La Salle University
Why Study Speech-Language Pathology at La Salle?
The Pre-Speech-Language Pathology (PreSLP) program provides post-baccalaureate students with the opportunity to take pre-requisite courses in basic human communication sciences. These courses are often needed to apply to Master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology. This unique program offers eight undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders courses that are commonly required by Master’s degree programs. We offer our PreSLP courses both online and on campus, affording students the choice of a flexible schedule.
The PreSLP program consists of courses required for admission to La Salle University’s Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology. These courses reflect La Salle University’s interpretation of the current Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) requirements. However, they are not necessarily the requirements for all graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology. Individual graduate programs have leeway in how they interpret CFCC guidelines. Students should consult with a representative of the graduate program(s) they are considering for specific information about program admission requirements.
Program Description
The PreSLP program provides post-baccalaureate students who do not have the necessary background in communication sciences and disorders with the prerequisite courses in basic human communication sciences needed to apply to a master’s degree program in speech-language pathology.
This unique program offers eight undergraduate-level courses commonly recommended or required for graduate school preparation in speech-language pathology. They are offered online, affording students the choice of a flexible schedule.
Students are strongly encouraged to take all PreSLP courses unless their records indicate that they have taken equivalent courses and earned a B or higher in those courses. By completing the PreSLP program, students are better prepared to apply to a graduate program in speech-language pathology. However, entrance into the PreSLP program does not guarantee acceptance into La Salle’s graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program.
Please apply here. When you start an application make sure you click on “Post Baccalaureate Programs.” Once you get to the academic plan portion, you will be able to pick “PreSLP Program” as your plan of study.
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Costello is a speech-language pathologist, educator, clinician, and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in speech-language pathology. She currently serves as Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at La Salle University, where she also advises students in the Pre-SLP program. Her academic and professional career reflects a strong commitment to clinical education, student mentorship, evidence-based practice, and the preparation of future speech-language pathologists.
Throughout her career at La Salle University, Dr. Costello has taught undergraduate, graduate, and Pre-SLP courses in communication sciences and disorders. Prior to serving as Director of Clinical Education, she was the Clinic Director at La Salle University for nearly a decade.
Dr. Costello’s clinical experience includes working with pediatric and adult populations in medical and rehabilitation settings. Her clinical and research interests have focused particularly on acquired communication disorders, including aphasia, apraxia, agraphia, and disorders of language and cognition. Her scholarship has examined treatment approaches for aphasia and writing disorders, as well as the relationship between reading, writing, memory, and language. Her peer-reviewed publications include research on aphasia treatment, dysgraphia, orthographic working memory, and clinical supervision using telepractice technologies.
