Communication Sciences and Disorders Accelerated Program

The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Accelerated Program is a 5-year, fast-track program through which students earn both a Bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree.

The program prepares students for national certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), for state licensure by the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR), and for professional educator licensure by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Students have ample opportunities to gain experience and skills at Elmhurst University and complete clinical practica both on campus in our Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and in external placements such as schools, hospitals, clinics, nursing and residential care facilities, and private practices.  Our students also gain research experience; many present at the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) convention, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention, the National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), and Annual Conference in Progress in Rehabilitation Research (ACRM). Students may also elect to pursue a Multicultural and Multilingual Emphasis at the graduate level.

Our mission is to prepare speech-language pathologists to achieve the highest standards of academic learning, clinical service, scientific inquiry and creative work. With Elmhurst’s accelerated program and graduate degree in CSD, you will be on your way to becoming a leader and expert in speech, language and swallowing disorders.

Elmhurst University’s Accelerated Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders welcomes freshman applicants who have met the requirements listed below. Applications are reviewed by a CSD Accelerated Program admissions committee. Spaces for the Accelerated CSD Program are competitive.

• High school GPA of 3.80 or higher
• Personal essay describing rationale for pursuing communication sciences and disorders profession, experience, and qualifications (e.g., extracurricular, volunteer, work, leadership, honors/awards, organizations, knowledge and unique skills to meet professional needs).
• Two letters of recommendation (e.g., from teacher(s), school counselor, employer)
• ENG 105 and World Language requirements met
• Following an initial review by Admissions, an interview with members of the CSD Accelerated Program admissions committee.

To remain on the fast track of the Accelerated Program, students must:

• Meet the Essential Functions as required for clinical practicum (per policies and procedures outlined in the Undergraduate and Graduate CSD Program handbooks).
• Must have maintained an overall minimum GPA of 3.6 by the end of the third year.
• Maintain grades of B or higher in CSD courses (in accordance with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association competency standards, per policies and procedures outlined in the CSD Graduate Handbook).

For more information, contact the Office of Admission at (630) 617-3400 or admit@elmhurst.edu.