- Office: 434-395-2140
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Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisite Courses & SLPA Pathway
College of Graduate & Professional Studies
slponline@longwood.edu
434.395.4927
Ms. Stephanie Bailey
SLP Online Coordinator
baileysw2@longwood.edu
434.395.2788
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Unofficial transcript (only needed if leveling coursework was completed at a school other than Longwood).
Please note that Longwood’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in communication sciences are offered only on campus. We do not offer the B.S. or M.S. online; however, the prerequisite series is offered entirely online for those who wish to meet the requirements to apply to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) master’s degree program. Once you have completed this prerequisite series, we encourage you to continue your studies with Longwood.
Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisite Courses and SLPA Pathway
Our fully online, asynchronous prerequisite courses offer two pathways that allow you to start at any time from any location. Our speech-language pathology (SLP) online courses are offered every semester, allowing you to complete the leveling coursework you need to apply to a graduate program in communication sciences and disorders.
The speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) pathway can be completed in as few as three semesters, finishing with the SLPA course offered each spring. This would allow you to enter the field as an SLPA. The prerequisite courses are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Choose your pathway! View, download and print the SLP/SLPA factsheet (pdf).
SLP Online Prerequisite Course Descriptions
PCSD 201 Introduction to Communication Disorders
An overview of various speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders; factors related to the causes and severity of communication and swallowing disorders; and the professionals associated with communication and swallowing disorders, specifically speech-language pathologists and audiologists. 3 credits
PCSD 285 Language Development
An introduction to the normal acquisition of language, including the components of language, the physical, social, and cognitive bases for language, theories of language development, and how language evolves from infancy through adulthood. Cultural influences on language development will also be explored. 3 credits
PCSD 290 Morphology and Syntax
Learn the terminology and its application to analyzing language samples.3 credits
PCSD 307 Phonetics
The phonetic structure of the English language, its dialects and derivations; clinical application of the International Phonetic Alphabet. 3 credits
PCSD 313 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
Prerequisite: Biology 101 or equivalent
Anatomical structures of the human communications system and the physiology of inter-related movement. 3 credits
PCSD 314 Phonology and Language Disorders
Prerequisite: PCSD 285 Language Development and PCSD 307 Phonetics
The identification and evaluation of phonological and language disorders in children and adolescents, etiological factors, and basic assessment and management procedures for a culturally and linguistically diverse populations. 3 credits
PCSD 361 Introduction of Audiology and Hearing Science
Prerequisite: PCSD 313 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms (may be taken concurrently)
Physics of sound; physiology of hearing; types and amounts of hearing loss; hearing evaluation: audiometry. 3 credits
PCSD 370 Aural Rehabilitation
Prerequisite: PCSD 307 Phonetics, PCSD 313 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, and PCSD 361 Introduction to Audiology and Hearing Science
This course introduces students to the theories and procedures used to provide aural re(habilitation) to individuals with hearing loss across the lifespan. Interventions aimed at minimizing the communication difficulties associated with hearing, cultural issues, early identification, early intervention, amplification options, and educational/vocational placements are discussed. Students will learn how treatment approaches are tailored to the needs of individuals and their families. 3 credits
PCSD 450 Speech Science
Prerequisite: PCSD 307 Phonetics, PCSD 313 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, and PCSD 361 Introduction to Audiology and Hearing Science
An introduction to speech science theory, instrumentation, and measurement. Emphasis on normal speech perception and production. 3 credits
PCSD 455 Neurology in Human Communication
Prerequisite: PCSD 313 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
An overview of neurology as it relates to communication and Communication Sciences and Disorders. 3 credits
PCSD 489 Introduction to Clinical Practice
Prerequisite: PCSD 314 Phonology and Language Disorders
Class instruction related to clinical methods and practicum experience plus 25 hours field experience with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist. 2 credits
PCSD 497 Roles, Responsibilities, and Competencies of the SLPA
Prerequisite: PCSD 489 Introduction to Clinical Practice
Three-credit hybrid course including instruction on the roles, responsibilities, scope of practice, professional issues, and ethics of the SLPA. Additionally, the course will cover service delivery models, intervention methods, implementation of plan of care, documentation, and collaboration with the SLP. During the course, students will complete 75 hours* in addition to their 25 hours from CSDS 489 for a total of 100 clinical clock hours. *Fulfills ASHA clinical clock hour requirement. 3 credits
PBIO 101 Biological Concepts
This course introduces students to the nature, methods, and applications of biology. Conceptual topics include methods of biological investigation, molecular and cellular features of living things, mechanisms for the evolution and continuity of life, and ecological interactions among individuals, populations and their environment. Issues of contemporary and historical importance will be used to illustrate conceptual topics and demonstrate biology's relevance to the quality of human life and history and future of human civilizations.
This course does not meet the requirements for Biology or Liberal Studies majors.
- Biology majors must take BIOL 120 as the entry-level introductory course
- Liberal Studies majors must take BIOL 114 for the scientific reasoning pillar.
3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits
PPHY 103 Conceptual Physics
A survey of basic physics principles taught from a conceptual basis. A broad survey of physics will be demonstrated in this course with such topics as mechanics, fluids, heat, electricity, magnetism, and light. The course will apply basic physics principles to our daily lives.
3 lectures and one 2 hour lab period. 4 credits
About the courses
If you plan to take one of the following courses offered as part of the SLP Online coursework, you must have completed the required prerequisites listed below.
- PCSD 313 (Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism) – Prerequisite BIOL 101, PBIO 101, or equivalent
- PCSD 314 (Phonology and Language Disorders) – Prerequisites PCSD 285 and 307
- PCSD 361 (Audiology) – Prerequisite PCSD 313
- PCSD 370 (Aural Rehabilitation) – Prerequisites PCSD 307, 313, and 361
- PCSD 450 (Speech Science) – Prerequisites PCSD 307, 313 and 361
- PCSD 455 (Neurology for Human Communication) – Prerequisite PCSD 313
- PCSD 489 (Introduction to Clinical Practice) – Prerequisite PCSD 314
- PCSD 498 (Roles, Responsibilities, and Competencies of the SLPA) – Prerequisite PCSD 489
If the prerequisites were taken at Longwood, you will not need to submit proof of having the prerequisite.
If the prerequisites were not taken at Longwood, you will need to submit a transcript (unofficial or official) from the college where you took the prerequisite course for evaluation. Please also complete the SLP Prerequisite Waiver Request Form.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a voluntary, regional approach to state authorization in which affiliated higher education institutions in member states agree to adhere to specific policies and standards related to distance education, supervised field experiences, and certain other activities. As of summer 2017, students may complete an internship, clinical placement, practicum or student teaching for Longwood credit in any of the 50 states.
For more information about SARA, see nc-sara.org.
College of Graduate & Professional Studies
434.395.4927
Ms. Stephanie Bailey
SLP Online Coordinator
baileysw2@longwood.edu
AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
Our for-credit courses are typically offered 100% online, at our affordable, discounted rate of $280 per credit hour in-state, or $355 per credit hour out of state.
rates effective 2020
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