PreSLP Program
Thank you for your interest in WKU Pre-SLP!
Applications for Summer 2025 pre-SLP program are now being accepted.
(Priority applications are due no later than 2/7/2025 at 11:59 pm CT. If any seats remain available, applications will continue to be accepted until the cohort is full.)
The pre-SLP program is an online leveling program designed for those who are currently pursuing a degree in another field or for those who have completed a degree in a field other than Communication Disorders. The pre-SLP program provides the academic requirements for applying to the Master's program in Speech-Lanquage Pathology. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained the foundational base of understanding in basic human communication and swallowing processes including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases.
This program does not result in a certificate or Bachelor's Degree, nor does it guarantee acceptance to the Master's Program in Speech-Language Pathology.
Criteria for Admission
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last degree earned
OR
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the degree in progress and completion of at least 30 credit hours prior to starting Pre-SLP courses
Application and Admission Requirements
Follow these detailed instructions to be sure you apply to the correct program.
Course Sequence
The Pre-SLP program is entirely Web-based (all courses are online and require no visits to campus) and is offered sequentially, leading to completion in four semesters. It offers the 8 prerequisite courses required for admission to the WKU Master's degree program, for a total of 24 credits. CD 290 Observation is offered as an optional Pass/Fail course for one credit.
A cohort will begin each summer, with the following course sequence:
- Summer (May – August)
•CD 481 Normal Speech & Language Development
•CD 347 Science of Speech and Hearing (formerly titled: Bases of Speech) - Fall (August – December)
•CD 405 Phonetics
•CD 486 Language Disorders
•CD 290 Guided Clinical Observation** - Spring (January – May)
•CD 483 Articulation Disorders
•CD 484 Speech Anatomy and Physiology
•CD 290 Guided Clinical Observation** - Summer
•CD 482 Audiology
•CD 485 Assessment in Communication Disorders
•CD 290 Guided Clinical Observation**
** CD 290 is offered each semester as an optional Pass/Fail course, but you would only enroll one time in the course. This course is designed to allow you to gain the 25 observation hours necessary for the graduate program. Prior to enrollment you would want to ensure that you have a site with an ASHA-certified SLP in which you would be allowed to observe therapy for 25 hours over the course of the semester.
Changes to this sequence may be made based on faculty and student needs. There is currently not an option for beginning the course sequence in the fall or spring semesters.
Read more about each course in the Pre-SLP course sequence here.
FAQs
Our faculty use Blackboard course management software and videoconferencing software as platforms for presenting learning materials, resource links, and instructional guidance. It also enables you, your professor, and classmates to communicate with each other in real time. Using Blackboard and videoconferencing, your professor can present materials using several multimedia resources (including audio, video, animation, charts, etc) so that your classes are presented in the most effective way.
You will have designated weekly or biweekly synchronous class meeting times for each course for which you will be expected to be logged into the course for instruction just as you would attend classes face to face.
ASHA requires basic science courses in order to obtain certification. Successful completion of a 3 credit hour course must be completed in the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and statistics. You can find more information about ASHA's certification standards HERE (See standard IV).
These courses do NOT have to be completed to apply to the pre-SLP program.
These courses are not a mandatory part of the Pre-SLP program, however they will need to be completed before applying to WKU's Master's of Speech Pathology Program. You may complete any needed courses before the pre-SLP program or concurrently with the Pre-SLP program.
These courses may have been taken as a part of your bachelors degree. If not, they may be completed at WKU or other institution of your choice.
If you have already taken a prerequisite course, whether from WKU or another university, you do not have to retake the class as long as it has been approved as equivalent to the WKU course.
Yes, WKU accepts many courses from other universities. To view a list of all the approved prerequisite courses from other schools that have been reviewed so far, visit the following webpage: Prerequisite Courses Approved for Equivalency
If your course is not listed, it will need reviewed by our committee.
Yes, you can transfer WKU's prerequisite courses to another university. It is your responsibility to contact the university you are considering transferring them to in order to determine if they will be accepted by that particular university.
Current tuition rates can be found HERE. The Pre–SLP courses are considered undergraduate distance learning courses. Distance learning tuition rates are the same for in–state and out–of–state students.
Note: The price listed is per credit hour. The Pre-SLP Program consists of a total of 24 credit hours (plus the optional 1 hour observation course).
The Pre-SLP program is financial aid eligible. Tips for applying for financial aid. WKU also offers a tuition payment plan which allows you to break tuition payments up throughout the semester. For specific questions regarding financial aid, contact the Department of Student Financial Assistance
No, the GRE is not required to apply to the Pre-SLP program.
The Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) offers excellent resources to assist online learners. Their website has a number of helpful topics including an orientation to online learning and helpful information to aid you in determining if online learning is right for you. Here is a link to their website: WKU Online
Contact
Kaitlyn Rippy (Email:kaitlyn.rippy@wku.edu)
Phone Number: 270-745-3519
Department Address
Academic Complex 108G WKU Communication Sciences & Disorders Department 1906 College Heights Blvd #41030 Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.