SLP programs that don't require prerequisites
Updated: Oct 22, 2021
These programs are either programs that don't require any prerequisites or leveling coursework , or they are programs that have built those prerequisites into their programs.
Why this list?
The difference between going through a three-year grad program and going through a prerequisite program before applying to grad school is that you are already admitted to the grad program while you complete those prereqs in the 3-year program. This is helpful because you don't have to worry about sinking an entire year of tuition into a leveling program that might not pan out when you actually start applying to grad schools. Additionally, if you're dependent on student aid, it can get a little tricky for some prerequisite programs if they do not offer a degree or certificate - you'd have to be enrolled in a "degree-seeking" program to qualify for some types of financial aid. You'd avoid this in a grad program that includes the prerequisites.
ASHA has a tool called edfind, but sometimes the data on this tool doesn't line up with what the programs themselves report, and they often lack specificity: Here, you'll be able to tell how long the program is, whether the program uses a cohort model or individualized degree programs, and the number of prerequisites!
Last update: July 2021
Skip ahead to schools in the:
Northeast
Southern Connecticut State University (CT)
If you've completed the prerequisite courses, you can graduate in six semesters, including summer semesters. If you haven't completed prerequisite coursework, you will need to enroll in approximately three additional semesters. This school uses a model in which an individualized program is created for each student.
CSD Prerequisites:
Phonetics and Phonological Systems
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
Language Development
Introduction to Audiology and Hearing Science
Neurological Bases of Communication
Speech Science
Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
~ 21 credits (may need additional prerequisites in sciences or education)
Number of graduate credits: 63-66
Semesters to graduation: 3 prerequisite + 6 graduate = 9 total
Learn more about SCSU's program here!
University of Connecticut (CT)
This school uses a cohort model to design their students' programs: here, you'll enroll in either the two-year or three-year track. The three year track is designed for students who have not completed any or all of the recommended prerequisite coursework. As with the other programs on this list, once you are admitted to the three-year track, you would not need to reapply after completing the prerequisite courses.
Learn more about UConn's program here!
University of the District of Columbia (DC)
This is another program where an individual plan is created for each student! This program does accept students who have not completed the prerequisite coursework, but the length of your program will depend on which courses you'll need to take. Students with all of the prerequisites enroll in 57 credit hours, so those that need to complete prerequisite courses can expect to enroll in a couple of additional semesters.
Learn more about UDC's program here!
Emerson (MA)
Speech@Emerson is Emerson College's online program. One of the only programs that offers rolling admissions on this list, you'll also be happy to hear that the foundational coursework can be completed the summer before you begin graduate study. You can apply to the program before you've completed any of their foundational coursework, but you'll need to earn a "B" or higher in all before you can enroll in graduate level courses.
Learn more about Speech@Emerson's program here!
University of Maine, Orono (ME)
If you've received at least a 3.25 GPA in any discipline, you can include UMaine in your list of potential graduate schools! There are five prerequisite courses that this program requires, but you do not need to have them completed before applying. Those that have completed the prerequisite courses would enroll in a 50 credit hour program, while those who have not should expect to enroll in an additional one to two semesters.
Learn more about UMaine's program here!
William Paterson University (NJ)
As with the other programs on this list, an offer of admission to this program would allow you to complete your prerequisites without worrying about whether or not you'd have a spot in the graduate program. At WPUNJ, there are two tracks: the two-year track and the three-year track. You may end up with a program that is less than three years if you have some coursework completed, but you don't need to have taken any to apply!
Learn more about WPUNJ's program here!
Montclair State University (NJ)
If you have not completed Montclair's pre-professional coursework, you don't need to worry! There are three prerequisite courses that you'll need to successfully complete with a grade of "B" or higher, but this school will work the necessary courses into your program after you've been admitted. Like a few others on this list, you'll be placed in a cohort of students with similar backgrounds that you will complete your program alongside.
Learn more about Montclair's program here!
Nazareth College (NY)
This school offers a full extended program designed for students who have completed their undergraduate degree in another discipline. If you're applying without a background in communication sciences and disorders, you'll enroll in 75 credit hours - or more, if you're interested in pursuing a specialization track. These specializations include deafness, medical, autism, and bilingualism. There's also a study abroad option in Ethiopia!
Learn more about Nazareth's program here!
Buffalo State College (NY)
If your degree is in a discipline other than communication sciences and disorders, you can apply directly to Buffalo State College before completing their pre-professional coursework. These prepatory (or make-up) courses would be completed in addition to the 57-60 hour program, which could add up to 21 credits. This graduate program prepares you for teacher certification while meeting ASHA's requirements for Speech Pathology graduates, and it would earn you a M.S.Ed.
Learn more about Buffalo State College's program here!
University at Buffalo (NY)
If you're interested in pursuing graduate study in SLP at the University at Buffalo, you'll need to complete a year of prerequisite courses before beginning the five semester graduate program. Conditional acceptance is offered to students without any background in communication sciences and disorders, which means that you'll need to complete those credits satisfactorily to begin working towards your graduate degree.
Learn more about University at Buffalo's program here!
Syracuse University (NY)
This program is very accepting of students who do not have a background in communication sciences and disorders! They encourage you to apply if you haven't completed prerequisite courses. You'll have an additional two semesters' worth of credits to complete, but you can still graduate in a total of seven semesters - which is less time than some programs require of their students WITH prereqs!
Learn more about Syracuse's program here!