Graduate Preparation Program
Students who wish to pursue a career in speech-language pathology—whose completed bachelor’s degree is in a field other than communication sciences and disorders—require a series of prerequisite courses to prepare for application to graduate programs in speech-language pathology.
These courses are offered regularly at Elmhurst University.
Our graduate preparation program is designed to meet the expectations for core prerequisite knowledge of the Elmhurst University master’s program in communication sciences and disorders. Students must apply separately for admission to the master’s program. Requirements of other graduate programs may differ.
Students from our graduate preparation program have gained admission into the master’s program at Elmhurst University and other institutions, including Northwestern University, Rush University and George Washington University. Completion of graduate preparation coursework may take from two to four terms, depending on the academic background of the student.
Graduate preparation coursework includes:
- Foundational courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences and statistics
- Introductory courses in phonetics, anatomy and physiology, language development and clinical practices
- Coursework in audiology, speech sound disorders, speech science and the neurological bases of communication
- Completion of 25 clinical observation hours required as part of clinical certification
Explore the graduate preparation program’s mission and learning outcomes.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to the graduate preparation program, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above must be present at the time of application with a grade of B or higher in ENG 105 and 106 (Composition I and II). Major GPA must be at least 3.2 to remain in the program and to enroll in 300/400 level courses. Please see the 2024-2025 for additional requirements.
How to Apply
- To enter the graduate preparation program at Elmhurst University, apply to the University following all of the admission requirements for the undergraduate CSD program. Please apply as a second-degree student even if you wish to complete only the required prerequisite courses for the graduate CSD program.
- Go to the undergraduate application and apply as a second-degree student. When completing the application, choose communication sciences and disorders as your major.
All official college transcripts must be sent to Elmhurst University for review.
Contact Information
Office of Advising
Phone: (630) 617-3450
Fax: (630) 617-3245
Suggested Program
Note: Foundational Courses for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification include successful completion of a course in biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences and statistics. Visit the ASHA website for acceptable foundational coursework.
Term I (Recommended)
- CSD 200 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (.50 credit)
- CSD 205 Clinical Phonetics
- CSD 234 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
- CSD 339 Introduction to Audiology
- CSD 390 Language Development and Disorders (Prereq: Linguistics module)
Term II (Recommended)
- CSD 341 Speech Sound Disorders (Prereq: CSD 205)
- CSD 344 Speech Science (Prereq: CSD 205)
- CSD 450 Clinical Methods and Diagnostics (Prereq: CSD 390)
- CSD 455 Aural Rehabilitation (Prereq: CSD 339)
January Term (Optional)
- CSD 100 Sign Language I
- CSD 242 Autism
Term III (Optional)
- CSD 476 Language Stimulation and Enrichment (.50 credit)
- CSD 477 Speech-Language Pathology Practicum (.50 credit)
Several undergraduate CSD courses are only offered during the day.