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Post-Baccalaureate Program
Typically Three Years
Students who hold a bachelor's degree outside communication sciences and disorders may submit an application to the post-baccalaureate program of study. Based on an applicant’s previous academic history an individualized program of pre-professional study is developed that will ensure each person has the requisite course work and background for matriculation into our graduate program. Typically a post-baccalaureate program of study can be completed in one calendar year. The post-baccalaureate curriculum consists of the following courses:
Fall - 16 Credits - 16 credits
SLP 207W Speech Sound Development
SLP 250 Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing (4 cr)
SLP 313 Introduction to Audiology
GSPE 501 Exploring Inclusive Practices
GSPE 603 Response to Intervention
Spring - 16 Credits - 17 credits
SLP 205W Language Development
SLP 310 Speech Science (4 cr)
SLP 320 Phonetics
SLP 350 Clinical Procedures and Observation in SLP
HLTS 403 Neuroscience (4 cr)
Prior to taking our Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing class students must have completed a general human anatomy & physiology course. This may be done at any time prior to enrolling in the post-baccalaureate program.
To meet national certification requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, students must take at least one course in each of four areas of general study: Social Science (e.g., Introduction to Psychology), Biological Science (e.g., Human Anatomy and Physiology), Physical Science (Physics preferred, but Chemistry is acceptable) and Statistics (any introductory general statistics course). These courses are typically completed before beginning the post-baccalaureate program. Depending on a student's academic background, the courses may be completed during the post-baccalaureate program.
To be considered for admission, applicants to the post-baccalaureate program must have earned an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in their previous academic studies. Truly special circumstances for lower GPAs should be addressed in the personal statement (see statement prompt below).
Applicants seeking Pennsylvania teacher certification (as speech-language pathologists) must complete an approved teacher preparation program. At DU special education courses equivalent to GSPED 501: Exploring Inclusive Practices and GSPED 603: Response to Intervention are a required part of the post-baccalaureate program. Additional teacher preparation content is embedded in graduate speech-language pathology courses.
Matriculation into our graduate program is guaranteed for students who successfully complete their post-baccalaureate program of study. Re-application is NOT required. The transition to our graduate program (professional phase) is seamless.
Application to Duquesne University’s post-baccalaureate SLP program is a three step process.
First, applicants must complete an on-line centralized application (CSDCAS) by February 1st. To be complete an applicant must also submit to CSDCAS ALL college/university transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Additionally, all fees must be paid to CSDCAS. For the personal statement please address the following:
"What are your career goals and how would the program at Duquesne University assist you in achieving those goals? Also, discuss anything in your background that you would like the admissions committee to understand." .
Second, applicants must complete a free supplemental Duquesne University application. Please do not complete the supplemental application until after you have completed the CSDCAS application, and have paid the required fees to CSDCAS. The supplemental application allows us to process the CSDCAS application.
There are a couple of important points for you to remember.
When creating an account, the first page asks you to create an account, the next to select your application type. Please make the same choice for both:
On the next screen you will be able to choose the correct program here (please note that fall is the only semester the SLP program starts):
Third, have official GRE scores sent by ETS to CSDCAS (Duquesne University Department of Speech-Language Pathology) using the Designated Institution code 0736. There is no minimum GRE requirement. Applications are reviewed holistically with GRE scores as one piece of information.
An application is not complete until all three steps have been completed: (1) an application to CSDCAS including all transcripts (with Fall semester 2016 grades), letters of recommendation, and fees have been submitted; (2) a supplemental application to Duquesne University has been submitted; and, (3) official GRE scores are received by CSDCAS.
The CSDCAS deadline for Duquesne University is February 1st. This is the last date when an applicant can submit their on-line application. If an applicant does not submit their on-line application prior to the deadline, they will not be able to apply to our program. PLEASE NOTE that the CSDCAS deadline is for a "Completed" application. This includes all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and payments.
Before filling out the on-line application read the Frequently Asked Questions and Instruction pages on the CSDCAS web site.
Questions about the on-line application should be directed to CSDCAS Customer Service at 617.612.2030 or at csdcasinfo@csdcas.org
For questions about the Speech-Language Pathology program or to visit the Department, please contact us at 412.396.4225 or speech-lang@duq.edu
Financial Aid
At Duquesne University post-baccalaureate students are classified as non-degree seeking until they matriculate into the graduate program. This may have financial aid implications. Applicants who plan to apply for financial aid are strongly encouraged to contact the Duquesne University Office of Financial Aid (412.396.6607) to discuss individual circumstances and the types and levels of financial aid that are available.