The Oregon Speech-Language and Hearing Association is an organization governing all the degree programs offered at each level of education, from bachelor’s to doctoral, to advance the professional appeal of speech-language pathology and audiology through rigorous educational practices, leadership, advocacy, and multifarious collaborations. Recently, the state has expressed grave concern about the severe shortage of certified speech-language pathologists and speech therapists serving in the contemporary space of allied health sciences. 

To cover up this undersupply, the Oregon State Department of Education has increased its educational endeavors to assist universities in setting up degree programs at every level of academics. To evaluate the prevailing speech and language ailments and disorders in children and adults and propose a viable treatment and prevention methodology, several universities and colleges have come forward with their degree programs for shaping and instructing the next generation of qualified speech therapists and audiologists. 

Speech-language Pathology Programs in Oregon

Speech therapists and pathologists serving in Oregon enjoy a vibrant network of intricately connected clinical proceedings. Oregon Speech-Language Pathology and OSHA support the continuous study and upgrading of knowledge according to the modern standards and criteria set by ASHA. This article features several world-class colleges and universities offering degree programs in SLP and speech therapy. Let’s get started!

Oregon Bachelor’s Degree Programs in SLP and Speech Therapy 

Oregon has several universities extending their academic landscape to prospective allied health sciences students. Enlisted below are bachelor’s degree programs offered to high schoolers who are done with high school and are now planning a pre-professional career in speech and communication sciences. 

The University of Oregon- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and Sciences

The College of Education at the University of Oregon has set forth a four-year degree plan to inculcate the pre-professional expertise and skills needed to diagnose and treat speech disorders in children and adults. During the first and second years of college, students take prerequisite coursework, which is common to all students of the university. During the third and final years, students entirely switch to major courses. The program’s areas of concentration include developmental psychology, the function of biology in cognition, anatomical-physiological foundations, assessment and treatment techniques, professional issues, and ethical behavior.

The university has put forth the compulsion of proficiency in a second language. It also requires students to be adept at mathematics, information sciences, and computer studies. Area A of the program incorporates 54 credit hours and focuses on subjects like clinical methods, speech pathology, phonetics, phonology, later language development, audiology disorders, etc. Area B holds instructions in courses like socio-behavioral sciences, physical sciences, biological sciences, and research statistics. Area-C has 4 total credits. It offers elective courses in American Deaf Culture, Native North Americans, Biopsychology, Gender Studies, and Race and Ethnicity, among others. 

The first year incorporates 51 credit hours, which must be completed to be eligible for the second year. The second year holds 46 credit hours in total. In the third year, the credit hours decrease to 45. In the final year, students take a total of 43 credit hours, which culminate in rigorous research projects and on-site clinical practicums for gaining hands-on experience and learning. The university has no application process at the time of admission. Students must state their preferred major in their university application. Academic advisors can be contacted in case of any confusion. 

The University of Oregon- Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences

The College of Education at the University of Oregon extends its learning platform with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders to students who have majored in sciences in high school. The university has set up prerequisite course options for all freshmen and sophomores. The major course trajectory comes into action in the third and fourth years. The areas of specialization offered in this degree include acoustics, phonetics, culture in language acquisition, language and hearing impairment, professional issues in clinical settings, hearing disorders across the lifespan, and the role of environment. Students must be proficient in a second language. They should have a firm grip on subjects like mathematics, biology, and statistics. 

Students enrolled in this program can extend their course of study by admitting to a master’s program. This coalition can be completed in 5 years. As a bachelor student, learners can take up to 120 credit hours of study. However, with the 4+1 program, students need more credit hours to fulfill the requirements of the degree. In the 4+1 program, students must hold a major in communication disorders, possess a minimum of a 3.5 CGPA, and have taken social services at some rehabilitation center. It is a professional degree that allows learners to take the state licensure examination immediately after passing out. The motive of this coalition is to save precious time for students who want to start earning early. 

This program takes in transfer students from both two-year and four-year degree programs. After transferring credit hours, students can complete their majors in another two years. Community college students who hold an associate degree can work with their college advisors to map out a viable study plan. Major coursework in all the different pathways ensures instructions on subjects like autism spectrum disorder, cleft palate, language acquisition, language disorders, speech sciences, and communication impairment. Interested students can find further information online.

Portland State University- Bachelors in Speech and Hearing Sciences

A Bachelor of Arts B.A. degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Portland State University is a full-time bachelor’s program that can be pursued either online or on-campus. This decision rests solely with the candidate. Students must study a total of 180 credit hours to complete the degree successfully. The term starts in the fall. The university provides avant-garde instructions and guidance manuals to students aiming for a rewarding career as qualified speech-language pathologists striving for well-rounded therapy sessions with children and adults. In the first two years, students are made to study the foundations of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing. In the junior and senior years of college, students shift their focus to pathologies and disorders that spring up as a result of a trauma or a stroke. 

Portland State University has set up an on-campus speech and hearing clinic to perpetuate hands-on experience. The students can collaborate with the research faculty to carry on with their research in their area of interest. This program holds several electives on multiculturalism, multilingualism, disabilities, and bilingualism. Additionally, this degree aims to prepare students for the post-baccalaureate pathway. With rigorous real-world experience, students can volunteer at campus clinics and rehab centers. Most of the faculty members are highly skilled and professional, serving relentlessly for years. Graduates exiting this program bag notable positions at top-ranked colleges and universities in the country. 

With a bachelor’s degree, students can work as pre-professionals and administrators in hospitals, schools, universities, and different organizations. The job titles usually allotted to individuals with this qualification are audiology assistant, early childhood teacher, health aide, health-care administrator, social service coordinator, or research assistant. Most of the students carry on with their studies to earn a master’s degree and a license. For further information and queries, you can contact the program advisor appointed by the university to answer questions at the time of admission. 

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-language Pathology in Oregon

To facilitate distance learners who can’t spare a considerable chunk of their day studying for a degree, Portland State University has opened its online learning management system to prospective SLPs. 

Portland State University- Online Bachelors in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Portland State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences to distance learners who wish to serve clients with language, speech, and communication disorders. This degree holds ample instructions on audiology to assist pre-professionals who wish to pursue a career in AHS. The program is designed to amalgamate innovative and inventive practices with traditional theoretical approaches and practices. To hone operational learning, the department has set up practicum courses offered at a speech and hearing clinic near one’s residence where students can work under certified speech therapists and observe their proceedings. The virtual pedagogy focuses on interactive sessions and cross-questioning to clear up preliminary concepts and the foundations of the degree. 

To graduate in four years, students take an average of 45 credit hours every year to complete a total of 180 credit hours. To compensate for the count, students are made to take electives and specialization courses like Bilingualism, Multiculturalism, and Disabilities. Community college students can join this degree program by transferring their credit hours. This allows them to complete their bachelor’s degree in two years. Assignments, tasks, and all the projects are contrived and submitted online. Students need to keep a careful check on the deadlines and time limits. This online pathway can be extended to a five-year program that allows undergraduates to complete their master’s with their bachelor’s. It usually takes five years of study. If you are interested, you can join the program by filling out an online application.

Oregon Master’s Degree Programs in Speech-language Pathology (MSLP)

To earn a master’s degree, undergraduates, after completing their studies, can join a master’s program. Several colleges and universities are extending their platforms to aspiring SLPs. Let’s see what we have in stock!

The University of Oregon- Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences

The University of Oregon offers a Master of Science M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences to students endeavoring to pursue a qualification in speech sciences. This degree allows its students to satisfy the requirements set forth by ASHA certification, Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA), and Oregon State Licensure. To uphold the quality of education, students can take in-depth clinical training at the University Speech-Language-Hearing Center. The department has collaborations with off-campus clinics to facilitate students who wish to pursue professional insight into the domain. Graduates exiting this program can serve clients of all ages, ranging from infants to adults, with clinical anomalies and disorders. Certified SLPs supervise the clinical practices and education of enrolled students. 

There are several specializations that a student can pursue to acquire mastery in a particular field. These include Early Intervention, Social Communication, School-Age Speech Language, Acquired Speech Disorders, Fluency, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This program employs Charting Rational Treatment which has now recently been introduced for clinical decision-making and systematic training of enrolled students. The CRT enables students to make their clinical practice more organized and concrete. Faculty members are skilled in dispensing clear and detailed instructions on subjects to ward off any chances of inconsistency. 

In the first year, students take a total of 54 credit hours, starting the semester in the fall. The second year incorporates 46 credit hours, which again start in the fall and continue until the spring. In the end, the students take an evidence-based practice project and clinical practicum coursework on the field. The university is accepting applications until January 15th. Applicants need to provide official transcripts, letters of recommendation, extracurricular experiences, and a personal statement to be considered for admission. Financial aid can be requested at the time of admission. Interested individuals can apply by filling out an online form. The admissions advisor can be contacted to solve any confusion. 

Pacific University Oregon- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Pacific University of Oregon is a private university setting forth its School of Communication Sciences and Disorders to offer a Master of Science M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. It is a two-year program offered to full-time students. The faculty and the department administration have designed the course keeping ASHA standards in mind. The coursework is a perfect amalgam of evidence-based practice, clinical practicums, and theoretical approaches. The comprehensive curriculum propounded to students is structured in a well-rounded format, including all the essential requisites needed to hone skills and expertise. Former students report a highly supportive environment at the university. As a community, the department holds advocacy, transparency, compassion, equity, and critical inquiry to allow students to reap the maximum benefits of this degree. 

Along with the required credit hours of coursework, students must take a minimum of 400 clock hours of clinical observation. The courses offered in this program include language disorders in children, fluency disorders, communication and aging, counseling across the lifespan, and clinical methods and observation. In the final year, students take instruction on AAC and severe disabilities, acquired brain injury, progressive neurological disorders, and voice disorders. Close to passing out, students take a professional clinical practicum along with a comprehensive examination so that faculty can evaluate the academic standings of the students. During studies, students take a total of 71 credit hours along with a thesis and 68 credit hours for the non-thesis track. 

The completion of MS SLP is usually followed by the State Licensure Examination. For a license, students must complete their academic program, along with a clinical fellowship and a board exam (PRAXIS). The program itself is not licensure-granting. To enroll in this program, candidates need to submit a bachelor’s degree transcript, prerequisite coursework, observation hour certificate, and a minimum of 3.0 CGPA in bachelor’s. Students do not need to take the GRE test. Attaching three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an objective document is necessary. The university has set up an online application process. Applicants can fill out an online form. Physical submission of the documents is not required. 

Portland State University- Masters in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Portland State University has prepared a new offering in the form of a Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences to equip aspirants for a rewarding and satisfying career in helping infants, children, and adults improve their language and communication. This master’s degree program encompasses eight terms, and students must complete the entire coursework in two years. Along with theoretical practice, enrolled students take about 400 hours of clinical observation needed for certification and licensing. Enrolled students are made compassionate and empathetic in their dealings with clients with autism, cleft palate, neurological disorders, developmental anomalies, stuttering, and brain injuries. To ensure every student learns and receives equal care, the university has set up a cohort model of instruction, admitting only 20 students in a program. 

The first-year students work in close coordination with the faculty members to accompany them to their clinics and community rehabs. The second-year students work with externship advisors so that they assist students in finding the best placement opportunity aligned with a student’s needs and interests. PSU enjoys partnerships with Providence Health & Services, Oregon Health and Science University, and Portland Public Schools, among others. Students enrolled in this program can work with faculty to research foundation topics of SLP like bilingualism, autism, stuttering, respiratory problems, and swallowing. PSU also offers elective concentrations in Bilingualism and Advanced-Level Teaching to add to a person’s qualifications and skill chart. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has duly certified all of the coursework for this program.

Graduates exiting this program take clinical fellowships not only nationally but also internationally. They can seek job placements in areas like early intervention agencies, schools, colleges, universities, trauma centers, and rehabilitation centers. According to the records, the graduates of this program enjoy 100% job placement. Applications are processed online via a CSDCAS account, which allows students to fill out an online form. Applicants must attach their required credentials, like a bachelor’s degree transcript, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a professional resume. Further information can be sorted online. 

Doctorate in Speech-language Pathology (SLPD) 

Research scholars in Oregon can bag the opportunity of earning a doctorate in SLP with a Ph.D. Continue reading to explore!

The University of Oregon- Ph.D. in Communication Disorders and Sciences

The University of Oregon has once again tried to broaden its educational horizons with a Ph.D. in Communication Disorders and Sciences duly created to instruct research scholars and fellows in heaping up the necessary advanced knowledge, leadership, scholarship, and clinical competence required to excel in the sphere of university education. Enrolled researchers serve the areas of cognitive communication, monolingualism, bilingualism, multilingualism, swallowing, and language acquisition. This degree holds precedence over avant-garde practices needed to train competent scholars for the world of tomorrow. Most applicants hold a master’s degree in SLP and clinical licensure. However, the university has set no such requirement for admission. The scope of the study for this program mainly focuses on modern research methodologies, the use of technology, and designing hearing aid equipment. 

This degree is tested for instilling the much-needed skills of the modern age, such as independent judgment, intellectual honesty, rigorous scholarship, and academic excellence. Therefore, the students work in close coordination with the faculty members to encourage freedom of inquiry, foster inclusion and acceptance, and demonstrate personal integrity. There are seven major activities in this program: coursework, research papers, clinical observation, service, cultural responsibility, a doctoral portfolio, and a dissertation. The program committee supervises every step to ensure the quality and integrity of the program. The faculty expects students to foster the ability to conduct quantitative analysis, a qualitative framework, and a thorough program evaluation. In case researchers need assistance, they can take research methodology courses offered at the university. 

This degree requires a minimum of 81 credit hours, out of which 18 hours go to dissertation research, 21 hours to the primary area of specialization, 9 hours to the collateral area of interest, 18–24 hours to research methodology courses, 6 hours of teaching assistance, and another 6 hours of pre-dissertation coursework. The committee considers a student’s line of focus and area of interest during the formulation of a study plan. Professional goals and objectives are never compromised during the process. Interested students who hold their master’s degree in either speech-related subjects or any subject can apply to this program. The decision of admission is based on the interview. 

Getting licensed as a Speech Pathologist in Oregon

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist in Oregon, it’s important to understand the licensure process. Obtaining a license requires meeting specific criteria, including educational qualifications, clinical practicum, thesis or capstone project, supervised clinical experience, passing the Praxis Exam, and demonstrating English language proficiency if necessary. 

To become licensed, you must possess a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution approved by the Board and complete a clinical practicum of 400 clock hours for speech-language pathologists and 1,820 hours for audiologists. You must also earn credit for a thesis or capstone project if it’s part of your accredited graduate program and complete supervised clinical experience for not less than 1,260 hours, overseen by a Certificate of Clinical Competency holder. Additionally, you must pass the Praxis Exam in speech-language pathology and demonstrate proficiency in English if it’s not your first language.

However, exemptions are available for specific individuals, such as those holding a current teaching license with endorsements related to communication disorders, speech impairments, or hearing impairments. Designated speech-language pathology or audiology interns or trainees may also be exempt, provided they’re not compensated for their services beyond a reasonable educational stipend. 

Conclusion 

Oregon is home to a plethora of degree programs, from bachelor’s to doctoral, extending outstanding learning facilities to equip individuals with the essential knowledge needed to form a firm standing in the industry of speech-language pathology. This article has covered all the details and particulars of the mentioned degree programs that can be pursued to foster an all-encompassing approach to speech therapy and communication sciences.

Oregon Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Program	University Name	City	State	Accreditation
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of Oregon	Eugene	OR	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	Pacific University	Hillsboro	OR	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Pacific University	Forest Grove	OR	ASHA
Master's in Audiology (MS)	Portland State University	Portland	OR
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Portland State University	Portland	OR	ASHA