Bachelor of Science Major in Speech-Language Pathology

The mission of the Speech-Language Pathology department is to prepare reflective speech-language pathologists for lifelong success by providing an excellent, student-centered experiential learning environment. Our students are mentored in developing leadership, critical thinking skills, and a strong commitment to their profession and society. These efforts are assisted by the department’s commitment to professional and liberal arts programs. The faculty is dedicated to continued professional growth through clinical practice, scholarly activity, and service to the profession and the community. The graduate professional preparation program is developed in accordance with state and national accreditation standards and guidelines to ensure that graduates provide exemplary professional practice throughout their careers. The Study of Speech-Language Pathology Speech-Language Pathology is a professional program of habilitative and rehabilitative services. This program leads to varied occupations involved with persons with communication handicaps. Speech-Language Pathologists work with people of all ages and are prepared to evaluate speech and language problems. They plan and implement programs to correct or modify the disorder, or develop other means of communicating. Some examples of the types of problems include articulation disorders, stuttering, voice, delayed language development and aphasia. The Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a pre-professional program that leads toward a career in rehabilitative services for speech, hearing and language impaired individuals. The department has a designed major which, when combined with the graduate program, leads to the academic and in-residence clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. This certificate is awarded by the American Speech-Hearing-Language Association. Career Options Speech-language pathologists are members of health care teams. Depending upon the nature of the problem, they may work with physicians, surgeons, orthodontists, psychologists, educators, counselors or social workers. Employment settings of the speech-language pathologist include public schools, clinics, hospitals and private practice. Program Specific Student Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication processes. 2. Demonstrate introductory knowledge of human communication disorders and swallowing disorders. 3. Demonstrate introductory knowledge of assessment and intervention procedures for the major types of communication disorders and swallowing disorders. 4. Demonstrate a commitment to ethical and compassionate service. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and the social/behavioral sciences. 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. 7. Demonstrate the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span.