State universities (CSULA?) think USU is guilty of grade inflation, but that doesn't seem to be the consensus among all programs. So, unless you're planning on applying to some CSU schools, I don't think that should deter you.

Edited December 27, 2016 by babykoala

[ashny]

Wow, yes you are right. I had read the second sentence instead of the first:

• A minimum 3.0 GPA is required by COMDDE for continuation in the 2nd bachelor's degree program.
• Many graduate programs across the country, including USU, accept students with higher GPAs. (Average GPA is 3.75 –   3.8)
•  

[PTM]

Every CSD undergrad program prepares you for every slp grad school program, meaning as long as youve completed the required CSD courses, you've met all SLP grad schools' pre-reqs. Each school just lists down the course names differently. For example, UW-Madison asks for a pre-req course in AAC (augmentative & alternative communication), my school doesn't offer a specific course for AAC but I did learn about it in my Language Appraisal and Special education course. Hope that helps! Good luck.

[ashny]

3 hours ago, PTM said:

Every CSD undergrad program prepares you for every slp grad school program, meaning as long as youve completed the required CSD courses, you've met all SLP grad schools' pre-reqs. Each school just lists down the course names differently. For example, UW-Madison asks for a pre-req course in AAC (augmentative & alternative communication), my school doesn't offer a specific course for AAC but I did learn about it in my Language Appraisal and Special education course. Hope that helps! Good luck.

Thanks, it is a tough system here in the USA. In other countries an undergraduate degree qualifies you to become a speech pathologist. Here, you can do a CSD degree and it's no guarantee of anything, plus you have to do a GRE.