The department offers two post-baccalaureate coursework options for students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than communication disorders. Typically, students interested in this post-baccalaureate coursework will ultimately seek entry into a master’s program in speech-language pathology. The two options are the cohort Foundation Option (integrated curriculum to be completed in one academic year) and the non-cohort per-course option. Information and admission criteria for both options are described in detail below. All post-baccalaureate courses in Speech-Language Pathology are taught at Loyola's Timonium Graduate Center. Most foundation courses meet during early evening and evening hours two times per week.
Foundation Option (Cohort)
Note: This option will no longer be available starting Fall 2014. Any applications received after Feb. 1, 2013 will be considered for the non-cohort option only.
The cohort Foundation Option is a full-time, integrated program for students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than communication disorders who are seeking entry into Loyola University Maryland’s master’s program in speech-language pathology.
The cohort Foundation Option is competitive and has the same application and admission requirements as noted for the master's program. The Foundation Option is not a degree program and does not meet the qualifications for receiving an F-1 visa; therefore, international students are not eligible to participate. For students continuing into the master's program in speech-language pathology, these 500-level courses do not calculate in the cumulative QPA, nor do they count as requirements completed for the master's degree.
The cohort Foundation Option course sequence (shown below) consists of nine courses designed to be completed in one year of full-time enrollment.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Speech and Voice (3 credits)
- Articulation and Phonology (3 credits)
- Fundamentals of Audiology (4 credits)
- Observation Methods in SP/A (3 credits)
- Phonetics (3 credits)
- Professional and Technical Writing in SLP/A (2 credits)
- Speech and Language Development (3 credits)
- Speech and Voice Science (3 credits)
- Survey of Communication Disorders (1 credit)
Student progress is monitored by the Graduate and Foundation Option Directors throughout the prerequisite period. Students who successfully complete the cohort Foundation Option with a QPA of 3.700 or higher, demonstrate the competencies outlined in the essential functions document, and have not been brought before the departmental Academic Standards Committee are granted admission into the master's program. Students who do not meet the required QPA of 3.700, do not successfully demonstrate the competencies outlined in the essential functions document, are on academic probation, or have been brought before the Academic Standards Committee will be subject to review and may not be granted admittance into the graduate program.
No student will be permitted to transfer more than 1 course (or 3 credits) into the cohort Foundation Option. All transfer credits and course content must be approved by the Foundation Director.
For specific admission policies and application procedures, please see our admission page and the financial aid website.
Post-Baccalaureate Per-Course Option (Non-Cohort)
Enrollment in non-cohort post-baccalaureate coursework is an option for students who wish to complete some or all of the prerequisite courses necessary for admission into many master’s programs in speech-language pathology. While these courses satisfy the prerequisites for admission into Loyola’s graduate program, it is critical to note that completion of this non-cohort option does not include automatic matriculation into the graduate program. It is the student’s responsibility to investigate the prerequisite criteria for non-Loyola master's programs. There is no limit to the number of post-baccalaureate courses in which a student can enroll (contingent upon completion of course prerequisites, if applicable, and space availability).
Applicants wishing to take post-baccalaureate coursework on a per-course basis must submit an application, an application fee, an official transcript which verifies the receipt of a bachelor’s degree, three letters of recommendation, a resume or vitae, and a personal essay. The admission committee considers most favorably those graduates who maintained at least a B (3.000) average during the final two years of undergraduate coursework. Deadlines for admission are August 1 (Fall semester) and December 1 (spring semester). Applicants should note that some post- baccalaureate courses have prerequisite coursework. Students who have these prerequisites at another institution will be required to submit materials for review (e.g., syllabus, course description, final products) prior to enrolling in the post-baccalaureate course. The Foundation Program Director’s written approval will be sent to the Records Office.
For specific admission policies and application procedures, please see our admission page and the financial aid website. Please note that non-cohort post-baccalaureate students are only eligible for financial aid for one consecutive 12-month period, if enrolled at least half time (6 credits per semester).