communication disorders

what is kasa?

questions & answers

Q: What is KASA?

A: KASA stands for Knowledge & Skills Acquisition. It is a set of standards that the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) has put in place for graduate program accreditation and for those seeking to be credentialed by ASHA.

Q: When did these standards go into effect?

A: January 1, 2005

Q: Why haven’t I heard of these standards before now?

A: The KASA standards have not been well advertised to undergraduate programs. In fact, some graduate programs are not fully aware of the standards until they begin their ASHA reaccredidation process.

Q: How do these standards affect undergraduate programs like Biola?

A: KASA influences what undergraduate GE courses a CD student should take. KASA requires that students demonstrate at least one course in each of the following categories: math, physical science, biological science, behavioral/social science, research/statistics, and an alternative communication modality.

Q: What specific courses should I take for my GE at Biola to meet these standards?

A: The CD program at Biola recommends the following courses:

- Math: MATH 101 or 120

- Physical Science: PHSC 101

- Biological Science: BIOS 100

- Behavioral/Social Science: PSYC 200 (also recommend SOCI 220 in addition)

- Research/Statistics: MATH 210

- Alternate Communication Modality: HUFA 101, 102, or 201 (at least one of these courses)

Q: Do I have to take these specific courses in these categories?

A: No, but these are the best choices to fulfill KASA requirements while you are at Biola. For example, ASHA accepts any physical science course (e.g., geology), but PHSC 101 best serves the curriculum of our major. Some graduate programs may also be picky about what courses you have in these categories.

Q: What if I have already taken a physical science or math course, but it is not one of the ones you have listed above?

A: In most cases, you should be ok with ASHA if you have had a class like geology or astronomy instead of PHSC 101 since ASHA is mostly concerned that you have a varied and complete liberal arts experience. Because graduate programs all slightly vary in their specific perquisites, you could run into some problems with particular graduate programs, especially top-ranked schools.

Q: What if I don’t do all these courses during my time at Biola?

A: In rare cases, it could cause problems with graduate school admission. In most cases, graduate schools will accept you without all these courses, but will most likely require you to take missing courses so they are on your transcript before you apply for the ASHA credential.

Q: What if I am a graduating senior and I do not have all these courses on my transcript?

A: We suggest trying to take the courses at a Junior college during the summer before beginning graduate school.

Q: Won’t my CODS 325 (Speech & Hearing Science) course fulfill the physical science requirement?

A: No, because it is a part of your major. ASHA requires courses that are not a part of the major, but rather are foundational GE classes.

Q: Are there any forms I need to be aware of?

A: Yes, there is a KASA form that you can get from your CD academic advisor. You and your advisor can fill-in the courses and experiences you have had at Biola into the form so you can show your future graduate academic advisor. You can download the form here >>>

communication disorders