About This Program

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Program Contact

Debbie Burnett, PhD
Chair of Department of Health Sciences / Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
dburnett3@springfield.edu
(413) 748-3633

Curriculum

Start Months

  • Start every September and January

Delivery Format

This flexible certificate program is online asynchronous. This means that within an individual course, while there will be deadlines for assignments, you will be able to open up your “class” at the time of day that works for you and your busy schedule. There are several optional synchronous meetings if you prefer to occasionally meet with the instructor and classmates. 

Program Duration

Students can complete the program in one calendar year by taking two classes per semester.

Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships

Learn more about the School of Health Sciences
Adults in a Group Session

The Speech-Language Pathology Undergraduate Certificate at Springfield College is a flexible, online undergraduate-level certificate. Students enrolled in the certificate in speech-language pathology engage in a rigorous science-based curriculum to learn the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural bases for speech, language, and swallowing across the lifespan.

Students in related fields will see the benefits of resume building courses that provide an employment advantage or increased salary by earning additional post-secondary credit hours. Post-baccalaureate, this certificate offers graduates an opportunity for career change.

Students who are pursuing SLPA licensure in Massachusetts may elect to add additional courses (selectives) to obtain the required observation hours. Students applying to graduate programs may elect to add additional courses to obtain prerequisite courses for particular programs. 

This program may be for you if you are:

  • Interested in pursuing a career as a speech-language pathology assistant
  • Applying to graduate school for speech-language pathology 
  • A professional in a related area such as health care or education 
  • A professional who wants to gain expertise in working with individuals with speech, language, and hearing needs

Apply now for the certificate program

In Demand Career

  • Speech-language pathology has a projected 21% job growth over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which means that speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants are in demand. 
  • Speech-language pathology is No. 3 in the U.S. News & World Report 2022 “Best Healthcare Jobs.”
Speech-Language Pathologist with Older Adult
Admissions Requirements

Eligibility

Springfield College students and non-Springfield College students are eligible to enroll in the certificate program. There are no prerequisites required to complete the application form and no application fees.

Start your application process by completing the online form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials. 

To apply to this online certificate, you must have a high school diploma. You can be a student in an associate degree program, a bachelor’s degree program, or have already completed your bachelor’s degree. People with backgrounds in the following areas will find this certificate beneficial:

  • Elementary and special education
  • Occupational therapy 
  • Public health 
  • Health science
  • Physical therapy 
  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Social work 
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation counseling

I. Certificate Requirements (18 credits)

A. Required Courses (18 credits)

II. Additional Coursework Options

Students applying for the ASHA SLPA may complete their clinical field work and additional training requirements within a College course; they can also do this independently. Graduate programs in speech-language pathology are variable in their requirements for graduate admission. These selective options would allow students the ability to tailor coursework to their programs of interest.  Each is 3-credit and is not required to be taken to earn the certificate.