Biola University’s School of Science, Technology and Health will launch a new Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders to provide a pathway to become a speech and language pathologist for those who did not graduate with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Twenty-one percent of recent college graduates are working in jobs that are not related to their degree program, according to a recent study, and graduates may be inclined to choose a different career path, including those like speech-language pathology which may be lesser known.

"Speech-Language Pathology is an amazing career, however, some students do not find out about it until after their first four years of college,” said Dr. Yvana Uranga-Hernandez, professor and interim chair of the master’s degree in speech-language pathology. “Our Post-Bacc program will allow students to later enroll in a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology and pursue a career in this field."

The field of speech pathology has continued to grow in recent years. Speech-language pathologist job growth is projected to increase 19% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Biola’s new certificate will grant students the required credits to apply for a master’s program if they did not get an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The post-baccalaureate program is not a license or diploma but is a credit-bearing certificate that can help students who complete the program to go on and get their M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology to then pursue a career in speech-language pathology.

"For individuals looking for a rewarding career change that impacts individuals in both medical and educational settings, a career in speech-language pathology is attainable by completing a post-baccalaureate certificate and then advancing to the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology," said Suzanne Welty, professor of communication sciences and disorders.

A degree equivalent in speech-language pathology opens up a variety of career options for graduates beyond the typical speech-language pathologist route. With just a bachelor’s degree, graduates qualify to work as a speech-language pathologist assistant or an audiologist assistant. After obtaining the bachelor’s degree equivalent, graduates can go on to get their graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology jobs as interpreters, voice coaches, hearing aid dispensers, and more can also be pursued.

"We hope to repeat the success we have had with the B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a program that has an over 90% graduate school acceptance rate,” said Dr. Matthew Rouse, dean of Biola’s School of Science, Technology and Health, who is also a speech-language pathologist.

Students will complete ten three-credit undergraduate core prerequisite communication sciences and disorders courses. The program is fully in-person and will offer classes throughout the week as well as on Saturdays to accommodate those who work during the week.

Biola is one of the only Christian universities with a certificate like this, offering students a unique opportunity to learn the material from a biblical perspective. Students will 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.

Learn more and apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Biola is now accepting students for Fall 2024.

Written by Jenna Mindel, University Communications intern. For more information, please email media.relations@biola.edu.