Post Bachelor's Leveling Program – Communication Sciences & Disorders
Post Bachelor's Leveling Program – Communication Sciences & Disorders
Program Description
The post-bachelor’s leveling program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) at Rockhurst University is designed to give individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline a path to earning a graduate degree in CSD. The leveling program allows admitted students to complete the necessary undergraduate prerequisite courses to begin graduate studies in speech-language pathology. Students accepted into the leveling program are provisionally admitted to the Master of Science in CSD program.
For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at graduate@rockhurst.edu.
Prospective Students
Application Requirements
Post-baccalaureate Degree Direct Entry into MS in CSD Program (students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a non-CSD major at Rockhurst or at another accredited university).
- Complete an undergraduate degree in another discipline plus appropriate leveling coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders that prepare students for entry into the Master of Science program. Undergraduate preparation must consist of at least 36 semester credit hours and reflect a well-integrated program.
- Achieve a required minimum overall grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale
- Achieve an annual GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.00 scale for Science and ASHA pre-requisite courses
- Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Core Functions of the Speech-Language Pathology profession to complete an MS in CSD 2020 Certification Standards in Speech-Language Pathology (asha.org)
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills and appropriate interpersonal skills.
- Complete the prerequisite courses in biological, physical, and behavioral sciences and statistics as required by the American Speech Language Hearing Association, ASHA, for application for certification prior to the first day of the MS program.
- A standardized test score is not required for admission to the program; however, students need to be aware that standardized tests (state boards) are required to become a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office for application assistance at graduate@rockhurst.edu or at 816-501-4220.
Learning Outcomes
With no prior background in communication sciences and disorders, you can earn a master’s degree in CSD in as little as three years – one year of leveling coursework and two years of full-time graduate coursework – at our Kansas City, Missouri, campus.
Course Map
Leveling Coursework
- Language Development
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
- Transcription Phonetics
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Neural Bases of Communication
- Introduction to Audiology
- Clinical Management: Pediatrics
- Clinical Management: Adults
- Clinical Observation
Students are required to have completed undergraduate courses in biological science (such as biology), physical science (such as physics or chemistry), behavioral science and statistics prior to the start of the master's program.
Experiences
Leveling Program Facts
- No prior CSD education required
- Typically one year of leveling coursework
- Provisional admittance to the CSD graduate program upon acceptance
Outcomes
About the Master of Science in CSD
Once leveling coursework is complete, students begin their graduate studies in CSD. By incorporating learning in and out of the classroom, the CSD graduate program will best prepare students to offer speech-language services in a variety of facilities and settings. Through community-based clinical practicum experiences, service-learning opportunities and a curriculum emphasizing ethics, you will become a well-rounded clinician with a true passion for helping others.
