Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences provides students with the foundational background to function in a changing health care landscape.
Upon graduation, students are equipped to pursue graduate degrees in speech-language pathology and audiology. Descriptions of these two vital members of the health care team are located in the career section below. Graduates may choose to use these skills by assuming positions as a speech-language pathology assistant, research assistant or patient care advocate.
While pursuing a bachelor's degree in speech, language and hearing sciences, students observe adults and children with various speech, language and auditory disorders. After completing the required courses, students have an opportunity to participate in an elective clinical practicum. Many students also choose to study abroad.
Curriculum Overview
SLU’s speech, language and hearing sciences (SLHS) program requires 38 credits of speech, language and hearing sciences coursework along with the required credits of theÌýcore curriculum. It also requires 25 credits of clinical observation and completion of a capstone project.
Requirements for the degree include:
- 3.00 cumulative GPA
- 25 hours of clinical observation
- Capstone project
- A minimum of 120 credits (33 credits from the core curriculum in addition to 38 credits required for the major)
All students in the program experience guided observation of adults and children with various speech, language and hearing disorders. In addition, undergraduate students meeting all prerequisites can participate in an elective clinical practicum, typically done in the second semester of their senior year.
Clinical and Research Opportunities
SLU undergraduate students in speech, language and hearing sciences are encouraged to participate in research activities, either faculty-guided independent research or as a research assistant. Such activities provide learning experiences outside the classroom and serve to focus interest in the discipline. In addition to enriching the undergraduate curriculum, engaging in research is a valuable way to prepare for graduate studies.
Students will observe adults and children with various speech, language and auditory disorders at SLU'sÌýReinert Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. Following the completion of required courses, students also have an opportunity to participate in an elective clinical practicum.Ìý
The senior-year capstone course allows students to actively participate in speech, language and hearing sciences research.
Careers
Speech-language pathologists typically need a master’s degree to practice.ÌýMost speech-languageÌýpathologistsÌýwork in schools or health care facilities.ÌýSpeech-language pathologistsÌýhelp prevent, identify, assess and provide treatment for communication and swallowing disorders to improve outcomes and quality of life of the client and their families.ÌýThese include language development, acquired language disorders, stuttering, and voice and articulation disorders.ÌýDisorders related to literacy also have become an area of focus for speech-language pathologists.ÌýSpeech-language pathologists serve children and adults, and work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, private practices and private clinics such as the Â鶹´«Ã½ Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
A doctoral degree (either a Ph.D. or an Au.D.) is required for audiologists entering the profession. Most audiologists work in health care facilities. An undergraduate degree in speech, language and hearing sciences can also act as preparation for other professional degrees such as medicine, special education or public health. Those not wishing to pursue an additional degree can practice as a speech-language pathology assistant in many states with a B.A. in communication sciences and disorders. Furthermore, some graduates have jobs as research assistants or patient care advocates with a bachelor's degree alone.
Speech-language pathology and audiology professions offer excellent employment opportunities. The average speech pathologist salary in Missouri isÌý$87,290Ìýas of November 2023, but the range typically falls betweenÌý$79,990ÌýandÌý$94,790.ÌýSpeech-language pathologists and audiologists are employed in various settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation agencies and private clinics or practices.
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First-year Admission Requirements
All applicants are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration of all submitted credentials. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
- High school diploma or acceptable score on the General Educational Development test (GED)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
- Â鶹´«Ã½ has moved to a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in the admission process.Ìý
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer applicants are encouraged to meet with the department to evaluate their transcripts. A 2.50 cumulative GPA is required.
Pre-Select SLHS Admission Option
Â鶹´«Ã½'s Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Pre-Select Program offers an exclusive opportunity for juniors at SLU to be guaranteed a position in the speech, language and hearing sciences graduateÌýprogram after graduation. This option aims to provide qualified SLU undergraduate students the opportunity to apply for early admission into the SLU speech, language and hearing sciences master’s program during their junior year and be granted direct admission into the program, allowing students to bypass the CSDCAS online application and the GRE.
Criteria for Current SLU Students
- Minimum of 3.50 cumulative GPA and must maintain until graduation
- A grade of "C" or better in all SLHS major courses
- A personal statement letter
- Recommendations from two SLHS faculty
Students admitted can take SLHS 4650/5100 (Counseling) or SLHS 4600/5880 (Advanced Audiology) at graduate-level credit in their senior year.Ìý
Students who have transferred into SLU’s SLHS department are eligible to apply for the pre-select admission option after completing a minimum of two full-time semesters at Â鶹´«Ã½ and meeting the other criteria listed above.
Application Process
- Attend the pre-select interest meeting in the spring to review the admission requirements and discuss the application process.
- Complete the SLHS pre-select admission form during the spring semester of junior year, no later than April 15, for pre-admission the following year. Forms are available from the undergraduate program director.
- Two recommendations using a standard recommendation form are required from Â鶹´«Ã½ SLHS faculty who can attest to your academic and/or professional attributes and support your application for the pre-select program.
- A letter of application with a personal statement including professional interests, goals, personal attributes, etc., that supports your candidacy for the SLHS pre-select program should be included.
- A statement of intent will be included after you are sent a verification statement of your early admittance to the SLHS graduate program. This is submitted by March 30 of senior year.
Applicants will receive written notification of acceptance or rejection into the SLHS pre-select program no later than May 30 of junior year. Failure to complete academic and graduation requirements will compromise pre-select admissions.
Tuition
Tuition | Cost Per Year |
---|---|
Undergraduate Tuition | $54,760 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Â鶹´«Ã½ education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
Â鶹´«Ã½ makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
Leveling Option
The leveling option is designed for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology and already have a baccalaureate degree in a different discipline. The curriculum (29 credits) of the leveling option is based on the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences undergraduate curriculum and is designed to provide the courses necessary to apply to a graduate program in one of these professions.Ìý
Accreditation
For more information about the SLU speech, language, and hearing sciences program's student outcomes data (completion rates, Praxis exam pass rates, and employment rates), CAA complaint policy and accreditation information, please see theÌýstudent outcome data and accreditation information below.
View Student Outcome Data and Accreditation Information (PDF)Ìý
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the marginalized status of individuals with disabilities.
- Graduates will be able to identify how students' actions can impact their professional decisions with ethical consequences.
- Graduates will be able to apply the principles of evidence-based research to understand typical speech and language development.
- Graduates will be able to apply the principles of evidence-based practice to identify acceptable treatment methodologies.
Students in SLU's speech, language and hearing sciences undergraduate program take the following courses:
Standard
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
BIOLÌý1260 | General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter | 3 |
orÌýBIOLÌý1240 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution | |
CHEMÌý1000 | Chemistry and the Environment (or any general chemistry course) | 3 |
orÌýCHEMÌý1080 | Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture | |
CMMÌý1200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
PSYÌý1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
STATÌý1100 | Introduction to Statistics (satisfies COREÌý3200) | 3 |
orÌýMATHÌý1300X | Elementary Statistics with Computers | |
SLHS Courses | ||
SLHSÌý2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
SLHSÌý2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
SLHSÌý2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
SLHSÌý3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
SLHSÌý3200 | Speech & Hearing Science | 3 |
SLHSÌý3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
SLHSÌý4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
SLHSÌý4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
SLHSÌý4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
SLHSÌý4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
SLHSÌý4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
SLHSÌý4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
SLHSÌý4800 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
orÌýSLHSÌý4050 &ÌýSLHSÌý4060 | Research Seminar and Research Practicum | |
General Electives | 38 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Continuation Standards
- All speech, language and hearing sciences courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher in order to count for the major (courses may only be taken twice).
- Students must maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA as freshmen and sophomores, a 2.75 cumulative GPA as juniors, a 2.90 cumulative GPA as seniors and a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to graduate.
- Students will be dismissed from the program if they are on probation for three semesters and do not meet the GPA requirements.
SLHS Scholars
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
BIOLÌý1260 | General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter | 3 |
CHEMÌý1000 | Chemistry and the Environment (or any general chemistry course) | 3 |
orÌýCHEMÌý1080 | Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture | |
CMMÌý1200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
PSY XXXX | Psychology Elective: satisfies 3600 | 3 |
STATÌý1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
SLHS Courses | ||
SLHSÌý2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
SLHSÌý2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
SLHSÌý2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
SLHSÌý3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
SLHSÌý3200 | Speech & Hearing Science | 3 |
SLHSÌý3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
SLHSÌý4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
SLHSÌý4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
SLHSÌý4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
SLHSÌý4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
SLHSÌý4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
SLHSÌý4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
SLHSÌý4600 | Advanced Audiology | 2 |
orÌýSLHSÌý4900 | Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment | |
SLHSÌý4700 | Clinical Practicum | 2 |
SLHSÌý4800 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
orÌýSLHSÌý4050 &ÌýSLHSÌý4060 | Research Seminar and Research Practicum | |
General Electives | 35 | |
Total Credits | 121 |
Program Notes
- SLHS Scholars must enroll inÌýSLHSÌý4600 Advanced Audiology (2 cr)ÌýorÌýSLHSÌý4900 Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment (2 cr)Ìýas an advanced course senior year and enroll inÌýSLHSÌý4700 Clinical Practicum (2 cr)Ìýduring the spring of their senior year.
- SLHS Scholars must obtain at least 15 clinical clock hours (SLHSÌý4700 Clinical Practicum (2 cr)) and 25 observation hours (SLHSÌý4350 Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD (1 cr)).
Continuation Standards
SLHS ScholarsÌýmust maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA through completion of the bachelor's degree and obtain a "B" or higher in all required SLHS Scholars courses.ÌýIf the Scholar fails to meet the above requirements, they will not be able to continue in the SLHS Scholars Program. In this case, they would move to the Standard Track and still be eligible to apply to the post-baccalaureate SLHS Program through the Pre-Select or standard application method.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Standard
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
STATÌý1100 or MATHÌý1300X |
Introduction to Statistics or Elementary Statistics with Computers |
3 |
SLHSÌý1000 | Introduction to Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences | 3 |
COREÌý1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community | 1 |
ENGLÌý1500 | The Process of Composition (If received 25 or higher on ACT, can take elective instead) | 3 |
COREÌý1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar | 2-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 12-13 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
CHEMÌý1000 or CHEMÌý1080 |
Chemistry and the Environment or Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture |
3 |
COREÌý1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
IPEÌý2100 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context | 3 |
COREÌý1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
SLHSÌý2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
BIOLÌý1240 or BIOLÌý1260 |
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution or General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter |
3 |
COREÌý1900 | Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication | 3 |
HCEÌý2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics (Or Elective) | 3 |
EDUCÌý1300 | Exceptional Learners (Or Elective) | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 17 |
Spring | ||
Option to Study Abroad this Semester | Ìý | |
SLHSÌý2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
COREÌý3600 | Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences (Choose any Psychology course that meets this UUC attribute) | 3 |
COREÌý2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
HSCIÌý2500 or EDFÌý2240 |
Human Development across the Lifespan or Growth Development and Learning |
3 |
COREÌý3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
COREÌý2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
Ìý | Credits | 14-15 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
SLHSÌý3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
SLHSÌý3200 | Speech & Hearing Science | 3 |
SLHSÌý4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
EDSPÌý3700 | Intro to Disabilities Studies (Or Elective) | 3 |
XXXX | Minor Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
SLHSÌý4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
PSYÌý3210 | Developmental Psych: Child (Or Elective) | 3 |
CMMÌý1200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
SLHSÌý4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
SLHSÌý4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
SLHSÌý4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
HSCIÌý2200 | Medical Terminology (Or Elective) | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 16 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
SLHSÌý4700 | Clinical Practicum (Or Elective that meets UUC Reflection-in-Action attribute) | 2 |
SLHSÌý4800 or SLHSÌý4050 and SLHSÌý4060 |
Senior Seminar or Research Seminar and Research Practicum |
2 |
SLHSÌý4600 or SLHSÌý4900 |
Advanced Audiology or Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment |
2 |
SLHSÌý4650 | Counseling | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15 |
Ìý | Total Credits | 125-127 |
Program Notes
Minimum credits for graduation is 120; the SLHS major requires 38 SLHS credits. Students may choose three credits of elective SLHS courses to meet the 38 required credits from a variety of SLHS electives: SLHSÌý1420 Deaf Culture and Sign Language (2 cr), SLHSÌý4600 Advanced Audiology (2 cr), SLHSÌý4700 Clinical Practicum (2 cr), or SLHSÌý4900 Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment (2 cr).
SLHS Scholars
The SLHS Scholars track is no longer admitting students beginning Fall 2025.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
STATÌý1100 or MATHÌý1300X |
Introduction to Statistics or Elementary Statistics with Computers |
3 |
SLHSÌý1000 | Introduction to Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences | 3 |
COREÌý1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar | 2-3 |
COREÌý1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community | 1 |
ENGLÌý1500 | The Process of Composition (If received 25 or higher on ACT, can take elective instead) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 12-13 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
CHEMÌý1000 or CHEMÌý1080 |
Chemistry and the Environment or Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture |
3 |
COREÌý1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
COREÌý1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
IPEÌý2100 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context | 3 |
XXXX | Minor Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
SLHSÌý2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
BIOLÌý1240 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution | 3 |
ENGLÌý1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
HCEÌý2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
EDUCÌý1300 | Exceptional Learners | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 17 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
XXXX | Psychology Elective: satisfies COREÌý3600 | 3 |
COREÌý2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
HSCIÌý2500 or EDFÌý2240 |
Human Development across the Lifespan or Growth Development and Learning |
3 |
COREÌý3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
COREÌý2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
Ìý | Credits | 14-15 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
SLHSÌý3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
SLHSÌý3200 | Speech & Hearing Science | 3 |
SLHSÌý4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
EDSPÌý3700 | Intro to Disabilities Studies (Or Elective) | 3 |
PSYÌý3210 | Developmental Psych: Child | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
SLHSÌý4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
CMMÌý1200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
Minor Elective | 3 | |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
SLHSÌý4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
SLHSÌý4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
SLHSÌý4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
HSCIÌý2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
XXXX | Minor Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Minor Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 16 |
Spring | ||
SLHSÌý4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
SLHSÌý4700 | Clinical Practicum | 2 |
SLHSÌý4800 or SLHSÌý4050 and SLHSÌý4060 |
Senior Seminar or Research Seminar and Research Practicum |
2 |
SLHSÌý4600 or SLHSÌý4900 |
Advanced Audiology or Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment |
2 |
SLHSÌý4650 | Counseling | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15 |
Ìý | Total Credits | 122-124 |
Program Notes
SLHS Scholars must enroll in SLHS 4700 Clinical Practicum
Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý