Department of Speech Pathology

Division of Biological and Applied Health Sciences

Xavier South Suite 510 - (504) 520-5087 - https://www.xula.edu/department?id=speech_pathology

The Speech Pathology department offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology

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 sciences 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-language 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 Academic Advisor with approval by the 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 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).

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 “C” 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.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology is a two year, 51-credit hour program that includes 41 semester hours of academic coursework and 10 hours of clinical course work.

This program is designed to adequately prepare Speech-Language Pathologists to have the essential academic knowledge, clinical skills and reflective ethical practices that enable them to enter the profession, to become lifelong learners, to serve others, to be advocates for individuals who have communicative disorders, to understand, appreciate and respect culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and to become successful leaders within the profession of speech pathology and, more generally, in society.

The primary learning outcomes identified for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology are that graduates of the program will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and the social/behavioral sciences;
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases;
• Demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span;
• Demonstrated knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates;
• Demonstrated current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan;
• Demonstrated knowledge of standards of ethical conduct;
• Demonstrated knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice;
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary professional issues;
• Demonstrated knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice; and
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.

For more information about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathlogy and graduate program policies, visit the Graduate Programs  page.

Programs

• Speech Pathology, B.S.

• Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

• Speech Pathology Minor