Special Education & Communication Disorders

Undergraduate Programs

Speech-Language Pathology and  Audiology

Program Overview
Admission Information

Program Overview
Undergraduate courses in speech-language pathology and audiology provide students with a scientific and clinical background for understanding communication disorders. Students acquire knowledge in science basics, normal processes and the development of speech, language and hearing. Students also study disorders of speech, language and hearing, review assessment methods and procedures in communication disorders and engage in clinical practicum.

A degree in speech-language pathology and audiology provides pre-professional training for students wishing to enter graduate school and pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Students are also prepared for a variety of other career options.

Career options are available for students with a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology and audiology. They include speech aide, speech assistant, or speech implementer. Some students with a bachelor's degree have found careers in medical sales, medical publications or rehabilitation administration. Others have pursued master's degrees in other areas including special education, other health-care fields, and some have entered medical school.

Admission Information - application for Admission (pdf)
Undergraduate requirements to declare

1. A 3.0 cumulative GPA
2. 42 hours of college level course work
3. Approval of admission from the program

Admission to the program
Admission to the program is a competitive process and not all applicants will be admitted. Students must submit the following information to the program:

1. A 200-word self statement
2. A one-page resume
3. Transcripts (Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be forwarded as part of the application including SIUE)
4. Application for Admission

Applications for admission are accepted twice a year. Applications must be received by January 30th of Spring semester or by June 1st of Summer semester for the following Fall declaration.

Students must have 42 hours of college-level credit in order to enroll in SPPA 201. SPPA 201 is offered to majors as well as non-majors.

Students with 60 hours or more of college-level credit may enroll in SPPA 201, 231, and 320 in the fall semester after they have been approved for admission by the program.

Retention Policy
Students must maintain a 3.0 G.P.A. to remain in the program. In addition, students must receive a B or better in SPPA 201: Introduction to Human Communication and Its Disorders and grades of C or higher in all other course work required for the major to remain in the program.

1. Child Development
2. Biological Science
3. Physical Science
4. Statistics