Speech Therapy Undergraduate Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

The field of communication sciences and disorders, or speech-language pathology, is a healthcare area focused on diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), or speech therapists, are employed by healthcare facilities or private practices to assess and treat people who have difficulty with communication. This article provides a detailed overview of speech therapy undergraduate programs, exploring various aspects from curriculum to career prospects.

Understanding the Field of Communication Sciences and Disorders

The field addresses a wide range of issues, both cognitively and physically. These professionals work with individuals who struggle with a wide range of issues, both cognitively and physically, such as:

Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
Speech Sound Disorder (SSD): Trouble speaking clearly
Stuttering
Understanding verbal or nonverbal communication

The Role of a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate programs in speech-language pathology or audiology. It lays the foundation for advanced study and pre-professional experience needed to become a speech-language pathologist.

Direct Path to Graduate Study and ASHA Certification

A carefully curated curriculum, including classes and research components, prepares students to assist children and adults struggling with speech and hearing across a range of professional settings. Completing a bachelor’s degree is a direct path to entering graduate study and earning American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) clinical certification.

Foundational Coursework

In addition to foundational courses in the biological, physical, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences and humanities, students take courses that cover normal language and speech sound development, language disorders, speech disorders, anatomy of hearing and speech mechanisms, phonetics, communication science, and introduction to audiology. This coursework serves as a basis for pursuing graduate study in speech and language pathology, audiology, the speech sciences, and applied language and speech sciences.

Read also: Speech Topics for Students

Learning Objectives

The Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders prepares students to:

Build foundational knowledge to enter a graduate program and earn an ASHA clinical certification
Become a compassionate leader across the field of communication sciences and disorders
Enter a speech-language career across a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, clinics, research centers, rehabilitation centers or private practice

Curriculum Overview

A typical undergraduate program in speech-language pathology includes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Foundational Coursework Examples

Phonetics: The study of speech sounds.
Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism: Understanding the structures and functions involved in speech production.
Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology: An overview of the profession and its scope.
Introduction to Audiology: Basic principles of hearing and hearing disorders.
Normal Language Acquisition: Studying how language develops in children.
Speech Science: Applying scientific principles to the study of speech.
Clinical Methods: Introduction to clinical techniques used in assessment and treatment.
Aural Rehabilitation: Strategies for helping individuals with hearing loss.
Language and Phonological Disorders: Studying disorders affecting language and speech sound production.
Organic Disorders: Understanding communication disorders resulting from physical or neurological conditions.
Clinical Practice: Gaining supervised experience in clinical settings.

ASHA's General Education Requirements

Students who plan to pursue an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology or Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree and the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) or Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) must complete undergraduate general education courses that meet the ASHA requirements below. Only courses appearing on the student's official transcript will be counted as meeting ASHA requirements.

College mathematics: Three semester hours
Biological sciences: Three semester hours
Physical sciences: Three semester hours
Behavioral-social sciences: Six semester hours

Featured Programs

Arizona State University: Offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science. The program is designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Emerson College: Offers a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online, preparing students to become SLPs in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
Grand Canyon University: Offers an Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
NYU Steinhardt: Offers a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online. The program is ASHA-accredited, requires a bachelor's degree, and prepares graduates to pursue licensure.
Pepperdine University: Offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program combines academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and clinical experiences within a Christian mission to serve communities and improve lives.

Hands-on Experience and Research Opportunities

Many undergraduate programs offer opportunities for hands-on experience through clinical observations, research projects, and fieldwork.

Clinical Observation and Participation

Students have the opportunity to observe and participate in live speech therapy sessions in community-serving clinics.

Read also: Guide to SLP Education

Research Involvement

Undergraduate students can work closely with faculty to develop research skills. All Speech-Language faculty members are active in clinical and research endeavors. Students have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research conducted on campus or at nearby medical facilities.

Research Labs

Aphasia and Neurocognitive Disorders Lab
Behavior, Speech & Genetics Lab
Speech-Language Neuroscience Lab
Stuttering Research Lab
Tinnitus and Auditory Neuroscience Research Lab

Transitioning to Graduate Programs

Earning an Undergrad Degree at a School that Offers an Accredited Master’s Streamlines the Transition. While most graduate programs in the field admit students without a bachelor’s degree related to SLP, a background in the communicative sciences will give you everything you need to transition easily into a graduate program without having to scramble to complete prerequisites. If your undergrad program is housed in the same department that has a CAA-accredited master’s, that transition is completely seamless.

Accelerated Programs

Some schools offer 5-year accelerated SLP programs that deliver both undergrad and grad courses that result in both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, saving an entire year off your education plan.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) is the semi-autonomous accrediting arm of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. The CAA only accredits master’s programs that meet the curriculum requirements for CCC-SLP certification.

Career Paths

A degree in communication sciences and disorders can lead to a variety of career paths.

Read also: Alumni Homecoming Speech Guide

Audiologist

Audiologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent hearing and balance problems. The employment of Audiologists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2016-2026.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists are professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.

Career Options

Audiologist assistant
College professor
Manager for developmentally disabled adults
Rehabilitation aide
Research assistant
Special education teacher

Salary Expectations

Audiologists: \$84,000 (Median salary)
Speech-language pathologists: \$82,000 (Median salary)
Speech-language pathology assistants: \$38,000 (Median salary)

Finding the Right Program

When searching for a speech therapy undergraduate program, consider the following:

Accreditation: Look for programs that are housed in institutions with CAA-accredited master’s programs.
Curriculum: Ensure the program covers foundational coursework and aligns with ASHA requirements.
Research Opportunities: Explore programs that offer research labs and faculty involvement.
Location: Consider programs that offer clinical experience placements.

ASHA EdFind

Ed Find is a tool developed by ASHA to find appropriate programs in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and/or Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. School profiles in the ASHA EdFind searchable database are updated annually based on information collected through the CSD Education Survey.

Program Examples by State

Below is a list of colleges and universities across the country that offer bachelor’s degrees in communicative sciences and disorders as traditional, campus-based programs, online programs, or hybrid options that combine both.

Alabama

Alabama A&M University-Normal: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Auburn University-Auburn: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
Samford University-Birmingham: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa-Tuscaloosa: BA in Communicative Disorders
University of Montevallo-Montevallo: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
University of South Alabama-Mobile: BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Arizona

Arizona State University-Tempe: BS in Speech and Hearing Science
University of Arizona-Tucson: BS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Arkansas

Arkansas State University-Jonesboro: BS in Communication Disorders
Harding University-Searcy: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders-Clinical, BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders-Non-Clinical
University of Arkansas Fayetteville-Fayetteville: BSE in Communication Disorders
University of Arkansas at Little Rock-Little Rock: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Central Arkansas-Conway: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

California

Biola University-La Mirada: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
California Baptist University-Riverside: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
California State University-Chico: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
California State University East Bay-Hayward: BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology
California State University Fresno-Fresno: BA in Speech-Language Pathology
California State University Fullerton-Fullerton: BS in Communicative Disorders
California State University Long Beach-Long Beach: BA in Speech-Language Pathology
California State University Los Angeles-Los Angeles: BA in Communicative Disorders
California State University Northridge-Northridge: BA in Speech Language Pathology
California State University Sacramento-Sacramento: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
California State University San Marcos -San Marcos: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
Loma Linda University-Loma Linda: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
San Diego State University-San Diego: BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University-San Francisco: BS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
San Jose State University-San Jose: BA in Communicative Disorders and Sciences
University of Redlands-Redlands: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of the Pacific-Stockton: BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder-Boulder: BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
University of Northern Colorado-Greeley: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Connecticut

Sacred Heart University-Fairfield: Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Minor, Accelerated BS/MS
Southern Connecticut State University-New Haven: BS in Communication Disorders
University of Connecticut-Storrs: BA in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

District of Columbia

George Washington University-Washington, DC: BA in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Minor, BS in Cognitive Science of Language

Florida

Florida State University- Tallahassee: BS in Communication Science and Disorders
Jacksonville University-Jacksonville: BS in Communication Sciences
Nova Southeastern University-Ft Lauderdale: BS in Speech Language & Communication Disorders (Fully online BS program offered)
University of Central Florida-Orlando: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Undergraduate Certificate in Language Development and Disorders
University of Florida Gainesville-Gainesville: BHS in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Fully online BHS program offered)
University of South Florida-Tampa: BA Speech-Language-Hearing Science, BA Interpreter Training, BA Deaf Studies

Georgia

Georgia Southern University (Formerly Armstrong State University)-Savannah: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Georgia-Athens: BSEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of West Georgia-Carrollton: BSEd in Speech Pathology
Valdosta State University-Valdosta: BSEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Idaho

Idaho State University-Pocatello: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Year one of pre-professional CSD courses offered online)

Illinois

Eastern Illinois University-Charleston: BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences, BA in Communication Disorders and Sciences
Elmhurst College-Elmhurst: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Governors State University-University Park: BHS in Communication Disorders
Illinois State University-Normal: BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders
Northern Illinois University-DeKalb: BS in Communicative Disorders
Northwestern University-Evanston: BS in Human Communication Sciences
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville: BA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
St. Xavier University: BA in Speech-Language Pathology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign-Champaign: BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences with Concentrations in Audiology, Cultural-Linguistic Diversity, Neuroscience of Communication, or Speech-Language Pathology
Western Illinois University-Macomb: BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Indiana

Ball State University-Muncie: BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology, BS in Pre-Audiology
Indiana State University -Terre Haute: BA in Communication Disorders, BS in Communication Disorders
Indiana University Bloomington-Bloomington: BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences, BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences
Purdue University-West Lafayette: BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Saint Mary’s College-Notre Dame: BA in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Iowa

University of Iowa-Iowa City: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Northern Iowa-Cedar Falls: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Kansas

Fort Hayes State University-Hays: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Kansas State University-Manhattan: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Kansas-Kansas City: BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences & Disorders, BGS in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences & Disorders
Wichita State University-Wichita: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Deafness and Hard of Hearing Concentration

Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University-Richmond: BS in Communication Disorders
Murray State University-Murray: BS in Communication Disorders, BA in Communication Disorders
University of Kentucky-Lexington: BHS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green: BS in Communication Disorders

Louisiana

Louisiana Technical University-Ruston: BA Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
Louisiana State University and A&M College-Baton Rouge: BA in Communication Disorders
Southeastern Louisiana University-Hammond: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Southern University and A&M-Baton Rouge: BS in Speech Pathology
University of Louisiana at Lafayette-Lafayette: BA in Speech Pathology & Audiology
University of Louisiana Monroe-Monroe: BS in Speech-Language Pathology

Maine

The University of Maine Orono-Orono: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Maryland

Loyola University Maryland-Columbia: BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Towson University-Towson: BS in Speech-Language-Pathology and Audiology, BS in Deaf Studies
University of Maryland, College Park-College Park: BA in Hearing & Speech Sciences

Massachusetts

Boston University-Boston: BS in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, BS in Deaf Studies
Bridgewater State University-Bridgewater: BSE in Special Education with Communication Disorders Concentration
Emerson College-Boston: BS in Communication Disorders
Northeastern University-Boston: BS in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
University of Massachusetts Amherst-Amherst: BS in Communication Disorders
Worchester State University-Worcester: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Michigan

Andrews University-Berrien Springs: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
Calvin College-Grand Rapids: BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology
Central Michigan University-Mount Pleasant: BS in Communication Disorders
Eastern Michigan University-Ypsilanti: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Grand Valley State University-Grand Rapids: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Wayne State University-Detroit: BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Western Michigan University-Kalamazoo: BS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Minnesota

Minnesota State University Mankato-Mankato: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Minnesota State University Moorhead-Moorhead: BS in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Cloud State University-St. Cloud: BS Communication Sciences and Disorders, BES Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Minnesota Duluth-Duluth: BAS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Minnesota-Minneapolis: BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Mississippi

Jackson State University-Jackson: BS in Communicative Disorders
Mississippi University for Women-Columbus: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
University of Mississippi-University: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The University of Southern Mississippi-Hattiesburg: BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Missouri

Fontbonne University-St. Louis: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
Maryville University-St. Louis: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Missouri State University-Springfield: BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Rockhurst University-Kansas City: BS in Speech-Language Pathology
Saint Louis University-St. Louis: BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

New Jersey

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ): Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Financial Aid and Scholarships

To fund your degree, departments offer internal and external scholarships, along with additional resources from ASHA.

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