Pathways to Speech-Language Pathology: Preparing at Emory
SLP pathway through Emory Linguistics
Considering Graduate Study in Speech-Language Pathology?
Students in Linguistics and related fields often pursue careers in speech-language pathology (SLP). To become an SLP, you must complete a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), along with required observation and clinical experiences.
This page outlines:
- ASHA certification requirements (essential for all SLPs)
- Typical prerequisite courses for graduate school
- How Emory courses prepare you for the path
- Observation and shadowing expectations
- Statistics (not research methods)
- Biological Sciences (e.g., biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics)
- Physical Sciences (physics or chemistry only)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health)
These requirements are separate from the Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) courses expected by most graduate programs.
Although course names vary, most graduate programs require:
- Phonetics / Phonetic Transcription
- Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
- Language Development / Acquisition
- Speech Science / Hearing Science
- Introduction to Audiology
- Aural Rehabilitation
- Neuroanatomy / Neurobiology for Communication (often strongly recommended)
Sometimes-Required (School-Specific)
Some programs also ask for:
- Speech Sound Disorders (Articulation/Phonology)
- Language Disorders (Child or Across the Lifespan)
- Intro to Communication Disorders
- General Linguistics
- Language Sample Analysis
- Physics of Speech / Acoustics
- Research Methods
- Professional Issues in Communication Disorders
- 25 hours of guided clinical observation (shadowing a certified SLP with debriefing/reflection)
Key Points about the 25 Observation Hours:
- They may be completed in undergraduate or graduate study, but some programs require them before admission.
- “Guided” means active engagement with the supervising SLP (discussion, reflection, feedback).
- Hours should span diverse settings and client populations.
- Keep a formal log with date, site, hours, supervisor name/ASHA number, and reflection notes.
Getting Started at Emory:
- Reach out to local clinics, hospitals, school SLPs, or private practices.
- Use Emory’s alumni network, faculty connections, or local SLP associations.
- The Marcus Autism Center provides structured observation opportunities
Currently Offered:
- LING/PSYC 316 Language Acquisition → Language Development graduate or graduate study, but some programs require them before admission.
- LING 210 Sounds of Human Languages → Phonetics / Acoustics
- LING 385 Speech Sciences → Speech Science
- LING/PSYC 309 Brain and Language → Neuroanatomy / Brain basis of communication
In Development:
- Language Disorders → Developmental and acquired language impairments
- Contact Dr. Kim to design a tailored course plan.
- Get involved with SLAP (Speech-Language Acquisition & Pathology) student group.
- Plan Emory coursework to include these classes when available.
- Begin guided observation hours early and keep detailed logs.
- Check specific prerequisites for each graduate program via ASHA EdFind.
Emory Courses That Map to SLP Graduate School Prerequisites
| Prerequisite Category | Typical Course Title (CSD) | Emory Course(s) | Status at Emory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phonetics/Acoustics | Phonetics | LING 210 Sounds of Human Language | Offered |
| Language Development/Acquisition | Child Language Development | LING/PSYC 316 Language Acquisition | Offered |
| Speech Science | Speech Science, Healing Science | LING 385 Speech Sciences | Offered |
| Neuroanatomy/Neurobiology | Neural Bases of Communication | LING/PSYC 309 Brain and Language | Offered |
| Language Disorders | Language Disorders (Child/Adult) | Language Disorders (new course) | In Development |
| Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing | Anatomy & Physiology of Communication Mechanisms | ---- | Not currently offered at Emory* |
| Intro to Audiology | Intro to Audiology | ---- | Not currently offered at Emory* |
| Aural Rehabilitation | Aural (Re)habilitation | ---- | Not currently offered at Emory* |
*These courses are typically only offered in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) departments. The ARCHE program at Emory or online/in-person summer programs can help you fulfill this requirement.
Additional ASHA 'Basic Science' Requirements (Outside CSD)
| Category | Examples | Where to take at Emory |
|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Introductory Statistics (not Research Methods) | QTM 100, PSYC 230, or equivalent |
| Biological Sciences | Human Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics | BIOL 120/141, NBB courses |
| Physical Sciences | Physics or Chemistry | CHEM 150/202, PHYS 141/142 |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health | PSYC 110, SOC 101, ANT 101 or equivalent |
This document was prepared by Dr. Yun Kim, email her with questions or comments.