If speech sciences, healthcare, and assisting people through one-on-one sessions fascinate you, getting a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and therapy can help you materialize your dream. Earning a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology prepares you to establish yourself as an SLP, an occupation that helps diagnose, evaluate, and treat speech and communication disorders. This article features all the major highlights of what to expect from a traditional speech-language pathology bachelor’s program, including admission criteria, major courses, and prospective careers for graduates.
Speech-Language Pathology & Therapy Bachelor’s Degrees in the US
Enlisted below are some of the best bachelor’s degree programs offered in speech-language pathology and therapy at top-ranked colleges and universities in the US.
The University of Tulsa – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Speech Pathology
Ranked as a top private research university, the University of Tulsa offers a degree of Bachelor of Science B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Students studying communication sciences and disorders must stick to basic sciences and pre-professional courses during their undergraduate studies. Besides theoretical courses, clinical practice at language and audiology clinics during the final year is also mandatory. With a bachelor’s degree, prospective students can demonstrate their clinical proficiency and apply to either a certification program in audiology or a master’s program in speech-language pathology.
Kent State University – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Speech Pathology and Audiology
Kent State University extends a revolutionary learning experience for individuals eager to help people with communication disorders through its advanced pedagogical techniques. The coursework covers both the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing processes. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is necessary for enrollment in this program. The course consists of 8 semesters, each requiring 15 credit hours, apart from the first semester which requires 16 credit hours for a total of 120 credit hours. Graduates will be able to demonstrate their abilities by landing jobs in health and human services departments.
Kansas State University – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Communication Sciences and Disorders
The undergraduate program at Kansas State University lays the foundation for students to pursue their careers in speech-language pathology. Enrollment in this course requires a Communication Sciences and Disorders major, completion of 57 credit hours and a 3.0 CGPA. Students also get multiple research opportunities throughout the course. The program includes an introduction to phonetics, language assessment and intervention, hearing science, and anatomy of speech mechanisms. Students are also prepared for graduate study in communication disorders through the program.
Texas A&M International University – Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders
The first higher educational institution that is publicly funded is Texas A&M International University. A four-year Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders is available at the university. A student must study a total of 120 credit hours. To enroll in the course, students must fulfill the prerequisites for intense writing and foreign language courses. Only those students who maintain a 3.0 GPA acquire a degree audit and pass the exit test. A score of 80% or higher is set as a threshold to graduate. People who fail the exit test on their first try have four more chances to retake it.
Portland State University – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Speech and Hearing Sciences
Based on the vision of “learning by doing”, Portland State University offers matchless opportunities to students enrolling in Bachelor of Science degree in speech-language pathology. 180 credits must be earned by the enrolled students. The delivery method is flexible with on-campus and online classes. In this course, undergraduates learn the effects of communication disorders on the daily lives of patients by working, volunteering, and observing patients in clinics and labs. The University has strong partnerships with Oregon Health and Science University and Portland Public Schools. The graduates can work in different departments helping people with speech and hearing disorders and building a rewarding career.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Audiology and Speech Pathology
The Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology degree at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a 4-year joint program mapped out in a 3+1 format. The first 3 years are completed through UTK and the senior year is concluded through UTHSC. The coursework includes Biology, Linguistics, Math and statistics, physics, psychology, and cognitive science. This degree also allows students to get involved in research and work with professors as volunteers. Research experience helps students to build connections with professors and other students.
University of South Dakota – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Communication Sciences and Disorders
The bachelor’s in communication sciences and Disorders is offered by the University of South Dakota. Students must enroll in this 4-year program and complete 15 credits per semester. Students who want to get certified in speech-language pathology must take courses in biology, physics, psychology, and statistics. This degree prepares individuals to gain the necessary skills required in this profession. Through numerous student organizations, students can learn from speakers, attend social events, and explore their interests. The faculty at USD also supports and mentors students through individual and small groups. The university has clinics in Vermillion and Sioux Falls providing students with the opportunity to observe, evaluate, and treat patients.
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Communication Sciences and Disorders
Pennsylvania State University allows determined individuals to acquire a thorough understanding of disorders of human communication through its bachelor’s program. There are 120 credits in this program. The university stands as a prime institution that creates a solid academic foundation through hands-on experience, guiding its students to help people with speech-language pathologies. Graduates of this program can make clinical decisions, write documentation, and work in high-demand fields of education and healthcare. The exceptional faculty at Pennwest prepares students for entry-level jobs.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Communication Sciences and Disorders
Texas A&M University-Kingsville is recognized nationally and regionally for its academic and clinical training of Speech-Language Pathologists. 120–121 credits are necessary for the Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders out of which 36 hours are included in the CSDO major and 18 hours are required in psychology. The GPA requirement is 2.75 for CSDO undergraduate majors. The coursework influences students to work as a team. Additionally, this program enables participants to work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, and schools. Students can go to a master’s program to become licensed therapists or work as speech-language pathology assistants after earning their degree.
Missouri State University – Bachelor of Science B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology Track)
Students aspiring to be speech-language pathologists can be admitted to the Bachelor’s program at Missouri State University. This B.S. degree in Speech-Language Pathology is completed in 4 years and requires 121 credit hours to be taken in 8 semesters. The major admission requirements include a minimum of 3 GPA in all coursework at Missouri State University. Completion of 50 credit hours in chemistry/physics, biology/biomedical sciences, college math, and completion of the Human Cultures section of general education requirements is mandatory. Students will be able to use their knowledge of communication problems to assist individuals with speech-language pathology after completing the program.
University of Redland – Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders
With an experience of more than 50 years, the University of Redland’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders helps students develop eminence in academics and clinical practice. The Bachelor of Arts program fosters collaboration among students. This program comprises 4 years with 39-40 credit hours in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students are encouraged to take core, intermediate, and advanced courses during these 4 years. Individuals opting for the Communication Sciences and Disorders as a minor must complete 24 credit hours. Additional resources are also available to help students throughout their journey.
Truman State University – Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders
Truman State University has designed its Bachelor of Arts program that provides a framework of normal communication processes along with disorders of communication. The program has an association with Truman’s General education curriculum. Students must complete 25 clock hours of evaluation and intervention services in the Truman Speech and Hearing Clinic. A cumulative 2.50 GPA is mandatory for a Communication Disorders major. Each student must meet the required support and major requirements to complete the degree. Intermediate proficiency in one foreign language is also required. The special facilities of the program include therapy rooms, observation facilities, video recording capabilities, and an audiological testing suite.
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Communication Sciences and Disorders
The 4 years degree in Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Minnesota State University offers high-quality education and training to students in speech-language pathology. The program integrates a total of 120 credit hours with 46 major credits. Students are required to finish general courses, majors, restricted electives, and unrestricted electives. A minimum of 3.0 GPA is recommended to enroll in clinical practicum. Graduates of this program can work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.
Brigham Young University – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Communication Disorders
Brigham Young University assists students in gaining a mastery of body structures that affect language, speech, and hearing through its Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders. This is a four-year program. Before applying to the major, students must complete four pre-major courses in descriptive acoustics of music and speech, human anatomy, an introduction to speech-language pathology, and concepts of statistics. The BS degree requires taking 58 credit hours in required major courses. At the end of the program, students will be able to use technology to collect data and treat patients with communication disorders
California State University East Bay – Bachelor of Science B.S. In Speech Pathology and Audiology
California State University East Bay offers a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. This rich 4-year interdisciplinary program trains students in speech pathology and helps them accomplish their career interests. The degree requires 120 units in total that incorporate 59 major units, 48 General education units, and 13 free electives units. Students enrolled in this program can observe, obtain training, and do research in clinical settings. The University’s special programs include the award-winning Aphasia treatment program and the Conversation Club. Graduates can signify their skills in working collaboratively with fellows and professionals.
Loma Linda University – Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The speech-language pathology program at Loma Linda University starts in autumn and is based on 2 years supplemented with prerequisite coursework. The admission requirements include 64 semester units in general education, a minimum GPA of 3, official transcripts, and 3 letters of recommendation. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has granted accreditation to the university. Once students complete theoretical courses they can start placement for practical experience. As a graduate of this program, individuals can fulfill their roles in society by helping patients with speech-language disorders recover their communication skills.
University of North Texas – Bachelor of Arts in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Bachelors from North Texas is a preprofessional degree for those aspirants who want to pursue a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. This degree program provides preparation for normal development in speech, hearing, and language, courses related to communication disorders, as well as effective remedies. The program emphasizes the clinical and therapeutic techniques involved in diagnosing and curing disorders of speech and hearing handicaps. Masters as well as Ph. D.s produce highly skillful individuals who can meet academic as well as clinical requirements. The Department of Speech-Language and Pathology assures to provide effective and finest education in both departments maintaining an excellent Art and Science pre-professional undergraduate degree
Boston University – BS in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences/MS in Speech-Language Pathology
BS/MS in Speech-Language Pathology is specifically designed for motivated and academically qualified graduates who are committed to pursuing a career in the SLP. Graduates in their first semester require an overall GPA of 3.75 in courses as well as in natural sciences. The program also involves psychology courses and neurosciences with a minimum of 54 credits. Students who have selected speech-language sciences as a major subject can satisfy BU Hub’s requirements in quantitative reasoning, scientific communication, social diversity global citizenship, and civic engagement.
Texas Christian University – BS in Speech-Language Pathology
The purpose of graduation in speech-language pathology is to provide well-rounded knowledge to young graduates. This program encourages teachers and graduates to think critically, analyze the disabilities of individuals, and inquire scientifically. It enhances the ability to work in a global community that helps prepare for excellence in the career of communicating sciences and speech-related disorders. The B.S. from the Davies School requires 124 semester hours. TCU Core Curriculum undergraduates who take a major in speech-language pathology must enroll in a biology, chemistry, or physics course. Overall credit hours to be registered are 18 hours of particular coursework.
St. John’s University – Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
St. John’s University prepares young intellectual graduates to excel in the growing field of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The university has two particular campuses: St. John’s Queen and Staten Island campus. Both these campuses provide bachelor’s degrees in pathology and audiology. Speech-language pathologists are professionals who diagnose, assess, treat, and help prevent disorders and disabilities related to speech, language, voice, swallowing, fluency, and cognitive communication. Audiologists are the professionals who treat, diagnose, and help prevent hearing and balance problems.
Ball State University – Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology
B.A. and B.S. offered at Ball State University dispense instructions in speech, cognitive thinking, and swallowing disorders. The focus point of this program is human communication and its disorders. The bachelor’s degree program includes courses like speech, pathology, anatomy, sound, acoustics, phonology, psychology, and disorders related to speech development, language development, and hearing disorders. The credit hours for this program are up to 67 hours.
The University of Akron – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
The School of Speech-Language and Audiology offers an exclusive bachelor’s program in both speech and audiology. The university ensures the building of skillful and intellectual educators who can excel in their respective fields. The study scheme is designed to prepare individuals to evaluate and treat hearing, speech, language, and communication disorders. This program is available in hybrid, online, and in-person delivery formats for the convenience of the young graduated teachers who are required to complete the observation and clinical techniques. Minimum Credit hours are 25 hours of supervised observation to meet the pre-graduation level requirement. For further information and queries, visit the university website now!
Conclusion
Earning a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology imparts high-quality instructions and directives to individuals aiming to pursue a master’s degree in SLP or take a certification examination. Certified SLPs can serve as audiologists, speech pathologists, and language therapists. If you’re striving to make a mark in the realm of SLPs, continue with a bachelor’s degree in SLP to join the bandwagon now!