Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
This major, housed in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, offers students an overview of human communication and its disorders. Through study in this discipline, one develops an appreciation of the normal development of speech, language and hearing; the theoretical bases underlying normal processes in speech, language and hearing; communication disorders, including problems in hearing, language, articulation, voice and fluency; the evaluation and management of these disorders; and the professional roles of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist. The major provides pre-professional preparation for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The department offers internship opportunities on site in the Ruth Smadbeck Communication and Learning Center. In addition, students can complete an internship as part of their program of study. The majority of alumni pursue graduate study to become speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech and hearing scientists. Many obtain graduate scholarships and fellowships.
Career Possibilities:
The undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology prepares students to go on to graduate school to earn the required graduate degree to practice as a speech pathologist or audiologist. It may also be used as a foundation for other graduate education such as special education, psychology, TESOL, and linguistics.
Opportunities for Faculty-Student Interaction:
One of the hallmarks of the Speech Pathology/Audiology major is the close interaction with faculty. As a clinical teaching discipline, there is close mentorship of the students both in the classroom and in external learning activities. These include, research, independent studies, internships and on-site clinic rotation as well as community externships in the field of speech pathology and audiology.
Departmental Resources:
The department has an on-site speech clinic, audiology suite and speech and language research laboratories. The department is well equipped with professional and technical resources, including a student resource area and library, as well as four treatment rooms with CCTV observation capacity.
Additional Learning Opportunities:
The department staff and faculty include researchers who are actively engaged in many projects related to the development of the fields of speech pathology, linguistics, and audiology. There is opportunity for qualified students to function as research assistants, to apply for grant support and scholarships. Advanced students may serve as teaching assistants.
Program Faculty and Clinic Staff:
Susan J. Behrens
Nathalia Fonseca
Professor Emerita:
Ann Jablon
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Courses (SPCH)
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Programs:
Minor: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 24 Credits