Preparatory Coursework for the MS-SLP or SLA
The department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) offers a series of high-quality, on-campus courses to students who have already earned an undergraduate degree but who are now considering career options in speech-language pathology.
BU SLHS Advantage
By studying at BU-SLHS, you’ll have the following advantages:
- A clinical process course, SAR SH547 or SH647, provides you with a minimum of 25 hours of certified observation opportunities and also a guided practicum experience.
- Specialized advising and individualized support is available for your graduate program application and advice about careers.
- We have found that a student’s experience with rigorous on-campus study can be crucial for success in graduate school.
- The SLHS department has multiple excellent research labs in which an interested student can obtain experience via independent study courses. Research faculty with labs participate.
If you are not sure that you want to pursue graduate studies but you are looking for a fulfilling job, the courses can help you qualify for as a speech-language assistant. For information about the Massachusetts SLA credential click here.
Flexible options that work with your schedule
There are no admission requirements (other than your previously earned undergraduate degree) to take the preparatory courses as a non-degree student. We offer flexibility:
- Rolling start in spring or summer to facilitate your grad school application process
- Full-time and part-time options that fit your life
- Assistance with choosing physics, statistics, psychology or neuroscience courses as needed
Sample Schedules
Below is a full-time option that begins in the summer:
Summer Term: Session 1 SAR SH524: Language Acquisition
This course will focus on first language acquisition in infancy and childhood. We will cover the progression of language development in each of the traditional areas of linguistic analysis: phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. The course will be focused on experimental research in typical language acquisition and on different theories that strive to explain the underlying cognitive and linguistic mechanisms at work in an early learner. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH535: Introduction to Audiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Audiology - Requires both lecture and lab to cover hearing assessment through the use of pure-tone and speech audiometric techniques as well as the measurement of middle-ear function. The course also includes information about the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, acoustics, and the effect of noise on hearing. (Credits: 4)
Summer Term: Session 2 CAS PS101: General Psychology
Basic introduction to field of psychology; topics include theories and findings governing learning, memory, perception, development, personality, social and abnormal psychology. Three hours large lecture and one hour discussion section or three hours of small lecture class with no discussion sections. Students are required to participate as subjects in psychology studies. 4 cr. either sem. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2019, this course will fulfill a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH542: Aural Rehabilitation
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SAR SH 535 - An introduction to theory and techniques of audiologic habilitation and rehabilitation in audiology and speech-language pathology. The significance of Deaf world issues in the field of aural rehabilitation is addressed throughout the course. (Credits: 4)
Fall CAS PY104: Physics of Health Sciences
Undergraduate Prerequisites: some knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. - PY104 is a one semester introduction to the basic physics concepts that relate to the health sciences. Material covered is selected from a range of topics, such as include Kinematics and Dynamics, Newton's Laws, Statics, Momentum, Work and Energy, Mechanical Waves, Electric Charge and Force, Capacitance and Resistance, Electric Circuits, and Properties of Electromagnetic Waves, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, and Medical Imaging. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH522: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
Study of the physiological structures and functions that underlie speech production. Emphasis is placed on the respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems. Introduction to neuroanatomy and neural control of the production of speech as well as dysfunction of these normal processes in clinical disorders is included. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH531: Introduction to Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences
Introduction to various speech and language disorders found across linguistically and culturally diverse populations. Characteristics underlying biological systems and methods for evaluation and treating a variety or communication disorders are examined. Exploration of the professions of speech pathology and audiology. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH548: Introduction to Language Disorders Across the Lifespan
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARSH524) - This course will provide a broad overview of language disorders across the life span. Students will learn about the causes and characteristics of a variety of developmental and acquired language disorders. We will discuss assessment of language skills and various evidence-based treatment methodologies using video demonstration, live observation, and simulated practical experiences. (Credits: 4)
Spring CAS MA113: Elementary Statistics
CAS MA 113 may not be taken for credit by any student who has completed any MA course numbered 300 or higher. Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 113, MA 115, or MA 213. Basic concepts of estimation and tests of hypotheses, ideas from probability; one-, two-, and multiple-sample problems. Applications will be in social sciences and students will be able to understand the basics of using a sample to predict uncertainty. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH221: Phonetics
Phonetics is the science of the sounds of speech, including how they are produced, perceived, and classified. In this course, students will develop competence in perceiving and classifying the segmental and suprasegmental patterns of American English. Students will master the International Phonetic Alphabet for broad and narrow transcription of vowels, consonants, and connected speech. Classroom and lab-based activities will develop listening and transcription skills for analyzing individual differences in dialect and accent, phonological development, and disordered speech. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH547: Introduction to the Clinical Process I
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SAR SH221, SH524, and SH531, or consent of instructor. - This course is designed to prepare speech-language pathology students to enter into clinical practicum. Students will study theories of clinical process through guided observation experiences, culminating to a final mini-practicum experience. As part of this course, students will complete the ASHA requirement of 25 clinical observation hours. (Credits: 4)
CAS NE or PS: Neuroscience elective
Another good option is to begin the recommended sequence in the spring:
Spring CAS MA113: Elementary Statistics
CAS MA 113 may not be taken for credit by any student who has completed any MA course numbered 300 or higher. Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 113, MA 115, or MA 213. Basic concepts of estimation and tests of hypotheses, ideas from probability; one-, two-, and multiple-sample problems. Applications will be in social sciences and students will be able to understand the basics of using a sample to predict uncertainty. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS PY104: Physics of Health Sciences
Undergraduate Prerequisites: some knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. - PY104 is a one semester introduction to the basic physics concepts that relate to the health sciences. Material covered is selected from a range of topics, such as include Kinematics and Dynamics, Newton's Laws, Statics, Momentum, Work and Energy, Mechanical Waves, Electric Charge and Force, Capacitance and Resistance, Electric Circuits, and Properties of Electromagnetic Waves, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, and Medical Imaging. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH221: Phonetics
Phonetics is the science of the sounds of speech, including how they are produced, perceived, and classified. In this course, students will develop competence in perceiving and classifying the segmental and suprasegmental patterns of American English. Students will master the International Phonetic Alphabet for broad and narrow transcription of vowels, consonants, and connected speech. Classroom and lab-based activities will develop listening and transcription skills for analyzing individual differences in dialect and accent, phonological development, and disordered speech. (Credits: 4)
Summer Term: Session 1 SAR SH522: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
Study of the physiological structures and functions that underlie speech production. Emphasis is placed on the respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems. Introduction to neuroanatomy and neural control of the production of speech as well as dysfunction of these normal processes in clinical disorders is included. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH535: Introduction to Audiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Audiology - Requires both lecture and lab to cover hearing assessment through the use of pure-tone and speech audiometric techniques as well as the measurement of middle-ear function. The course also includes information about the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, acoustics, and the effect of noise on hearing. (Credits: 4)
Summer Term: Session 2 CAS PS101: General Psychology
Basic introduction to field of psychology; topics include theories and findings governing learning, memory, perception, development, personality, social and abnormal psychology. Three hours large lecture and one hour discussion section or three hours of small lecture class with no discussion sections. Students are required to participate as subjects in psychology studies. 4 cr. either sem. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2019, this course will fulfill a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH542: Aural Rehabilitation
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SAR SH 535 - An introduction to theory and techniques of audiologic habilitation and rehabilitation in audiology and speech-language pathology. The significance of Deaf world issues in the field of aural rehabilitation is addressed throughout the course. (Credits: 4)
Fall CAS NE101: Introduction to Neuroscience
Required of all NE majors. An introduction to the biological basis of behavior and cognition. Includes theoretical and practical foundations rooted in psychology, biology, neuropharmacology, and clinical sciences (e.g., neurology and neuropsychiatry). Neuroethical dilemmas are highlighted and integrated when relevant to discussion topics. Carries natural science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Scientific Inquiry I. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH531: Introduction to Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences
Introduction to various speech and language disorders found across linguistically and culturally diverse populations. Characteristics underlying biological systems and methods for evaluation and treating a variety or communication disorders are examined. Exploration of the professions of speech pathology and audiology. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH548: Introduction to Language Disorders Across the Lifespan
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARSH524) - This course will provide a broad overview of language disorders across the life span. Students will learn about the causes and characteristics of a variety of developmental and acquired language disorders. We will discuss assessment of language skills and various evidence-based treatment methodologies using video demonstration, live observation, and simulated practical experiences. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH647: Introduction to Clinical Process
Graduate Prerequisites: Graduate program enrollment status and consent of instructor - This course is designed to prepare first year MS-SLP students to enter into clinical practicum. Students will study theories of clinical process through guided observation experiences in preparation for SH740, their first practicum experience in the Boston University Academic Speech, Language and Hearing Center. Also as part of this course, students will complete the ASHA requirement of 25 clinical observation hours. (Credits: 2)
Registration
Registration information is available here. New non-degree students looking to take an undergraduate level course (numbers below 600) at Sargent, on campus, go to Metropolitan College’s Undergraduate Student Services Office for registration assistance. This office (room 102, 755 Commonwealth Avenue) assists students with their initial registration with the University.
Questions?
The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences can assist you. Call 617-353-3188 or drop by room 351 in Sargent (635 Commonwealth Ave).