Vocology Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What is the admissions process?
A) Admissions to the Vocology Certificate Program is a two-step process. First, follow the link to Apply Texas, complete all necessary information, pay the application fee, and submit transcripts electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse to Lamar University https://studentclearinghouse.org/. The e-mail to send transcripts is luadmtran@lamar.edu once you order them from all institutions you've attended. NOTE: If you are an International applicant, this initial application process is different. Please see our Apply Now page for more information.
Second, send all required supplemental application materials, which include:
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A detailed CV.
- A personal statement that can be in a .doc/.pdf format or via a video file/YouTube link that highlights your professional experience and details your professional goals within the field of vocology.
Q) How many courses are there?
A) All courses are offered online through Lamar University’s Distance Learning. There are six, eight-week courses and two, two-week habilitation capstone courses. Learn more information on our curriculum and course objectives.
Q) Can I take the classes at my own pace?
A) Yes, you can take the classes at your own pace, but there is a recommended course sequence. You need to complete all coursework within 3 years. The only requirement is that the two habilitation courses need to be taken following completion of all other coursework. This will ensure that everyone has the foundation necessary to successfully complete these courses and therefore the Vocology Certificate program. Also, please note that there are prerequisites for the Instrumental Voice Analysis and Auditory Perceptual Training courses.
Q) Is your program available to international students?
A) Yes! Please go to our Apply Now page and read the requirements for International Student Admissions.
Q) What is the tuition/cost of the certificate program?
A) The cost per credit hour is $324, which includes all fees. This is not the cost per course, but the cost per credit hour. For example, a 3-credit course would cost $972. NOTE: Fees are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.
Q) Do you have financial aid available?
A) Yes! Please find more information on how to apply for financial aid. Please note that there is a minimum credit requirement to receive financial aid and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are eligible for financial aid each semester. Additionally, financial aid may not be available during the mini sessions.
Q) Do you have any scholarships available?
A) Unfortunately, we do not offer scholarships at this time.
Q) Do you accept transfer credits?
A) We do not accept transfer credits for the Vocology Certificate Program. Each student is required to complete all coursework, regardless of their credentials.
Q) What is the math component/expectation for the coursework?
A) There are formulas that you will use to interpret data in the Speech & Voice Science course, as well as the Instrumental Analysis and Speech Anatomy & Physiology courses. The math is algebraic and logarithmic and of course you will always have access to your calculator.
Q) How are you able to offer this program totally online?
A) A huge advantage of our program is the online delivery. Other programs typically require participants to travel and stay there for several weeks, possibly over successive years. This format also gives much greater flexibility to students in regard to cost (which is spread out over the year) and schedule (so students do not have to cancel lessons/clients/patients and lose income). We believe that the critical component of Vocology, for those who are not medical professionals (i.e. otolaryngologists or SLPs), is gaining a familiarity with what observations and data can be gathered in the voice lab and how to use that data in habilitation. An online format enables our students to proceed at their own pace and avoid the information overload that often comes with intensive multi-week programs.
Get More Information About the Online Certificate
Q) Is this an accredited program?
A) Yes! Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. You may choose to receive graduate course credits in either Music (MUSI) or Speech & Hearing Sciences (SPHS). Please be sure to register for the correct course.
Q) What is the value of obtaining a Certificate in Vocology?
A) The Vocology Certificate Program is truly a marketable asset. Upon achieving the Certificate, graduates will be at a greater advantage in their given fields as speech-pathologists, voice professionals, or vocal pedagogues. The Vocology Certificate allows students to acquire foundational knowledge of acoustics, anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism, correlate physiology to what our students perceptually hear, analyze and interpret information, and incorporate this knowledge into their own intervention/teaching. While qualified vocologists may not require or use some of the acoustic/aerodynamic/stroboscopic equipment in their practice or voice studio, this coursework and experience provides essential practical knowledge about voice production and enables them to be better collaborators with interdisciplinary professionals. Each student who takes all 18 hours of the courses for credit receives a certificate of completion. It is signed by representatives from the Vocology Certificate Program and Lamar University. We believe our program is absolutely beneficial to practicing professional voice users seeking to augment their skillset to improve their professional opportunities.
Q) Is the Vocology Certificate a license?
A) No. It is a Certificate in Vocology. To clarify, it is neither a degree, nor is it a professional licensure. Additionally, it is important to highlight the difference between Habilitation and Rehabilitation, although there may be overlap in the care of the professional voice. The NCVS symposium in 2013 sought to clarify these professional distinctions. Voice habilitation is maintaining and enhancing vocal skills and knowledge of the voice in a “normal” professional voice user, whereas rehabilitation is the rebuilding of lost vocal skill. Additionally, from a legal standpoint, to do anything called "voice therapy" in the United States, one must be a licensed SLP and be certified with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-SLP). Thus, our Vocology Certificate Program does not offer a legally binding recognized certification. Also, if you would like more information on the definition of a Singing-Voice Specialist, I'd like to direct you to The Voice Foundation's website for your reference.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Vocology Admissions at vocology@lamar.edu.
