Accelerated B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders to M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the accelerated B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders to M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, permitting undergraduate students with senior standing to take graduate coursework during the fall semester of their senior year. Students admitted to the accelerated program complete both the B.A. and M.A. degrees in 5 years. The accelerated program can also decrease the overall combined credits necessary to complete both degrees because graduate credits are used to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements. Finally, the graduate courses are applied to the undergraduate record during fall semester of senior year, allowing tuition and fees billed at the undergraduate rate and eligibility for undergraduate financial aid and scholarships.
What are the requirements for admission to the accelerated program?
Admission to the program is competitive. To be considered for the accelerated program, students in the CSD major must have attained (completed) 72 credits and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 and a minimum major GPA of 3.7. Students must not have any record of violation of the WCU Conduct Policy, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics, and/or other relevant professional standard.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for the accelerated program or the typical four-year B.A. program?
Your academic advisor will help you understand the differences between the accelerated program and the typical four-year B.A. program. Please ask your academic advisor first.
What are the program costs for the accelerated program in the region?
WCU's Accelerated Program offers valuable educational and clinical experiences to prepare future clinicians for success with affordable tuition and fees.
WCU Accelerated (3 years of BA + 2 years of MA) versus WCU Traditional (4 years of BA + 2 years of MA) Path
| Path | # Semesters | # Years to Completion | Estimated Cost Based on 2023-24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In State | Out of State | |||
| Accelerated | 13 | 5 | $74,075 | $131,190 |
| Traditional | 15 | 6 | $88,885 | $154,769 |
WCU Accelerated versus Other Accelerated Programs
WCU considers in-state versus out-of-state residency to determine tuition. All other 5-year accelerated programs in the region have one tuition rate for all students.
| Program Comparisons | Program Length (in years) | Estimated Total Cost Based on 2023-24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCU | 5 | $74,075 (in state) | $131,190 (out of state) |
| Sacred Heart* | 5 | $213,980 | |
| Misericordia ** | 5 | $204,825 | |
| Marywood | 5 | $179,734 | |
| LaSalle | 5 | $177,100 | |
| Lebanon Valley College*** | 5 | $138,752 | |
| Hofstra | 5.5 | $290,411 | |
| DeSales | 5 | $156,900 | |
| Duquesne | 5 | $278,380 | |
| Thiel College | 5 | $169,018 | |
*calculated without fees
**price may fluctuate depending on summer tuition rate
***after guaranteed scholarship was added
When do I apply for the accelerated program?
You apply for the accelerated program in the fall semester of your junior year having completed a minimum of 72 credits.
Who is available in the department to help me with the program?
For information about the accelerated program, contact:
Dr. Sojung Kim, the chairperson
Telephone: (610) 436-2367
E-mail: skim@wcupa.edu