Post-Baccalaureate Program
The Communication Disorders post-baccalaureate (PB) program is designed as an avenue to graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than communication disorders.
This is a rigorous program, which requires a minimum of 36 hours of coursework, usually completed in one year. In order to complete this work in a timely fashion, students must take responsibility for their own learning since they will be taking courses and course prerequisites at the same time. They must also take initiative for seeking faculty assistance when it is needed.
This coursework, along with completion of the master’s degree in speech-language pathology, national examination, and post-graduate professional experience prepares students for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and Kentucky Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology. For students wishing to seek public school certification in Kentucky, additional coursework may be required. Some of this education coursework is available in the summer, and it is recommended that you complete this prior to entering the post-baccalaureate program. Your advisor will work with you to examine your transcripts in order to determine which courses need to be completed.
Entrance into graduate school in speech-language pathology is very competitive. Students who complete the post-baccalaureate program are not guaranteed admission, but must compete with the pool of applicants in the spring prior to completion of the post-baccalaureate program. It is important that you discuss this with a CDI advisor prior to beginning the program.
Applying for Admission to the Post-Baccalaureate CDI Program
The admission process is rolling but students seeking to start in the fall should apply by March 15th.
A limited number of students will be admitted each year. Admission is based on a student’s potential for successful completion of a graduate program in speech-language pathology. Application requirements and materials include a completed program application, an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or greater and a personal statement. Students who complete Murray State’s post-baccalaureate program are not guaranteed admission into Murray State’s Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology. Students who are admitted as post-baccalaureate students must earn a B or better in CDI 275 prior to enrolling in any other post-baccalaureate CDI courses.
Checklist
- Apply to Murray State University by completing the undergraduate application. As you answer the questions, the process will direct you toward application as a non-degree seeking post-baccalaureate student in communication disorders. Your start date should be the summer semester to allow you to take the first course online.
- Write a personal statement: Discuss how the knowledge and skills you have acquired through your bachelor’s degree and vocational experience (if applicable) will support your studies in MSU’s Post-baccalaureate Program in Communication Disorders. Include a discussion of why you have chosen to pursue this field.
- Complete the Application for Admission to Post Baccalaureate Studies (see link below) and turn it in with your personal statement and an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) showing a GPA of 3.2 or higher. These items should be mailed to: Alison Brown, Center for Communication Disorders, 125 Alexander Hall, Murray KY 42071.
- Enroll in CDI 275 (online during the summer semester) and earn a B or better. Earning a B or better in 275 is required to continue taking CDI courses as a post-baccalaureate student. You will enroll in 275 after you are accepted into the PB program and have spoken with your advisor.
- Admission to the graduate program also requires a course in human or animal biology; a course in chemistry or physics; and a course in statistics. These courses may have been taken during the undergraduate studies.