Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Overview
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders program is designed for people who want to pursue a career in speech-language pathology, but need the undergraduate leveling courses to apply for a master's degree program because they graduated with a major that was not in communication sciences and disorders.
This on-campus program is only intended to complete the prerequisites for entering a Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology, like the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology offered by Biola University.
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Why Pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
- Infuse Faith into Work. This is one of very few Christian programs offered in the country. Every course is designed to integrate a biblical perspective with the industry training you need to be a licensed, successful speech-language pathologist.
- Seasoned SLP Mentors. Be trained by professional faculty who are experts in preparing students to become communication sciences and disorders professionals. With extensive clinical expertise in speech, language and swallowing disorders, they offer hands-on training, research avenues and instill ethical practices. Faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, ensuring a unified learning experience.
Courses
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For more program details, including graduation requirements and learning outcomes, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Pre-Program GE Prerequisite Course Options
Summer Session A and/or B (take at reduced summer tuition rate). Note: These courses are not part of the actual certificate program but recommended for students who need prerequisite courses.
BIOS 100 | Biological Principles: Lecture |
A survey of biological principles including: the cell, zoology, ecology, human anatomy, genetics, and origin of life theories. Notes: No lab is required, but BIOS 110 is the lab course designed to accompany this course. BIOS 100 without the lab (110) will not receive transfer credit at most other universities. Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Cannot be taken to fulfill elective requirements for these majors: Bio Sci: Secondary Instruction (BISI), Human Biology (BIHB), Biological Science (BIOS), Biochemistry (BCHM) or Environmental Science (BIES). Grade Mode: A. | |
MATH 210 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
Nature of statistical methods, description of sample data, fundamental concepts of probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, correlation and regression, application of same. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
PHSC 101 | Physical Science Survey: Lecture |
A survey of the basic principles of physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology and astronomy. Designed for the non-science major. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology: Lifespan |
A study of the theory and research concerning lifespan development. Consideration will be given to the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and moral aspects of human development across the entire span from conception to death. Discussion will include timely issues of personal relevance to the student's own developmental pathway. Grade Mode: A. |
Program Courses – Semester 1: Session A
CDSR 324 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing |
Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms. The normal processes of respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance and hearing are covered. | |
CDSR 325 | Speech and Hearing Science |
Introduction to acoustics of sound and the physiology and acoustics of speech production and hearing; basic anatomy will also be discussed. Topics include voice, resonance, and individual speech segments as well as instrumentation for analyzing the acoustic and perceptual characteristics of speech and hearing. |
Program Courses – Semester 1: Session B
CDSR 318 | Neuroanatomical Foundations for Communication Disorders |
An in-depth analysis of the nervous system as it pertains to communication and communication disorders. In addition, various neurological disorders will be surveyed that can affect communication. These include, but are not limited to, ALS, Parkinson's disease, stroke, brain tumor, etc. | |
CDSR 321 | Clinical Phonetics and Phonology |
The study of phonetic transcription and phonological theory and the application of these concepts to patients with disordered speech. |
Program Courses – Semester 2: Session A
CDSR 331 | Speech and Language Development and Disorders (Birth to 5yrs) |
Normal development of speech and language in children in terms of syntax, semantics, phonology and pragmatics. Motor and cognitive development surveyed. Including the study of delayed language development and childhood language disorders with theories concerning etiology, classification, evaluation and therapy for children birth to 5 years old. | |
CDSR 425 | Audiology |
Introduction to audiology including anatomy and physiology of the ear, interpreting audiograms, pathologies, pediatric hearing testing and sound. Practical experience in hearing testing and screening will be given. |
Program Courses – Semester 2: Session B
CDSR 332 | Speech and Language Development and Disorders (5yrs to Adolescence) |
Normal development of speech and language in children in terms of syntax, semantics, phonology and pragmatics. Motor and cognitive development surveyed. Including the study of delayed language development and childhood language disorders with theories concerning etiology, classification, evaluation and therapy for children 5 years old to adolescents. | |
CDSR 441 | Diagnostic Methods |
Survey of procedures ranging from interviewing to formal and informal tests involved in the evaluation and assessment of speech, language, voice, cognitive and swallowing problems in children and adults. |
Program Courses – Semester 3: Session A
CDSR 424 | Aural Rehabilitation |
Review of management procedures used by professionals for the rehabilitation/habitation of persons with hearing impairments. Includes speech reading, auditory training, hearing aids and other communication systems and assistive listening devices. | |
CDSR 442 | Therapeutic Methods |
Introduction to general therapeutic approaches and specific techniques of habilitation and rehabilitation of speech, language, voice, cognitive and swallowing problems in child and adult populations. |
Post-Program GE Prerequisite Course Options
Summer Session B (take at reduced summer tuition rate).
BIOS 100 | Biological Principles: Lecture |
A survey of biological principles including: the cell, zoology, ecology, human anatomy, genetics, and origin of life theories. Notes: No lab is required, but BIOS 110 is the lab course designed to accompany this course. BIOS 100 without the lab (110) will not receive transfer credit at most other universities. Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Cannot be taken to fulfill elective requirements for these majors: Bio Sci: Secondary Instruction (BISI), Human Biology (BIHB), Biological Science (BIOS), Biochemistry (BCHM) or Environmental Science (BIES). Grade Mode: A. | |
MATH 210 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
Nature of statistical methods, description of sample data, fundamental concepts of probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, correlation and regression, application of same. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
PHSC 101 | Physical Science Survey: Lecture |
A survey of the basic principles of physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology and astronomy. Designed for the non-science major. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology: Lifespan |
A study of the theory and research concerning lifespan development. Consideration will be given to the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and moral aspects of human development across the entire span from conception to death. Discussion will include timely issues of personal relevance to the student's own developmental pathway. Grade Mode: A. |