Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences B.A.
Program description
Language plays a central role in human communication, serving as a conduit for expressing personal, regional, social, and cultural identities. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Speech-Language-Hearing sciences (SLHS) stands as an internationally recognized, comprehensive, science-based degree program that offers students a broad liberal arts education in an interdisciplinary field of study.
The curriculum of SLHS encompasses the physical, biological, and socio-behavioral aspects that influence the production and comprehension of speech and language. While these processes are often taken for granted, disruptions caused by disease, birth-related issues, or aging can significantly impact an individual's life. The field of speech-language-hearing sciences defines the parameters of normal and disordered communication, laying the research foundation for diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The SLHS program uniquely merges science, language, and communication, offering students exceptional academic preparation. It caters to those interested in physical and biological sciences, providing insights into linguistic, psychological, and neurophysiological theories and methods for diagnosing and treating voice, speech, language, and hearing disorders throughout a person's lifespan. This foundational knowledge opens pathways to diverse career opportunities, including roles such as speech-language pathologist, audiologist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, vocal coach, researcher, instructor, manager, or director in related fields.
The program requirements for the SLHS major fulfill a number of the University’s Liberal Education (LE) requirements. Major students also have multiple options to meet the LE requirement by taking courses in related fields such as psychology, education, humanities, and social sciences. The SLHS major encourages exploration of the discipline through classes, research laboratories, and clinical observations. The major project course provides students with a service-learning opportunity, allowing hands-on experience and the application of learned concepts in a real-world setting. Collaborating with over 300 non-profit organizations in the community, students actively contribute to meaningful projects.
The curriculum of SLHS encompasses the physical, biological, and socio-behavioral aspects that influence the production and comprehension of speech and language. While these processes are often taken for granted, disruptions caused by disease, birth-related issues, or aging can significantly impact an individual's life. The field of speech-language-hearing sciences defines the parameters of normal and disordered communication, laying the research foundation for diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The SLHS program uniquely merges science, language, and communication, offering students exceptional academic preparation. It caters to those interested in physical and biological sciences, providing insights into linguistic, psychological, and neurophysiological theories and methods for diagnosing and treating voice, speech, language, and hearing disorders throughout a person's lifespan. This foundational knowledge opens pathways to diverse career opportunities, including roles such as speech-language pathologist, audiologist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, vocal coach, researcher, instructor, manager, or director in related fields.
The program requirements for the SLHS major fulfill a number of the University’s Liberal Education (LE) requirements. Major students also have multiple options to meet the LE requirement by taking courses in related fields such as psychology, education, humanities, and social sciences. The SLHS major encourages exploration of the discipline through classes, research laboratories, and clinical observations. The major project course provides students with a service-learning opportunity, allowing hands-on experience and the application of learned concepts in a real-world setting. Collaborating with over 300 non-profit organizations in the community, students actively contribute to meaningful projects.
Program last updated
Fall 2024