Post-baccalaureate Program Information

A Growing Demand For Specialists

The Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Department at Western Washington University offers a Post-baccalaureate Program designed to prepare students who do not have a bachelor's degree in SLHS for graduate-level study in the fields of speech-language pathology or audiology. In this concentrated study, students gain a broad understanding of the scientific and social aspects of normal and disordered speech, language and hearing processes. The post-baccalaureate program serves as a stepping-stone for those whose long-term goals include a graduate degree and professional certification in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Applicants must have a transferable bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a major other than Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Quality Professional Education

This lock-step program begins fall quarter and continues sequentially through summer. Generally, midway through the first year, students apply to a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Other students opt to take a year or two off between completing the post-baccalaureate program and applying to graduate programs.

The Outreach and Continuing Education department (OCE) administers the program. It is important to note that acceptance into this post-baccalaureate program does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate programs. These are two separate programs; it will be necessary to apply to the graduate programs the following year.

Post-baccalaureate coursework explores the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, disorders, testing, clinical processes, and rehabilitation. Classes meet weekdays on Western’s Bellingham campus. Credits awarded are recorded on official University transcripts.

Eligibility for Post-baccalaureate Program

Applicants must have a transferable bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a major other than Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, earned more than eight years ago may be required to satisfy the post-baccalaureate program in order to be eligible to apply for the graduate Speech and Language Pathology or Audiology program.

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required.

Application Process

Apply for admission to Western Washington University (WWU), Post-baccalaureate Admissions

• Priority fall application deadline is February 15th
• Final fall application deadline is July 1st

Applications are accepted on a space-available basis after the priority deadline.

Required Materials

• Submit an official transcript from each college/university attended electronically or by mail:
  • Submit electronically to admit@wwu.edu
  • By mail: Office of Admissions - 516 High Street, MS9099 - Bellingham, WA 98225-9009
• Submit a one-page statement of purpose.
• Submit a one-page resume that includes your professional background and experience.
  • Use font size no smaller than 11 and one-inch side margins for all materials.
• Provide names and emails of three recommenders that will submit letters of recommendation. We advise you provide two faculty recommendations. 

Admission Application

Admission Application 

You are considered a First-time user to start a new application

You will be applying as a Post-baccalaureate student

You will complete each category listed on the left-hand side of the “Instructions” page. You will not find each category referenced, only those categories relevant to ensure you accurately complete the application for the CSD Post-baccalaureate program.

This section “Student Type” the third bullet applies to you; be sure to select the appropriate Post-bacc option. 

Select “New Post-Bacc” and corresponding Application Term

Select “Location Program”

The Test Scores section will apply to International Students only, except Canadian Residents

Be sure to respond “Yes” you have spoken with an SLHS program advisor

Upload your Statement of Purpose and Resume

Three letters of recommendation are required. We prefer two from faculty who can speak to your success as a student. Click "Add Recommender" and enter the information prompted.

• Sign your application
• Review your application

Upon review of your completed application file, and should you be accepted into the program, you will be contacted by the SLHS Program Coordinator and receive instructions for next steps.

Please note: We accept approximately 18 students into the program, we advise having your application complete and ready for review by the priority deadline of February 15th.

Completed applications that meet the priority deadline should receive notification of acceptance into the program approximately March 1st.

Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed following the March 1st fall quarter admission application deadline. Applications are accepted on a space-available basis.

If you are planning to apply for financial aid to help defray the cost of tuition and fees, please refer to the Financial Aid website. To be eligible for financial aid, you will be required to complete a FAFSA.

We will be offering online Information Sessions starting in October, you can find these dates on the SLHS website; information session sign-ups will be available soon, keep checking for updates.

If you are a prospective Post-bacc student and would like to request an in-person department tour, please email the office with the following information: Your name, your contact information (phone and e-mail), and the number of people who will be touring with you. A member of our team will contact you with further information and details. Tours are typically provided by current students in our SLP graduate program, and they are happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have specific questions about the Post-bacc program or admissions please contact Lauren Nicandri.

Contact Information

Apply to Graduate School

Must take at least 1 elective, may take all three 
Total credits: 49-56 

**- Financial aid considers 12 credits full time; Loan disbursement may be impacted if taking less than 12 credits.
 
For costs, please refer to the Tuition and Fee Schedule on the Student Business Office website. Please select "Location Programs Self-Sustaining Tuition and Fees"

The estimated expenses are based on the 2025-2026 academic year rates for full-time undergraduate students.

Important Information for International Students: 

• International and Canadian residents must complete the “international undergraduate student application for admission” (refer to pg. 4 for the link to the application and other information).  This application will include a required “Statement of Financial Responsibility” (refer to pg. 4 of the application)  
• Once you have been accepted into the SLHS Post-baccalaureate Program, you will need to contact Richard Bruce, Director of International Student and Scholar Services (360) 650-6517