Portland State's certificate in communication sciences and disorders — the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest — helps prepare you for a career in speech-language pathology or audiology.
In our program, you'll gain a strong foundation in the scientific and clinical aspects of human speech, language, cognition, communication, and their disorders.
Our certificate has been developed to help post-baccalaureate students who wish to pursue a career in speech-language pathology or audiology but have an undergraduate degree in another field, or other undergraduate students who are interested in fields such as psychology, education, and special education but want a solid foundation in communication sciences and disorders.
We offer:
- Hands-on experience in Portland's only on-campus speech and hearing clinic
- Opportunities to participate in leading-edge research in our faculty labs
- Engaging electives that broaden your awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity
With the certificate, you'll have the knowledge, skills, and experience to apply for Oregon state licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant or continue into a top-ranked graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology, including the M.S. at Portland State.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Certificate: Why PSU?
Our certificate program in communication sciences and disorders is the first at a four-year university in Oregon that meets the licensure requirements for a speech-language pathology assistant, while also providing a competitive entry point into graduate school.
Through a mix of in-person and online courses, we offer case-based and applied learning opportunities. You'll gain a core scientific foundation in speech, language, and communication, as well as become familiar with the language and cultural characteristics of diverse populations and speech and language differences and disorders. You'll also choose from a variety of electives on topics around race, gender, and identity to help expose you to a diversity of human experiences.
We offer a variety of opportunities for you to develop your clinical skills through observation, directed clinical assistantships, and both clinical practicums and volunteer opportunities at summer camps.
Our supportive faculty engage in leading clinical research, and you'll have opportunities to work alongside them in their labs.
Our diverse, active student groups provide safe spaces to learn about the speech therapist and hearing profession, share experiences, engage in advocacy efforts, and volunteer.
What can I do with a certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
In recent years, as demand for speech-language pathologists increases, so has the need for support personnel such as speech-language pathology assistants. This certificate provides you with the academic and clinical requirements necessary to apply for Oregon state licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant.
It will also provide you with the learning experiences and applied clinical skills you need to pursue graduate study and professional certification in speech-language pathology and audiology, or other jobs or fields of study, including psychology and education.
OREGON UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS IN SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCES / COMMUNICATION DISORDERS / AUDIOLOGY
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Masters, Speech-Language Pathology
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Masters and Doctoral, Speech Language Pathology
PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Masters, Speech-Language Pathology
PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Doctor of Audiology
CHEMEKETA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SLPA Program
Last Modified: 10/19/2022
Institution Information
Address:
College of
Education
Communication Disorders & Sciences
5284 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5284
Phone Number:
(541)346-2480
Fax Number:
(541) 346-0683
Program Accreditation Status
Accredited
Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology
CAA Accredited (MS, MA) (2020 - 2028)
Next Accreditation Review: February 2027
General Program Information
Administrative Location:
College of Education
Combined Degree Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s/master’s (e.g., BA/MA)
Program Director:
Samantha Shune
Study Abroad Opportunities:
Mexico
Clinic Director:
Jennifer Meyer
Entire Degree Offered Online:
No
Minority Serving Institution:
No specific Department of Education Designation
Multicultural/Bilingual Emphasis:
Multicultural emphasis
Postdoctoral Opportunities:
No
Specialty Tracks / Unique Features:
Multicultural Emphasis Medical (students also complete school externship) Schools (students also complete medical externship)
Admissions
Admission Contact:
E-Mail Address:
Undergraduate Prerequisites Required:
Yes
Application Deadline(s):
Fall admission: January 15
Offer Prerequisite Courses:
Yes, and anyone may register
Application Process:
CSD Central Application Service (CSDCAS)
University online application
Application Requirements:
Letters of recommendation: 3
Other: CDS Undergraduate degree or completed prerequisites
Number of Applications Received:
Non International Applicants: 251
International Applicants: 2
Total: 253
GPA Range for Applicants Offered Admission:
2.98-4.0
Number of Admission Offers:
Non-International Applicants: 90
International Applicants: 0
Total: 90
Average GRE Score for Applicants Offered Admission:
My institution does not collect these data
Number of Admission Offers with Funding:
23
Enrollment
First-Year Enrollment:
Full time Students: 34
Part time Students: 0
Total: 34
Total Graduate Enrollment:
Full time Students: 70
Part time Students: 0
Total: 70
Graduation
Credit Hour Requirement:
Total quarter credit hours: 100
Average Time to Degree (CED):
Total quarters: 7
Total Number of Degrees Granted:
Total: 34
Full time: 34
Part time: 0
Additional Requirements:
Capstone project
Other: Full-time medical and full-time educational
externship
Institution Grants and Contracts
Federally funded research grant(s): 3
Total $ Amount: 6766575
Federally funded personnel preparation grant(s): 2
Total $ Amount: 2500000
Federally funded training and career development grant(s): 1
Total $ Amount: 970000
Federally funded other grant(s): 0
Total $ Amount: 0
Areas of Research
Speech-Language Pathology/Speech and Language Science:
Cognitive communication (e.g., dementia, traumatic brain injury)
Fluency: normal processes, disorders
Language: typical development, normal processes, disorders
Neurogenic speech and language disorders (aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria)
Swallowing
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
General to Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology:
Interprofessional practice/interprofessional education
Literacy
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (academic, clinical, supervision)