Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Graduate Certificates are approved and awarded by the SF State Division of Graduate Studies. This AAC Graduate Certificate is designed to prepare highly qualified professionals to provide culturally-responsive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services for individuals with communication needs (CCN) in school and community settings. Candidates acquire specialized competence in the areas of (a) AAC assessment, (b) AAC language and literacy intervention, (c) AAC to access the general education curriculum, and (d) professional development and collaboration.

Current SF State graduate students in good standing in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Special Education and related fields are eligible to enroll in their first semester of graduate study or thereafter. To enroll, contact the SLHS Department for advising. This is an in-person program. 

Plan of Study and Requirements

The AAC Graduate Certificate program includes a minimum of 9 semester units in a sequence of two graduate AAC courses and integrated clinical, fieldwork and internship experiences upon advisement.

Core (6 units)

AAC Graduate Certificate program courses
Semester Course # Course Title Units
SLHS 764 Evidence-Based Practice in Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3
SLHS 765 Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Schools 3

Fieldwork (3 units minimum)

Select one in consultation with an advisor:

AAC Graduate Certificate fieldwork courses
Semester Course # Course Title Units
SLHS Students    
SLHS 880
& SLHS 713		 Advanced Communication Therapy
and Seminar in Therapy		 3
SLHS 881 Interprofessional Internship in Alternative and Augmentative Communication 3
SLHS 882 Advanced Internship 6
SPED Students    
SPED 730 Student Teaching: Special Education 9
SPED 731 Special Education Field Experience 3
SPED 821 Advanced Fieldwork with Students with Extensive Support Needs 3

See SF State Bulletin for course descriptions (Go to the SF State Bulletin)

Steps to Enroll and Complete the AAC Certificate

Currently Enrolled Graduate Students

  • SF State students currently enrolled in graduate programs in SLHS, Special Education or a related field at SF State may apply in the first semester of graduate enrollment or thereafter. 
  • Schedule an advising meeting with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. 
  • Candidates will submit the Graduate Certificate Admission Application to the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, slhs@sfsu.edu  no earlier than the end of the first semester of graduate study.

Completing the AAC Certificate Program

  • Meet with the AAC Certificate coordinator at least once per semester to review certificate requirements.
  • During the last semester prior to graduation, pay the fee for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate online.
  • Complete and submit a Certificate Approved Program (CAP) form.
  • Approved CAP forms will be reviewed and approved by the AAC Certificate Coordinator, Department Chairperson, and the Division of Graduate Studies.
  • Students who have successfully met all requirements will be awarded their SF State Graduate Certificate in AAC.