Thank you. We actually visited there, I don’t recall why it didn’t make the final list. Will have to relook that!
1 Like
Yeah, that was my original thought- although would she even have to change her major? Most of the other health pathways she’s considering are PT and medical school. I’ve suggested PA but she’s not interested. I think you can major in just about anything for those and pre-req are fair ly general STEM classes.
PT and med school may well have prerequisites not covered in a SLP program – she can research that I’m sure. And there are some direct entry PT programs if that is her preferred route.
Perhaps she can shadow a PT and a SLP to get a better sense of if one path is better for her – my D did that and it was very helpful.
1 Like
You will need to check whether your student will have sufficient time as a SLP undergrad to take the required courses for admission to these other programs. The courses required are different.
When I was an undergrad in the Stone Age, I didn’t have time for electives. I just didn’t. I had clinic times in addition to my classes.
Perhaps someone with more recent experience will be able to tell you about time for electives.
1 Like
She may want to take a look at the prerequisites for medical school versus DPT. As I noted, it is not uncommon to take time after graduation to complete prerequisites and strengthen your application.
If she minors in SLP that might allow her to complete those prerequisites as well as those required for other programs. It won’t be easy…at all…but it might be doable.
If she majors in SLP I think it will be too difficult.
2 Likes
Mine was an exercise science major and is now in her 3rd year DPT program. She came in with 9 AP classes and a couple DE, graduated in 3 years so not a lot of room for electives.i know she had biology, chemistry, anatomy and physics classes (bunch of not so fun weedouts).
1 Like
I think the message here is that the required courses for a masters in speech language pathology are not the same as for other professional or masters programs.
As noted by @twogirls if this student is a communications disorders undergrad major, it’s not likely she will have time to take elective courses for other disciplines.
6 Likes
Many (not all) health careers have similar academic prerequisites: biology, orgo, genetics, biochem etc.
The difference with SLP is that many of the requirements for the major are very, very specific to the field.
This is why I said that it might be “easier” as a minor. This, of course, depends on the student- it won’t be easy.
It may take her awhile to figure it out, and that’s ok and very common.
1 Like
Same here. Not only that, we had meeting groups because we had a ton of group projects and presentations. Plus, we had to do a number of observations and get our hours signed off. My grad program ran four years.
I also took extra courses in engineering to compensate for the lack of augmentative communication supplies and courses that weren’t keeping up with the discipline.
I had to learn to solder wires and build “disability” switches, out of lids taken from frozen orange juice cans. I had to learn about circuits, and how my switches would attach to battery power.
The point is the coursework will be two years, but depending on where the student will specialize, it may be more. I also had to complete a thesis.
1 Like
A lot also depends on the masters program itself. I also did a thesis. But I was done in two years…because that’s what my program did.
Oh heavens…I forgot about learning how to wire. I did that too…but by the time I actually was using switches, there were many companies that made them.
But yes…time for electives in undergrad…very limited in most programs for communication disorders. But do ask.
I would also ask how easy it is the communication disorders minors to get in the courses which communication majors likely get priority for.
1 Like
Not to nitpick but Maryland has 30K undergraduates and Ohio U has 20. JMU is the same size as OU.
Another school that fits the criteria and is closer than OU is Kent state. Almost certain admission with likely merit money.
2 Likes
15-20k is ok, 30k is a bit much. It’s also more than the numbers but the campus feel. UMD campus “feels” huge, spread out, but we still need to do a proper guided tour after results if she gets in. VT “feels” manageable and not too big in the way it’s laid out. Sometimes when visiting schools, it just came down to organization of the buildings - can I make sense of it, or will I feel overwhelmed and lost every day.
1 Like
I entered college many years ago undecided with no idea what my interests were. My first year I decided to take an introduction to communication disorders class (open to all) and that sealed the deal for me. I loved it.
My suggestion is for your daughter to take a class like this to see if it sparks a continued interest in the field. That, combined with shadowing and interviewing SLPs, PTs and MDs/DOs might help her decide.
4 Likes
I would like to comment on the employability of speech and hearing majors at the BS/BA level.
In my state it is possible to work in the schools after graduation, as long as you take the additional credits (about 12) needed for school certification and you take the Praxis exam and other required tests. The state gives you 5 years to get your masters. It is important to note that if you go this route you will not be a speech language pathologist, and you would not be permitted to do private practice, hospital work etc until you meet all of the requirements.
I would look into what your state allows. It is possible she can work in a school while she decides which career path to follow. If it is not speech, she can begin the process of taking necessary prerequisites and volunteering etc.
It is common to begin med school/grad school several years after graduating.
2 Likes
You should check each state policies on allowing bachelor level students to work in this field. In my state, you have to have a valid license (which requires a masters) included in your application for state board of education certification as a speech language pathologist (which you also must have to work as an SLP in the schools).
Here, those with bachelors degrees in communication disorder who are waiting to apply and get accepted to masters programs often work as para educators with whatever age group they hope to work with eventually.
1 Like
Yes- it varies by state and it is very important to do your research.
It is also very important to understand that you would not be working as a speech language pathologist.
3 Likes
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.