Post-baccalaureate
About the Post-Baccalaureate Program
The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences offers a post-baccalaureate program designed to prepare students for graduate level study in the fields of speech pathology or audiology. This program is intended for students who already have a bachelor (or a master's degree) in an area other than communication disorders.
This program follows a very specific course sequence, meaning that the series of courses must be taken in the specific sequence as listed. The post-baccalaureate program consists of 50 credits spread over 4 successive quarters (fall through summer).
What is the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Post-Baccalaureate Program?
Our program prepares students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, who are interested in eventually applying to a graduate degree program in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. This 49-credit face-to-face program takes place at our picturesque main campus in Bellingham, Washington over the course of 4 consecutive quarters (Fall-Summer).
The courses in this program prepare future graduate students by providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed for admission to graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. If graduate school is not in the immediate future, students who complete this program will also have fulfilled the educational component towards Speech-Language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant roles. Other employment opportunities this program helps prepare students for include: behavior technician in applied behavior analysis clinic, paraeducator in schools, rehabilitation aide in clinic/hospital, support specialist for individuals with disabilities, as well as others.
The SLHS Post-Baccalaureate Program does not include any licensure. Credentials and the ability to practice in these fields comes from the completion of a graduate program.
Program Details
- Modality: Face-to-Face
- Location: Bellingham
- Duration: 1 year
(Fall through Summer) - Total number of Credits 49-60
- Admission Dates:
- Priority Feb 15
- Regular Decision July 1
- Cohort size: ~18 students
Is the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Program right for me?
- Do you have an undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.) in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences?
- Are you interested in and able to pursue a career that will require a graduate degree?
- Would you excel at working in a school, clinic, or other health care environment?
- Do you enjoy teaching and helping others while applying critical thinking skills?
If you answered yes to all the questions above, the SLHS Post-Baccalaureate Program could be the ideal preparatory program to get you on your way to successfully entering a graduate program in the field of Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.
This program is administered through Western’s Outreach and Continuing Education (OCE). Please note that admission to the post-baccalaureate program does not guarantee acceptance into a graduate program. The post-baccalaureate and graduate programs are separate, and a separate application is required for graduate admission.
Why study in Bellingham, Washington?
In our cohort-based setting, you’ll build meaningful connections with classmates and faculty while gaining hands-on experience that brings the field to life in real-world contexts.
Students in the Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Post-Baccalaureate program at Western Washington University benefit from:
- On-campus public clinics: the Speech-Language Clinic, Hearing Clinic, and Aural Rehabilitation Clinic - where you can observe and engage with real clinical practice.
- State-of-the-art learning spaces in the SLHS building at the (Academic Instructional Center, East).
- Dedicated, expert faculty who mentor you throughout your studies, guide you through the graduate application process, and provide strong letters of recommendation.
- Opportunities to connect with graduate students in our SLP and Au.D. programs - many of whom were once post-baccalaureate students themselves.
- Community connections in Bellingham and Whatcom County, helping you build relationships that may support your future application to WWU’s SLHS graduate programs.
- Access to Western’s campus resources, services, and student support systems available to all main campus students.
Studying in Bellingham means more than earning prerequisite credits - it means becoming part of a vibrant academic and professional community!
Upcoming Information Sessions
Information sessions and site tours are available after classes begin from October through May or upon prior arrangement.
Virtual Info Sessions are scheduled regularly October-February. If you have questions about the program or wish to scheduled a time to discuss it, please email Lauren Nicandri.
Contact Information
SLHS Application and General Questions
General Inquiries
SLHSPB@wwu.edu
Lauren Nicandri
Outreach and Continuing Education
lauren.nicandri@wwu.edu
SLHS Advising
Jennifer Thistle
Professor and Post-Baccalaureate Program Director
thistlj@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3157
To request disability accommodation or assistance in the application process, please email Lauren Nicandri.