To enroll in the certificate program an individual must be a licensed speech-language pathologist. Increasing numbers of speech-language pathologists are choosing to work within the school setting. This certificate is intended to facilitate the transition of professionals who are working in medical and rehabilitative settings and who wish to move to a school practice. In addition, there are speech-language pathologists working in schools who wish to enhance their practice knowledge in the area of serving students with language learning disabilities. The courses included within the certificate program will extend and elaborate current educational and therapeutic practices for students with language learning disabilities.
Students choose to focus on either children's picturebook or adolescent fiction.
In their first semester, students learn the basics of writing in their chosen form, as well as develop an understanding of the current and past writing in that field. In the program's second semester, students participate in an intensive writing workshop that culminates in the students' completion of finished works in their genre. Students are also introduced to aspects of the children's publishing industry through guest industry speakers. This undergraduate-level certificate is designed to prepare students for the communication demands of today's business environment. With a strong foundation in oral and written communication skills and elective coursework in creative areas of corporate and organizational communication, students may continue toward a bachelor's degree or directly enter the professional world as active, informed participants of the business community.