Enjoy a tight-knit community and utilize an on-campus clinic as you prepare for a career as a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist.
Saint Louis University's Paul C. Reinert, S.J. Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic has been serving the St. Louis community for more than 50 years. It provides clinical services to people with speech, language or hearing problems. The clinic operates as a no-fee clinic, allowing us to serve a wide range of clientele who may otherwise not have the resources to afford assessment or treatment. There are five components to the clinic: speech and language, audiology, early childhood language and literacy, aural rehabilitation and community outreach.
Studying communication sciences and disorders at Saint Louis University will prepare you for a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Speech-language pathologists help prevent, identify, assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders, while audiologists help prevent, identify, assess and treat hearing disorders.
If you choose to major in communication sciences and disorders at Saint Louis University, you will observe adults and children with a variety of speech, language and auditory disorders during your undergraduate years. Following the completion of your required courses, you'll also have an opportunity to participate in an elective clinical practicum. Many students also choose to study abroad.
SLU’s program requires 38 credits of communication sciences and disorders coursework along with the required credits of Doisy College of Health Sciences core curriculum. It also requires 25 credits of clinical observation and completion of a capstone project.
Speech-language pathologists help prevent, identify, assess and provide treatment for communication and swallowing disorders to improve outcomes and quality of life of the client and their families. These include language development, acquired language disorders, stuttering and voice and articulation disorders. Disorders related to literacy also have become an area of focus for speech-language pathologists. Speech-language pathologists provide service to children and adults and work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, private practice and private clinics such as the Saint Louis University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
Audiologists help prevent, identify, assess and treat hearing disorders. Audiologists also evaluate hearing, prescribe and dispense hearing aids, program cochlear implants, assess balance and provide intervention for auditory processing disorders to improve auditory skills, outcomes and quality of life for clients and their families. Audiologists are also involved in monitoring nerve function during surgery. Audiologists work in a variety of settings, including physician offices, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, private practice and schools.
Requirements for the degree include:
SLU undergraduate students in communication sciences and disorders are encouraged to participate in research activities, either faculty-guided independent research or as a research assistant. Such activities provide learning experiences outside the classroom and serve to focus interest in the discipline. In addition to enriching the undergraduate curriculum, engaging in research is a valuable way to prepare for graduate studies.
All students in the program experience guided observation of adults and children with a variety of speech, language and hearing disorders. Undergraduate students meeting all pre-requisites have the opportunity to participate in an elective clinical practicum, typically done the second semester of their senior year.
Students will observe adults and children with a variety of speech, language and auditory disorders. Following the completion of required courses, students also have an opportunity to participate in an elective clinical practicum.
The senior-year capstone course allows students to actively participate in communication sciences and disorders research.
Speech-language pathologists typically need a master’s degree to practice. Most speech-language pathologists work in schools or health care facilities.
A doctoral degree (either a Ph.D. or an Au.D.) is required for audiologists entering the profession. Most audiologists work in health care facilities.
An undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders can also act as preparation for other professional degrees such as medicine, special education or public health.
For those not wishing to pursue an additional degree, one can practice as a speech-language pathology assistant in many states with a B.A. in communication sciences and disorders. Furthermore, some graduates have gotten jobs as research assistants or patient care advocates with a B.A. alone.
Speech-language pathology and audiology professions offer excellent opportunities for employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for both professions is positive, with both professions projected to experience “much faster than average growth” in the next decade. Forbes ranks speech-language pathology as a top-25 job of 2019.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are employed in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation agencies and private clinics or practices.
All applicants are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
High School diploma or acceptable score on the General Educational Development Test (GED)
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
Saint Louis University has moved to test optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.
Transfer applicants are encouraged to meet with the department for evaluation of their transcript. A 2.50 cumulative GPA is required.
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
The leveling option is designed for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology and who already have a baccalaureate degree in a different discipline. The curriculum (32 credits) of the leveling option is based on the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate curriculum and is designed to provide the courses necessary to apply to a graduate program in one of these professions.
For more information about the SLU Communication Sciences and Disorders program Student Outcomes Data (completion rates, Praxis exam pass rates, and employment rates), CAA complaint policy, and Accreditation Information, please see Student Outcome Data and Accreditation Information below
Students in SLU's communication sciences and disorders undergraduate program take the following courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
BIOL 1931 | Special Topics | 3 |
or BIOL 1240 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution | |
CMM 1200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
or THR 2540 | Voice & Diction | |
ENGL 1500 | The Process of Composition (Not required if received higher than 25 on ACT) | 3 |
ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
or STAT 1100 | Introduction to Statistics | |
PHYS 1050 | Intro to Physics of Human Body | 3 |
or CHEM 1080 | Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture | |
PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
PHIL XXXX | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
THEO XXXX | Theology Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Modern Foreign Language Elective | 3 |
CSD Courses | ||
CSDI 2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
CSDI 2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
CSDI 2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
CSDI 3200 | Speech Science | 3 |
CSDI 3400 | Hearing Science | 3 |
CSDI 3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
CSDI 3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
CSDI 4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
CSDI 4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
CSDI 4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
CSDI 4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
CSDI 4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
CSDI 4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
CSDI 4800 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
Optional Courses | ||
Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders | ||
Deaf Culture and Sign Language | ||
Research Seminar | ||
Research Practicum | ||
Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | ||
Advanced Audiology | ||
Clinical Practicum | ||
Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment | ||
Total Credits | 71 |
All communication sciences and disorders courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to count for the major (courses may only be taken twice). Students must maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA as freshmen and sophomores, a 2.75 cumulative GPA as juniors, a 2.90 cumulative GPA as seniors and a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to graduate. Students will be dismissed from the program if they are on probation for three semesters and do not meet the GPA requirements.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
BIOL 1931 | Special Topics | 3 |
CMM 1200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
or THR 2540 | Voice & Diction | |
ENGL 1500 | The Process of Composition (must take if received 25 or below on ACT) | 3 |
ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
or STAT 1100 | Introduction to Statistics | |
PHYS 1050 | Intro to Physics of Human Body | 3 |
or CHEM 1050 | Basic Chemistry | |
PHIL XXXX | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
THEO XXXX | Theology Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Fine Art Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Modern Foreign Language Elective | 3 |
PSY XXXX | Psychology Elective | 3 |
CSD Courses | ||
CSDI 2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
CSDI 2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
CSDI 2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
CSDI 3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
CSDI 3200 | Speech Science | 3 |
CSDI 3400 | Hearing Science | 3 |
CSDI 3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
CSDI 4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
CSDI 4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
CSDI 4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
CSDI 4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
CSDI 4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
CSDI 4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
CSDI 4600 | Advanced Audiology | 2 |
or CSDI 4900 | Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment | |
CSDI 4700 | Clinical Practicum | 1 |
CSDI 4800 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
Optional Courses | ||
Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders | ||
Deaf Culture and Sign Language | ||
Research Seminar | ||
Research Practicum | ||
Counseling | ||
Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment | ||
Total Credits | 74 |
CSD Scholars must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA through completion of the bachelor's degree and obtain a "B" or higher in all CSD Scholars. In addition, CSD Scholars must enroll in CSDI 4600 or 4900 as and advanced course senior year and enroll in CSDI 4700 during spring of senior year. Finally, CSD Scholars must obtain at least 15 clinical clock hours and 25 observation hours.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
CSDI 1000 | Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 |
CSDI 2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
CSDI 2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
CSDI 3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
CSDI 4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
Choose One of the Following: | 3 | |
Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | ||
Aural Rehabilitation | ||
Neurological Basis of Communication | ||
Total Credits | 17 |
All CSD courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to count for the minor.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
CSDI 1000 | Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (Or Elective) | 3 |
CSDI 1420 | Deaf Culture and Sign Language (or elective) | 2 |
ENGL 1500 | The Process of Composition (If received 25 or higher on ACT, can take elective instead) | 3 |
IPE 1100 | Introduction to Interprofessional Health Care (Or Elective) | 1 |
STAT 1100 or MATH 1300 |
Introduction to Statistics or Elementary Statistics with Computers |
3 |
PHIL XXXX | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
IPE 3500 | Health Care Systems and Health Promotion (Or Elective) | 3 |
PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
XXXX | Modern Foreign Language Elective | 3 |
THEO 1XXX | Theology | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
CSDI 2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
CSDI 2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
CSDI 3400 | Hearing Science | 3 |
EDSP 4310 | Ed & Psych of the Exp Ind (Or Elective) | 3 |
ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
HCE 2010 or PHIL 2050 |
Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics or Ethics |
3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 3200 | Speech Science | 3 |
XXXX | Human Development Across the Lifespan Elective 1 | 3 |
XXXX | Fine Art Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | |
Credits | 12 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 1931 | Special Topics | 3 |
CSDI 3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
EDSP 3700 | Intro to Disabilities Studies (Or Elective) | 3 |
PSY XXXX | Psychology Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
CSDI 4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
CSDI 4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
THR 2540 or CMM 1200 |
Voice & Diction or Public Speaking |
3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
Participation in / Completion of 25 observation hours by mid-December, if you plan to take CSDI 4700, otherwise by mid-April of Senior year for graduation | ||
CSDI 4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
CSDI 4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
CSDI 4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
ENGL 4000 | Business and Professional Writing (or elective) | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
CSDI 4600 | Advanced Audiology (or CSDI Elective) | 2 |
CSDI 4650 | Counseling (Or Elective) | 2 |
CSDI 4700 | Clinical Practicum (or CSDI Elective) | 1 |
CSDI 4800 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
EDSP 3560 | Special Ed. Process (Or Elective) | 2 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
If you plan to take CSDI 4700, you must complete 25 observation hours by mid-December; otherwise, by mid-April as this is a graduation requirement.
Minimum credits for graduation is 120
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
CSDI 1000 | Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (Or Elective) | 3 |
CSDI 1420 | Deaf Culture and Sign Language (or elective) | 2 |
ENGL 1500 | The Process of Composition (If received 25 or higher on ACT, can take elective instead) | 3 |
IPE 1100 | Introduction to Interprofessional Health Care (Or Elective) | 1 |
STAT 1100 or MATH 1300 |
Introduction to Statistics or Elementary Statistics with Computers |
3 |
PHIL XXXX | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 2400 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
IPE 3500 | Health Care Systems and Health Promotion (Or Elective) | 3 |
PHYS 1050 or CHEM 1080 |
Intro to Physics of Human Body or Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture |
3 |
XXXX | Modern Foreign Language Elective | 3 |
THEO 1XXX | Theology | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
CSDI 2000 | Phonetics | 2 |
CSDI 2200 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism | 3 |
CSDI 3400 | Hearing Science | 3 |
EDSP 4310 | Ed & Psych of the Exp Ind (Or Elective) | 3 |
ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
HCE 2010 or PHIL 2050 |
Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics or Ethics |
3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 3200 | Speech Science | 3 |
XXXX | Human Development Across the Lifespan Elective 1 | 3 |
XXXX | Fine Art Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | |
Credits | 12 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 1931 | Special Topics | 3 |
CSDI 3700 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
EDSP 3700 | Intro to Disabilities Studies (Or Elective) | 3 |
PSY XXXX | Psychology Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 3000 | Cultural Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
CSDI 4150 | Survey of Speech & Language Disorders | 3 |
CSDI 4200 | Audiology: Basic Audiometry | 3 |
THR 2540 or CMM 1200 |
Voice & Diction or Public Speaking |
3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
Participation in / Completion of 25 observation hours by mid-December in order to take CSDI 4700 | ||
CSDI 4300 | Clinical Methods | 3 |
CSDI 4350 | Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD | 1 |
CSDI 4400 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
ENGL 4000 | Business and Professional Writing (or elective) | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
CSDI 4500 | Neurological Basis of Communication | 3 |
CSDI 4600 or CSDI 4900 |
Advanced Audiology or Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment |
2 |
CSDI 4650 | Counseling (Or Elective) | 2 |
CSDI 4700 | Clinical Practicum (or CSDI Elective) | 1 |
CSDI 4800 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
EDSP 3560 | Special Ed. Process (Or Elective) | 2 |
XXXX | Elective | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Program Notes
CSD Scholars are required to take CSDI 4700. Minimum credits for graduation is 120 (CSD credits = 41). Minor is not required for graduation, though suggested.
For additional admission questions please contact:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu