Department of Speech Pathology

Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Xavier South Suite 510 - (504) 520-5087 - http://www.xula.edu/speechpathology/index.php

Xavier University’s Speech Pathology Program is a four-year undergraduate program that provides students a thorough pre-professional foundation in theoretical and foundational knowledge of human communication and disorders. The Program provides a didactic learning environment characterized by academic education and clinical experiences. Students complete coursework related to the acquisition of speech, language, and hearing and on the nature, prevention, evaluation, and treatment of communication disorders. Scenario-based learning is embedded into classroom instruction using projects/ observations, computer-based simulations and research. Learning activities challenge students to use analytical and critical thinking skills to solve problems related to individuals with communication disorders. Students who attain competency with these pre-clinical skills will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences in Xavier’s Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Students who successfully complete the program are awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and are prepared for graduate study in speech pathology or audiology. Students should be aware that a Master’s degree and certification/licensure are required to practice as a speech-language pathologist and a Doctorate degree and certification/licensure are required to practice as an audiologist. Service to the community and undergraduate research are two important components of each student’s academic experience in the Department.

Students who want to obtain a Provisional Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA- Provisional) License in the state of Louisiana must obtain at least 100 clinical hours and must plan their program of study with the Speech Pathology Department Head during the junior year.

Learning Outcomes

In addition to satisfying the goals of the Core Curriculum, this program is designed to:

1. provide adequate preparation for entry into a graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology;
2. provide students with an experiential learning situation (observations and clinical practicum) to facilitate transference of their theoretical knowledge into the practical situation; and
3. instill values of professionalism and awareness of providing service to others.

The department houses the Xavier University Speech and Hearing Clinic and Xavier’s Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The Speech and Hearing Clinic provides both evaluations and treatment for all types of communication disorders to students, staff and local residents. The National Student Speech, Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the national organization for graduate and undergraduate students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication. NSSLHA is the only official national student association recognized by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

The Department offers SPTH 2340  (Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism) as part of the Expansive Core Curriculum.

For degree credit, Department majors must earn a “C” or better in all of their required major courses. Except in unusual circumstances, any student who has to repeat two or more major required courses because of a grade of “D” or “F” by the middle of their junior year will not be permitted to continue as a speech pathology major. All majors are required to pass a comprehensive examination. Majors may take the comprehensive examination no more than twice in an academic year. Majors must earn a grade of “B” or better in Articulation Disorders (SPTH 3920 ), Language Disorders (SPTH 3010 ) and Introduction to Clinic (SPTH 3760 ) in order to take Clinical Practicum (SPTH 4601P /SPTH 4602P ). All majors are expected to attend all departmental meetings.

Programs

• Speech Pathology, B.S.

• Speech Pathology Minor