 What is a postbaccalaureate or postbac?
The postbaccalaureate program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree or another advanced degree in a discipline other than speech and hearing sciences (also referred to as communication sciences or disorders) and therefore lack the necessary academic background to apply directly to a master's program. Students who complete the postbac program earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Postbaccalaureate is a matriculated status, reserved for students who are working toward a second bachelor's degree, or preparing for entrance to graduate or professional school.
When is the next deadline for Postbac Admissions?
The next admission deadline is February 13 for Summer, 2009.
What is the length of the program? Is this a part-time program? Are classes offered in the evening, online or weekends?
The program requires five consecutive quarters of study with a mandatory Summer start. This is a weekday, daytime, and full time program. No courses are offered online.
Admissions is a two part process – UW Admissions Office AND the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure both the UW Office of Admissions and SPHSC receive the application packet by the deadline of February 13th. The two departments will not supply the other with any part of the required application materials.
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Admission to SPHSC is contingent upon admission to the UW.
Are Postbac Admissions competitive?
Postbaccalaureate admission is based on multiple factors: the overall academic record from the first bachelor's degree, personal statement, and commitment to speech, language, and hearing sciences.
Where do I send my three letters of recommendation?
Send your letters of recommendation directly to the department. You do not need to send copies to the UW Office of Admissions.
The UW Admissions Postbaccalaureate application says that I need a recommendation from the major department I'm interested in.
This statement is not accurate. You actually do not need a recommendation from the SPHSC Department in order to apply for postbaccalaureate admission. (In fact, it will be difficult for us to recommend you for admission if we don't know you.) On your postbaccalaureate admission application, you should list SPHSC as your intended major. The UW Admissions Office will then send a referral form to our department, asking us if you're eligible for admission to the SPHSC major.
What can I do while I wait for the next application deadline?
Volunteer, research this field of study and profession, and/or take courses. SPHSC postbacs will be required to complete the following out of department courses while in the postbaccalaureate program.
Out-of-Department Requirements
- A Math or Statistics course
- A Biological Science course
- A Physical Science course
- A Social or Behavioral Science course
Some students will have taken these courses already. Other students may desire to pursue taking equivalent courses at a different college (see Course Catalog for detailed descriptions) before they enter into our program. Students will be allowed to “transfer” over equivalent courses. A formal transfer evaluation will be done after acceptance into the SPHSC program. These courses are not required for admittance into the postbac program. This is just a suggestion.
There are no volunteering opportunities directly through the department but we encourage you to seek them elsewhere. Graduate schools look at community service. Consider volunteering/working at a hospital or clinic during the school year or summer to gain more experience working with individuals with communication disorders and the professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat them. Also, working with adults or children with disabilities is a fantastic way to gain experience. You might also consider shadowing a speech language pathologist at a school or hospital in your area. Take the time to email/call the schools/hospitals in your area and ask them if you would be able to follow an SLP during a typical work day.
I feel that I have completed some of the coursework. Where can I get detailed descriptions of SPHSC courses and other department courses?
Review the UW General Catalog
What GPA and GRE score do I need to get into graduate school?
Our department does not post GPA and GRE scores. The Graduate School requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA and submission of GRE scores.
How much is tuition?
Tuition for the postbaccalaureate program during the 2006-2007 academic year is approximately $15,000 for all five quarters, regardless of residency status (i.e., tuition for the postbaccalaureate program is the same for all students, in-state or out-of-state). Additional quarterly UW fees include the Technology Fee, the Service & Activities Fee, and the IMA Bond Fee.
Does the department offer financial assistance?
The department does not offer financial assistance to postbac students. Please contact the UW Financial Aid Office and review the web sites below.
Financial Aid Information:
What about more information about Speech Pathology and Audiology including job outlook and salary expectations?
Here is a link to a guide that was recently published by NSSLHA (National Students Speech Language and Hearing Association):
http://www.nsslha.org/NSSLHA/students/CSDGuide.htm
The Communication Sciences Student Survival Guide is a resource for individuals considering a future in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Introduction to the Professions:
ASHA Career Information
U.S. Department of Labor, Speech-Language Pathologists
U.S. Department of Labor, Audiologists
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations:
ASHA Market Trends, Audiology
CAREERInfoNet |
