The online post-bachelor’s leveling program in speech-language pathology (SLP) 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 SLP.
Program Overview
The post-bachelor's SLP leveling program allows admitted students to complete the necessary prerequisite undergraduate courses to begin graduate studies in speech-language pathology. Students accepted into the leveling program are provisionally admitted to the Master of Science in SLP program.
The RU post-bac SLP program is fully online and meets twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays), providing flexibility for busy professionals.
Once leveling coursework is complete, students begin their graduate studies in SLP. By incorporating learning in and out of the classroom, the SLP 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.
For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at graduate@rockhurst.edu. For information on undergraduate tuition, see Costs, Scholarships & Financial Aid.
Learning Outcomes
With no prior background in speech-language pathology, you can earn a master’s degree in SLP 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.
Application Requirements
Post-baccalaureate Degree Direct Entry into MS in SLP Program (students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a non-SLP major at Rockhurst or at another accredited university)
- Complete an undergraduate degree in another discipline plus appropriate leveling coursework in SLP that prepares 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.
- 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.
- 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 SLP 2020 Certification Standards in Speech-Language Pathology (asha.org)
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills and appropriate interpersonal skills.
- 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.
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.
Additional Degree Info
- No prior SLP education required
- Typically one year of leveling coursework
- Provisional admittance to the SLP graduate program upon acceptance
- Cost for the SLP post bac program is $540/credit hour (2024-2025)
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