Speech, Language and Hearing Science, B.S.

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Learn about working with people to improve their speech, language, and hearing. Study American Sign Language. This pre-professional degree is preparation for application to a graduate studies in speech-language pathology, audiology, or other areas.

University Studies Program

This degree requires that The University Studies Program 2015 requirements are met before graduation. Some of the courses required for this major fulfill USP requirements, but not all. Students should check their degree evaluations and consult with their assigned academic advisor to discuss their specific course plan.

C 1 - Communication 1 Credits: 3
C 2 - Communication 2 Credits: 3
C 3 - Communication 3 Credits: 3
Q - - Quantitative Reasoning Credits: 3
PN - - Physical and Natural World (1) Credits: 3
PN - - Physical and Natural World (2) Credits: 3
H - - Human Culture (1) Credits: 3
H - - Human Culture (2) Credits: 3
V - - U.S. & WY Constitution Credits: 3
FYS or USP Elective - - Any 3-credit hour of FYS or 3-credit hours of USP electives Credits: 3

Courses required for major

PSYC 1000 - General Psychology Credits: 3 (Meets 3 out of 6 credits of Human Culture USP requirement)
MATH 1400 - College Algebra Credits: 3 (Meets Quantitative USP requirement)
LIFE 1010 - General Biology Credits: 4 (Meets Physical and Natural World USP requirement)
PHYS 1050 - Concepts of Physics Credits: 4 (Meets Physical and Natural World USP requirement)
KIN 2040 - Human Anatomy Credits: 3
KIN 2041 - Human Anatomy Laboratory Credits: 1
FCSC 2121 - Child Development Credits: 4
STAT 2050 - Fundamentals of Statistics Credits: 4
SPPA 1010 - Introduction to Communication Disorders Credits: 3
SPPA 2110 - American Sign Language I Credits: 4
SPPA 2120 - American Sign Language II Credits: 4
SPPA 2210 - Phonetics Credits: 3
SPPA 3160 - Speech and Language Development Credits: 4
SPPA 3265 - Anatomy and Physiology of Speech, Swallowing and Hearing Credits: 4
SPPA 4240 - Speech and Language Disorders Across the Lifespan Credits: 3
SPPA 4340 - Basic Audiology Credits: 3
SPPA 4150 - Aural Rehabilitation Credits: 3
SPPA 4250 - Clinical Methods Credits: 4
SPPA 4380 - Neurological Basis of Communication Credits: 3

Notes:

A grade of C or better must be earned in all SPPA courses; courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade unless offered for S/U only. Also note that speech, language, and hearing topic courses from community colleges do not transfer or count as course equivalents.

Elective Courses

Upper-Division Social Behavior Credits (choose one)

Choose one from the list below (students are responsible for knowing prerequisites for these courses).

CNSL 4520 - Fundamentals of Counseling (B) Credits: 3
PSYC 4310 - Developmental Psychopathology Credits: 3
PSYC 4320 - Intellectual Disability Credits: 3

Electives

Lower division (1/2000) open electives (student choice - any course that does not meet another university or major requirement): 24 credits

Upper division (3/4000) open elective (student choice - any course that does not meet another university or major requirement): 12 credits

Additional Information

The BS degree prepares students for graduate study in communication disorders disciplines. Students study the normal processes associated with understanding and producing speech and language. These include anatomy, physiology, and neurology. Students also learn about normal development of speech and language in children, and they are introduced to disorders and clinical methods. Courses in related areas, such as anatomy, psychology, child development, statistics, and linguistics are also part of the program. Students obtain initial clinical experiences through observing clinical practice in the UW Speech & Hearing Clinic as part of coursework.

The B.S. degree is considered pre-professional preparation for entrance into a graduate program in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related fields. A clinical graduate degree is required in order to become a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist. The B.S. degree at UW is not designed to meet requirements to become a speech-language pathology assistant (SLP-A), additional practicum and some coursework at another institution would be required to become an SLP-A. For information on SLP-A technical programs please visit ASHA.org.

Student Learning Objectives

The BS degree provides students with a broad-based foundation in the sciences and humanities, fundamental knowledge of human communication, communication development, and the nature of communication disorders across the lifespan. Specific learning objectives can be found on the BS program website. http://www.uwyo.edu/comdis/undergraduate/bachelors-of-speech-language-and-hearing-science.html

Criminal Background Check

Eligibility for the B.S. degree is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Usually during the senior year, each student will be required to obtain, pay for, and pass a criminal background check as part of enrollment in advanced courses. These background checks are required in order to participate in any aspect of the UW Speech & Hearing Clinic. The results of the background check may impact a student’s ability to complete the required coursework and obtain the degree. Please see the College of Health Sciences website for the policy and procedures document.

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association

Students and can join the UW chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) to become a part of a community of students interested in communication sciences and disorders. Objectives are to promote and recognize scholastic achievement and to support clinical, research, and service endeavors.