Post Baccalaureate Plan

The Post-Baccalaureate Plan is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders who are interested in transitioning into a career in speech-language pathology or audiology. This pathway is ideal for those passionate about helping others communicate effectively and seeking to expand their knowledge in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. This 32-semester-hour PBP provides the necessary academic background (leveling coursework) to apply for graduate programs in speech-language pathology accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Completion of the University of Arkansas Post Baccalaureate Plan in Communication Disorders strengthens your application by providing essential academic preparation and foundational knowledge in the field. While acceptance into our graduate program or any other graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology is not guaranteed, this program enhances your qualifications and readiness for further study.

Application Requirements for Admission to the PBP

  1. Application deadline: June 1 — prior to fall semester
  2. Undergraduate degree in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders
  3. Cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 or higher in all college coursework
  4. Minimum of three hours of shadowing experience in speech-language pathology or audiology

Admission Process

To apply, individuals must:

  1. Apply and be admitted to the University of Arkansas as an undergraduate (pre-Communication Disorders) degree-seeking student or as a graduate student (international applicants). Undergraduate Program Admissions has details.
  2. Contact the undergraduate/PBP advisor to review admission requirements and create a personalized course schedule.

ASHA Prerequisite Course Requirements has more detailed information on acceptable courses. Applicants must fulfill ASHA's general knowledge requirements, which include courses in the following areas:

  • Biological sciences — e.g., human anatomy, physiology, genetics
  • Physical sciences — e.g., physics, chemistry
  • Social/behavioral sciences — e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology
  • Statistics

Credit for these areas may be earned through coursework, Advanced Placement, CLEP or equivalency examinations. If general knowledge requirements are already completed, the PBP will consist of 32 hours of undergraduate communication sciences and disorders coursework.

The applicant must have transcript credit — which could include coursework, advanced placement, CLEP or examination of equivalency — for each of the above general knowledge areas: Appropriate course work may include human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, genetics, physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and statistics.

If individuals have completed the general knowledge course work in the areas listed, the program consists of 32 hours of undergraduate course work in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Post Baccalaureate Plan Courses Schedule

Fall Semester — 15 Hours

  • CSDI 22503 — Introduction to Communicative Disorders
  • CSDI 31203 — Normal Phonology and Articulation Processes
  • CSDI 32103 — Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
  • CSDI 32203 — Language Development in Children
  • CSDI 31003 — Introduction to Audiology

Spring Semester — 18 Hours

  • CSDI 32003 — Articulation Disorders (prerequisite CSDI 31203 and 32103)
  • CSDI 32303 — Introduction to Clinical Practicum
  • CSDI 42203 — Language Disorders in Children (prerequisite CSDI 32203)
  • CSDI 42103 — Introduction to Speech & Hearing Science (prerequisite CSDI 32103 and 31203)
  • CSDI 41303 — Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation (prerequisite CSDI 31003)
  • CSDI 40003 — Clinical Practicum Undergrad

Summer Semester — 3-plus Hours

  • Complete coursework in sciences and statistics
  • CSDI 42503 — Neurological Bases of Communication — if entering U of A graduate program

Additional Notes

  • Applicants may transfer up to 6 credit hours from another institution, provided they earned a grade of B or higher.
  • Transcripts and syllabi must be submitted for evaluation of equivalency prior to acceptance into the program.
  • All coursework is in-person and must be completed as part of a cohort. No online, evening or summer courses are offered outside the designated program structure.

For further inquiries or to start your application process, please reach out to the advisor listed above. This program is an excellent opportunity to transition into the field of speech-language pathology or audiology, equipping you with foundational knowledge for graduate-level studies.