SLP Leveling Courses

Gain knowledge in foundational courses

Prepare for a rewarding role in speech-language pathology as you complete essential prerequisites for the MS-SLP program.

We offer six courses:

SLP 5003 – Introduction to Audiology

This course presents concepts and rationale underlying the measurement of hearing and balance disorders, with special reference to hearing science, anatomy and physiology, and measurement techniques.

SLP 5005 – Aural Rehabilitation

This course involves an introduction to the field of audiologic rehabilitation and examines the treatment of hearing disorders across the lifespan. Students study hearing technology, educational considerations, and nonmedical rehabilitation options for the treatment of audiological disorders.

SLP 5008 Speech Anatomy and Physiology

This course involves the study of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms. Students will study the structure and function of the skeletal, neurological, and muscular systems for respiration, phonation, articulation and resonation, as well as mastication and deglutition and the hearing mechanism. The organization and physiology of related nervous systems and functional implications will be explored.

SLP 5014 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders

This course introduces students to the professions and field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). Basic concepts related to communication, speech, and language; typical development, anatomy, and physiology; as well as communication disorders occurring across the lifespan will be examined. Cultural differences, communication disturbances and disorders related to identification, assessment, and evidenced-based treatment will be explored.

SLP 5026 Phonetics

This course explores the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and students learn to transcribe normal and disordered speech, while studying variations among regional and cultural dialects along with implications. Motoric bases of speech production and introduces basic principles of speech acoustics and spectrographic instrumentation will be introduced.

SLP 5032 Normal Speech and Language Development

This course involves theoretical concepts and research findings concerning the normal developmental processes of speech and language learning and provides an understanding of child speech and language from infancy through adolescence, focusing on normal development. Students will study language and literacy development for monolingual and bilingual children.

Note: You can complete your observation hours by taking the 5014 – Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders leveling course at USAHS. Reach out to an enrollment advisor to learn more.

Are you considering completing leveling courses at USAHS to apply to our MS-SLP program? It might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the MS-SLP program admission requirements

Each leveling course costs $561. Payment is required at the time of registration, which begins approximately 30 days before the term starts. A copy of your transcript demonstrating an awarded bachelor’s degree is required for enrollment. Please upload it as part of completing your registration form below.

SLP Leveling Courses are not eligible for federal financial aid, veteran’s affairs benefits or tuition payment plans.

University Minimum Criteria for SLP Preparatory Pathway Admission

• Degree Requirement: An earned bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited institution (or a degree affirmed as equivalent by a NACES-approved international credit evaluator) at the time of application or before the intended term of entry.
• GPA Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all undergraduate coursework or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 45 hours of undergraduate coursework.
• Additional Requirements: Satisfy all program-specific admission requirements, which include letters of recommendation, a resume, essays, and an interview. Applicants should refer to the program catalog for detailed requirements.

SLP Preparatory Pathway to MS-SLP Program Admissions Requirements:

• After being accepted into the SLP Preparatory Pathway, students who pass all leveling courses with a grade of “B” or higher, have 3.0 or higher in the ASHA basic courses, and complete all admissions requirements for the MS-SLP program are granted admission to the MS-SLP program on the student’s campus of choice in the next available term, pending space availability. The Admissions Office automatically updates the student’s admission status after confirmation from the program director.