The BS degree in Speech Pathology provides students with the foundational knowledge required to pursue graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. A graduate degree is the entry level credential for the either field and is required for national certification and state licensure. Students in the Speech Pathology major will accumulate their first 25 clock hours toward certification through successful completion of experiences in their Observation of Clinical Services course (SPA 345). In the Speech Pathology undergraduate program, students gain in-depth knowledge of normal neurological/physical anatomy and physiology for communication and hearing, knowledge of communication development, skills in transcription and analysis of speech and language, and introductory knowledge of lifespan communication disorders. Clinical experiences and service learning opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real world settings.<br><br>Major specific courses are complemented by coursework in biological, physical, and social sciences, statistics, linguistics, human development, and interviewing and counseling. Additionally, students have the opportunity to strengthen breadth or depth of knowledge in related areas of study such as education and human development, community health sciences, psychology, biology, social work, according to their own personal interests. Mentored research opportunities are also available to Speech Pathology undergraduates.<br>Students will be able to:<br>have an entry-level understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism.<br>have an entry-level understanding of the normal processes of speech and language development.<br>have an entry-level understanding of diagnostic and treatment methods in Communication Disorders.