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Graduate Certificate in Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology

Graduate Certificate in Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology

Liang Chen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Teaching is a lifelong passion for me. Nothing gives me the same sense of satisfaction and pure joy as when the “light bulbs” of understanding started to turn on in my students.

Lian Chen, Ph.D.

#5 ranking for best Master's of Education Programs for Veterans
#9 US News Ranking for Master's in Special Education
#14 US News Ranking for Best Online Master's in Education Programs

Overview

Complete the leveling courses required for application to master’s programs in speech language pathology with the online Graduate Certificate in Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology.

This certificate is designed for students who finished a bachelor’s degree in another area and are now interested in pursuing graduate work in speech-language pathology.  It is well suited to professionals who are seeking to change careers, recent graduates, and other potential students. Completion of the certificate will prepare you to apply to most master’s degree programs in speech language pathology, including the University of Georgia’s master’s program.  

The certificate requires seven online courses totaling 18 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. Students may complete all seven courses, or they may enroll only in those courses that are required to gain entrance into the master’s program of their choice.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

Total Hours Required to Earn Certificate: 18

Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: N/A

Admissions Requirements:

Students applying to The University of Georgia for the Online Certificate in Pre-Professional Speech-Language Pathology must be accepted by the Graduate School. To be considered for admission to this program, students meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from any institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.80

Students who are not currently enrolled at UGA should apply to the graduate school for the Graduate Certificate program in Pre-Professional Speech-Language Pathology and are not required to take entrance exams and submit letters of recommendation. 

Application Checklist

  1. Application – Submit online to the Graduate School Admissions. Application fee: $75 Domestic & International.
  2. Select Campus– Online
  3. Select Intended Program – CERG, Pre-Professional Speech-Language Pathology(Comm Sci and Special Ed)[CERT_2SLP_ON]  
  4. Statement of purpose – Submit to the Graduate School online in your application.
  5. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

International Applicants – must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Application Deadlines

*Note: If you have missed a deadline, please contact us using the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.  We are continually reviewing applications for enrollment.

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall:  July 1
  • Summer: April 1

International Applicants

  • Fall:  April 15
  • Summer: February 15

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $11,610 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

  • Textbooks
  • Exam proctoring fees
  • Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

Program Structure

The certificate requires the following seven fully online courses, with no electives or other options, totaling 18 semester hours of required graduate-level coursework. Classes available in any one semester will vary, and will be determined through program advisement.

Courses

CourseTitle
CMSD 6110EAnatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing (3 hrs)
CMSD 6120EPhonetics for Speech Language Pathology (3 hrs)
CMSD 6130ESpeech and Hearing Science (3 hrs)
CMSD 6140ELanguage Development (3 hrs)
CMSD 6150ESpeech and Language Disorders (3 hrs)
CMSD 6160EAudiology Assessment and Rehabilitation (3 hrs)
CMSD 6170EProfessional Issues for SLP (1 hr)

Students intending to pursue ASHA certification, state licensure, or state teacher certification/credentialing in speech-language pathology may need to complete courses other than those required for this certificate, depending on their own previous educational background.

To remain in the program after the first semester, students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in the program’s courses and meet basic expectations for professional and ethical behavior.  Completion of the certificate requires earning a grade of “B-” or better in each course.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.

Faculty

News & Events

Online Certificate helps a student confirm career aspiration

December 8, 2020

Jessica Wolf earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in geography with a minor in Spanish in 2016. After graduating, Wolf moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina to teach English and work for a  technology company. To further her education, Wolf is currently pursuing the online Graduate…

Online Student’s New Year Resolutions

January 8, 2020

New Year’s resolutions. Have you considered using the New Year to kickstart an educational journey, learn a new set of skills and enhance your career? Online student and Atlanta native, Kathy Lopez, intends to focus on her academic goals this 2020. She is completing a Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology…

Professor Spotlight: Katy O’Brien

August 28, 2019

Katy O’Brien, an assistant professor in the College of Education, teaches classes in the communication sciences and disorders program, which primarily serves students training to become speech-language pathologists. She also teaches online classes for the Graduate Certificate in Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology, a graduate certificate available…

See more news articles related to this program

Testimonials

“The very nature of the certificate gathers people from many distinct academic and professional backgrounds who are all excited and motivated about pursuing a career in speech and language pathology. I believe this variety of perspectives has lent itself to a more enriching experience for all.” 

Jessica Wolf, ’21

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7945.

Request Information

    Request Info

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