Overview

The Communication Sciences and Disorders certificate at Portland State University provides students with a comprehensive scientific and clinical foundation in human speech, language, and cognition. This programme is specifically designed for those seeking to enter the fields of speech-language pathology or audiology, whether they are current undergraduates or post-baccalaureate students transitioning from other disciplines.

Students engage with the scientific aspects of communication while gaining practical insights into various disorders. The curriculum balances core theoretical knowledge with applied learning, ensuring that graduates understand the complexities of human communication across diverse populations. The flexible delivery method supports a variety of learning needs through both campus-based and digital coursework.

Why Communication Sciences and Disorders at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers the first certificate of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, uniquely meeting the requirements for state licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant. Students benefit from hands-on experience at the only on-campus speech and hearing clinic in Portland, providing a direct link between classroom theory and clinical practice.

The university provides extensive opportunities for involvement in leading-edge research within faculty-led laboratories. Beyond clinical skills, the programme emphasises cultural and linguistic diversity, offering electives that explore race, gender, and identity. Active student organisations further enhance the experience by providing advocacy opportunities and a supportive community for aspiring therapists.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the scientific foundations of communication and clinical preparation. Modules may include:

Speech and Hearing Sciences
Human Speech
Language and Cognition
Communication Disorders
Clinical Assistantship
Clinical Practicum

Careers with Communication Sciences and Disorders

Graduates are well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for support personnel in the healthcare and education sectors. The programme satisfies the academic and clinical requirements for Oregon state licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant, allowing for immediate entry into the workforce upon completion.

The certificate also serves as a competitive entry point for those pursuing a Master of Science or doctoral studies in audiology and speech-language pathology. Additionally, the skills acquired are highly transferable to roles in psychology, special education, and general educational support, where a deep understanding of communication differences is essential.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Phonetics and Acoustics
Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing
Speech and Language Development in Children
Neurology of Speech and Hearing
Hearing Sciences
Guided Observation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

More details

Start Term: Any

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

49 alternative credits

quarter credits

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Speech Pathology View 9 other Bachelors in Speech Pathology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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