Non-CSD majors need two types of prerequisites for SLP grad school: ASHA basic science courses (biology, chemistry or physics, social science, and statistics), plus 6-8 CSD foundation courses such as phonetics, speech anatomy, and child language development. Most students complete these in 1-2 years through leveling programs or individual coursework.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Here’s something that surprises many aspiring speech-language pathologists: you don’t need a communication sciences and disorders degree to get into grad school. Over 30% of SLP graduate students come from non-CSD backgrounds, bringing degrees in psychology, linguistics, education, English, and dozens of other fields.
What you do need is the right combination of prerequisite courses to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. These fall into two categories: ASHA-required basic sciences applicable to everyone seeking certification, and CSD foundation courses required by individual graduate programs for admission. Understanding exactly what’s needed and the most efficient way to complete it can save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide breaks down every prerequisite course you’ll need, compares your options for completing them, and provides a realistic timeline and cost breakdown so you can plan your path to becoming an SLP.
Can You Get Into SLP Grad School Without a CSD Major?
Yes, absolutely. Graduate programs in speech-language pathology regularly admit students with degrees in psychology, linguistics, education, English, biology, and many other fields. What matters isn’t your undergraduate major but whether you’ve completed the necessary prerequisite coursework.
Programs evaluate non-CSD applicants based on their prerequisite course grades, overall GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience. Many admissions committees actually value the diverse perspectives that career changers and non-traditional students bring to the field.
The key is understanding that prerequisites fall into two distinct categories. First, ASHA requires specific introductory science courses for anyone seeking the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Second, individual graduate programs require CSD foundation courses that provide the academic background for graduate-level clinical training. You’ll need to satisfy both.
ASHA Basic Science Prerequisites
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association sets certification standards that every SLP must meet, regardless of which graduate program they attend. These basic science requirements ensure all practitioners have foundational knowledge in areas that support clinical practice. ASHA provides detailed guidance on acceptable course content for each requirement. You can complete these courses at any accredited college or university, and many students fulfill them through general education requirements during their undergraduate degree.
Biological Science
You’ll need at least one course in biological science that focuses on human or animal biology. Acceptable courses include general biology, human anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cell biology, and genetics. Courses in botany, ecology, or environmental science don’t meet this requirement because they don’t provide the human-focused foundation needed for clinical practice.
Physical Science: Chemistry or Physics Only
This requirement must be explicitly met through chemistry or physics coursework. ASHA specifies these two subjects because understanding acoustic properties (physics) and biochemical processes (chemistry) directly applies to speech production, hearing, and swallowing. Courses in astronomy, geology, or general “physical science” surveys don’t qualify.
Social or Behavioral Science
Psychology, sociology, and anthropology courses satisfy this requirement. Most students complete this through general education psychology courses, which also provide a valuable background for understanding client behavior, development, and the social aspects of communication disorders. Cognitive psychology and developmental psychology are particularly relevant choices.
Statistics
You’ll need a stand-alone statistics course that covers statistical computation and data analysis. This is crucial because SLPs must understand research evidence and interpret assessment data. Research methods courses alone don’t satisfy this requirement unless they include substantial statistical content. Business statistics, biostatistics, and psychology statistics courses typically qualify, provided they focus on statistical analysis rather than just research design.
CSD Foundation Courses: What Most Programs Require
Beyond ASHA’s basic science requirements, graduate programs require CSD-specific courses that prepare you for clinical training. While exact requirements vary by program, most schools expect 6-8 courses covering core knowledge areas. These courses are typically offered through communication sciences and disorders departments, though some content may be available through linguistics or psychology departments at schools without CSD programs.
| Course | What You’ll Learn | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing | Structures and functions of respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, and hearing systems | Must be speech-specific, not general A&P from biology department |
| Phonetics | Speech sound production, transcription using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) | Must include IPA transcription practice; linguistics phonetics may qualify |
| Child Language Development | Normal speech and language acquisition from birth through adolescence | Foundation for identifying and treating developmental disorders |
| Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders | Overview of the field, types of disorders, clinical settings, professional roles | Some programs waive this for students with related background |
| Speech Science or Acoustics | Physics of sound, acoustic analysis of speech, instrumentation | Technical foundation for voice and resonance assessment |
| Introduction to Audiology | Hearing mechanisms, hearing loss types, basic audiometric assessment | Cross-discipline knowledge essential for comprehensive care |
| Aural Rehabilitation | Intervention strategies for individuals with hearing loss | Required by some programs; often paired with audiology |
You can always verify specific requirements with your target programs. Some schools require additional courses in areas like neurology, fluency disorders, or multicultural issues. Others may accept equivalent coursework from related departments if the content aligns with their requirements. Search CAA-accredited graduate programs to find schools that match your goals and review their specific prerequisite lists. When in doubt, email the program’s admissions coordinator with your course syllabus to confirm it will be accepted.
Three Pathways to Complete Your Prerequisites
Non-CSD majors have several options for completing prerequisite coursework. The best choice depends on your timeline, budget, location, and whether you want a structured program or more flexibility.
Option 1: During Your Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re still an undergraduate and have decided on SLP as a career, you can strategically use electives and general education requirements to complete many prerequisites before graduation. This is the most cost-effective approach since you’re already paying tuition. If you’re at a school with a CSD major, explore undergraduate CSD programs that feed directly into graduate study.
Even at schools without CSD majors, you can often find relevant courses. Linguistics departments frequently offer phonetics, psychology departments frequently offer child development, and biology departments frequently offer anatomy. For CSD-specific classes you can’t find locally, consider taking one or two online during summer terms. You can apply to graduate programs while still completing your final prerequisites, as many schools offer conditional admission pending course completion.
Option 2: Post-Baccalaureate Leveling Programs
Leveling programs are structured sequences of prerequisite courses explicitly designed for non-CSD majors. These programs typically take one year (2-4 semesters) and include all the CSD foundation courses you’ll need. Many offer provisional admission to the associated graduate program upon successful completion.
Popular leveling programs include the University of Colorado Boulder’s SLPP program, Texas Woman’s University’s pre-master’s leveling sequence, Rockhurst University’s post-bachelor’s program, Baylor University’s leveling track, and the University of Montana’s leveling certificate. Some are entirely online, while others are hybrid or on-campus. Costs generally range from approximately $9,000 to $25,000, depending on institution, number of courses taken, and whether the student qualifies for in-state tuition.
The main advantages of leveling programs are structure, cohort support, and a clear pathway to graduate admission. The drawbacks are the additional time and tuition costs, and the fact that leveling credits typically don’t count toward your graduate degree.
Option 3: À La Carte Course Completion
Taking individual courses at community colleges, state universities, or through online programs offers the most flexibility and often the lowest cost. This approach works well for working professionals who need to complete prerequisites on their own schedule.
Community college courses for ASHA basic sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, psychology) are widely accepted and typically cost less than university courses, though tuition varies significantly by location. For CSD-specific courses, several universities offer individual enrollment in online prerequisite courses without requiring admission to a degree program. The key is verifying that your target graduate programs will accept each course before you enroll.
This pathway requires more self-direction and careful planning, but many successful SLPs have used it to enter the field without the expense of a formal leveling program.
Completing Your 25 Observation Hours
According to ASHA’s certification standards, 25 hours of guided clinical observation are required as part of the 400 total clinical hours needed for certification. These observation hours give you exposure to clinical practice before you begin hands-on training in graduate school. Most programs expect you to complete some or all of these hours before enrollment.
Guided observation means watching an ASHA-certified SLP provide assessment or treatment while receiving educational guidance about what you’re observing. The supervising SLP must have at least 9 months of post-certification experience and must debrief with you after each session. Simply watching therapy without guided discussion doesn’t count.
You have several options for completing observation hours. University speech and hearing clinics often welcome observers and can provide structured experiences across different disorder types and age groups. Local hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers may also accept observers, though policies vary. Online platforms like the Master Clinician Network offer video-based observation with guided discussion components that many programs accept. Some students complete observation hours through study abroad programs that combine clinical exposure with cultural immersion.
Start your observation hours early. They help you confirm that SLP is the right career fit, strengthen your graduate applications, and prepare you for the clinical expectations of your program.
Sample Timeline: 2-Year Prerequisite Plan
For career changers and post-baccalaureate students, completing all prerequisites typically takes 1-2 years, depending on your starting point and pace. Here’s a sample timeline for someone starting with no CSD background who wants to apply to graduate programs within two years.
| Semester | Courses to Complete | Additional Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: Fall | Biology, Statistics, Intro to CSD | Research target graduate programs; begin observation hours |
| Year 1: Spring | Chemistry or Physics, Phonetics, Child Language Development | Continue observation hours; attend virtual program info sessions |
| Year 1: Summer | Speech Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Audiology | Intensive summer courses; complete observation hours |
| Year 2: Fall | Speech Science, Psychology (if needed) | Submit graduate applications (October-January deadlines) |
| Year 2: Spring | Any remaining courses; Aural Rehabilitation if required | Interview with programs; accept admission offer |
This timeline can be compressed to 1 year through intensive leveling programs that run courses in summer, fall, and spring. Some students also spread prerequisites over a more extended period while working full-time, taking one or two courses per semester over 2-3 years.
Cost Comparison: Leveling Programs vs. DIY Approach
The cost of completing SLP prerequisites varies significantly based on your approach. Here’s a comparison of typical costs for different pathways.
| Pathway | Typical Total Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College Courses | $3,000-$6,000 for 8-10 courses | Flexible (1-3 years) | Budget-conscious students; those needing mainly ASHA basics |
| State University Online Courses | $8,000-$12,000 for full sequence | Flexible (1-2 years) | Working professionals needing CSD courses |
| CU Boulder SLPP (Online) | $9,240 (8 courses, same in-state/out-of-state) | 4 semesters (1 year) | Structured online option with certificate |
| Texas Woman’s University Leveling | $9,240 (8 courses, same rate for all) | 3 semesters | Evening online classes for working students |
| Rockhurst Post-Bachelor’s Program | $20,000-$25,000 | 1 year (fully online) | Students wanting guaranteed MS-SLP admission pathway |
| 3-Year Integrated MS Program | Included in MS tuition (varies by school) | 3 years total (leveling + master’s) | Career changers wanting single-program pathway |
Keep in mind that leveling program credits typically don’t transfer toward your graduate degree, so you’ll pay for them in addition to complete master’s tuition. Financial aid, including federal loans, is available for many leveling programs, though eligibility varies. Explore SLP scholarships and financial aid options that may help offset prerequisite and graduate program costs. Some employers offer tuition assistance for career development, including for prerequisite coursework.
Tips for Non-CSD Majors Applying to Grad School
Applying to SLP graduate programs as a non-CSD major requires some extra planning, but many successful SLPs have taken this path. Here’s how to strengthen your application.
Build a target program spreadsheet. Research 8-10 programs and list their specific prerequisite requirements, application deadlines, and any special tracks for non-CSD applicants. Requirements vary more than you might expect, so knowing exactly what each school needs prevents wasted time and money.
Verify course equivalencies early. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, email the admissions coordinators at your top-choice programs with the course description or syllabus. Ask explicitly whether the course will satisfy their requirement. Program directors have final authority on what counts, so getting confirmation in writing protects you from surprises later.
Aim for strong prerequisite grades. Your performance in prerequisite courses demonstrates your readiness for graduate-level clinical training. Most successful applicants earn a B+ or higher in their CSD courses. If you struggle with a prerequisite, consider retaking it before applying rather than explaining a weak grade.
Frame your background as an asset. In your personal statement, connect your previous major and experience to your interest in SLP. Psychology majors can highlight their understanding of human behavior. Education majors can discuss their experience working with children. Linguistics majors can emphasize their foundation in language structure. Your diverse background gives you perspectives that CSD-only students may lack. After completing your master’s degree, you’ll move into a clinical fellowship before full licensure.
Complete observation hours before applying. Having all 25 hours done demonstrates commitment and gives you concrete experiences to discuss in interviews. It also helps you write a more informed personal statement about why you want to become an SLP.
Consider programs with integrated leveling. Some graduate programs accept non-CSD majors directly into 3-year tracks that include a leveling year before graduate coursework. This can simplify the process and guarantee your path to the master’s degree once you’re admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into SLP grad school without a CSD major?
Yes. Graduate programs routinely admit students with degrees in psychology, linguistics, education, English, biology, and other fields. What matters is completing the required prerequisite courses with strong grades. Many programs value the diverse perspectives that non-CSD majors bring to the profession.
Do I need a formal post-bacc program, or can I take prerequisites individually?
Either approach can work. Formal leveling programs offer structure and, in some cases, guaranteed graduate admission, but cost more and require a set timeline. Taking courses individually at community colleges or online universities offers flexibility and often lower costs, but requires more self-direction. Choose based on your learning style, budget, and timeline.
Will community college or online courses be accepted?
Generally yes, as long as the institution is accredited and the course content matches what programs require. Community college courses are widely accepted for ASHA basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry, statistics, and psychology. For CSD-specific courses, verify acceptance with your target programs before enrolling, as some schools have stricter policies.
How late can I finish prerequisites? Can I apply while still completing them?
Most programs allow you to apply with prerequisites in progress, as long as you complete them before enrollment. Your application should clearly indicate which courses you’re currently taking and when you’ll finish. Some programs offer conditional admission pending successful completion of the remaining prerequisites with specified minimum grades.
Is a non-CSD background a disadvantage for admissions?
Not inherently. Admissions committees evaluate your prerequisite grades, overall academic record, personal statement, recommendations, and relevant experience. Strong performance in prerequisites and a compelling explanation of your career motivation can make you just as competitive as CSD majors. Some programs specifically welcome non-traditional students.
How long does it take to complete SLP prerequisites?
Most non-CSD majors need 1-2 years to complete all prerequisites. Intensive leveling programs can be finished in one year (3-4 semesters, including summer). Taking courses part-time while working typically takes 2-3 years. Your timeline depends on how many ASHA basic sciences you’ve already completed and whether you can study full-time.
What GPA do I need in my prerequisite courses?
Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their prerequisite courses. Some leveling programs require grades of B or better to continue in the sequence. Strong prerequisite grades are significant for non-CSD majors since they demonstrate your ability to handle CSD content at the graduate level.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need a CSD bachelor’s degree to pursue SLP graduate school. Over 30% of SLP students come from other backgrounds.
- ASHA requires four basic science courses for certification: biological science, chemistry or physics, social/behavioral science, and statistics.
- Most graduate programs require 6-8 CSD foundation courses, including phonetics, speech anatomy, child language development, and audiology.
- There are three main pathways: completing prerequisites during undergrad, enrolling in a structured leveling program, or taking courses individually.
- Plan 1-2 years for prerequisite completion, with costs ranging from $3,000 (DIY community college) to $25,000 (formal leveling programs).
- Complete your 25 guided observation hours early to strengthen applications and confirm SLP is the right career fit.
Ready to Start Your SLP Journey?
Explore CAA-accredited graduate programs to find the right fit for your goals. Many programs welcome non-CSD majors and offer leveling tracks to help you succeed.