Such students should contact an advisor as soon as possible to identify course work required in addition to that listed below. Degree Requirements Students must meet all university requirements for a bachelor's degree. In addition, students must complete the General Education and Profession Education Requirements for the Standard Special Teaching Certificate. A three-credit advanced course in psychology, approved by the academic advisor. The graduate major in Communication Disorders prepares students to work as professional speech-language pathologists in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and private practice.
Preparation is accomplished through extensive academic and external practicum experiences.
Graduates meet all academic and practicum requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. This major also meets the academic requirements for licensure in speech-language pathology in the state of Illinois. The program is also approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and can lead to the Illinois Standard Special Teaching Certificate endorsed in Speech and Language Impaired. This teaching certificate is required for all speech-language pathologists employed in Illinois public schools. Students seeking teaching certification in this area must meet the Requirements for Certification through Approved Programs, the General Education Requirements and the Professional Education Requirements listed in the Teacher Certification section of the GSU catalog.