Speech-Language Pathology & Therapy Bachelor Degrees

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.

Top Bachelor’s Degree Programs 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. Furthermore, 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. In terms of curriculum, 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, which provides a four-year Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders. To enroll in the course, students must fulfill the prerequisites for intense writing and foreign language courses. A student must study a total of 120 credit hours. 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, and 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. Regarding the workload, 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 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.

Jackson State University – Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology operates the Central Mississippi Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic to facilitate the clinical education of students in speech-language pathology, facilitate faculty-student research, and to provide services to person with speech, language, cognitive, swallowing and/or hearing disorders in Jackson and the surrounding counties.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a world-class university known for academic excellence, incredible students, inspiring faculty, exceptional value and an amazing campus and community. You’ll receive instruction from top-notch faculty and be immersed in research, service learning, and student life activities, including internships, cultural, and study abroad opportunities.

Summary of Program Admission and Credit Requirements

• Kent State University: Minimum GPA of 3.0; a total of 120 credit hours.
• Kansas State University: 3.0 CGPA; completion of 57 credit hours for the major.
• Texas A&M International University: 3.0 GPA; a total of 120 credit hours; 80% exit test score.
• Portland State University: 180 credits must be earned by the enrolled students.