A career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist is extremely rewarding and the need for professionals in these fields is expected to increase over the next decade. Opportunities in a variety of work settings are numerous and include educational facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health, colleges and universities, private practice, and centers for persons with developmental disabilities.
The undergraduate program in speech-language pathology and audiology provides students with a scientific and clinical background for understanding communication disorders. Students acquire knowledge in basic sciences, 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.
The speech-language pathology program at SIUE operates the Speech-Language-Hearing Center, which provides intervention and assessment for children and adults with a wide range of communication problems. The first floor of the Center, located in Founders Hall, includes eight fully equipped treatment rooms and an observation suite. The audiology suite, located on the third floor of the Center, includes two sound booths and a lab area for audiological assessment and specialty hearing assessments.
Students in the undergraduate program observe, assist and assume client responsibilities in the Speech-Language-Hearing Center during their senior year. Students participate in the Speech-Language-Hearing Center as soon as they enter the program through course assignments.
An undergraduate 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 must complete graduate training to begin a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
However, career options are available for students with a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology and audiology. They include speech aide, speech assistant or speech implementer, and careers in medical sales, medical publications or rehabilitation administration. Others have pursued master’s in special education and other health-care fields.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
School of Education Student Services
Campus Box 1062, SIUE
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1062
Phone: (618) 650-3940
Fax: (618) 650-5468
soeadvise@siue.edu
Dr. Steffany Chleboun, Program Director
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
Campus Box 1147, SIUE
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1147
Phone: (618) 650-3677
schlebo@siue.edu
