Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (BA, BS)

Overview

At SIUE, speech-language pathology and audiology courses provide students the scientific background for understanding communication disorders, including:  

• Speech and hearing science
• Normal processes 
• Development of speech, language and hearing
• Disorders of speech, language and hearing
• Assessment methods and treatment procedures in communication disorders 

The field of speech-language pathology and audiology is broad, and there are many opportunities to further support and expand student experiences. At SIUE, students are encouraged to pursue minors and take elective courses that will establish a strong science and liberal arts background, which provides a competitive edge in graduate school and in the workforce. Complementary minors include: 

• Psychology
• Linguistics
• Foreign language 
• Health science
• And others 

What can I do with a degree in speech-language pathology and audiology?

With a projected growth rate of 19% through 2022, certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists are in high-demand and are employed in a variety of settings:

• Hospitals
• Community clinics
• Schools
• Private practice
• Colleges and universities
• State and federal agencies
• Rehabilitation centers
• Nursing homes

Many of our students choose to continue their education and pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology and audiology, which leads to licensure and certification, and the opportunity to practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

Students graduating with an undergraduate degree will be prepared for careers in:

• Private business and industry
  • Augmentative and alternative communication sales
• Assistive technology
• Medical sales
• Medical publications
• Research
• Hearing aid dispensing

Graduates are eligible to apply to graduate programs in speech-language pathology or audiology. Graduates may also be eligible to apply to graduate programs such as Deaf education, applied behavior analysis, and other related programs.

Hands-on Learning/Facilities

Hands-on Learning
Numerous hands-on learning opportunities are available to students in the speech-language pathology and audiology program. Undergraduate students are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities with faculty either through volunteering or as part of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA).

Two undergraduate elective courses are offered in the curriculum. All students who want to gain hands-on experience supporting people with hearing loss in the community and/or children who attend Riverbend Head Start centers for early childhood education in Madison county are encouraged to enroll in one or both of these electives.

Facilities

Instructional Materials Center
The Instructional Materials Center is a faculty and student resource center for the speech-language pathology and audiology program.

Speech-Language Hearing Center
The Speech-Language-Hearing Center provides diagnostic and treatment services for adults and children as young as age 2 with a wide range of communication needs. Communication needs include speech, language, hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, cognition, fluency and voice.

The Center includes nine, fully-equipped treatment rooms and an observation suite. The audiology suite includes a sound booth and lab area for audiological assessment and specialty hearing assessments. Students assume a participative role in the Center as soon as they enter the graduate speech-language pathology program.

 For more information, contact the Speech-Language Hearing Center: slhc-information@siue.edu or 618-650-5623.

Student Organizations and Mentoring

Student Organization (NSSLHA)

What is NSSLHA?

The National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is a national organization for students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior. The SIUE chapter of NSSLHA provides gathering opportunities for pre-professional speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Why join the SIUE chapter of NSSLHA?

• Meet other students in the program
• Gain access to academic resources
• Make professional connections
• Participate and get involved in community outreach programs
• Build your resume

 Contact siuensslha@gmail.com or Allison Sauerwein at allsaue@siue.edu for more information.

SIUE Chapter of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH)

What is NBASLH?

The National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing is the premier professional and scientific association addressing the communication interests and concerns of Black communication science and disorders professionals, students and consumers. The SIUE chapter of NBASLH provides students with opportunities to collaborate, fundraise and network with other Black students who are interested in the study of communication disorders. 

Why join the SIUE chapter of NBASLH?

• Meet other Black students in the program and be part of an active and supportive cohort
• Participate and get involved in community outreach programs
• Build your resume
• Receive a discounted rate to the Annual Convention
• Receive a discounted rate for the NBASLH National Speech-Language Pathology Exam (PRAXIS) Review Course at the Annual Convention
• Get access to the Journal of the National Black Association for Speech-Langauge and Hearing (JNBASLH) and Resound, NBASLH's national newsletter

Contact Steffany Chleboun at schlebo@siue.edu for more information.

Mentoring

All undergraduate students are assigned a faculty mentor who supports them throughout the undergraduate program. We provide student peer mentoring opportunities for all students who are interested.

Leveling Plan

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field can complete selected coursework to prepare them to apply to graduate school in speech-language pathology or audiology. Students have the option of completing the coursework in one or two years. Completion of the leveling option provides students with the prerequisites necessary to apply for graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology, but does not result in a second bachelor’s degree. 

Leveling Plan of Study (Recommended)

Fall Semester
(3) SPPA 231 Phonetics
(3) SPPA 210 Fundamentals of Language Analysis
(3) SPPA 220 Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech & Hearing Mechanism
(3) SPPA 361 Basic Audiometry

Spring Semester
(3) SPA 312 Normal Lang & Speech
(3) SPPA 321 Hearing Science
(3) SPPA 322 Speech Science
(3) SPPA 397 Neuroanatomy and Physiology
(3) SPPA 471 Aural Rehabilitation

Optional Coursework
SPPA 101 Human Communication & Its Disorders
SPPA 441 Articulation Disorders
SPPA 442 Speech Disorders
SPPA 444 Language Disorders
SPPA 446 Clinical Observations & Procedures in Communication Disorders

In addition to the above recommended courses, students should complete coursework in biological science, physical science (PHYS 111 or chemistry), statistics and social/behavioral science. Acceptance of coursework that is 10 years or older is at the discretion of the faculty. 

Students who already have a bachelor's degree and seek a second undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology and audiology will be required to meet additional SIUE requirements. These students will follow the traditional plan of study. 

Faculty

Through excellence in teaching, research and service, our faculty members work with students in and out of the classroom to engage and prepare them for successful careers in the health sciences. Our faculty members hold doctoral degrees from universities throughout the country and utilize a variety of teaching methods to provide an exceptional learning experience for students. Faculty members have extensive experience supervising award-winning, student-led research, which is presented at numerous national, regional and local conferences each year.

Faculty in the speech-language pathology and audiology program foster students' ability to understand and meet professional responsibilities by modeling respect and value for diversity. Students are encouraged to create and engage in practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect, and a valuing of the forms of diversity that exist in society and their importance in learning and working with a variety of individuals. Our faculty members are dedicated to supporting all students, regardless of economic or social status, and advocates for the rights of students free from discrimination based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, ability or age. 

View current faculty.