Communication Sciences & Disorders Undergraduate Programs - Oxley College of Health Sciences
Undergraduate & Graduate Programs

Communication Sciences & Disorders Undergraduate Programs

Professionals in the field of communication disorders evaluate, treat and conduct research into human communication and swallowing disorders. These disorders result from causes such as stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, cleft palate, cerebral palsy or emotional problems.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby boomer population ages, the need for professionals who can address speech and language impairments is expected to increase.

Undergraduate students follow a sequence of basic science and pre-professional courses during their undergraduate study and participate in a clinical practicum at the onsite speech, language and hearing clinic during their senior year.  This degree prepares undergraduate majors to apply for either a master’s program in speech-language pathology or a doctorate in audiology (AuD).

Students who complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech-language pathology at The University of Tulsa will have the academic and clinical practicum requirements for Oklahoma state licensure, Oklahoma school certification and certification by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    1. Demonstrate knowledge of normal processes in the development of speech and language comprehension and production that approaches the standard of achievement outlined by ASHA, by recognizing and recalling facts and understanding what the facts mean.

    2. Demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders that approaches the standard of achievement outlined by ASHA, by recognizing and recalling facts and understanding and applying the facts, concepts, and ideas as related to persons with communication and swallowing disorders.

    3. Demonstrate knowledge of clinical methods, clinical skills and ethics related to intervention with clients who are diagnosed with communication and swallowing disorders that approaches the standard of achievement outlined by ASHA, by recognizing and recalling facts and understanding and applying the facts, concepts, and ideas as related to persons with communication and swallowing disorders.

     

  • Degree Options

    Speech-language Pathology, B.S.S.P.

    Prepares students for graduate study since the master’s degree is the entry level into the profession.

    Speech-language Pathology Minor

    Non-majors interested in learning more about speech-language are encouraged to add it as a minor.

    Early Intervention Minor

    An interdisciplinary minor for students who plan to work with young children with special needs and their families. It is recommended for, but not limited to, students in communication disorders, education, nursing, and psychology.

  • Undergraduate Admission/Retention

    Students qualifying for admission to the university are admissible to the undergraduate program in communication sciences and disorders. Retention requires majors to earn at least a grade of C in all program courses taken. Courses may be repeated, if necessary, to meet this requirement. Students with less than a 3.0 grade point average in speech-language pathology courses will enroll in clinical practicum if recommended by faculty. Failure to pass the practicum course will result in non-recommendation for graduate study in speech-language pathology study. Admission to the master’s program in speech-language pathology at The University of Tulsa is not guaranteed to undergraduate majors.