Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

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 may also be eligible to apply to graduate programs such as applied behavior, college student personnel or social work.

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 the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program.

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 program through course assignments.

The Center also serves members of the community who are non-native speakers of English and would like to improve their American English pronunciation. Accent modification sessions are individualized and focus on improving the intelligibility and naturalness of clients' spoken English.

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

Student Groups and Professional Organizations

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
Membership is only $15 per year

Contact siuensslha@gmail.com for more information.

Why join national NSSLHA?

$60 per year
Full access to ASHA publications and other student resources
Eligibility for scholarships through the ASH Foundation
Discounted ASHA Special Interest Group Membership
Receive a discount when you apply for ASHA certification
For more information visit nsslha.org

Annual Events

NSSLHA Trivia Night: Each year, faculty, students, family and friends of those in the speech-language pathology and audiology program raise money for the SIUE Speech-Language-Hearing Center. Come bid on baskets and other goodies in the silent auction and challenge faculty members in a game of trivia. The banquet is a fund night to spend with faculty and friends!

Scholarships: The SIUE NSSLHA organization also offers scholarships for speech-language pathology majors or graduate students. The Traci Storey Memorial Scholarship is awarded each spring to help support students pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist. Talk to an NSSLHA officer or email siuensslha@gmail.com 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.

Purpose of SIUE NBASLH

Promote an increase in the number of Black speech, language and hearing professionals
Provide a safe and supportive environment for Black SPPA students
Solicit and provide mentoring support of Black students and professionals in communication science disorders
Explore and disseminate information on communication disorders and differences specific to the Black community

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 Kathryn Brady at kbrady@siue.edu for more information.

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.